WaterMaarq
WaterMaarq
5
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About
Award-winning WaterMaarq operates from the lovely seaside town of Sorrento on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Providing boutique up close eco boat tour dolphin watching and seal swim wildlife experiences, and reef snorkelling adventures, you'll discover the beauty of the environment above and below the water. WaterMaarq's personalised approach gives you the confidence to enjoy life-changing marine wildlife experiences. WaterMaarq is based just 90 minutes from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia.
Sorrento, Victoria, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
362 reviews
Excellent
341
Very good
18
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Sharon R
Melbourne, Australia43 contributions
Jan 2020
Well organised two and a half hour tour into Port Philip Bay to explore the islands. Mud Islands, three small islands welded together with lagoons in the middle and a sea bird habitat and breeding ground, and the man made South Chanel Fort which was built in the later 1800's to keep Melbourne safe from invaders.
Despite choppy waters Marlnn our captain gave us a safe if not bumpy ride, long waterproof jackets are provided to combat the spray.
Our guide was Cathy and her knowledge of the birdlife made it a most enjoyable trip.
I have lived all my life on Port Philip Bay and never realised what was there!
I would recommend this tour however for those with bad backs it may not be suitable, as it can be a bumpy ride, you also need some mobility to get in and out of the boat and be prepared to wade into shore in knee-deep water, but that is all part of the fun!
Thanks Marlon and Cathy for a great excursion.
Despite choppy waters Marlnn our captain gave us a safe if not bumpy ride, long waterproof jackets are provided to combat the spray.
Our guide was Cathy and her knowledge of the birdlife made it a most enjoyable trip.
I have lived all my life on Port Philip Bay and never realised what was there!
I would recommend this tour however for those with bad backs it may not be suitable, as it can be a bumpy ride, you also need some mobility to get in and out of the boat and be prepared to wade into shore in knee-deep water, but that is all part of the fun!
Thanks Marlon and Cathy for a great excursion.
Written 25 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.
Rosiediver
Port Douglas, Australia47 contributions
Jan 2021
What an experience! Snorkelling with seals, rays and leafy sea dragons. I am awful with names, but the staff on the day I went were just lovely. The girl snorkel guide was so enthusiastic and was great at pointing out the very cleverly camouflaged weedy sea dragons. The wetsuits were ideal for the cold water (18 degrees) and kept me warm throughout the 3 snorkel stops.
My only comments would be - better signage or instructions what to do once you get to Sorrento Pier. It was OK I did call and the boat was moored up (i was looking for a large boat not a small rib). It would have been good if we could have got changed in the shed and left our things in there. I understand that this is used by a few companies but there was a biting southerly wind on the day and wriggling in and out of wetsuits on the pier in the open was a bit undignified on my part (would like to have spared the general public this clumsy spectacle) Thank you for giving me a bag to put my belongings in on the boat.
A highly recommended trip... so amazing to be so near these amazing animals. Definitely a 'must do'!
My only comments would be - better signage or instructions what to do once you get to Sorrento Pier. It was OK I did call and the boat was moored up (i was looking for a large boat not a small rib). It would have been good if we could have got changed in the shed and left our things in there. I understand that this is used by a few companies but there was a biting southerly wind on the day and wriggling in and out of wetsuits on the pier in the open was a bit undignified on my part (would like to have spared the general public this clumsy spectacle) Thank you for giving me a bag to put my belongings in on the boat.
A highly recommended trip... so amazing to be so near these amazing animals. Definitely a 'must do'!
Written 6 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 for joining us Rosie and for sharing your insights and experience for others to appreciate.
It indeed is a frustration that we are unable to provide better way-finding and signage at the pier, however we are prevented from doing so due to local regulations and constraints outside of our control unfortunately. We do work hard to provide very explicit instructions on our website and in tour confirmation emails and reminders, plus wayfinding markers and pins on Google Maps to prevent issues finding us on the day, however a long term solution to have in place physical wayfinding is certainly a dream of ours!
As you noted, we do our best to accomodate changing in and our of wetsuits at the pier, however as a shared public space aren't able to guarantee discretion, though always provide for the best opportunity during the circumstances at the time. Fortunately the time on the boat and snorkelling with the beautiful and unique marine species begets the full spectacle and focus of the experience!
