Wildlife & Nature Experiences in Southern Coast

Dolphin Swims, Animal Encounters and Eco Tours

See what's on offer for wildlife & nature experiences, then reach out – free, direct.

Category: Wildlife & Nature ExperiencesLocation: Southern CoastListings: 2

Compare Southern Coast Wildlife Experiences

Mandurah Cruises - wildlife experiences in Perth

From $44pp

Longer outings head into the wetlands with a marine biologist on board, passing one of the Giants of Mandurah sculptures.

Perth Wildlife Encounters - wildlife experiences in Perth

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Perth Wildlife Encounters (Shoalwater)4.5 (1070)

Guests cruise among the islands of Shoalwater Bay looking for wild dolphins, sea lions hauled out on the sand and nesting pelicans.

Choosing an Animal Encounter

Wildlife outings on the Southern Coast split between Mandurah's estuary and Shoalwater's marine park islands. Mandurah Cruises runs dolphin trips through the canals, while Perth Wildlife Encounters cruises past islands with sea lions, pelicans and dolphins.

Both run private boats, so the choice is about which animals you want to see and how active your group wants to be.

Mandurah against Shoalwater for a group:

For dolphins in sheltered canals, Mandurah's estuary is home to roughly 90 resident dolphins, and a no-sighting cruise earns a second trip free.
For sea lions and seabirds, Shoalwater's hour-long cruise takes in three islands, including Penguin Island.
For getting in the water, Perth Wildlife Encounters supplies the wetsuit and snorkel kit for its dolphin swims.
For a work function on board, Mandurah Cruises hires boats privately for up to 65, with a licensed bar and catering.
Mandurah Cruises tickets start from $44 per person, while Shoalwater group costings come from its reservations team.

Southern Coast Wildlife & Nature Experiences

The signature dolphin trip is just over an hour, looping the bay, canals and marina.
A longer two-and-a-half-hour cruise brings a marine biologist and heads through the Dawesville Cut.
Guests using wheelchairs can board the 80-seat main dolphin boat.
A private charter sets its own course, for as long as three hours.

Shoalwater's island trips

A glass bottom boat shows seagrass and limestone reefs, and seats 49 for a private event.
Calm, sheltered water makes it an easy outing for grandparents and toddlers alike.
Groups of ten or more get a proposed itinerary from the reservations team.
Pengos Cafe can feed a group before or after the trip, from morning tea to picnic packs.

Common Questions About Meeting the Animals

Mandurah or Shoalwater for a dolphin trip?

Mandurah suits a dolphin-focused trip on the estuary, backed by a free repeat cruise if the pods stay hidden. Shoalwater adds sea lions, pelicans and the option of swimming with dolphins.

Which coast operator suits a corporate wildlife cruise?

Mandurah Cruises hires boats privately for up to 65 with a licensed bar and catering. Perth Wildlife Encounters also hires boats privately for special events.

Can a birthday group swim with dolphins on the coast?

Perth Wildlife Encounters lists birthday groups and runs dolphin swims, with guides on underwater scooters for nervous swimmers.

Are Southern Coast wildlife cruises suitable for young children?

Both operators welcome kids. Shoalwater's bay is sheltered, and Mandurah's dolphin trip is only a little longer than an hour.