- Ile Des Phoques - On the way to Ile Des Phoques you can see albatross, dolphins, Australian fur seals and whales (depending on the time of year) as well as majestic panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula.
Once at Ile Des Phoques we will sit with the fur seals and learn about their home at Ile Des Phoques, their recovery from near extinction from commercial sealing and how they are now breeding at Ile Des Phoques again for the first time in over 200 years.
We will enjoy morning tea, coffee and cakes with the seals and then explore the remarkable giant Rainbow Caves. These caves are the largest granite sea caves in Australia, possibly the World. Feel the emotion and beauty of nature as we venture deep inside the caves onboard the cruise boat.
- Maria Island - After your time spent at Ile Des Phoques, we travel to Maria Island for a beautiful lunch with local wine onboard our cruise boat beside a stunning white sandy beach. After lunch we dock at the jetty and spend the afternoon on Maria Island for a guided walk exploring the history of the Darlington convict settlement and time spent with the resident wombats and kangaroos.
*Note, if poor weather prevents the cruising to the Ile Des Phoques, the cruise will be changed to circumnavigate Maria Island.
Lunch is provided on the tour from our cafe as a large healthy salad bowl. A variety of salad lunch options include; chicken breast in pesto aioli, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham or vegetarian/vegan. You can add a home made bacon & cheese quiche or pumpkin and feta quiche and switch to a half salad. You will also be provided a complimentary drink of tea, coffee, juice, soft drinks, local wines and Tasmanian premium larger.
- Darlington - In the afternoon, both tours will dock at Darlington. The perfect way to compliment your cruise is to stretch your legs and enjoy a guided tour through Darlington’s fascinating collection of preserved convict buildings, learn about the town’s remarkable history and come face to face with Maria Island’s resident wombats. If history is not for you, then simply soak up the sun on Darlington’s white sandy beach or swim/snorkel in the waters of Maria Island’s marine reserve.
Hotel pickup is available for guests staying in Hobart! Why not travel in style with our own comfortable bus instead of hiring a car. Our shuttle bus will take you from Hobart to Triabunna along the picturesque Tasman Highway and if time permits, we will stop into the historic town of Richmond to capture some wonderful souvenir photos. Travel time is 1hr 15min on the bus. Cost for the bus is $25pp return.
Cruise departs Triabunna at 9:00am and returns at 4:30pm
- Guided walk of Darlington convict settlement
- 2-hour stay on Maria Island
- 4-hour scenic cruise
- Seal, Dolphin, Whale, Kangaroo, and Wombat viewing
- Live commentary on board
- Professional Guide
- Lunch, Snacks, Tea and coffee, and Alcoholic Beverages
- Hotel shuttle bus pickup
- Landing and/or facility fees
- Hotel shuttle bus (additional $25 per person return).
Join our squad as we embark on adventures to some of Tasmania’s most spectacular destinations, and perhaps even the most amazing places in the world! Our team of marine science experts have had the unique opportunity of cruising to Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island for over a decade and a half.
Your voyage to Ile Des Phoques, also known as Island Of Seals, will present you with the breath-taking scenes of Maria Island, which include popular attractions like the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, naturally replenishing waterfalls, lime-stone carved caves by the seaside, stalactites on the edge of cliffs, the Bishop & Clerk mountain range, and the magnificent granite cliffs along the eastern coast of Maria Island.
We take pride in being the recipient of various awards and the exclusive cruise and day-tour operator since 2006 to Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island National Park for wildlife spotting like seals, dolphins, wombats, kangaroos, eagles, wallabies, albatross and whales (during their seasonal migration), renowned geological formations and UNESCO’s convict history. Your journey will commence from Triabunna, located around a 75-minute drive from Hobart. The package also includes a picturesque 4-hour cruise around Maria Island with a 2-hour sojourn on the island.
- Please book your Hobart shuttle bus separately by choosing the tour + bus option if you do require the pickup
- Designed and guided by professional scientists
- East Coast Cruises reserves the right to cancel departures at anytime and will refund the full amount of any monies paid by the customer.
- Perfect for children
- Seasickness tablets and wristbands provided to all guests if required
- The vessel is safe and comfortable and provides protection from the elements
- The vessel has a comfortable on board toilet, which doubles as a change room for those wanting to swim
- Small and personalised tour groups. Maximum 24 people for room to move about the boat!
- Tours are perfect for children and families!
- Tours are subject to weather and minimum numbers
- Waterproof jackets and pants available onboard the boat
- Our 5-star tour is catered with drinks and optional food/lunch onboard
- *Note, if poor weather prevents the cruising to the Ile Des Phoques, the cruise will be changed to circumnavigate Maria Island.
- Local wines (Darlington Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc) and Tasmanian premium lager are also provided during lunch. A single serve is complimentary with your tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
