Seal Island Cruise, 45 Minutes

Victor Harbor: Seal Island Cruise

★ 4.7 112 reviews

from $38 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates and availability. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 45 minutes
Meeting point: Granite Island Causeway, Victor Harbor
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Big Duck Boat Tours

Overview

The boat runs along the north coast of Granite Island, past the route of the old horse-drawn tramway and the historic Screwpile Jetty, then rounds the breakwater into the open Southern Ocean. Roughly five minutes later you reach Seal Island, also called Seal Rock, where New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions bask in the sun.

The boat holds station near the island while the seals do their thing. One reviewer reported seeing a large pod of dolphins alongside the seals and sea lions.

After about 15 minutes of wildlife watching around Seal Island and Wright Island, the boat cruises back to the causeway to disembark. The trip suits families with children aged two and up, wildlife watchers after a short outing on the water, and anyone curious about the Fleurieu Peninsula coastline from the sea. Live commentary runs throughout, and spray jackets, life jackets and an on board bathroom are provided. It is not recommended for pregnant women, since conditions on the Southern Ocean can be bumpy with swell and chop.

Small boat off Granite Island at Victor Harbor with seals on the rocks.

What's Included

Included

45-minute scenic cruise
Spray jacket
Life jacket
Live commentary
On board bathroom

Itinerary

Meet at Granite Island CausewayCheck in at The Big Duck Boat Tours, Granite Island Causeway, Victor Harbor SA 5211.
Cruise the north coastThe boat follows the north coast of Granite Island, passing the route of the old horse-drawn tramway and the historic Screwpile Jetty, then rounds the breakwater into open ocean.
Cross to Seal IslandAfter about 5 minutes in open water the boat arrives at Seal Island, also known as Seal Rock.
Wildlife watchingThe boat stays stationary while passengers view New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions. The crew spends 15 minutes around Seal Island and Wright Island, with petrels, shearwaters, cormorants and sometimes dolphins in the area.
Return and disembarkThe boat cruises back to the Granite Island Causeway at Victor Harbor, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A short, salt-sprayed boat trip on the Southern Ocean, with wildlife viewing from a stationary vessel and commentary from the crew. Here is what to know before booking.

$38 from, per person

45 minutes duration

4.7 across 112 guest reviews

Bring and wear. The operator advises a camera, binoculars if you want them, and weather-appropriate clothing. A spray jacket and life jacket are provided on board.
Ocean conditions. The cruise runs on the Southern Ocean, where swell and chop can make conditions bumpy at times. One reviewer noted calm seas on their day, but that depends on the weather. Anyone prone to seasickness should plan accordingly.
Commentary and crew. Live commentary runs for the whole trip. Many reviewers described the guides and skipper as friendly and full of knowledge about the environment and wildlife.
Pace and length. The whole outing is 45 minutes, with roughly 15 minutes of that spent at Seal Island and Wright Island. One reviewer said they learnt a lot during the ride.
Children and access. The minimum age is 2 years old, so young children can join. Pets are not allowed. One reviewer said the crew manoeuvred the boat so everyone had a chance at good photos.
Weather changes. Routes are subject to change depending on weather conditions and where the wildlife is located. The crew adjusts the plan on the day, so the exact route may differ from trip to trip.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. The main limitations come from the ocean itself. The trip is not recommended for pregnant women because of possible swell and chop, and routes can change with weather and wildlife movements, so nothing about the route is guaranteed. Wildlife sightings are likely but variable, and dolphins in particular are not promised.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the 45-minute scenic cruise, a spray jacket, a life jacket, live commentary and an on board bathroom. No exclusions are stated. You make your own way to the departure point.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the booking page if you need transport. Travellers need to arrange their own transport to the causeway.

Can Children Join The Cruise?

Yes, the minimum age is 2 years old. The trip lasts 45 minutes, and reviewers described it as good fun with plenty to see.

What Wildlife Will I See?

New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions bask at Seal Island, and the seals often swim over to inspect the stationary boat. Petrels, shearwaters and cormorants are around the island, and dolphins are sometimes seen as a bonus. Sightings depend on conditions on the day.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Also note the operator may change routes due to weather and wildlife locations.