Wildlife & Nature Experiences Perth

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: PerthListings: 3

Compare Perth Wildlife Experiences

Perth Zoo - wildlife experiences in Perth

Perth Zoo (South Perth)4.4 (11954)

From $29pp

Kids birthday parties, corporate team challenges and group days among the animals and gardens of Perth Zoo in South Perth.

Mandurah Cruises - wildlife experiences in Perth

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Mandurah Cruises (Mandurah)4.7 (1147)

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 around Perth come in two kinds. There is the zoo in South Perth, close to the city and easy for families, and there are the boat trips on the Southern Coast, where dolphins and marine life are the draw.

What each option does well:

Zoo in South Perth: kids' birthday parties, team challenges for work groups and days out among the animals, from $29 per person for groups of five or more.
Mandurah estuary and canals: dolphin and sightseeing cruises from $44 per person, with private boat hire for a work function.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park: swimming with dolphins, snorkelling and marine park cruises, with itineraries planned around a group.

The zoo fits easily into a half-day with lunch nearby, while the coastal trips take more of the day once you allow for getting down to Mandurah or Shoalwater. Ask the cruise operators how sea conditions affect the trip before you lock in a date.

Young children, grandparents and mixed groups usually find the zoo easier, with paths, shade and breaks built into the day.
A dolphin cruise suits a work group or a celebration that wants to sit back and watch, with no swimming needed.
Snorkel tours and dolphin swims suit confident swimmers, so check age limits and whether wetsuits and masks are provided.
For a bigger group, ask whether private hire of a boat is possible rather than joining a public trip.

When to go

Summer is the busy stretch, and the heat makes a morning start at the zoo far more comfortable.
On the water, the afternoon sea breeze can make conditions rougher, so earlier trips tend to be calmer.
Winter brings most of the rain, so ask about covered areas at the zoo and wet-weather plans for cruises.

Questions before booking

What is the minimum group size, and is the price per person for every age?
Is a dolphin sighting likely on this route, and what happens if none appear?
Is catering available on board or at the zoo, or should the group bring its own food?
Can the itinerary be tailored for a team building day with set activities?

Common Questions About Meeting the Animals

Can you hold a kids' birthday party at the zoo in South Perth?

Yes. The zoo runs kids' birthday parties as well as group days, with prices from $29 per person and a minimum of five people.

Where can a Perth group see dolphins?

The Southern Coast. Cruises run on the Mandurah estuary and canals, and trips into the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park include dolphin swims and snorkelling.

What does a dolphin cruise from Mandurah cost a group?

Dolphin and sightseeing cruises start at $44 per person. Private boat hire for a corporate function is quoted separately, so ask for a group price.

Do wildlife trips around Perth suit a work outing?

They can. The zoo offers corporate team challenges, and both coastal operators take corporate groups, with private hire possible for a function on the water.

Is a marine wildlife trip near Perth affected by the weather?

It can be. Wind and sea conditions decide how comfortable a trip will be, so ask each operator about cancellations and whether a calmer morning slot is available.