90-Minute Dolphin Discovery Centre Eco Cruise
5
90-Minute Dolphin Discovery Centre Eco Cruise
By Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury
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About
Don’t miss the opportunity to see wild dolphins in their natural environment. During this Koombana Bay cruise, you’re guided by a boat skipper who provides live commentary and answers any questions. This eco-tour maintains the lowest possible impact on individual dolphins and their population. It’s a great way to experience the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury.
Ages 0-99, max of 28 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Koombana Bay eco-cruise at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury
- Skipper’s commentary includes dolphin behavior and activities
- Experience nature at its best, knowing you’ll have a low impact on wildlife
- Perfect for people of all ages and abilities
- 90-minute Eco Cruise
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- DVD (available to purchase)
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury, Anchorage Cove, off Koombana Dr, Bunbury WA 6230, AustraliaPlease arrive 45 minutes prior to departure time.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 52098P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- If the activity is cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Group bookings must be made once the size of the group reaches 15 people, however the maximum for each cruise is 28 people
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 52098P1
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Inspire4732160 contributionsAn amazing experience!We were lucky to have perfect weather for our trip and saw lots and lots of dolphins from the boat. We got into the water 3 separate times and had dolphins approach us and swim under us each time. The staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful, and the equipment provided was of a high standard. Wetsuits took some work to get into but kept us warm and buoyant in the water. Definitely a bucket list experience! Thanks for an awesome day!Written 13 January 2025
- Merri May P0 contributionsA must do experience for everyone who loves the oceanA must do experience for everyone who loves the ocean! I was lucky enough to start my visit by getting up close to Crackers the dolphin for FREE in the dolphin interaction zone. Thank you to the awesome volunteers on the beach for facilitating such a special experience with a wild dolphin! Later I headed out on the eco tour where we were surrounding by dolphins including calf’s for 90 minutes. Again it was made a special experience by the informative skipper and volunteer onboard. To top it off, I got 50% off my entry into the aquarium where I got up close to rescued baby sea turtles. Overall it was such a special day that I won’t forget anytime soon! My hot tip is to visit early if you want a chance of seeing dolphins in the interaction zone, and buy tickets in advance for the boat tour.Written 11 January 2025
- jacquih9770 contributionsA great time, worth every centIt was an awesome experience. The host was very professional and knowledgeable. She had lots of facts and even let a couple of the children on board have turns at steering the boat! We saw so many dolphins and had a wonderful time. Thanks Jess!!Written 6 January 2025
- Shereen T0 contributionsGreat experience which did not disappoint!Amazing experience. Skipper and other staff were super pleasant and knowledgeable and we got real close to so many dolphins.Written 4 January 2025
- MelissaH190 contributionsReally lovely experienceWe really enjoyed this 90 minute cruise, plenty of room on the boat and really lovely staff to assist. Saw lots and lots of dolphins, including a dolphin swimming near the beach before we headed out!Written 4 January 2025
- Poseiden0 contributionsInformative with a view extraordinary displaysCentre itself is rather small for the price- it's only really two rooms with perhaps 10 tanks and 5 interactive displays. The tanks though are well-maintained and have a god number of fish in them. Being able to see the rescued turtles was my highlight- the kids enjoyed the touchpool and the octopus. There are good working microscopes and a VR section which my older son enjoyed as well. A little pricy for the size but when you think the money also goes towards the conservation projects and perhaps the location of the site you can perhaps understand the costs involved. Cafe is decent and OK price-wise. Good kids options. Don't expect too much or a long visit though.Written 2 January 2025
- Poseiden0 contributionsLots of dolphins in different environments close to the boat, knowledgeable operatorsWe went on the morning tour and went to three different sites in the bay with two kids (9 and 12). Dolphins were easy to see and came close to the boat, kids could move around at will. Operators friendly and knowledgeable and relaxed. An easy way to get close to the dolphins without imposing on their natural habitat.Written 2 January 2025
- padge250 contributionsGreat experienceIt was amazing to see so many dolphins in their natural environment. Interesting facts given as well. This trip is well worth the money. Loved it!Written 29 December 2024
- 811pauliner0 contributionsExperience of a lifetime.Would recommend for anyone to do this activity, amazing value for money and an experience of a lifetime. Evette and staff were fantastic, they made the experience and nothing was too much trouble. They went above and beyond to make the whole experience enjoyable.Written 14 December 2024
