Wineglass Bay Cruise: Freycinet Coast & Wildlife Lunch

Summary

Wildlife spotting and coastal colors on a wineglass bay cruise

You’ll board at Coles Bay for a 4.5-hour cruise along Freycinet’s wild coastline, watching for dolphins and seals as your local guide shares stories and points out hidden coves. Enjoy lunch on deck while drifting past Wineglass Bay’s white sands. Expect fresh air, some laughter, and a new way to see Tasmania’s east coast.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how blue everything looked — not just the sky, but the water off Coles Bay, almost glassy except for the wake behind our boat. The Schouten Passage II isn’t huge, but it felt steady. Our guide (I think her name was Anna?) started pointing out these granite cliffs that looked pinkish in the morning light. Someone next to me said they’d never seen rocks that color before. I kept running my fingers along the rail — cold metal, a little salty from sea spray.

We drifted past beaches so white they almost hurt your eyes. The wind picked up around the headland and you could smell eucalyptus somewhere — or maybe it was just my brain mixing things up with all the green hills behind us. Anna told us to watch for dolphins and sure enough, two popped up near the bow and everyone scrambled for their phones. I almost missed them because I was too busy staring at this one cormorant drying its wings like it owned the place.

Lunch came in these simple boxes (I’d picked vegetarian). Nothing fancy but honestly, eating outside with that view of Wineglass Bay made even a sandwich taste special. There was this moment where everyone went quiet, just listening to waves slap against the hull and gulls somewhere overhead. I didn’t expect to feel so calm out there — maybe it’s something about being surrounded by all that space and color.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Freycinet Peninsula Wineglass Bay Cruise

• Depart from Coles Bay
• Cruise along Freycinet coastline
• View Wineglass Bay from water
• Spot birds, dolphins, seals, whales
• Return to Coles Bay

Top questions

How long is the Wineglass Bay cruise from Coles Bay?

The cruise lasts approximately 4.5 hours from departure at Coles Bay.

Is lunch included on the Wineglass Bay cruise?

Yes, lunch is included if you select that option when booking.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and restrooms are wheelchair accessible onboard.

Are infants allowed on this Wineglass Bay cruise?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; infant meals aren’t included so bring snacks or lunch for them.

Will we see wildlife during the cruise?

You may spot dolphins, seals, birdlife, and sometimes migrating whales along the Freycinet coast.

Where does the Wineglass Bay cruise depart from?

The tour departs from Coles Bay in Tasmania.

What’s included

Your day includes a 4.5-hour coastal cruise from Coles Bay with live commentary by a local guide, lunch if selected when booking, plus wheelchair-accessible facilities onboard including restrooms—just let them know any dietary needs in advance.