Cape Woolamai Cruise
Tours & tickets

Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 5 marine experiences from 18 reviewed.

Open today 10:45–11:45
Attendance: Moderate — spring shoulder season
Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to departure.
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Tickets

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Seal Rocks Wildlife Cruise from Philip Island 2 hr
Standard Entry

Seal Rocks Wildlife Cruise from Philip Island

★ 4.8 (234)
€71
per person
Instant Mobile voucher Flexible — change up to 24h

Two-hour boat trip to observe a colony of more than 7,000 fur seals in their natural habitat

Reserve
Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise 3 hr
Standard Entry

Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

★ 4.6 (82)
€83
per person
Instant Mobile voucher Flexible — change up to 24h

Three-hour winter voyage along dramatic coastal cliffs searching for migrating whales and playful dolphins

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Prices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.

What you'll do

Inside a tour, step by step

  1. 01 15 mins

    Boarding

    Check-in at San Remo Jetty and board the catamaran.

  2. 02 15 mins

    Coastal Transit

    Cruise from San Remo towards the dramatic Cape Woolamai coastline.

  3. 03 30 mins

    Scenic Sightseeing

    View granite cliffs, sea caves, and search for fur seals and seabirds.

Highlights

What you'll see inside the attraction

The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on this tour remember — all visible on a single visit.

Granite Cliffs

Towering 110-metre high cliffs that define the landscape of Cape Woolamai. This geological feature is millions of years old.

Sea Caves

Discover the hidden caves carved into the coastline by the ocean. These are best viewed from the comfort of the vessel.

Fur Seal Colony

Observe Australian fur seals basking on the rocky outcrops of Phillip Island. These animals are common sights on our morning routes.

Aquamarine Waters

Enjoy the clarity of the turquoise water surrounding the cape. The contrast against the granite makes for perfect photography.

Local Wildlife

Spot diverse seabirds including gannets, sea eagles, and albatross. The area is a haven for coastal biodiversity.

Head to head

Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise vs. Seal Rocks Wildlife Cruise — Selecting Your Phillip Island Experience

The cape woolamai morning cruise offers dramatic granite cliff vistas, whereas the Seal Rocks tour prioritizes high-density marine mammal observations. Both Phillip Island landmarks provide unique maritime perspectives, but visitors favoring geological scale over wildlife interaction should choose the former.

Feature Top pick Cape Woolamai Cruise Seal Rocks Cruise
Primary Focus
Seal colony observation
Duration
2 hours
Marine Life Density
High (Australian fur seals)
Coastal Scenery
Moderate (coastal shoreline)
Best For
Family wildlife viewing

Verdict: Securing cape woolamai morning cruise tickets provides a focused scenic experience, while those seeking extended wildlife encounters often prefer the Seal Rocks tour; prospective guests should review the cape woolamai morning cruise tours alongside alternative departures to finalize their itinerary.

How your ticket works

Book your ticket in 3 steps

  1. 01

    Book online

    Choose your ticket, select your date, and reserve in under two minutes. Secure checkout handled by our verified partner.

  2. 02

    Receive your mobile voucher

    Instant confirmation by email, with a mobile voucher you can save offline. No printing, no queuing at a collection desk.

  3. 03

    Show & enter

    Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.

Plan your visit

Everything you need to know before you go

Practical details for your visit straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.

Open today · 10:45–11:45
Operating Hours
Wed/Sun: 10:45–11:45
Address
San Remo Jetty, 170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925, Australia
Accessibility
Vessel has indoor/outdoor seating; some jetty boarding involves steps
Best Arrival Window
10:45–10:45 (Board 15 mins prior)
Bags/Security
Light bags permitted; check size with operator
Navigation
Located at San Remo Jetty base of Phillip Island bridge
Mon
Closed
Tue
Closed
Wed
10:45–11:45
Thu
Closed
Fri
Closed
Sat
Closed
Sun
10:45–11:45
Closed on: Every Monday (Weekly closure), Every Tuesday (Weekly closure), Every Thursday (Weekly closure), Every Friday (Weekly closure), Every Saturday (Weekly closure), Dec 25 (Christmas Day)
Main entrance

San Remo Jetty

170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925

Boarding commences 15 minutes before departure.

