Rockingham: Swim with Wild Dolphins Tour & Lunch Pickup

Summary

Swim alongside wild dolphins in Rockingham’s bays just outside Perth

You’ll slip into Rockingham’s sheltered bays with local guides who know every dolphin by name. Swim side-by-side with wild dolphins—close enough to hear their whistles—and then warm up with lunch on deck. It’s an easy day trip from Perth with pickup included, and you’ll leave with photos (and maybe wet hair) as proof you did something rare.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the bus in Rockingham still half-awake, salt already hanging in the morning air. The boat was waiting at Val St Jetty, all bright and busy, crew waving us over like they’d done this a hundred times (which, I guess, they have). Sarah from the crew handed me my wetsuit—she laughed when I asked if it would make me look like a seal. The water looked cold but not mean, just that blue-grey you get near Perth before the sun really shows up.

Motoring out past the yacht club, I could hear gulls squabbling over something invisible. Our guide pointed out a pod of dolphins before I even spotted them—just these quick silver flashes under the surface. Mask on, snorkel awkwardly jammed in my mouth (I always forget how weird that feels), we slipped into the bay. Suddenly there were dolphins everywhere—whistles echoing underwater and one brushed right past my hand. Didn’t expect to be that close. I think I let out a laugh through my snorkel and probably swallowed half the Indian Ocean.

Afterwards, wrapped in towels and hair still dripping salty water onto my sandwich, we sat on deck swapping stories about who got closest or who panicked first (me). Lunch was seafood platters and strong tea—the kind you can actually smell before you taste it. Someone from the crew uploaded photos for us later; I still look at mine when I need a reminder that real things like this happen just forty minutes from Perth. The dolphins didn’t care who we were—they just seemed happy to play along for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swim with wild dolphins near Perth

• Coach transfer from Perth to Rockingham
• Board dolphin swim vessel at Val St Jetty
• Gear up with wetsuits, masks, snorkels
• Swim and interact with wild dolphins
• Enjoy gourmet seafood platter lunch

Top questions

How far is Rockingham from Perth?

Rockingham is about a 40-minute drive from Perth by road.

Is hotel pickup included for this dolphin swim tour?

Yes, coach transfer from Perth is included or you can meet at Val St Jetty in Rockingham.

Do I need to be an expert swimmer to join?

No, only basic swimming skills are required and no previous snorkeling experience is necessary.

What equipment is provided for swimming with dolphins?

The tour includes wetsuits, masks, snorkels—all gear needed for swimming is provided.

Are food and drinks included during the tour?

Yes, lunch with gourmet seafood platters and sandwiches plus coffee or tea are included.

Can children join this wild dolphin swim tour?

The minimum age for participants is 7 years old.

Will there be photos of our dolphin swim?

Yes, complimentary photos from your cruise are uploaded online for sharing afterwards.

Where does the boat depart from in Rockingham?

The boat departs from Val St Jetty in front of the Rockingham Cruising Yacht Club.

What’s included

Your day includes coach pickup from Perth or meeting at Val St Jetty in Rockingham, all snorkeling equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel), guidance from experienced local crew throughout your swim with wild dolphins in sheltered bays, plus lunch served onboard featuring gourmet seafood platters and sandwiches along with coffee or tea—and complimentary cruise photos uploaded online after your trip.