Perfect Nature Cruises
Perfect Nature Cruises
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About
Enjoy Perfect Nature Cruises aboard the only boat licensed to interact with marine life in the Monkey Mia Exclusion Zone, and Restricted Dugong Access Zone. Aristocat 2 is an 18 metre luxury sailing catamaran operating daily cruises to see marine life which can include dolphins, dugongs, turtles etc. Cruises include free boomnetting, liquor licensed or BYO, underwater windows .Our experienced crew ensure you have the best possible marine life viewing.
Monkey Mia, Western Australia, 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.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
625 reviews
Excellent
549
Very good
51
Average
13
Poor
6
Terrible
6
Steven L
3 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
The 'feel good' moment of our roadtrip as the sunset cruise was most welcoming and extremely relaxing. The 'welcome to country' gesture by the Captain of the vessel seemed genuine, leaving us feeling that we were indeed sailing through the spiritual homelands of caring people. The 'safety' speech presented by the young staff member was also perfect, lighthearted yet informative. ( sorry I forgot both crew members names ). As for value for money, they could of charged double and it would still have been worth it.
Written 2 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.
Sandra P
2 contributions
June 2020 • Family
It is much better than expected: lots of interaction with the crew, always willing to share experiences and even in winter we saw a couple of dugongs, quite unusual in winter. The catamaran is a lot of fun to be in and the price for a 3 hour experience is quite good. I will definitely travel again once I come back to Monkey Mia
Written 29 June 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 thanks for the review and thanks for coming to cruise with us in these trying times.
Written 1 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan T
9 contributions
Nov 2019
We went on a 3 h marine life cruise as well as a shorter sunset cruise included in the price. Especially exciting to see the dugongs on the longer cruise. The crew were so friendly and helpful, and the catamaran is really nice too with a choice of sunny or shaded viewing areas. Really pleasurable trips so don't miss them.
Written 8 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.
Nic J
Busselton, Australia491 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Unfortunately I had high expectations and was very disappointed. The weather was forecast as rough and very windy but we were told they don't cancel in rough seas. We made the trek from Denham and I took seasick tablets just in case. I asked what marine life we would see and was told by the young girl none. I was under the impression we would but apparently that's only during the day not sunset. Then we were told it was too rough for the sail to go up! I was hoping for a sunset sail with marine life as that was the impression given by brochures and advertising. What we got was very different. There were only 2 young girls to man the whole boat. The boat was packed with so many people including kids babies and a dog that was not enjoying itself. The trip didnt last as long as we were told but I guess that's because they were using motors. I looked over to see the young girl steering and she was doing it most the time with her feet while the other girl was downstairs selling drinks. I didn't really feel like we were in experinced hands. She had to be mid 20s at the most. It was so unprofessional! I'm sure we got a bad day but I would have just preferred my money back like we wanted when we said we didn't want to go out in rough weather. Not enjoyable at all.
1. Don't expect any marine life on sunset cruise
2. They won't cancel in rough windy weather or put sails up
3. Children and dogs encouraged which is great if you take them but if your hoping for a romantic sail in the sunset this isn't for you.
4. Two young girls in charge of a big catermaran with over 40 to 50 people on board. That can't be safe especially when she steers with her feet!
5. Asking for a refund is pointless. I got ignored.
1. Don't expect any marine life on sunset cruise
2. They won't cancel in rough windy weather or put sails up
3. Children and dogs encouraged which is great if you take them but if your hoping for a romantic sail in the sunset this isn't for you.
4. Two young girls in charge of a big catermaran with over 40 to 50 people on board. That can't be safe especially when she steers with her feet!
5. Asking for a refund is pointless. I got ignored.
Written 1 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 Nicky
Its a shame you did not contact us regarding your disappointment. Our crew the young girls especially the skipper have been working on Aristocat2 for over 5 years she is fully qualified and has been the skipper for 2 years.
I would not allow any one who I did not think was capable to skipper our boat. She is fully confidant in her ability so am I, the fact that she did not put the sails up is testament to her role of responsibility, putting the sail up could have been an issue especially when its very windy. We have on many occasions cancelled when when we thought the customer would not enjoy the cruise , to our amazement people want to experience that sort of excitement, this is why we do not cancel unless the conditions are very bad. As you have said the boat was full we have had no other complaints about the cruise. We went out as we did not want to disappoint the majority of the guests that had a good time. We rarely see marine life on the sunset cruise , only on very calm nights our marine Life Cruise is the cruise if you are wanting to see marine life. We had no request for a refund as it would have been referred directly to me, we have a policy If you don't enjoy the cruise you are welcome to have another FREE OFCHARGE
Written 16 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gannas1234
Perth, Australia8 contributions
July 2022 • Family
Our family of two adults and 2 kids recently had an amazing half day Aristocat2 catamaran experience. Skipper Greg and deckhand Jaimie were professional, organised, knowledgeable, very approachable, well humoured and highly skilled. We were is safe hands from the minute we boarded. The 2.5 hour cruise around the pristine waters of the Shark Bay Marine Park Reserve were relaxing, enjoyable, exciting and worth doing again- multiple times! We saw dolphins, dugongs, turtles and bird life. We were informed of the importance of this environment and what scientists and local volunteers, including the staff of Aristocat 2, are doing to regenerate lost sea grass meadows from the devastating heat event of 2011. Greg and his team have a strong sense of duty to look after this unique and precious place. Our boys had a thrilling experience on the boom net, and are still talking about it days later. The delight shown by Greg and Jaimie when wildlife was spotted was a highlight. Of the thousands of sightings they have surely had over the years, it felt like this was the first time they were seeing these creatures too, and that was really special to witness. They clearly do not take this place and the creatures who call it home for granted. Our family highly recommend this experience to others, and we are looking forward to joining the crew for a sunset cruise someday soon. Amazing.
