Tasmania Hobart Round-trip Maria Island / Ile Des Phoques Day Tour | Includes Lunch & Circumnavigation Cruise
- Cruise along the famous coastline of Maria Island and the charming east coast of Tasmania.
- The east coast of Maria Island boasts world-class geological wonders, including mountain spring waterfalls, secluded bays, sea caves, and pristine white sand beaches.
- Opportunity to see albatross, dolphins, Australian fur seals, and whales (seasonal).
Package Options
Product Info
- 06:45 Depart from Brooke Street Pier, Hobart.
- Guests meeting at 21 Vicary St, Triabunna must arrive for check-in before 08:15.
- Boarding begins at 08:40, and the cruise departs at 09:00.
- Circumnavigation of Ile Des Phoques / Maria Island.
**If severe weather prevents travel to Ile Des Phoques, the cruise will instead sail along the Maria Island coastline without prior notice; the day's arrangements will prevail, and no other refunds or compensation will be provided.**
- Lunch will be served on board while anchored in a picturesque, secluded spot on Maria Island. Reference menu: Salad bowls including chicken breast with pesto mayonnaise, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham, or vegetarian/vegan salads. If you prefer not to have a salad bowl, you may choose a salad wrap or a child's sandwich.
- In the afternoon, the cruise will dock at Darlington. You can disembark to join a guided tour, visit the well-preserved convict buildings in Darlington, learn about the town's extraordinary history, and encounter the wombats on Maria Island. If you are not interested in history, you can also sunbathe on the beach at Darlington or swim in the waters of the Maria Island Marine Reserve.
- Estimated return to Triabunna at 16:30 for dispersal, and return to Brooke Street Pier at 18:15 for dispersal.
Route Map
Ile Des Phoques is a paradise for marine life. The cruise will head north from the northern tip of Maria Island to Ile Des Phoques, which is just a 30-minute boat ride away. On the way to this extraordinary granite island, you will have the chance to see albatross, dolphins, fur seals, and whales (seasonal), as well as magnificent panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula. There, we will encounter the most lively Australian fur seals and explore the largest granite sea cave in Tasmania, and even Australia. On the return trip from Ile Des Phoques to Maria Island, we will visit the famous Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs, finally arriving at Darlington Harbour.
The east coast of Maria Island boasts world-class geological wonders, including mountain spring waterfalls, secluded bays, sea caves, and pristine white sand beaches. We will take you to the famous Riedle Bay and Shoal Bay on the Maria Island isthmus, where you can enjoy lunch at the anchorage while listening to insights from our professional research team. During our circumnavigation, we will stop to visit numerous famous landmarks, including Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs.
Purchase Notice
- Minors or children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult; unaccompanied minors or children are not permitted to join the tour.
- This itinerary involves boat travel; guests prone to seasickness are advised to take motion sickness medication before departure.
- No refunds or other compensation will be provided if you fail to participate in the tour or withdraw during the trip due to personal reasons (e.g., lack of travel documents, flight delays, late arrival, illness, accidents, etc.).
- No changes or refunds can be made for late arrivals or no-shows.
- We will only cancel the tour if strong winds and high waves make it unsafe or uncomfortable for the boat to cruise around Maria Island. If the tour proceeds as scheduled on the day of departure, no refunds will be provided if you decide not to travel due to your own assessment of the weather.
- This tour includes lunch. You may choose to bring your own lunch, but no refund will be provided for the meal portion.
Reminders
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 2 day(s) before the departure date
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
FAQ
1. What activities are typically included in the Maria Island and Pilot Beach day trip?
This day trip primarily includes a cruise experience around Maria Island's famous coastline, allowing you to admire Tasmania's stunning East Coast. During the tour, you'll have the chance to explore world-class geological wonders on Maria Island's East Coast, such as cascading waterfalls, serene bays, sea caves, and pristine white-sand beaches. Additionally, visitors can observe albatrosses, dolphins, Australian fur seals, and potentially whales (season permitting), enjoying a rich natural wildlife exploration.
2. What unique wildlife can be spotted on Maria Island?
In the natural environment surrounding Maria Island, visitors have the opportunity to see a variety of unique wildlife. You might encounter graceful albatrosses soaring over the sea and playful dolphins frolicking near the boat. You'll also see colonies of Australian fur seals, and during specific seasons, you might witness spectacular whale migrations. These encounters enrich the natural ecosystem experience on Maria Island, offering unparalleled viewing opportunities.
3. What is the most recommended way to travel to Maria Island from Hobart, Tasmania?
The most recommended way to travel to Maria Island from Hobart, Tasmania, is by joining a comprehensive day trip that includes round-trip transportation. These tours typically arrange pick-ups or a meeting point from Hobart, followed by a cruise to Maria Island, eliminating the hassle of planning complex travel yourself. This allows you to effortlessly enjoy the journey and focus on the island's beautiful scenery and experiences.
4. In which region of Tasmania is Maria Island located, and what are its main features?
Maria Island is situated on Tasmania's picturesque East Coast and is an island brimming with natural scenery and geological wonders. Its main features include a magnificent coastline, world-class geological formations like unique waterfalls, tranquil bays, sea caves carved by the ocean, and expansive white-sand beaches. The island's rich ecosystem also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it a highlight of Tasmania.
5. What geological wonders can be seen during the cruise around Maria Island and Pilot Beach?
During the cruise around Maria Island and Pilot Beach, you can expect to see a series of world-class geological wonders along Maria Island's East Coast up close. This includes waterfalls cascading from cliffs, secluded and serene bays, uniquely shaped sea caves, and stretches of pristine, flawless white-sand beaches. These landscapes collectively form the magnificent panorama of Tasmania's East Coast, offering a supreme visual feast.
6. What geological wonders on Maria Island's East Coast are worth exploring or seeing?
Maria Island's East Coast boasts abundant geological wonders that are worth exploring and seeing. During your exploration, you will discover spectacular waterfalls, picturesque and tranquil bays, and sea caves formed by the erosion of the sea. Additionally, the pristine white-sand beaches are excellent spots for viewing and relaxing, allowing you to experience these unique natural landforms up close and deeply appreciate the raw beauty of Maria Island.
7. What are some tips and precautions for wildlife viewing on Maria Island?
When viewing wildlife on Maria Island, it is recommended to remain quiet and maintain a respectful distance from the animals to avoid disturbing their natural habitat. Especially when observing Australian fur seals, dolphins, albatrosses, or seasonal whales, please follow your guide's instructions and be mindful of the environment. Wearing comfortable clothing and bringing binoculars will help you better capture these exciting moments, ensuring safety and respecting nature.
8. Besides Maria Island, what are the notable features of Pilot Beach during the cruise itinerary?
During the cruise itinerary around Maria Island, Pilot Beach is renowned for its rich marine life. This island is particularly known for being home to a large population of Australian fur seals, offering visitors a chance to observe these lively marine mammals basking on the rocks or playing in the water up close. This is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Tasmania's unique marine ecosystem, adding more vibrant experiences to your journey.
