Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join our team to visit the most remarkable places in Tasmania, if not the World! Our expert team of marine scientists have been the only cruise to Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island since 2006.
Your cruise to the Ile Des Phoques (Island Of Seals) will capture the stunning views of Maria Island, including famous landmarks such as the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, giant sea caves, mountain peaks and the stunning granite cliffs of Maria Island's east coast.
Award winning and only cruise and day tour to view seals, dolphins, wombats, kangaroos, eagles, wallabies, albatross and whales (during migration), famous geology and UNESCO convict history. Your tour will depart from Triabunna (approximately 1-hour and 15-minutes from Hobart). Includes a 4-hour scenic cruise of Maria Island with a 2-hour stay on the island.
Our shuttle bus service is available for guests who require transport from Hobart! Please choose the Tour + Bus option when booking.
Available options
Tour + Bus (Pick up in Hobart)
Tour + Bus: Shuttle bus from Hobart. Meet at Brooke Street Pier 6:45am.<br/>Pickup included
Tour Only (Meet at Triabunna)
Meet us in Triabunna (8:00am): Please select this option if you will drive yourself to Triabunna to meet at our cafe for checkin and boarding the cruise.
What's included
Guided walk of Darlington convict settlement
Alcoholic Beverages
Lunch
Landing and facility fees
Live commentary on board
Professional Guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Hobart shuttle bus transfers
2-hour stay on Maria Island
Seal viewing
Snacks
Dolphin and Whale watching
4-hour scenic cruise
Kangaroo and Wombat viewing
Detailed itinerary
1
On the way to Ile Des Phoques you can see albatross, dolphins, Australian fur seals and whales (depending on the time of year) as well as majestic panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula.
Once at Ile Des Phoques we will sit with the fur seals and learn about their home at Ile Des Phoques, their recovery from near extinction from commercial sealing and how they are now breeding at Ile Des Phoques again for the first time in over 200 years.
We will enjoy morning tea, coffee and cakes with the seals and then explore the remarkable giant Rainbow Caves. These caves are the largest granite sea caves in Australia, possibly the World. Feel the emotion and beauty of nature as we venture deep inside the caves onboard the cruise boat.
2
After your time spent at Ile Des Phoques, we travel to Maria Island for a beautiful lunch with local wine onboard our cruise boat beside a stunning white sandy beach. After lunch we dock at the jetty and spend the afternoon on Maria Island for a guided walk exploring the history of the Darlington convict settlement and time spent with the resident wombats and kangaroos.
*Note, if poor weather prevents the cruising to the Ile Des Phoques, the cruise will be changed to circumnavigate Maria Island.
Lunch is provided on the tour from our cafe as a large healthy salad bowl. A variety of salad lunch options include; chicken breast in pesto aioli, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham or vegetarian/vegan. You can add a home made bacon & cheese quiche or pumpkin and feta quiche and switch to a half salad. You will also be provided a complimentary drink of tea, coffee, juice, soft drinks, local wines and Tasmanian premium larger.
3
In the afternoon, both tours will dock at Darlington. The perfect way to compliment your cruise is to stretch your legs and enjoy a guided tour through Darlington’s fascinating collection of preserved convict buildings, learn about the town’s remarkable history and come face to face with Maria Island’s resident wombats. If history is not for you, then simply soak up the sun on Darlington’s white sandy beach or swim/snorkel in the waters of Maria Island’s marine reserve.
Hotel pickup is available for guests staying in Hobart! Why not travel in style with our own comfortable bus instead of hiring a car. Our shuttle bus will take you from Hobart to Triabunna along the picturesque Tasman Highway and if time permits, we will stop into the historic town of Richmond to capture some wonderful souvenir photos. Travel time is 1hr 15min on the bus. Cost for the bus is $25pp return.
Cruise departs Triabunna at 9:00am and returns at 4:30pm
What's not included
Hotel pickup. Shuttle Bus now departing from Brooke Street Pier Hobart
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
5.0
190 reviews
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please choose the Tour + Bus option if you do require the Hobart shuttle bus.
Designed and guided by professional scientists
Maria Island Cruises reserves the right to cancel departures at anytime and will refund the full amount of any monies paid by the customer.
Perfect for children
Seasickness tablets and wristbands provided to guests if required
The vessel is safe and comfortable and provides protection from the elements
The vessel has a comfortable on board toilet, which doubles as a change room for those wanting to swim
Small and personalised tour groups. Maximum 28 people for room to move about the boat!
Tours are perfect for children and families!