Address
San Remo Jetty, 170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925, Australia
Bags/Security
Light bags permitted; check size with operator
Navigation
Located at San Remo Jetty base of Phillip Island bridge

How to get there

🚗
Car · N/A · Free

Free parking is available on Marine Parade and at the San Remo Jetty.

Dress code

Casual and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. We advise bringing a jacket or layers, as it is often cooler on the water even during warmer months.

Bags & security

Small personal bags are permitted on board. Ensure all your belongings are secure and keep them with you throughout the cape woolamai morning cruise.

Photography

Photography is encouraged on the cape woolamai morning cruise to capture the granite cliffs and marine wildlife. Please ensure your gear is secure while on the open deck.

Accessibility

While the operator endeavors to provide access for all abilities, please note that some jetty boarding locations may require navigating up to 15 steps. Contact the operator regarding specific vessel accessibility.

What to bring

  • Digital voucher
  • Photo ID
  • Camera
  • Warm layers
  • Water bottle
  • Keep Cup
  • Sun protection

Not allowed

  • BYO alcohol
  • Weapons
  • Illegal substances
  • Large suitcases
  • Drones
  • Excessive luggage
  • Sharp objects
  • Feeding marine life
  • Flash photography (if restricted)

Families & strollers

The cape woolamai morning cruise is a family-friendly experience. Toy boxes and activity sheets are provided on board to entertain children during the trip.

Food & drink

The cruise includes light refreshments such as tea, coffee, and cake. A licensed bar is also available on board for additional beverage purchases.

Meeting point

Where to find us

San Remo Jetty

170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925

Boarding commences 15 minutes before departure.

Get directions
Around your visit

Everything else worth knowing

Best time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.

Best time to visit

How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.

Spring

Mild temperatures; excellent for spotting active seals and seasonal seabird colonies.

Summer

Warmest weather; ideal for clear views of the turquoise waters and cliff formations.

Autumn

Cooler winds; great for bird watching and quieter cruises.

Winter

Cooler temperatures; sightings of migrating whales and dolphins are possible.

Helpful tips for your visit

Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.

Motion Sickness

If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions as the cruise enters open waters.

Book Early

Secure your cape woolamai morning cruise tickets in advance to ensure availability during peak seasons.

Watch the Pelicans

After your cruise, head to the beach at San Remo to watch the daily pelican feeding.

Layer Your Clothes

Even on sunny days, the sea breeze can be chilly; bring a windproof jacket.

Stay Informed

Check your email for any updates from the operator regarding sea conditions or departure changes.

Bring a Camera

The views of the granite cliffs provide excellent photo opportunities throughout the tour.

Nearby landmarks

Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.

San Remo Pelican Feeding

1 min

Daily feeding event hosted by local fishermen at the beach.

Phillip Island Bridge

2 mins

Connects the mainland to Phillip Island, offering great vantage points.

George Bass Coastal Walk

10 mins

Extensive walking track showcasing rugged Bass Strait scenery.

Cancellation policy

Flexible, no hidden fees.

Full refund available for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Bookings canceled within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.

Where to stay

Hotels & districts near the attraction

Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.

San Remo Hotel

5 mins
mid-range

Local pub-style accommodation near the jetty.

Coastal View Motel

5 mins
mid-range

Convenient lodging located in the heart of San Remo.

