On the Water
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 90% of travellers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$65
per adult
Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury
Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury
Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury
4.5
Swim with DolphinsAquariumsEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Full view
About
Australia's Premier Wild Dolphin Experience and a proud not-for-profit business. Wild Dolphin Encounters and Marine Discovery Centre suitable for all age groups and capabilities on our range of Tours: - Swim With The Dolphins Tour (4hrs, Nov - Apr, daily, dolphins guaranteed) - Dolphin Eco-Cruises (1.5hrs, all year, daily, dolphins guaranteed) - Dolphin Interaction Zone (free) - Marine Discovery & Interpretive Centre (all year, daily 9am - 3pm). An immersive Marine Experience showcasing 14 Aquaria and Tanks with 4 daily live feeding sessions (including Octopus, Rescue Turtles, Sharks and much more). An expanded range of themed fish and coral aquariums focused around the environment of dolphins. The worlds only 360-degree Digital Dolphinarium, Interactive Displays, 3D & 2D Theatre, Virtual Reality Experience, as well as an interpretation of the Koombana Bay environment and its history – geological, indigenous, marine and contemporary. We do NOT keep dolphins in captivity!
Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Swim with Dolphins
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
AU$140
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
842 reviews
Excellent
478
Very good
233
Average
80
Poor
24
Terrible
27
Henny52
Walton-On-Thames, UK276 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We arrived at about 8.15am and the dolphins were already up at the beach. It’s incredible that you can get so close to the wild animals and the volunteers are all so knowledgeable and welcoming. We stayed in the water for well over an hour (you only go in thigh deep) and saw 5. Eclipse is the dolphin who stayed the longest, but we also met Lumpy, Libby, Vela plus one other who couldn’t be identified. You are allowed to stay as long as you want and no one felt rushed. All of this was, unbelievably, free of charge.
We visited the interpretive centre too, which has an entrance fee of $18pp but is worth the money. Lots of things to see and learn, plus feeding the octopus and tanks full of different fish and a rescued turtle pool and “tickle the starfish” tank. Allow about an hour for that.
A thoroughly memorable experience and one you should not miss if staying nearby.
We visited the interpretive centre too, which has an entrance fee of $18pp but is worth the money. Lots of things to see and learn, plus feeding the octopus and tanks full of different fish and a rescued turtle pool and “tickle the starfish” tank. Allow about an hour for that.
A thoroughly memorable experience and one you should not miss if staying nearby.
Written 6 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 the wonderful review! We really appreciate the feedback and hope to welcome you back in the future.
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlbanyRick
Albany, Australia2,005 contributions
Jan 2020
Several members of my family recently visited the Dolphin Discovery Center, and loved the displays and information. They have a background in biology and science, and so they have a real passion for the nature, especially plants and animals, and a special fondness for dolphins. They spent three hours here, enjoying the displays and information, and we were especially impressed with the good use of technology, that ensured that the displays were interactive and interesting. You can run through the center quite quickly, but if you have a genuine interest in the information as we did, you can really spend quite a bit of time here, soaking in everything and learning a lot, and then the entry price is really quite reasonable. Glad to have visited here at last!
Written 26 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 you descriptive review! We are happy to hear you really enjoyed your time here and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 4 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mikeryan@iinet.net.au
Perth, Australia20 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We went on a Dolphin Eco Cruise. Saw dozens of dolphins, old & young. Boat skipper was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Thoroughly worth the price. After that we toured the Aquarium Section of the Discovery Centre. Absolutely amazing & mesmerising. An incredible display of so many sea creatures in quality aquariums that offered excellent viewing. Value added if you buy tickets for the eco cruise, you get half priced tickets for access to the Aquariums.
Written 7 March 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 for the wonderful feedback - so happy to hear you enjoyed your experience here.
Written 8 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John F
1 contribution
July 2020
Warmly greeted my wife and I along with our 4 kids were taken through an absolutely beautiful restaurant out to the back in the kids play area. Seated we were then asked if we wanted water. We said yes please. 22 minutes later I went and got water for my family and asked for service. We had been there for an hour when they brought out the entree which was for lack of a better term dog food. pork Rigoletto but served ice cold (definitely not room temperature). not long after this I cancelled our main course.