Thanks so much for your very constructive and detailed feedback, we look forward to making further developments and welcoming you back!
Written 24 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Many_Sands_Yoga
1 contribution
Apr 2022
Marlin + Lannie were so professional, knowledgeable and nurturing. I booked this experience as a part of my Yoga Retreat with the focus being around 'Fear' and being courageous. The weather wasn't ideal but Marlin adjusted the itinerary to suit the conditions and our needs. The women stepped out of their comfort zones with full support from Lannie + Marlin. The afternoon was amazing! The laughs, squeals and giggles continued well into the next day as we shared stories of our experiences in the boat and the water. An absolute must do experience! Heart felt Thanks to you both! I will be back again!
Written 5 April 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.
Annie H
4 contributions
Mar 2022
After our small group was greeted by Marlon our guide, we caught the smaller boat on the Sorrento pier to allow for the tidal sand bar access to Mud Islands.
We first saw Australian fur seals just off the coast sunning themselves on a burnt out old boat tank and then headed the short distance to Mud Islands. We took off our shoes to jump onto the shore before putting them back on to head across one of the nesting areas to the beach on the eastern side of the 1 x 1 km island.
Our serious twitcher tour companions let us know what we were seeing in the inland wetland distance – swamp harriers, gannets, grassbirds (heard not seen) as well as the pelicans nursery and many ibis. Bring some serious binoculars. Dependent on the time of year, migratory and local birds use this small area as an important rookery on their sometimes enormous migratory journeys. We watched the busy bay shipping lines through the heads of Port Phillip while we felt a world away on this little beach strewn with shells mainly uncrushed by human traffic. Our schedule was limited by the tides and it was soon time to head back to the boat and return to the pier. It felt like we’d been whisked to another world owned by the birds where they could be safe from the constant human presence and interruption.
This tour is not for people who need a coffee cart wherever they go. It is an unspoilt place just off the heavily populated peninsulas. It helps you to realise how few unspoilt places there still are and how endangered bird rookeries are from humans and other predators. Do we really need another marina in a wetland?
We first saw Australian fur seals just off the coast sunning themselves on a burnt out old boat tank and then headed the short distance to Mud Islands. We took off our shoes to jump onto the shore before putting them back on to head across one of the nesting areas to the beach on the eastern side of the 1 x 1 km island.
Our serious twitcher tour companions let us know what we were seeing in the inland wetland distance – swamp harriers, gannets, grassbirds (heard not seen) as well as the pelicans nursery and many ibis. Bring some serious binoculars. Dependent on the time of year, migratory and local birds use this small area as an important rookery on their sometimes enormous migratory journeys. We watched the busy bay shipping lines through the heads of Port Phillip while we felt a world away on this little beach strewn with shells mainly uncrushed by human traffic. Our schedule was limited by the tides and it was soon time to head back to the boat and return to the pier. It felt like we’d been whisked to another world owned by the birds where they could be safe from the constant human presence and interruption.
This tour is not for people who need a coffee cart wherever they go. It is an unspoilt place just off the heavily populated peninsulas. It helps you to realise how few unspoilt places there still are and how endangered bird rookeries are from humans and other predators. Do we really need another marina in a wetland?
Written 20 March 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.
ingeverstraeten
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
July 2021
With a small group of 12 maximum everybody gets a good view, and despite the small size of the vessel the ride was surprisingly smooth. The guide was very knowledgeable and gave us ample time with the gannet colony and the seals.
One tip: dress warm and wear windproof clothes.
One tip: dress warm and wear windproof clothes.
Written 14 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.
X5776ZPsteve
Dromana, Australia1 contribution
Apr 2021
Ive surfed for 35 years, worked and played on the oceans my whole life and freediving has always intrigued me. Watermarq was around the corner so away i went.
I cant put into words how intense and amazing this ecperience was for me.
Marlon Quinn is an amazing teacher. Offering concise and encouraging feedback after each dive and building our group to go to 14m deep, which is beyond the buoyancy of 10m a realm few humans visit with no tanks. If your curious just do it and I wish you a similiar experience to me. May even see you on the boat as im hooked. Absolutely amazing.