About

The place, in context

Cape Woolamai's granite headland rises 107 metres above Westernport Bay, the southernmost point of Phillip Island's rugged coastline. The cape was named by George Bass during his 1798 whaleboat expedition, borrowing from the Dharawal word 'Woolamai' for snapper fish abundant in these waters. For two centuries, the headland served as a navigation marker for vessels threading the narrow entrance between San Remo and Newhaven, its white cliffs visible from fifteen nautical miles in clear conditions. Today the cape anchors a marine ecosystem that supports Australian fur seals, short-beaked echidnas along the dune systems, and seasonal migrations of humpback whales between May and November. The granite platform extends underwater for 400 metres, creating upwelling currents that concentrate plankton and baitfish. Bottlenose dolphins patrol the kelp beds year-round. The ocean side of the headland faces Bass Strait's unbroken Southern Ocean swells, while the bay side offers sheltered waters where morning light catches the sandstone layers of the Punchbowl formation. Marine access to Cape Woolamai departs from San Remo Jetty, a timber structure first built in 1937 to service the fishing fleet that supplied Melbourne's wholesale markets. The modern jetty handles both commercial fishing vessels and recreational craft. Wildlife Coast Cruises operates scheduled morning departures on Wednesday and Sunday at 10:45, returning to the jetty by 11:45. The one-hour route follows the western shoreline of Phillip Island, passing the tidal flats of Rhyll Inlet before rounding Churchill Island and heading south toward the cape. Passengers receive light refreshments on deck. The vessel holds a maximum of forty passengers, ensuring sightlines from all positions. The cape's ecology shifts with the seasons. Winter months bring whale calves on their northward journey to subtropical calving grounds. Spring sees mutton bird colonies returning to burrows excavated in the headland's clay slopes. Summer easterlies create surface chop that reveals schools of Australian salmon chasing whitebait into the shallows. Autumn offers the calmest conditions, with morning fog banks lifting by mid-morning to expose the full profile of the granite cliffs. The cruise route passes within 200 metres of the cape's base, close enough to observe the horizontal stratification in the rock face and the salt-pruned coastal scrub clinging to ledges above the high-tide mark.

"The granite platform extends underwater for 400 metres, creating upwelling currents that concentrate plankton and baitfish."
Your experience

What a tour day looks like

A step-by-step walkthrough of the visit — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.

You board at San Remo Jetty fifteen minutes before the 10:45 departure, stepping from the timber planks onto the vessel's aft deck. The crew briefs you on lifejacket locations and points out the binoculars mounted at three stations along the rail. As the boat clears the jetty's pilings, you move to the starboard side where morning light illuminates the Phillip Island shoreline. The vessel follows the coast northwest past Rhyll, where you watch wading birds working the exposed mudflats at low tide. Churchill Island appears to port, its Norfolk pines marking the historic farm site. The captain throttles down as you round the southern tip, and the granite face of Cape Woolamai fills the forward view. You count four distinct color bands in the cliff — rust, grey, cream, white — each layer representing a separate geological episode. Dolphins surface sixty metres off the bow. You track their dorsals as they angle toward the kelp line, then disappear beneath the boat. A crew member distributes tea and biscuits from an insulated carafe. You finish the refreshments as the vessel turns back toward San Remo, the cape receding into the haze behind you. The return leg takes twenty-five minutes. You disembark at 11:45, stepping back onto the jetty with salt spray drying on your jacket sleeves.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about cape woolamai morning cruise tours

What are the opening hours for the cape woolamai morning cruise?

The cruise operates on Wednesdays and Sundays, with departures at 10:45 AM. Boarding begins at 10:45 AM, 15 minutes prior to the 10:45 AM departure.

Is the cape woolamai morning cruise wheelchair accessible?

Not all vessels are fully wheelchair accessible and boarding may involve up to 15 steps at the jetty. We recommend contacting the operator directly regarding specific accessibility needs.

Can I bring my own food or drinks on the cape woolamai morning cruise?

Complimentary tea, coffee, and cake are provided on the cape woolamai morning cruise. A licensed bar is available on board, but outside alcohol is prohibited.

What should I bring for my cape woolamai morning cruise tour?

We recommend bringing a camera, a warm jacket, sun protection, and your digital booking confirmation. Don't forget a water bottle and a Keep Cup.

Are children allowed on the cape woolamai morning cruise?

Yes, children are welcome on the cape woolamai morning cruise, provided they are supervised by an adult at all times.

What happens if the cape woolamai morning cruise is cancelled?

If the cruise is cancelled by the operator, you can reschedule or request a full refund. Please contact the office to discuss these options.

Do I need to book my cape woolamai morning cruise tickets in advance?

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your cape woolamai morning cruise tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot on the catamaran.

Where does the cape woolamai morning cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the San Remo Jetty, located at 170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925.

Can I see wildlife on the cape woolamai morning cruise?

Yes, passengers on the cape woolamai morning cruise frequently spot Australian fur seals, seabirds, and occasionally dolphins along the coastline.