Perth Wildlife Encounters
ProHighlights
- Wildlife cruises in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park to spot wild dolphins, Australian sea lions and seabirds
- Guided swims with wild dolphins from Rockingham, with wetsuits supplied and scooter-towing guides for nervous swimmers
- Group itineraries for 10 or more, private boat hire for special events and a cafe groups menu
About Perth Wildlife Encounters
Perth Wildlife Encounters runs wildlife cruises and water activities in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, from a base on Arcadia Drive in Shoalwater. The business grew out of a dolphin swim project started by founder Terry Howson in 1989 and runs a fleet of four purpose-built vessels. The core trip is a one-hour cruise past Penguin, Seal and Bird Islands, where the crew regularly spot wild dolphins, rare Australian sea lions resting on the beach, nesting pelicans and ospreys. A glass bottom boat adds views of the seagrass and limestone reefs below, and the sheltered bay keeps the water calm for all ages. For something more active, the Swim with Wild Dolphins trip leaves from Rockingham with wetsuits and snorkel gear supplied. Guides on underwater scooters tow guests through the water, the dolphins are never fed or touched, and the crew films each swim and shares the photos afterwards. A three-island snorkel trip and a family splash cruise round out the program. Groups of ten or more are handled by the reservations team, who reply with a proposed itinerary and costing. For a more exclusive outing, the boats can be hired privately, and the glass bottom boat seats 49 and suits a special event on the water. Pengos Cafe next to the visitor centre offers a groups menu covering morning teas, lunches and picnic packs.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Setting
Ages
Pricing
Food
Beverages
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
Can a large group book a cruise together?
Yes. The reservations team plans visits for groups of ten or more and replies to a group enquiry with a proposed itinerary, usually within 48 hours.
Can we hire a boat privately for a special event?
Yes. Vessels can be chartered privately, and the cost depends on the time of year, the length of the cruise and what the group needs, so each one is quoted individually.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the dolphin swim?
No. Guests wear a full-length 5mm wetsuit that keeps them buoyant, and a guide on an underwater scooter tows them along at the surface. Let the crew know if you are nervous so they can position you behind the guide.
Is there a minimum age for the dolphin swim?
The dolphin swim is not recommended for children aged six or under, since they need to follow instructions in the water. Parents must supervise their own children, as crew cannot mind them on board.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Cruises depend on the weather. If the crew cancels a trip for weather, the group is contacted to reschedule and there is no charge for the cancellation.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Mike Waldram
5 months ago
This was a fabulous day out experience for my wife and I who are retired, and had never snorkelled before. It was safe and very friendly and the team very knowledgeable, with full respect to entering the dolphins world s…
Janet Caddick
9 months ago
Incredible experience at a phenomenal location. I've been fortunate enough to swim with dolphins in multiple places but this company did a fantastic job. They were kind and respectful of the dolphins and as a team worked…
Chris Lee
11 months ago
Great staff, very friendly and helpful. Even though the Penguin Island was not accessible on the day of our visit, we were still able to join a 30-min cruise looking over the Seal Island with quite a few Sea Lions (*not…
Leonie Ryniker
a year ago
Absolutely amazing day today. We went on the Dolphin, Sea lion and Penguin Island cruise. Perfect weather, calm clear seas. We got to see lots of dolphin activity, pods of 8 playing around the boat for awhile. Heaps of s…
Is this your business? Claim this listing
Related listings nearby
From $44pp
From $29pp