After an hour and 20 minutes the kids dinners got brought out (one of them missing sauce) and we were asked finally if we wanted drinks. I did but at this stage I was totally over the experience and was confident my drink would be forgotten. I then went and asked for another sauce for my daughter's dinner. After the kids ate (about 10 or 15 minutes) we went to pay. there we saw the waitress bringing out the sauce. I told her not to worry about it.
The only genuine and nice moment was the apology for the way we were treated. I do appreciate that. We stopped by KFC on the way home. Thank you for ruining my wife's birthday meal.
After an hour and 20 minutes the kids dinners got brought out (one of them missing sauce) and we were asked finally if we wanted drinks. I did but at this stage I was totally over the experience and was confident my drink would be forgotten. I then went and asked for another sauce for my daughter's dinner. After the kids ate (about 10 or 15 minutes) we went to pay. there we saw the waitress bringing out the sauce. I told her not to worry about it.
The only genuine and nice moment was the apology for the way we were treated. I do appreciate that. We stopped by KFC on the way home. Thank you for ruining my wife's birthday meal.
Written 24 July 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 John,
We are terribly sorry to hear you had such a bad experience at our venue, we appreciate your time in sharing your experience and will do our upmost to never have this happen again. We can only apologise once again and hope that you might give us another chance one day.
Warm regards,
Written 14 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hayley P
Brighton, UK201 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I did the dolphin swim - one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The whole morning was brilliant, all staff were really friendly, Chloe was in charge on the boat and she was fab, I think Terry was skipper and he was great too. Wetsuits were thick and good quality, the shortbread cookies were a lovely snack, and best of all we saw lots of beautiful dolphins. We had plenty of time in the water which was great as it took a while for the dolphins to come over. It was also really good to see how respectful these guys are towards the dolphins, and that we didn't chase them, just got in a good position and waited for them to come to us. The dolphins were visible nearby almost the whole time, occasionally jumping out of the water, and then eventually getting really close around us. Getting these photos of a dolphin swimming right towards and past me - just incredible. Highly recommend this trip. The discovery centre is great too, we saw turtles, octopus (very entertaining) and fish being fed. Staff are very friendly and clearly passionate about taking care of the marine life. Awesome experience from start to finish.
Written 19 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.
HI Hayley, thank you it is lovely to read about your experience! I will be sure to pass on your compliments to Chloe and the team.
Written 3 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia9,032 contributions
Sept 2020
Three of us called in to enjoy a mid-morning coffee in the café, a second round of coffees followed and then we decided to stay for lunch. The coffees were good, the Traditional Lasagnes and Salad and The Bay Poke Bowl equally good with adequate serves on the plate and in the bowl. Great service throughout, kudos to Niamh and Bella. Really enjoyable couple of hours and excellent views over the bay.
Written 12 September 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 Dan,
Thanks for joining us for a mid-morning coffee that turned into lunch! We're glad that you had such an enjoyable time with food and great views, also that Niamh and Bella helped to make the visit even better!
We hope to welcome you back for another morning coffee/lunch again soon!
Written 14 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
elaine h
Perth, Australia9 contributions
Feb 2020
I am a local resident, and I went along to the Cafe on a Thursday with our book club members and what a great experience we had all round. We were looked after by two wonderful young ladies, both of who provided us with excellent service. And the food did not disappoint either, it was unanimous. All 8 of us enjoyed the food we ordered, from fish of the day, to tacos and the quinoa salad 5 out of 5 Dolphon Discovery Centre. I will be back soo
Written 27 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.
Hi Elaine, thank you so much for the wonderful review. Happy to hear you enjoyed your meals. I will pass on your compliments to the chef and team :)
Written 3 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
5Quarters
Katanning, Australia32 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
Drove 300km especially for this experience. We paid $60 a head for 1 adult and 2 children. The meal was an absolute disgrace. The asparagus for entree was limp and tasteless with a cup of dried rice. The fish on my sons plate stunk, came out with no sauce and sat on a bed of wilted vegetables. He is not fussy, but wouldn't touch it for the smell was atrocious. The dessert share plate got worse with two small pieces of dried cake. Never again. $180, what a joke. We would have been better of with fish and chips on the beach.
Written 20 September 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 5Quarters,
We are terribly sorry to hear you had such a bad experience at our venue, we appreciate your time in sharing your experience and will do our upmost to never have this happen again. We can only apologise once again and hope that you might give us another chance one day.
