Tasman Island Cruises

Tasman Island Cruises

Tasman Island Cruises
5
Boat ToursEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Explore the spectacular coast of the Tasman Peninsula with Robert Pennicott and his team on the yellow boats. Cruise beneath the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere and explore the deep sea caves and archways along the coast. Come face to face with wildlife including seals, dolphins, whales and sea birds. Tasman Island Cruises depart from Port Arthur or you can join our Full Day Tour from Hobart.
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,113 reviews
Excellent
1,009
Very good
80
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
7

Adrenalinetravellers
81 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
My partner and I went on the 3 hour Tasman Island Cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys in January 2020. Some tips for fellow travellers:
1) Have a good breakfast before the tour. The whole trip (including the bus rides to and from the different jetties) took over 4 hours with just 1 Tim Tam provided at the end.
2) Dress warmly (even if the day looks sunny). Gloves, beanie, scarfs, the works. 3 hours is a long time to be on an open air boat with the wind blowing against you the whole way. You can purchase jackets at the shop or the company may provide for the tour upon request.
3) Full length ponchos are provided.
4) Carry just your sunglasses, cap, water, and phone / camera, the boat does not have space for bags.
5) Remember to apply sunblock!
6) Tourists will be provided with ginger pills to help with motion sickness, take them!
7) There is a toilet on board but we were discouraged from using it. Go at the office and there is another restroom at the jetty after the boat ride.

My partner and I were apprehensive when we saw at the briefing just how many participants there were that morning, but the group ended up being split into two boats. There was more than ample space in each boat and we secured seats third row from the front. Most tourists chose to sit in the middle/back of the boat where it was sheltered and less bumpy.

Once we were all settled, the captain steered us out of the harbour! Our group was very lucky as it was a calm morning, and we were able to go far out till where swells were usually 4 - 5 meters high. We were brought towards a huge flock of hundreds of birds zipping into the water, while dolphins surrounded us. It was surreal being in the middle of it all. There were 2 guides on the boat (one in front and the other near the back) explaining the scene. They should win an award for their humour and we also learnt much about the majestic albatross.

My partner and I could have stayed there forever, but there was more to be seen. The captain brought us back along the coast as we headed towards the deserted Tasman Island, Cape Pillar, and Cape Hauy. We felt dwarfed looking up at the imposing cliffs and were astonished to hear the stories of those who have free-climbed them! We were also brought to other sites such as the Waterfall Bay and the Blowhole, and a few caves in the cliffs. Even though it was a calm day, there were still times when we rode past swells that had my stomach churning slightly and the crew was very good at checking with everyone to make sure we are alright.

