Seals by day, penguins by night

About this experience

Same company and same Arts Centre start as the Wine, Dine and Penguin tour, with a barista coffee before you leave and a cap of 15 guests. The first stop is San Remo, where the listing mentions pelican feeding, then it's on to Cowes for the boat.

The cruise takes two hours. According to Phillip Island Nature Parks, the Seal Rocks colony averages more than 5,000 Australian fur seals, and boats drift within metres of them; dolphins and seabirds are a bonus. Back on land there's free time in Cowes (or an optional Koala Reserve visit at extra cost), "golden hour" at The Nobbies with a drink, and the parade at dusk. Penguins Plus is an optional extra, not included.

Two things to weigh. At $233 it's the most expensive trip on this site, and only a few dozen guests have reviewed it so far, so the rating rests on a small sample. It's also 12 hours, with the usual late finish. Bass Strait can be choppy, so bring seasickness tablets if boats bother you, and know that it isn't suitable for people with animal allergies.

• A 2-hour wildlife cruise to Seal Rocks from Cowes
• Fur seals, plus a chance of dolphins and seabirds
• A drink at The Nobbies at golden hour
• The parade at sunset
• 15 guests at most, window seats, barista coffee

How the day runs

1. MorningArts Centre Melbourne

   Meet the group and collect your coffee.

2. About 1.5 hours + 30 minSan Remo

   A break and photo stop in the fishing village by the bridge.

3. 2 hoursSeal Rocks cruise

   From Cowes out to the fur seal colony off the western tip of the island.

4. AfternoonCowes or koalas

   Free time in town, or the Koala Conservation Reserve as a paid extra.

5. 30 minThe Nobbies

   Boardwalks and a drink as the light drops.

6. About 2 hoursThe Penguin Parade

   Sunset viewing, then the drive back to the Arts Centre.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Take a seasickness tablet before the cruise if you need one. Seal Rocks faces open water.
• Bring binoculars for the seals and for the parade.
• Wear comfortable shoes. A guest said there's a lot of walking.
• Decide on Penguins Plus early. It's an extra, and summer seats go fast.

Read next:

• Things to do
• Tours from Melbourne

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

Phillip Island Wine, Dine & Penguin TourWinery lunch and tasting, Cowes, sparkling at The Nobbies, then the parade. 15 guests at most, window seat promised.★ 4.8 · 11 hours · from $170Small-Group Penguin & Wildlife TourA Mercedes van for 11 at most, pickup from your CBD address, Moonlit Sanctuary, and General or Penguins Plus.★ 4.9 · 10 hours · from $153Penguin Parade & Koalas Highlights TourKoala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies and Cowes, then the parade. Penguins Plus is an option at booking.★ 4.7 · 9.5 hours · from $125