Polperro Dolphin Swimming

Esplanade, Sorrento, Victoria 3943, Australia

As featured in Day trips from Melbourne

7 visitor photos

Ranked #1 of 3 attractions in Sorrento

26 Reviews

Type: Beaches

Owner description: For most of us, swimming with dolphins is a rare and magical experience, so who better to help you connect with these magnificent creatures than the...... more » Owner description: For most of us, swimming with dolphins is a rare and magical experience, so who better to help you connect with these magnificent creatures than the people who've been making the introductions in Port Phillip Bay the longest? The Muir family established Polperro Dolphin Swims in 1986. Named after their classic, lovingly maintained boat, which is 25 years young, Polperro has led the bay in environmentally responsible dolphin interactions. Judy Muir in particular has been tirelessly active in establishing and improving legislation controlling human interaction with wild marine animals, including dolphins.That's why passengers can't swim up to the bay's bottlenose dolphins, but rather hang on to long ropes trailing from the Polperro's stern, waiting for these often curious creatures to come to them. The rope, and the crew's careful training and supervision of passengers, mean that even non-swimmers can enjoy this exciting experience. People who are initially very timid and reticent about getting in the water leave enchanted by the experienceThe Polperro departs from Sorrento pier twice daily from October to April. Passenger numbers are strictly limited so everyone has ample opportunity to get wet, or watch dolphins at play from the deck. Reef and seal swims are often part of Polperro trips as well. These are also revelatory experiences, even for most locals, as the bay's rich aquatic life is a surprisingly well-kept secret.All gear, including wetsuits and snorkels, are provided, and the Polperro has change areas below deck. On chilly days her saloon cabin is warmly welcoming, as is the complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and delicious scones, freshly baked on board. They're the cherry on top of an inspiring, memorable experience, which saw Polperro enter the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2001, after winning the environmental tourism category three years running.”ADVANCED ECOTOURISM ACCREDIATIONWinner Skills Hub Training Award – Sustainability 2011Winner Sustainability Business Award 2011, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Finalist Best Business Award 2011, Frankston and Mornington PeninsulaVictorian Hall of Fame Environmental Tourism Award

Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children

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26 reviews from our community

Ellie M

Launceston, Australia

1 review

“Amazing!!”

Reviewed May 16, 2012

My husband and I, along with my husband’s family from Germany did this at the beginning of April and it was an absolutely fantastic experience for every one of us. I am not very comfortable around water and have never snorkelled before - but the crew were so supportive and encouraging, they took the time to help me relax and... More

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Bambino333

Altendorf, Switzerland

1 review

“An experience you can't explain, you have to enjoy it”

Reviewed April 6, 2012

An unforgetable get together with wild dolphins. They show up if they want that makes it even more unforgetable. These animals are interested in social contacts with humans an with Polperro Dolphin Swimming we could enjoy these moments and will never forget. More

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Rhonda H

Geelong, Australia

1 review

“Interactive crew and inquisitive dolphins and seals”

Reviewed April 4, 2012

Our Polperro adventure gave us a chance to encounter a number of unique bottle nosed dolphins and fur seals in their wild marine habitat where they were happy to meet and interact with us. The crew made the best hot chocolate and date scones for afternoon tea and were extremely excited for our own personal encounters with the dolphins and... More

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Kate H

Melbourne, Australia

1 review

“Absolutely wonderful experience!!”

Reviewed March 22, 2012

To the Polperro crew, Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the brilliant dolphin experience on Saturday. You were all so professional, knowledgeable and friendly and just made it a perfect day. I still can't believe all the dolphins we were priviledged to see. You must all absolutely love your jobs!! Thanks once again & keep smiling Kate... More

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Kath B

Frankston, Victoria, Australia

1 review

“Present for my 13 Year Old Daughter - huge success”

Reviewed March 18, 2012

I organised the Dolphin swim for my daughter's 13th birthday, which unfortunately had to be cancelled due to bad weather. We made another time for two weeks later 17 March 2012. It was amazing, the crew were fantastic, the weather great and plenty of dolphins. We were in the water swimming with about 8 dolphins by 8.20am. We had some... More

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Vincent L

Melbourne

1 review

“So BLOODY RUDE! Make me go to moonrake after the first and single phone call”

Reviewed March 7, 2012

I called on their mobile number shown on their website for inquiry and possbily booking as I read from the Moonraker reviews that the wetsuits provided are not good at all when its not a warm day. I asked the guy (whom I suspect the owner) a question and he said "sort out your mess first and ring me back... More

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Thank you to those who have taken time to review Polperro Dolphin Swims. We welcome each, and every - usually great response - praising the level of service offered and intended. The latest one has caused us concern. I can only state that no offence was meant and that if the term 'sort out your mess ' was used it... More

corrie16

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

2 reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

“incredible experience”

Reviewed March 6, 2012

I only came on this trip by accident as i was supposed to go on the moonraker trip instead, but they cancelled only once I had driven from mel to sorrento and actually called them up to see where they were. But i am so happy it worked out that way as I had a fantastic time on the boat.... More

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Laura S

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

1 review

“once in a lifetime experience!”

Reviewed March 4, 2012

my boyfriend & I left this experence amazed by the beautiful seals swimming right infront of us & the many amazing dolphins swimming next to the boat & under us.we saw many more dolphins than seals including a mother and child! amazing!! !we were also amazed by the atmodphere the staff,jess& ben bring. they are so friendly and even remember... More

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Kimbo1983

1 review

“So totally awesome!!!”

Reviewed February 28, 2012

Totally awesome experience!!! Fantastically experienced and friendly staff....absolutely worth it!!! More

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139Pete

Melbourne, Australia

1 review

“You won't be disappointed - the Seals and Dolphins were fantastic”

Reviewed February 25, 2012

The crew, Tom, Jess and Skipper Troy were all very friendly and made sure everyone was comfortable, both on the boat and in the water. Being in the water with the Seals was as good as the Dolphins and seeing the Gannets at close quarters was also great. Having good weather was a bonus. Highly recommended. More

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