Tours are subject to weather and minimum numbers
Waterproof jackets and pants available onboard the boat
Our 5-star tour is catered with drinks and food/lunch onboard
*Note, if poor weather prevents the cruising to the Ile Des Phoques, the cruise will be changed to circumnavigate Maria Island.
Local wines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc) and Tasmanian premium lager are also provided during lunch. A single serve is complimentary with your tour.
Meeting point
Please meet at our Cafe (Maria Island Cruises) at 8am for checkin of your tour. Secure parking is available behind our cafe.
Important notes
• Please contact us with any additional information, such as dietary requirements of lunch, special requirements such as mobility concerns.
• It is important that you provide a contact mobile number (Australian) and/or email address, or the detail of where you are staying the night before the tour so that we may contact you if need be.
• You will be contacted before the tour to confirm and let you know if there are concerns the tour will not go ahead due to weather or minimum numbers.
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
About Tasmania
Tasmania, Australia's island state, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, pristine wilderness, and unique wildlife. With its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant arts scene, it offers a truly unique travel experience.
Top Attractions
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park is known for its stunning landscapes, including Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. It offers numerous hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking views.
Nature
1-3 days (depending on activities)
Free (park entry), Overland Track permits required
Freycinet National Park
Famous for its pink granite mountains and white sandy beaches, Freycinet National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. The park offers stunning coastal walks, wildlife encounters, and water activities.
Nature
1-2 days
Free (park entry)
Port Arthur Historic Site
A former convict settlement, Port Arthur is one of Australia's most significant heritage sites. Explore the ruins, learn about the harsh history, and take a ghost tour for a spooky experience.
Historical
Half to full day
Moderate (entry fees apply)
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
MONA is Australia's largest and most controversial private museum, showcasing a unique collection of ancient, modern, and contemporary art. The museum is known for its provocative and thought-provoking exhibits.
Museum
2-4 hours
Moderate (entry fees apply)
Bruny Island
Bruny Island is a paradise for nature lovers, offering stunning coastal scenery, wildlife encounters, and delicious local produce. Explore the island's rugged coastline, visit the Bruny Island Premium Wines, and enjoy fresh oysters.
Nature/Adventure
Full day
Moderate (ferry and tour costs apply)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Scallop Pie
A Tasmanian classic, scallop pie features sweet and tender scallops in a creamy sauce, encased in a flaky pastry.
Main Course
Contains seafood and dairy
Wallaby
A lean and flavorful game meat, wallaby is often served as steaks or in stews, offering a unique and sustainable dining experience.
Main Course
Gluten-free, low-fat
Tasmanian Whisky
Tasmania is renowned for its world-class whiskies, with numerous distilleries producing award-winning single malts.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Apple Cider
Tasmania's cool climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for apple orchards, and the state is famous for its delicious and refreshing apple cider.
Drink
Contains alcohol (optional)
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Paragliding
Skiing
Beach lounging
Spas
Picnicking
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Expect crowded attractions and higher prices.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Time Zone
AEST (UTC+10) during daylight saving time, AEDT (UTC+11) during standard time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Tasmania is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. However, it's always important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
- • Only use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Hobart International Airport • 17 km from city center
- Launceston Airport • 10 km from city center
Getting around
Public transport
Metro Tasmania operates an extensive bus network in Hobart, making it easy to get around the city and nearby attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi apps specific to local operators
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Sandy Bay
North Hobart
Battery Point
Evandale
Day trips
Mount Wellington
5 km from Hobart • Half day
Mount Wellington offers stunning panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding countryside. The mountain is home to various walking trails, picnic spots, and lookout points.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
30 km from Hobart • Half day
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for animal lovers, offering the chance to get up close and personal with Tasmania's native wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.
Richmond
25 km from Hobart • Half day
Richmond is a charming historic town known for its well-preserved Georgian architecture, antique shops, and scenic countryside. The town is home to several historic sites, including the Richmond Bridge and the Convict Bridge.
Festivals
Taste of Tasmania • Mid-December to late December
Dark Mofo • Mid-June to late June
Festivale • Early February
Pro tips
- Explore beyond the popular tourist spots to discover Tasmania's hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations
- Pack layers and be prepared for changeable weather conditions, especially when hiking or exploring the outdoors
- Try local and seasonal produce, such as fresh seafood, cheese, and wine, to fully immerse yourself in Tasmania's culinary culture
- Consider renting a car or campervan to explore the island at your own pace and access remote or isolated locations
- Take advantage of Tasmania's unique and diverse wildlife encounters, such as spotting wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils in their natural habitats
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