I cant put into words how intense and amazing this ecperience was for me.
Marlon Quinn is an amazing teacher. Offering concise and encouraging feedback after each dive and building our group to go to 14m deep, which is beyond the buoyancy of 10m a realm few humans visit with no tanks. If your curious just do it and I wish you a similiar experience to me. May even see you on the boat as im hooked. Absolutely amazing.
Written 8 May 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 for sharing your experience Steve for others to relate to. It is a pleasure to guide and observe your freediving development.
Written 24 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnnieCra42
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
Marlin, who drove the boat and ran the tour was knowledgeable, friendly, fun and really knew interesting information about local history and zoology. Marlin was pleasant and responsive when we adjusted our booking dates via text. Marlin was respectful of the environment of all of the animals we saw, and gave us extra time on the tour owing to the greater than usual animal sightings. There wasn't a dull moment as the boat followed the coastline to spot dolphins and then headed out onto the bigger waves to see the seals and the Australasian gannets. The dolphins were spectacular as they jumped, often in pairs, from the waves. Marlin knew how to get us the best sightings whilst respecting their space. I would recommend this trip for families who enjoy wildlife spotting.
Written 25 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.
Greg H
Egham, England, United Kingdom8 contributions
Jan 2022
Fantastic trip all round. We made three stops, which all had different draws - water-dragons, then cormorants & reef fish and finally seals and a manta ray.
Angus, the snorkeling guide, was particularly helpful with my partner, who was not a confident swimmer. He also had a great knowledge of the wildlife and local area.
I'd highly recommend this tour. It's great value for money, given the amount of marine life you get to see.
Angus, the snorkeling guide, was particularly helpful with my partner, who was not a confident swimmer. He also had a great knowledge of the wildlife and local area.
I'd highly recommend this tour. It's great value for money, given the amount of marine life you get to see.
Written 6 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.
Brad S
7 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Was a great trip, Marlon is very friendly, easy going and knowledgeable. Taking the time to stop, explore, answer questions and pass on knowledge throughout our trip.
We were lucky enough to see a dolphin playing in the wake of the Queenscliffe ferry, jumping in and out of the water......probably our favourite part if we had to pick one, but the whole journey was awesome!!
Even though it was a hot day, the girls felt a little cold at times, so a lightweight jacket will help.
We were lucky enough to see a dolphin playing in the wake of the Queenscliffe ferry, jumping in and out of the water......probably our favourite part if we had to pick one, but the whole journey was awesome!!
Even though it was a hot day, the girls felt a little cold at times, so a lightweight jacket will help.
Written 26 December 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.
birthingartemis
1 contribution
Oct 2022
A deeply nurturing invitation to explore breath within our bodies, witnessing your breath & gently coming to complete softness, relaxation and surrender within the water, under Marlon’s kind, safe & trusting guidance. The incredible preparation and process of learning to free dive with WaterMaarq, I personally found to be touching those spaces of personal spirituality an unexpected bonus. And hitting the open salt water and putting the preparation into practice required much more focus on my part in bringing it all together. Marlon continued to gently kept encouraging us and refining our own nuances as we descended beneath the surface. I adored every moment of this exhilarating free diving experience! Thank you.
Written 4 October 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.
WaterMaarq
Sorrento, Australia
Hi Nina, thank you for your query.
Yes, by all means, if you've never snorkelled before, we would be delighted to be the ones to take you on tour.
Our snorkel boat tours are limited to a small group of just 10 guests in the water.
With your trained snorkel guide by your side we're able to provide personalised extra care and attention, plus simple and easy tips to fast track comfort and snorkel skills in just minutes in most instances.
I look forward to welcoming you on board.
Kind regards,
Marlon
Written 5 January 2020
You can for sure. As long as you can wear goggles you will be able to see under the water.
Written 7 January 2020
Is it possible for beginner diver to dive into the sea or not?
Do I have to have a PADI license if do it?
Written 2 May 2019
WaterMaarq
Sorrento, Australia
Hello and thanks for your query. Our snorkelling tours are designed for people with at least basic swimming skills. You do not need a PADI licence to join them, beginner snorkelling skills will be a good start though. Our guides are ready to assist if you're not very comfortable in the water too.
Written 3 May 2019
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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.