Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch
About this activity
Highlights
- Cruise to Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island
- Explore giant rainbow sea caves
- Observe White Bellied Sea Eagles
- Guided walk on Maria Island
- Enjoy lunch and drinks during the tour
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided cruise to Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island
- Lunch and drinks during the tour
- Guided walk on Maria Island
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
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.
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.
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
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates from Hobart; transportation to the departure point is not included.
- Availability may vary; it's recommended to book in advance to secure your spot.
- Tour may be subject to weather conditions; confirm the schedule before booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day's conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- Please choose the Tour + Bus option if you do require the Hobart shuttle bus.
- Designed and guided by professional scientists
- Maria Island 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 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 28 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 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 (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc) and Tasmanian premium lager are also provided during lunch. A single serve is complimentary with your tour.
Traveler reviews
Do not miss out on this world class experience
The best tour I have ever done in Tasmania. Well organised, well run, wonderful crew and the most spectacular scenery. The day could not have been better.
The best tour you will ever do in Tasmania
Our recent tour received a five-star rating from our group of four. The weather conditions were ideal. We arrived early and enjoyed coffee and breakfast at the cafe. The highlight of our day was undoubtedly the Ile Des Phoques cave and the seal encounters. Additionally, the painted cliffs and Maria Island presented remarkable natural beauty. The provided lunch was exceptionally flavorful and generously portioned. The staff demonstrated remarkable friendliness and approachability. We extend our sincere gratitude for an outstanding day.
My solo trip to Ile des Phoques
Visited Ile des Phoques with a group of 14 people and had an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. I boarded the bus from the Hobart CBD pickup location, and Racheal picked me up right on time. We arrived in Triabunna promptly and everything throughout the day was extremely well organized. The entire trip was excellent. We were lucky enough to see dolphins, seals, and the stunning Rainbow Caves. We also enjoyed a guided walk around Maria Island and took plenty of photos of the amazing wildlife, especially the cute wombats. The staff were outstanding, the lunch was excellent, and the whole experience was memorable and enjoyable. A big thank you to Racheal, Micheal, and Steve for making the trip so special. Highly recommended!
An experience that is a must for all
Wonderful day. Perfect weather. Michael and Freya were wonderful in sharing information and making the day truly one to be remembered. The seals, caves, cruise and lunch all were perfect. Totally recommended.
Experience of a lifetime
Amazing experience. Both the boat captain, Michael, and guide Freya were great. Very friendly and knowledgeable. The time spent at the seals, sea caves, and on the island was perfect. Lots of historical commentary as we were on the tour. The boat was comfortable. Great value for money.