Mandurah: Dolphin Cruise & Scenic Canals with Wildlife Views

Summary

Mandurah’s playful dolphins, canal homes, and salty air on a gentle cruise

You’ll watch wild dolphins play in Mandurah’s waterways, cruise past extravagant canal homes and working marinas, hear local stories from your guide, and spot rare birds in protected wetlands. Kids can try steering or explore below deck while you soak up salty air and spontaneous moments — it’s not always predictable here, but that’s part of what makes it stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to spot a dolphin before I’d even finished my coffee — but there it was, slicing through the water just off Mandjar Bay. The whole boat went quiet for a second, like we were all holding our breath together. Our guide, Sam (who grew up here), grinned and said it’s good luck if you see one early. I caught a whiff of salt and sunscreen as kids rushed to the deck to grab those giant binoculars. It’s funny how quickly you forget you’re only an hour from Perth when you’re floating past these crazy-luxurious canal homes — some with boats parked out front that probably cost more than my apartment.

The Mandurah dolphin cruise isn’t just about dolphins (though yeah, that’s what everyone hopes for). We drifted through the marina, past fishing boats and pelicans perched like old men gossiping. Sam pulled up a blue swimmer crab from the live tank — its shell looked almost electric in the sunlight — and tried to explain how locals catch them without losing a finger. I still think about that crab’s weird little face sometimes. The commentary was easygoing but full of those small details you only get from someone who knows the tides and stories by heart.

We passed through the Venetian-style canals (I tried to pronounce “Mandjar” properly; Sam laughed at my attempt) and out toward Peel-Harvey Estuary. The air changed — suddenly briny, with this faint scent of mudflats that reminded me of summers as a kid. Out in the wetlands, there were so many birds I lost count; black swans gliding past and some tiny waders I couldn’t name. There was this moment where everything got quiet except for the slap of water against the hull and a distant laugh from one of the kids pretending to steer at the captain’s wheel.

No one can promise wild dolphins every single time (they’re stubborn), but they did say if we missed them we could come back for free. That felt honest somehow — like they know nature isn’t on a schedule. Anyway, seeing them leap beside us made me forget about everything else for a minute. If you want something polished or perfectly timed… well, this isn’t that kind of day trip from Perth. But if you want salty hair and real moments, maybe give it a go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mandurah dolphin cruise and waterways tour

• Depart from Performing Arts Centre
• Cruise through Mandjar Bay waters
• View Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins
• Explore Mandurah Ocean Marina at Dolphin Quay
• Travel through Port Mandurah Canals
• See luxurious canal side homes
• Pass Peel-Harvey Estuary wildlife
• View RAMSAR listed Creery Wetlands birdlife
• Learn Mandurah history and culture
• Cruise past Indian Ocean mouth
• See live tank with local seafood

Top questions

How long does the Mandurah dolphin cruise last?

The cruise is between 1 to 1.25 hours long.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed on this tour?

If you don’t see dolphins during your cruise, you can join again for free.

Where does the dolphin cruise depart from?

The tour departs from near the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre by Mandjar Bay.

Is this dolphin cruise suitable for children?

Yes, kids are welcome and there are interactive activities onboard like marine controls and giant binoculars.

Is the vessel wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible including transportation options.

What wildlife might I see besides dolphins?

You may spot pelicans, black swans, other birdlife in Creery Wetlands, plus blue swimmer crabs in an onboard tank.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but your ticket gives you buy one get one free churros at San Churros nearby.

How far is Mandurah from Perth?

Mandurah is about an hour’s drive south of Perth.

What’s included

Your day includes a scenic 1–1.25 hour dolphin cruise with live local commentary through Mandurah’s marinas and canals, guaranteed wild dolphin sightings or a free return trip if not spotted, interactive fun for kids on deck like marine controls and binoculars, access for wheelchairs or strollers throughout the vessel, plus special offers such as 10% off at Mandurah Cruises Gift Store and buy-one-get-one-free churros at San Churros with your ticket.