90 Minute Cape Raoul Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site Entry

Ninety minutes of coastal cliffs, fur seals and dolerite columns, plus two days inside Port Arthur Historic Site

A 90 minute coastal cruise departing from Port Arthur Historic Site travels to Cape Raoul, passing sea cliffs, caves, arches and white sand beaches of the Tasman Peninsula. Your ticket includes two-day entry to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site, where you can explore the site before or after the cruise. A live English-speaking guide narrates the route. The cruise is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise and historic site visit

• Take 90 minute Cape Raoul cruise
• View cliffs, caves, and beaches
• Spot Australia fur seals
• Enter Port Arthur Historic Site

The Experience

The cruise departs from Port Arthur and runs 90 minutes, taking you past Point Puer and Isle of the Dead before reaching the white sands of Safety Cove and the tall dunes of Crescent Bay. Mt Brown rises in the backdrop as you approach Cape Raoul, where soaring dolerite columns drop like steps into the Tasman Sea. The waters here collide with ancient cliffs carved into dramatic caves and arches—the result of the Tasman Sea meeting the Tasman Peninsula's towering rock face. Australian fur seals lounge at the base of Cape Raoul, and the guide will point out coastal wildlife throughout the route.

Your ticket grants entry to Port Arthur Historic Site for two days, so you can spend time exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site on the day of your cruise or return another day. The boat has a restroom on board. The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller (infants must sit on an adult's lap). Service animals are welcome, and public transportation options are available near the departure point.

What’s included

• Two-day entry to Port Arthur Historic Site.
• 90 minute guided coastal cruise to Cape Raoul with live English-speaking guide.
• onboard restroom.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Is this one for you?The 90 minutes leaves your day open for a full exploration of Port Arthur Historic Site itself—entry is valid for two days, so you can spend the morning or afternoon in the museums and convict buildings, then take the cruise when you're ready, or return to the site another day without rushing either experience.

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Top questions

What is Cape Raoul and why is it the destination of this cruise?

Cape Raoul is a dramatic headland at the southern tip of the Tasman Peninsula, marked by towering dolerite columns that rise from the ocean like steps. The Tasman Sea collides with these ancient cliffs, carving caves and natural arches into the rock face. The 90 minute cruise ends at Cape Raoul so you can see these formations up close from the water and watch Australian fur seals that gather at the base of the cliffs.

How much time do I get to explore Port Arthur Historic Site with this ticket?

Your ticket includes two-day entry to Port Arthur Historic Site, so you can spend as much time as you want there across two separate visits. Many travelers explore the site before or after the cruise, or split their visit across two days to see the museums, convict buildings and gardens at a relaxed pace.

What wildlife might I see on the cruise?

Australian fur seals are the main wildlife you'll encounter, lounging at the base of Cape Raoul's dolerite cliffs. The guide will also point out other coastal wildlife throughout the 90 minute route, though sightings depend on the day and season.

Is there food or water available on the boat?

The boat has a restroom on board, but lunch and bottled water are not included. You may want to bring your own water and snacks, or purchase them before boarding at Port Arthur.

Can I bring young children or use a wheelchair on this cruise?

Yes. The cruise is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, though infants must sit on an adult's lap during the cruise. Service animals are allowed on board.