Magpie
4.9(54 reviews)

Sailing and Seafood Experience

8 hours
Max 12 people
Hobart, Australia

About this activity

Set sail in the morning from the docks in Hobart on one of the biggest ocean racing yachts in Tasmania. 

Highlights

  • Hold a live Tasmanian lobster and abalone before being prepared for lunch
  • Historic commentary on the local history of the area
  • View wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins
  • Opportunity to learn to sail
  • Enjoy a walk along the beach, relax on deck or try fishing off the boat

Full description

Learn how to sail, even take a turn on the wheel if you like, or simply relax and enjoy the magnificent views of Hobart and the countryside as we head towards Bruny Island, never leaving sheltered waters.  Both our 62-foot yachts are veterans of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race - one of the most famous ocean races in the world - and we set sail every trip; including our huge spinnaker when the wind allows.  You will be thrilled by the excitement of racing through the sea without the sound of an engine, propelled only by mother nature.  

We will anchor in a sheltered bay for lunch where you can swim off the yacht, go for a walk on the sandy beach, relax on deck with a drink, or try your luck at fishing.  If you are lucky enough to catch something big enough we will cook it up for you on the spot!  

You can eat lunch below decks in the comfort of our large saloon, or on the deck where you can take advantage of the beautiful scenery and fresh sea air.   You will be presented with some of the freshest and most delicious seafood you are ever likely to eat, as well as fresh fruit, and Tasmanian wine, beer and soft drink.  You will get to hold live Tasmanian lobster and abalone before it is prepared for you by our expert crew.  

Seafood menu:
Rock Lobster (live)
Abalone (live)
Oysters
Scallops
Muscles
Freshest fish of the day (e.g. trevalla, flathead, trout)

As we travel to and from our anchorage we will explain to you the fantastic scenery, local history and the wildlife that you may see along the way, including seals, penguins, dolphins and sometimes even whales and orca!  We return to the Hobart docks at 5pm.

Included / Excluded

  • Seafood lunch and fresh fruit
  • Tasmanian wine, beer and soft drink

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

If we cancel for whatever reason, we provide a full refund. If you cancel for whatever reason more than 7 days prior to sailing, we provide a full refund. If you cancel between 7 days and 48 hours prior to sailing, we retain the 20% deposit. If you cancel less than 48 hours prior to sailing we may retain 50% of the full cost (we will consider the circumstances of course).

Reviews

4.9(54 reviews)
Google
Garth Tuckey
Feb 2026
5.0

Highly recommend Hobart Yachts for an outstanding sailing experience. Our group received fantastic service from the owner, Mark, and onboard with David and Lochie, who did an incredible job educating us not only about sailing but also sharing the history and stories of Hobart along the way. It was informative, relaxed, and great fun. And a special mention for the fresh scones on board — absolutely amazing! A must-do experience when visiting Hobart

Google
Jeremy Mitchell
Nov 2025
5.0

A fantastic morning on the water, highly recommend. Had a person who was not so keen, they walked away loving it. Jimmy and Mark were a tremendous crew. Also, some of the best scones we have ever tasted. Hobart’s history and story are deeply intertwined with the ocean, making it a brilliant way to experience it.

Google
Gerard Donnan
Sep 2025
5.0

It was great to be in Tasmania in mid-September—windy, sunny, cold, and raining all at once... very interesting! My mate Craig and I decided to try yachting firsthand, and the Derwent River did not disappoint. The yacht was BIG—not a maxi, but seriously impressive, well-kept, and fully equipped. The masts looked like they were 100 metres high! Captain Mark Stranger and his co-worker Jimmy were fantastic hosts—friendly, knowledgeable, and generous with their time. They explained how sailing works and even let us have a go ourselves. We got the yacht up to 8.5 knots in strong wind and captured some awesome photos. The whole sail is designed to be fun and relaxed. We were treated to amazing Tasmanian cheeses, and the vibe on board was excellent. Thanks Cynthia. The yacht holds up to 15 people for a "look-see" style sail—you can move around the deck or sit below. You'll pick up a few sailing terms and definitely learn what not to do (like don’t sit on the low side when you’re “roundboating” and the yacht is flying along!). A real highlight was sailing past the official finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race—what a moment! No hesitation in highly recommending Hobart Yachts. A solid 10/10 — no BS, A1 GOLD! Three hours well spent, very reasonably priced, and an unforgettable experience. Made the beers afterwards taste even better! 😀

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