Updated in November 2026, this Phillip Island Seal Cruise guide covers ticket prices, departure times, parking, accessibility and what to see.
The Phillip Island Seal Cruise is a 2-hour catamaran cruise from Cowes Jetty to Seal Rocks, two kilometres off the rugged south-west coast of Phillip Island, Victoria. Seal Rocks is home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony, with an average of more than 5,000 seals sighted. You can book through Viator before you travel. As of November 2026, the cruise leaves daily at 2:00 pm all year, with extra cruises in peak periods, and an adult ticket costs $115. Spring brings the arrival of bull seals.
Quick facts for the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure point | Cowes Jetty, 11-13 The Esplanade, Cowes, Victoria 3922 |
| Departure time | Daily at 14:00 all year. Extra cruises in peak periods |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Check-in | 30 minutes before departure. Boarding starts 15 minutes before |
| Adult | $115 |
| Concession | $105 |
| Child (3 to 15) | $80 |
| Infant (0 to 2) | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | $332 |
| Included | Tea, coffee and cake on board, and commentary |
| Phone | (03) 5952 9500 |
Why book tickets for the Phillip Island Seal Cruise?
- 🦭 More than 5,000 seals: The boat drifts within metres of Australia’s largest fur seal colony.
- 🐾 Curious seals: The seals often approach the boat for a closer look at you.
- 🌊 A scenic coastline cruise: You learn about the history of Phillip Island’s western shoreline along the way.
- ☕ Refreshments included: Tea and coffee are free on board, with cake on the return leg.
- ☂️ Undercover viewing: The vessel has undercover seating and a licensed bar.
Ticket prices for the Phillip Island Seal Cruise – and how to book
All prices are in Australian dollars.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $115 |
| Concession | $105 |
| Child (3 to 15) | $80 |
| Infant (0 to 2) | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | $332 |
Companion Card and Carer Card holders receive discounted tickets, so contact the office to book. Infants must be added to your booking and supervised by an adult at all times. Cruises run subject to minimum numbers and weather. Booking direct carries no booking fees or surcharges. You can book through Viator before you travel.
Departure times for the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
The cruise leaves Cowes Jetty every day at 14:00, all year. Extra cruises run during peak periods. Weekday and weekend times are the same. Arrive 30 minutes before departure, because cruises leave on time.
| Item | Time |
|---|---|
| Daily cruise | 14:00 all year |
| Extra cruises | Peak periods only |
| Check-in | 30 minutes before departure |
| Boarding | 15 minutes before departure |
The ticketing office is the white domed building, and boarding is at the end of Cowes Jetty. Call (03) 5952 9500 if you are running late.
How to get to the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
The cruise departs from Cowes Jetty at 11-13 The Esplanade in Cowes, the main town on Phillip Island. By car, follow the Esplanade to the jetty car park. Several bus tours include this cruise, and Local Way Tours offers Melbourne pick-up for its tours.
Parking for the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
A car park is beside the jetty on the Esplanade at Cowes. During school holidays and weekends, allow extra time for parking at the departure location. Arrive 30 minutes early to leave margin for unexpected delays.
How long to spend on the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
Allow two hours for the cruise, plus 30 minutes for parking and check-in. The boat drifts beside Seal Rocks for a good part of the trip. The cruise suits a morning or afternoon out.
Accessibility on the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
Not all vessels have wheelchair access, and boarding at Cowes Jetty involves up to 15 steps to the boarding platform. Contact the office before booking if a passenger needs wheelchair access. There is ample room for prams and walkers on board, and the boarding ramp takes standard sizes. Some areas of the vessel are reachable only by stairs.
Only service or assistance dogs are allowed on board. All vessels have standard marine toilets, and the Brianna Lee has a wheelchair-accessible toilet. A social story PDF helps guests prepare for the cruise.
What to see on the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
Seal Rocks. The boat drifts within metres of the seals on the rocky islands. An average of more than 5,000 Australian fur seals are sighted.
The seal behaviour. In spring, bull seals arrive and claim territory, causing audible fights between rival males. Females head out on long foraging trips.
The coastline. The route follows Phillip Island’s coast, and guides explain its history. Beaches and headlands pass by on the way.
The seabirds. Crested terns and sooty oystercatchers are among the seabirds you can see. Look for dolphins, penguins and whales in season.
The onboard commentary. A guide explains marine mammals and their habitat. The catamaran has indoor and outdoor viewing decks.
The refreshments. Tea and coffee are free, and cake is served on the return trip. A licensed bar takes Eftpos payments.
Practical visitor tips for the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book ahead | Cruises run subject to minimum numbers. Book tickets in advance to secure your seat. |
| Take seasickness tablets | The cruise travels into open waters, so vessel motion can occur. |
| Bring a jacket | Conditions are always cooler on the water. Bring sunglasses, a hat and a camera. |
| Leave drones and pole cameras behind | Drones and underwater cameras on poles are not allowed on public cruises. |
| Check the front deck rule | The bow is restricted to passengers over 1 metre tall. |
Frequently asked questions about the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What time does the cruise leave? | The cruise leaves Cowes Jetty daily at 14:00 all year, with extra cruises in peak periods. |
| How much does a ticket cost? | Adults pay $115, concession holders $105 and children aged 3 to 15 pay $80. A family ticket costs $332. |
| Should I take seasickness tablets? | Yes. The cruise travels into open waters, so the venue recommends tablets from a local chemist. |
| Can infants come on the cruise? | Yes. Children under 3 are free but must be added to the booking and supervised at all times. |
| Do I need to book in advance? | You can book direct online or in person, and advance booking is recommended for busy school holidays. |
Things to do near the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
Penguin Parade: A viewing area where little penguins come ashore at Summerland Beach on Phillip Island.
The Nobbies: A coastal boardwalk with blowholes and views of Seal Rocks on Phillip Island.
Churchill Island Heritage Farm: A working heritage farm on a small island linked to Phillip Island by a bridge.
Koala Conservation Centre: A koala reserve with boardwalks on Phillip Island.
Cowes Beach: A sheltered town beach beside the Esplanade in Cowes.
Alternatives to the Phillip Island Seal Cruise
Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise: An amphibious boat cruise to Skull Rock from Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Moonlit Sanctuary: A wildlife conservation park at Pearcedale on the Mornington Peninsula.
Arthurs Seat Eagle: A gondola ride to the summit of Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula.
Healesville Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary in the Yarra Valley at Healesville.
Melbourne Zoo: A zoo in Parkville, close to the centre of Melbourne.
More Victoria travel
Other Victoria travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Lorne attraction guides: Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne Beach and Sheoak Falls.
- Why it’s worth stopping at Eagles Neck near Inverloch in Gippsland.
- The best places to see penguins in Victoria.
- The best walks at Cape Schanck: How to get to the lighthouse and the Bushrangers Bay Track on the Mornington Peninsula.
Dromana Beach, Mornington Peninsula: What makes it worth visiting?