Written 22 July 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.
Lorraine554
Perth, Australia125 contributions
July 2020
We had a lovely time on Greg's catamaran cruising the bay.
We saw pelicans, dolphins, turtles and the highlight... a dugong!
The boat was spacious and comfortable and we enjoyed the trip so much we went back for the sunset cruise.
The trip was great value for money and Greg was very knowledgeable about the local area.
Lorraine, David, Joe and Liam
Highly recommended.
We saw pelicans, dolphins, turtles and the highlight... a dugong!
The boat was spacious and comfortable and we enjoyed the trip so much we went back for the sunset cruise.
The trip was great value for money and Greg was very knowledgeable about the local area.
Lorraine, David, Joe and Liam
Highly recommended.
Written 25 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.
MishAnt
Perth, Australia33 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Absolutely a must do when visiting Shark Bay area. We chose the sunset cruise which was just lovely - don’t bother taking your own drinks, they have reasonably priced ones on board and a lot less hassle taking bottles, glasses and bags etc. Support your local tourism operators they do such a great job at making your holiday a memorable experience. Thank you
Written 14 October 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 Juliem
thanks for the great review next time come and see the Dugongs.
Thanks
Greg
Written 16 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue G
Brighton, UK4,256 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited in Monkey Mia in December, whilst the sun was out the wind was blowing slightly - We chose to do the Wild life cruise in the AM and Sunset in the evening both times we were Skippered by Mel and crew/ wildlife spotter/guide was Chelsea. Firstly great to see 2 women crewing a boat like this. They are very professional and exceptionally knowledgeable on the stuff you are likely to see/ They will try, weather and conditions permitting to get you to see everything. We saw Dugongs, dolphins, turtles and a sea snake .
It is a lovely boat well turned out with all the facilities you need, if you feel brave then sit in the netting at the front or try riding the net at the back for thrills.They are also respectful of the marine life and manage to ensure you see things without stressing the wildlife. It was a Thoroughly enjoyable experience and would recommend them
It is a lovely boat well turned out with all the facilities you need, if you feel brave then sit in the netting at the front or try riding the net at the back for thrills.They are also respectful of the marine life and manage to ensure you see things without stressing the wildlife. It was a Thoroughly enjoyable experience and would recommend them
Written 13 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.
Deborah S
Perth, Australia15 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Went on the monkey Mia marine life cruise and had an amazing time. Saw dugongs, dolphins and baby dolphins, loggerhead turtles and green turtles. The skipper who is the owners daughter was incredibly knowledgeable and also entertaining. We have been on quite a few similar cruises around the globe, but would highly recommend this. Well done Nature cruises!!!
Written 2 November 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.
mik s
Darwin, Australia119 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
We booked online for the Monkey Mia Marine Life cruise some 3-4 weeks in advance of our holiday. First sign of trouble was about two weeks before our trip and Shayne called to tell me that Perfect Nature Cruises boat was undergoing maintenance and may not be back in Shark Bay in time.
I told him fine but asked that he give me a definite answer in the next couple of days so I didn’t have to look for an alternative whilst on holiday. Nothing further heard until two days before the scheduled safari and Shayne called to cancel!!
I then had to run around and try and find an alternate at short notice.
It was then a few days later when someone at the hotel told me that Perfect Nature Cruises use that excuse when they can’t get enough people on the boat so rather than be honest they use that excuse and cancel the cruise.
I wouldn’t reccomend.
I told him fine but asked that he give me a definite answer in the next couple of days so I didn’t have to look for an alternative whilst on holiday. Nothing further heard until two days before the scheduled safari and Shayne called to cancel!!
I then had to run around and try and find an alternate at short notice.
It was then a few days later when someone at the hotel told me that Perfect Nature Cruises use that excuse when they can’t get enough people on the boat so rather than be honest they use that excuse and cancel the cruise.
I wouldn’t reccomend.
Written 28 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.
Hi Milks
Sorry you had a bad booking experience we were in fact in Geraldton having a refit we fully expected to be back in monkey Mia for our bookings that we had. We are committed to providing the best cruise experience in Shark Bay . We were delayed by marine inspectors who did not turn up on time and put every one out. February is the month that we do our major maintenance, some times it runs over as we have no control of the people that do the inspections. As for the person at a hotel who said we do this all the time I would like to know which hotel as we are a big promoter of all business in Shark Bay what they have said is not true.
Thanks for you feed back
Greg
Written 19 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband suffers a bit from motion sickness, how smooth are the cruises? We would probably choose the shortest one for this reason. :) Thanks.
Written 14 July 2019
Hi WE operate in smooth waters but it can get a bit rocky if the wind is rely blowing. Most of the time we are in shallow water so the boat does not move much. Best to give us a call to see what the conditions are like before you book.
Thanks for your interest
Greg
Written 15 July 2019
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