- I4141EMlizzies0 contributionsA great experience swimming with the dolphinsWe had a fantastic day in and on the water with Yvette and the rest of the team. We were so lucky to have beautiful weather and lots of time to spend with the dolphins in the water. Some even swam up to and underneath us which was very special! Thank you to everyone, and we were particularly happy with how respectful the tour is to the dolphins, as it's important for us to juggle appreciation of the natural environment and us wanting to experience the dolphins up close with ensuring the dolphins are safe and respected as wild animals in their natural environment. The tour did this really well, so thank you again.Written 11 December 2024
- AscotValeTraveller0 contributionsWildlife lovers heavenFabulous day spent hanging out with the dolphins of Bunbury Our skipper and guide “Noodles’ was cheerful welcoming and informative. We learnt lots about the behaviour challenges and lives of the resident bottlenose dolphins of the Bay and got to see several of them playing sleeping and checking out the boat . Topped the day off with a visit to the discovery centre equally informative and visually brilliant. We saw some other beautiful and colourful creatures as well as meeting baby loggerhead turtles doing rehab And our ticket price helps the centre continue its research and conservation work. A highlight of our month long trip to SW Western AustraliaWritten 5 December 2024
- Cruiser409269228780 contributionsDolphins everywhereSaw so many dolphins and they came right up to us..so close..amazing experience and the guides and boat captain were great..well worth doingWritten 5 December 2024
- Sandra R0 contributionsAwesome Swim with the Dolphins in NatureWanted to thank Kathy and the great Volunteers on yesterday’s(Thursday 28/11/24) Swim with the Dolphins for such an awesome experience. Over the 4 hours there were at least 50 dolphins around the Bay and to experience them free and in the wild curiously swimming around us and seeing them navigate under us was so amazing. Kathy and the Volunteer staff were so knowledgeable, helping us to prepare and observe and making it such a pleasant time. Definitely recommend as a must do.Written 28 November 2024
- juliabO5235FA0 contributionsSwimming with dolphins in their natural environmentSwimming with and watching Bunbury dolphins with an expert & knowledgeable team was a fantastic experience. The team ensure dolphins are not affected by the boat tour yet managed to get close to the dolphins. When in the water, the professional team were there to gently assist when needed. It was an amazing learning experience.Written 27 November 2024
- mdavey72500 contributionsAbsolutely must do visitThe centre was amazing. We loved the interactive tanks and being able to see all the different types of fish up close. The turtles were adorable and knowing the stories of how they were found was fascinating. Loved watching the feeding of the fish and learning about each fish. So fantastic that it’s staffed by volunteers who love interacting with people who visit. Amazing well done !Written 15 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
25 reviews
Excellent
23
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Amanda M
5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Headed out on eco boat tour. Guide was very knowlegable about the dolphins and the area and had a great sense of humour to boot. Loved that they didn't 'chase' the dolphins but respected their space and allowed them to come close if they wanted. Saw plenty of dolphins including two babies. Would recommend for sure
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Amanda for the fantastic review. We really appreciate it!
Written 21 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robyn R
Perth, Australia139 contributions
Oct 2020
We enjoyed wandering through the well maintained aquarium looking a.t thr duspkays, especially the tanjsxwhich housed the turtles that were being rehabilitated.
Cafe very nice.
The dolphin tour was excellent, with lots if knowledge imparted by the skipper. Saw lots if dolphins.
NB: no matter the weather take a jacket and beanie - the wind can get quite cold on the water !
Cafe very nice.
The dolphin tour was excellent, with lots if knowledge imparted by the skipper. Saw lots if dolphins.
NB: no matter the weather take a jacket and beanie - the wind can get quite cold on the water !
Written 5 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Robyn,
Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, we're glad you enjoyed our interpretive centre, our turtle rehabilitation tank is always a favourite! We're thrilled to hear you also saw dolphins on the eco cruise!
Written 14 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kabarry9
Perth, Australia19 contributions
July 2021 • Family
Well the tour promised dolphins and did it deliver. Skipper was a delight and informative and found exactly where the dolphins would be. They came so close it was awesome. Didn't matter where you were sitting on the boat you got a close up view. Highly recommend.
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kabarry,
Thanks for leaving a review and a recommendation! We're thrilled to hear you had a great time out on our Eco cruise this winter, and of course that you had great viewing of the local dolphins!!
Written 19 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PerthFern
Perth266 contributions
Nov 2020
I spent the day at this wonderful fully renovated Centre. While I was wondering through the discovery display we were all called to Dolphins on the beach. I felt like part of a big family. The back to the display where I spoke with Biologists about the turtle rescue. Watch the octopus getting fed then off to the cruise. Saw heaps of Dolphins very close. What a stunning day.
