Port Arthur: Tasman Island Cruise & Sea Cliffs

Three Hours on the Tasman Peninsula's Highest Cliffs

You board at Port Arthur, ride a short bus to the boat, then spend three hours cruising the Tasman Peninsula's highest sea cliffs while watching for seals, dolphins and sea eagles. The boat operates in all weather, and waterproof jackets are provided. You're back by early afternoon, having seen the Southern Hemisphere's most dramatic vertical coastline without arranging your own transport or timing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tasman Island Cruise and Sea Cliffs

• Depart from Port Arthur
• View Tasman Island Lighthouse and haulage way
• Observe highest sea cliffs in Southern Hemisphere
• See sea caves and wildlife like seals and dolphins
• Return to Port Arthur

The experience

"You'll want to hold on once we round that point," the skipper says as you board, and you realize the three-hour Tasman Island cruise isn't going to be a gentle float. The boat leaves Port Arthur heading toward Eaglehawk Neck, and within minutes the water opens up and the cliffs start. They rise straight up: the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, and you can feel the scale of them before your brain catches up to what you're looking at. The boat moves close enough that you see the texture of the rock, the way the light hits the layers, the small ledges where seabirds nest.

Most of the three hours is spent moving along the coastline, stopping near deep sea caves where the water changes color and the sound echoes differently. You'll see seals hauled out on rocks, dolphins if you're lucky (and the water's calm enough), sea eagles overhead, and albatross that look impossibly large until they're right beside the boat. The Tasman Island Lighthouse sits on a narrow strip of land with a haulage way (a system they used to haul supplies up the cliff before a proper path existed), and the guide points out how isolated it must have been. The wind picks up as you go, which is why they give you a full-length waterproof and windproof jacket before you leave. You'll need it. The boat operates in all weather, so dress in layers underneath.

Arrival is 9:15am at the departure point for a briefing, then a short bus ride down to where the boat waits. The whole thing (briefing, bus, three hours on the water, return) takes most of a morning, and you're back by early afternoon. If you're traveling with an infant, they sit on an adult's lap. Service animals come along. The guide is local and knows the water, the wildlife patterns, and which caves are worth the detour.

What’s included

Your morning includes a 9:15am arrival for briefing, a short bus ride to the boat, a three-hour guided cruise along the Tasman Peninsula's highest sea cliffs with stops at deep sea caves and Tasman Island Lighthouse, a full-length waterproof and windproof jacket, and return transport to Port Arthur by early afternoon. A local guide leads the cruise and points out wildlife, rock formations, and the historic lighthouse haulage way.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:15 and 13:15

Book up to8h before

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

GroupUp to 43 · max 9 per booking

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Southern Hemisphere's highest vertical sea cliffs and wildlife without driving yourself or timing multiple stops: the fixed departure and three-hour window fit into a single morning, and the boat operates year-round regardless of weather.

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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 time does the cruise depart?

Arrive at 9:15am for a briefing. The boat departs after a short bus ride to the departure point.

How long is the Tasman Island cruise?

Three hours on the water, including stops at sea caves and Tasman Island Lighthouse.

What wildlife might I see?

Seals, dolphins, sea eagles, and albatross. Wildlife sightings depend on weather and water conditions.

What's included in the price?

The three-hour cruise, a local guide, waterproof and windproof jacket, and the bus transfer to the boat.

Does the cruise run every day?

Yes, daily except Christmas Day, all year round.

What should I wear?

Warm layers underneath. A full-length waterproof and windproof jacket is provided. The boat operates in all weather conditions.

Is this suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No. Ship arrival times don't align with the daily schedule. Contact the office directly for alternative options.