Warm regards,
Written 14 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Noelene M
Mandurah, Australia127 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
We did the eco cruise of 90 minutes. The dolphins certainly put on a show, surfing the waves and showing off their calves. The commentary was excellent and the coxon was great in answering the children’s questions. Highly recommend this tour for the educational aspect but also seeing the wild dolphins in their environment was fantastic.
Written 24 January 2022
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 the review Noelene,
We're glad you enjoyed your Eco cruise to see the dolphins with us!
Written 24 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia9,032 contributions
Aug 2021
We enjoyed a nice Saturday breakfast, 4 of us seated indoor to escape the outdoor chill and rain. A couple of smashed avocado, the granola bowl and scrambled egg with bacon plus assorted coffees. Service prompt, meals were delicious, coffees hot and warranted a second round. Look forward to our next visit in warmer weather
Written 5 October 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.
Thanks for the review of your breakfast with us Dan!
Written 27 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosalba S
Subiaco, Australia
If you've had bariatric surgery, can adults order from the kid's corner menu? I can't eat big meals.
Written 4 March 2020
Most likely, however it is up to the staff. I myself have had the same surgery and just takeaway what I can't finish
Written 5 March 2020
Hi. Regarding the Dolphin Interaction Zone on the beach/shore close by, do the wild local dolphins usually come or visit in the late morning, early or mid afternoon in October or November? How many tend to come close to shore?
I think the train service from Perth doesn't arrive in Bunbury until around midday or 12:30 PM.
Written 14 July 2019
Dolphins in the wild can be unpredictable - having said that though, they may be expected from early to mid morning so this is the best time.
Written 31 July 2019
Hi, the date that we want to visit for the cruise is sold out on the website. Will there still be tickets available for walk in guests?
Written 4 June 2019
Our apologies for missing this question. We don't keep walk in spots for cruises if it is booked out online it is either not operating due to weather or it is booked out.
Written 26 June 2019
Vicki D d
Perth, Australia
what is the price for the cruise it doesn't appear any were
Written 16 April 2019
HI, thankyou for your question, all our tours are on our website.
But to answer your question adults are $54, conc $45, children $40 and a family (2/2) $168
You also get the option of doing the Interpretive Centre half price if you purchase a tour with too.
Written 16 April 2019
Jeven
Hong Kong, China
I’ll be traveling to Bunbury on 24-26 Sep. May I know is there any dolphin sightings or at interactive zone. Besides, may I know do I need to book for the interactive zone, please.
Written 20 September 2018
Hi I will be in Bunbury on sat 22 sept 2018 would it be possible to do a swim and a boat tour?? Please?
Written 18 September 2018
Hi Sandra, we don't begin swim tours until Nov 1st. We do have Eco Cruises running still though. Our building is currently closed as we are undergoing a large redevelopment, we aren't due to reopen until Dec 2018. If you'd like to book an Eco Cruise please visit our website.
Written 20 September 2018
Hi I'm looking at visiting DDC in February 2019 with my 8 year old, she's a good swimmer but I'm just a little conscious of how long we would be in the water for in the Swim Encounter tour... I was just wondering how deep we would be out and for how long, obviously she can hang on to me if she tires? Do the dolphins touch you or push you? and do you offer life jackets? Basically is the swim encounter suitable for an 8 year old or should we stick to the Eco cruise as observers?
Written 30 July 2018
Hi Nicola, yes the swim is fine for your 8 year old. We offer buoyancy devices to everyone if they are needed. We average about 3.5metres in depth. The Dolphins don't touch you. You can also get out of the water whenever you'd like. February is a great time of year though. Likewise everyone would still enjoy the Eco Cruise.
Written 6 August 2018
Are their dolphin sightings during August at the centre through their tour or at interaction zone? What are the charges for visiting Interaction zone?
Written 22 July 2018
Thankyou for your enquiry. Yes we have a lot of dolphins in the bay in winter. We don't see them at the beach consistently but out in the bay on an Eco Cruise we still see them. :)
Written 24 July 2018
Does anyone know the prices for concessions and student to observe the dolphins?
Written 29 May 2018
Thanks for your enquiry. The DDC is currently closed for redevelopment we are due to open in December. We do have Eco Cruises still operational just weather dependent at this time of year.
Written 30 May 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.