Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island cruise from Triabunna with lunch

Watch seals and dolphins from the boat, then walk through convict history on the island.

A full-day cruise and guided walk in Tasmania departing from Triabunna that combines a 4-hour scenic cruise of Maria Island with a 2-hour stay on Darlington, the convict settlement. The boat visits Ile Des Phoques to view Australian fur seals in their giant sea caves, then returns to Maria Island for a guided walk through preserved convict buildings and time with resident wombats and kangaroos. Lunch with local wine, morning tea and snacks are included. You can add a shuttle bus pickup from Hobart or meet at Triabunna. The tour runs 8 hours and departs at 9am, returning at 4:30pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise and walk on Maria Island

• Depart from Triabunna at 9:00am
• View albatross, dolphins, seals, whales en route
• Visit Ile Des Phoques and observe fur seals
• Enjoy morning tea with seals
• Explore giant Rainbow Caves by boat
• Cruise to Maria Island for lunch by beach
• Dock at Maria Island jetty
• Guided walk of Darlington convict settlement
• See wombats and kangaroos on island
• Optional swim or snorkel at marine reserve
• Return cruise to Triabunna, arrive 4:30pm

The experience

The day starts with a cruise out to Ile Des Phoques, the Island of Seals, where you'll sit on the boat with Australian fur seals and learn about their recovery from near extinction through commercial sealing. The seals have only been breeding here again for the first time in over 200 years. Morning tea, coffee and cakes come onboard, and then the boat ventures deep into the Rainbow Caves, the largest granite sea caves in Australia. On the water you may also see dolphins, albatross, and whales during migration season, along with panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula.

After Ile Des Phoques, the cruise heads to Maria Island for lunch beside a white sandy beach. You'll choose from a large healthy salad bowl (chicken breast in pesto aioli, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham or vegetarian), and can add a homemade quiche if you want. Local Tasmanian wines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc) and a premium lager come with lunch, along with tea, coffee, juice and soft drinks. The boat docks at Darlington in the afternoon, where the guided walk takes you through the preserved convict settlement buildings and its remarkable history. You'll meet the resident wombats and kangaroos on the island, or if history isn't your focus, you can swim and snorkel in the marine reserve or relax on the white sandy beach.

The cruise departs Triabunna at 9am and returns at 4:30pm. If you're staying in Hobart, the Tour + Bus option includes a shuttle pickup from Brooke Street Pier, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes along the Tasman Highway. The driver can stop in the historic town of Richmond on the way if time allows. The boat holds a maximum of 28 people, keeping groups small and personalised. Waterproof jackets and pants are available onboard, seasickness tablets and wristbands are provided if needed, and the vessel has a comfortable toilet that doubles as a change room for swimmers.

What’s included

• The tour includes the 4-hour scenic cruise and 2-hour stay on Maria Island.
• guided walk through the Darlington convict settlement.
• morning tea, coffee and cakes onboard.
• lunch with local wine and a complimentary drink.
• snacks.
• landing and facility fees.
• live commentary from a professional guide.
• waterproof jackets and pants.
• seasickness tablets and wristbands if needed. The Tour + Bus option adds shuttle pickup from Hobart.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Senior (101 and older) · Child (3 to 16 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Maria Island Cruises

Is this one for you?Pick Tour Only if you're driving yourself, or add the shuttle bus to depart from Hobart with stops in Richmond: the bus option suits those without a rental car.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 16 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Rainbow Caves at Ile Des Phoques?

The Rainbow Caves are the largest granite sea caves in Australia, possibly in the world. You explore them onboard the cruise boat, venturing deep inside to experience the scale and geology of these formations.

Will I definitely see seals and dolphins on this cruise?

Australian fur seals are resident at Ile Des Phoques, so you will see them there. Dolphins, whales and albatross depend on the time of year and weather conditions. The operator notes these sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is too rough to reach Ile Des Phoques?

If poor weather prevents the cruise to Ile Des Phoques, the boat will circumnavigate Maria Island instead, so you still get the 4-hour scenic cruise and the 2-hour stay on the island with the guided walk at Darlington.

Can I swim or snorkel at Maria Island?

Yes. After the guided walk at Darlington, you can swim and snorkel in Maria Island's marine reserve, or simply relax on the white sandy beach. The boat has an onboard toilet that doubles as a change room for swimmers.

Do I need to book the Hobart shuttle bus, or can I drive to Triabunna?

You can choose the Tour Only option and meet the boat at Triabunna, or add the shuttle bus pickup from Brooke Street Pier in Hobart for the Tour + Bus option. The bus takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs $25 per person return.

What lunch options are available?

Lunch is a large healthy salad bowl with your choice of chicken breast in pesto aioli, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham or vegetarian. You can add a homemade bacon and cheese quiche or pumpkin and feta quiche and switch to a half salad instead. Local Tasmanian wines and premium lager are included with one complimentary drink, plus tea, coffee, juice and soft drinks.