Written 28 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Fern,
Thanks for leaving us a review! We're glad you enjoyed our interpretive centre, and more importantly that you had the chance to see wild dolphins in their natural environment too! We hope to welcome you back again one day!
Written 14 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen M
Emu Park, Australia35 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
While finding Pump Beach was a little challenging with no signs, that was soon forgotten as we set off in search of dolphins. Conditions on the bay were choppy so we started in the very sheltered water of the lagoon. As this was unsuccessful, skipper Sam decided we should head out to the rock wall at The Cut. Well prepared by the skipper for some choppy conditions, we soon had success with dolphins coming up beside the boat as well as in several places around the boat. They also enjoyed the surf. Having 2 volunteers on board who were very knowledgeable about them, recognising most of them by name added to the experience.
Only regrets were that I wished we could stay longer watching them and that it was December and time to swim with them.
Only regrets were that I wished we could stay longer watching them and that it was December and time to swim with them.
Written 18 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good to hear that you made it, the choppy waters can also add to the experience so not a bad thing. To see the wild dolphins in their natural setting is truly amazing. Now that the new centre has reopened, we hope you are able to revisit us to make the most of everything the Dolphin Discovery Centre now offers.
Written 23 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue
Perth, Australia15 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
During the 90-minute tour we saw literally scores of dolphins including babies and dolphins making babies. Our guide said they were doing synchronised swimming. He was very funny and very knowledgeable. The breakfast we ate at the restaurant there was very good too.
Written 12 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. It's always great when the dolphins put on a big show for our visitors, glad you enjoyed the Eco Tour and the skippers antics. Hope you can visit again to see everything else the centre has to offer if you didn't get the chance when you were here.
Written 23 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric H
Adelaide, Australia99 contributions
Enjoyed this very informative dolphin cruise. The skipper was knowledgeable, informative and humorous and there were dolphins galore including young calves. A must for any visitor and suitable for young and old alike. Great to know profits support dolphin research and the Discovery Centre.
Written 13 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thankyou for your review. It's great to hear so many people loving the Eco Cruises. We aim to please and our Skippers really do love their jobs. Being a not for profit means that any profit goes back into our centre where our focus is on Research, Conservation and Education. Our new facilities (opening in December), should give us greater opportunity to do this.
Written 4 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PrathaDenmark
Denmark, Australia99 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
In April my wife and I went on the Bunbury 90 minute Dolphin Discovery Tour. It was a great experience. We saw quite a few dolphins, circa 50, quite close to the boat. The captain of the boat gave a good commentary on the dolphins and indeed stopped the boat quite a few times so that the dolphins could come up to the boat. There was a person in a wheelchair on board and they were coped with easily. The only problem was with the restaurant from where one has to get on board. The service was atrocious, however, I believe that do not have anything to do with the tour itself.
Written 6 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback and I will pass on your comments to the Cafe staff which is a different section as you noted. In any future visits please don't hesitate to speak with our staff if you have any issues so they can be rectified as to improve your experience. In regards to the Eco Cruise it is a great experience and that can change between each tour as the dolphins are wild and we are watching them in their natural environment so anything is possible. The skippers give a fantastic commentary and more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. We hope to see you again in the future.
Written 22 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nikki P
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
We visited about 10am and we were worried we would be a bit late- but as we arrived we heard the bell and knew there was a dolphin on the beach! Just amazing! I think we were lucky but we had 2 other visits whilst we were there. Our kids loved the discovery centre, lots of fun hands on things to do, and then we did the Eco cruise and sure got our fill of dolphins, we were surrounded by a pod of them at the canal for an hour! Really worthwhile stopping by even just on your way through (as we were).
Written 20 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review, we are glad you enjoyed your time here and hope to see you again in the future.
Written 1 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven F
22 contributions
Small well run attraction. Helpful knowledgeable staff. Keen to show visitors the exhibits and feeding time was fun to watch. Good value for money. Shutting down till Dec 18 for upgrading. Should be even better.
Written 13 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very excited for December to showcase our new facilities! We hope you get the opportunity to come back.
Written 4 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, i would like to visit this place today, with my husband and son. What time is suitable...how much and can we walk in
Written 15 February 2019
Can we just visit the discovery centre and if so what will we see?
Written 23 September 2018
Yes you can just turn up at the centre. There is a cafe, a shop and a reception where you can book boat trips. There is also an exhibition all about the dolphins.
Written 23 March 2019
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