It was a fantastic morning and my partner and I enjoyed ourselves very much. We have been on many boat tours around the world and we would rate this as one of our top experiences. We would highly recommend anyone and everyone visiting Tasmania to go on this cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys!
Written 14 February 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 so much for your detailed and considered review. We really appreciate it. And we are so glad you had such a wonderful experience, it is such a special part of the world. Cheers Melinda Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
Written 16 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nadjia D
Zurich, Switzerland104 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
Like many here, I was surprised by how warm and friendly the staff was from the very start! I just called a day ahead, left my name and number, wasn’t asked to prepay or anything. Just very warmly invited to show up the next morning.
When I did, the warmth and smiles continued. We had a large group of tourists, split in 3 boats ( follow the yellow boat) for our 3 hour wilderness morning cruise.
We had Ben and Anna ( not sure of the friendly lady’s name,
Sorry!) and both were fun, knowledgeable and caring. They clearly showed it was important to them to give their customers a great experience. From the start they were helpful and transparent about the swell and how the boat would be moving, and where you should sit depending on the type of experience you favored.
We spotted countless cheeky dolphins and seals as well as 2 hump whales!! That was unusual and the crew went out of their way to give us all a chance to see them
& capture loads of pictures and videos.
Beyond the animals you also get very close to the Southern Hemisphere’s highest vertical cliffs and go around protected Tasman island and it’s famous lighthouse.
It’s a wonderful experience if you’re in Port Arthur. Try it! It’s fun for all ages!
Written 15 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 so much for your lovely review of your Tasman Island Cruises experience, it is such a wonderful part of the world. Cheers Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
Written 21 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ruby M
81 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
We booked about 3 days before at the Salamanca market for a cruise with Pennicott to Bruny island. Captain and boat crew were hilarious and kept us well informed, like others have said we were all offered ginger tablets before we set off. We didnt get to the way we were hoping last the candle stick due to the winds so we went a different way, one they don't go very often but my gosh they made up for it, cliffs were absolutly stunning! We even got to go out to the yatchs from the sydney to hobart race. Absolutely spectacular, would highly highly recommend!!!!
Written 1 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 so much for your lovely review. We are so glad you enjoyed your Tasman Island Cruise. It is such as special part of the world, with someone different to see everyday. Cheers Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
Written 6 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Aidens_Granny
Ashbourne, UK241 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Our trip was taken with an overcast sky, we knew from past experiences to dress warmly so had plenty of layers and a woolly hat but were very glad to receive the red oversized ponchos that would keep the wind, rain and sea spray out. Our crew was made up of Drew our skipper and Anna our very knowledgeable guide. Both had a great sense of humour and Anna would check regularly that we felt ok. She explained about the rock formations and the wildlife. The pod of dolphins that we came across were feeling playful and put on an energetic aquatic display - they have such stamina! This trip included lunch at Port Arthur together with a guided tour of the site. It was a long day but a very rewarding one. One tip that I would pass on is that lunch is comprised of soup and a sandwich and drink. Eat the soup then save the rest for later and take the guided Port Arthur tour as soon as you can so that you have more time to meander around the site before you catch the minibus back to Hobart..
Written 26 February 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.
Thanks for your considered review of your Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site experience. We love sharing this special part of the world with guests and are so glad you had a great experience. Cheers Melinda Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
Written 16 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Vesna M
Zagreb, Croatia279 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
We started from Hobart, the tour took us to Port Arthur, on a boat cruise and to the Unzoo, with two stops at a quaint restaurant (for warm beverages&rols, and later for lunch) surrounded with lavander bushes. It was cold and windy (especially on the boat), but ah, the beauty of the rocks, wildlife, ocean... it was well worth it. The guides are very knowledgeable and obviously love their job and their area. Have to come back in summer.
Written 1 August 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.
Thanks so much for taking the time to provide feedback, we really appreciate it. Best Regards Melinda Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
Written 10 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nathalia C
Melbourne, Australia24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Couples
Highly recommend this boat trip - if you don’t get sea sick recommend sitting at the very front of the boat. It’s so much fun like a theme park ride. We saw amazing cliffs, seals and wild dolphins!! Crew was super attentive and knowledgeable, they gave out ginger tablets at the start.
Written 29 January 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.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We love sharing the Tasman Peninsula with guests, it is such a special part of the world. Best Regards Melinda
Written 2 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Garran Family
50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021 • Family
Thought it was a little pricy but afterwards realised we had several ‘day trips’ in one! We saw 2 types of dolphins, albatross, seals, amazing cliffs, caves, and island tours. Tour guide ( Lilly) and captain (Andrew) were amazing....knowledgeable, friendly, kind to our 9 year old, and extremely professional when we were a bit uneasy due to the huge swells and choppy ride. Worth every penny- one of our best boat trips ever!
Written 1 February 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.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are so glad you enjoyed your Tasman Island Cruises experience, it is such an amazing part of the world to explore. Best Regards Melinda
Written 2 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marie-Claude L
Chevreuse, France322 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
We choose the 3 hour morning tour. We were 3 boats and around 40 people on each boat. The cruise lasts 2,5 h. The red survest was helpful not to be too cold with the wind and too wet with the sea.
We saw several dolphins, one humpback whale close to us and no afraid at all, seals, birds. The 2 guides gave us many explainations and the tour is very interesting.
The only negative point is that with so many people on the boat it is difficult to take pictures or video if you seat in the middle of the row
I highly recommend this tour
Written 4 January 2023
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 so much for your considered feedback of your experience on our Tasman Island Cruise. Cheers Melinda
Written 4 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Aussie_2012
Melbourne, Australia962 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
A ‘cruise’ isn’t quite the word for it. It is more a boat tour with a little bit of thrill seeking. There is also a limited time of the year in which they take the boats all the way from Eagleneck to Port Arthur around Tasman Island so best to check that prior to booking.
The tour itself is amazing. You checkin at site office in Port Arthur, get an oversized rain jacket and board a bus that takes you 20 mins north to the dock where you board a boat. After a safety briefing you head out to view many amazing geological formations and if you are fortunate a lot of marine life from seals, dolphins, seabirds and penguins. The ride from each location can get a little bumpy now and then but they do explain before you board that it is less bumpy the further back you are in the boat plus they do provide free ginger tablets for those that don’t handle sea travel. The skipper and deck hand have so much knowledge and happy to answer questions plus they give ample time to stand up and take pictures before moving on to the next location. Walked away from this tour as one of the best boat tours I’ve ever done.
Written 10 January 2024
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 so much for your fantastic feedback. We are so glad to hear you loved your Tasman Island Cruises experience. With regards to the tour route we take between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur, we choose the best one based on the wind conditions of the day rather than be directed by certain times of the year. We do usually know which route the day prior. Cheers Melinda
Written 25 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rita K
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
I have always wanted to see the Dolerite cliffs in Tassie... and this really is the best way you're going to see them! Taken in a specially made boat with inflatable fenders, we were able to get up really close to the rocks and sea caves without worrying what will happen to the boat. We saw dolphins, a whale, seals, gannetts, jaegers, and albatrossities! The guide really knew his stuff, being able to tell us amazing facts about everything he saw in an engaging way. He obviously has a passion and curiosity about the marine world. The geology was also incredible and interesting, and the guide was happy to answer questions and put in a few science mysteries in there. I also love the conservation message within his talks, and from the company, which was one of the reasons I chose to go with this company.
Some things I would forewarn for people going on this trip: fine if you have seasickness, they give you tablets to prevent it. They also give you a raincoat to protect from sea spray (and your gear). Bring a hat that won't blow away in the wind (it's windy!). If you have injuries regarding neck or back, it might be difficult to brace yourself as there is a lot of movement and crashing into the waves (they have seatbelts).
Lovely staff as well. Very approachable.
Thank you!!
Written 17 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 so much for your considered review of your Tasman Island Cruises experience. It is such a special part of the world which we love sharing with guests. Cheers Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
Written 21 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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