Triabunna: Maria Island and Ile Des Phoques Day Trip by Boat

If you’re considering a day trip from Triabunna to explore Tasmania’s breathtaking coastlines and wildlife, the Maria Island and Ile Des Phoques cruise might just be the adventure for you. This tour offers a chance to see some of Tasmania’s most dramatic landscapes, encounter native animals, and enjoy a relaxed day on the water—all bundled into about 7.5 hours.

What really makes this trip shine are the stunning vistas of Maria Island’s Painted Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs, and limestone sea caves, along with the chance to spot wildlife like dolphins, seals, and whales (season permitting). Plus, the onboard lunch and drinks are a big highlight, making it feel like a mini escape with good food and scenic views all around.

However, it’s worth noting that the Ile Des Phoques part of the trip depends on weather conditions—sometimes wind or swell might prevent visiting the island, and the tour might be replaced with a circumnavigation cruise instead. So, if you’re especially eager to visit Ile Des Phoques, it’s good to be flexible. This tour suits those who love nature, wildlife, and stunning coastlines, and are okay with being on a boat for a good chunk of the day.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Expect dramatic cliffs, caves, and mountain views from the water.
• Wildlife galore: Dolphins, seals, whales, and seabirds are often seen along the route.
• Comfortable boat experience: The vessel offers both open-air and enclosed options to suit your preference.
• Tasty onboard food: A healthy salad lunch with drinks is included, plus morning tea with cakes.
• Flexible itinerary: The visit to Ile Des Phoques may shift to a circumnavigation if weather isn’t suitable.
• Great guides and crew: Known for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into What You Can Expect

Meeting and Setting Off from Triabunna

The adventure begins at the Spirit of Maria café in Triabunna, a cozy spot where you can grab a coffee and breakfast before setting sail. The meeting point is well-organized, with ample parking and straightforward instructions. From here, you’ll meet your guide and board a comfortable speedboat designed for scenic cruising.

The Cruising Experience

Once aboard, the journey kicks off with morning tea—think cakes and hot drinks—setting a friendly, relaxed tone. As the boat glides away from the shore, you’ll be treated to views of Maria Island’s Painted Cliffs, known for their striking coloration, and the Fossil Cliffs, which hint at the island’s geological past. The boat’s design allows for flexible viewing—either from the open deck or inside if you prefer a break from the weather.

Expect to see spring-fed waterfalls, limestone caves, and towering cliffs—all in a single trip. The boat also cruises past the Bishop and Clerk Mountains, rising dramatically from the water, offering fantastic photo opportunities. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins, fur seals, and, season depending, whales. Many reviews mention dolphins playing around the boat or seals frolicking nearby, making for truly memorable wildlife encounters.

Visiting Maria Island’s Darlington

The boat anchors at Darlington on Maria Island, a historic town that was once a convict settlement. Here, you can opt for a guided walk exploring convict buildings, or just take some free time to enjoy the beaches or go for a dip. As one reviewer noted, they appreciated the chance to see wombats and pademelons in their natural habitat, which is a rare treat.

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The Ile Des Phoques Alternative

The trip’s highlight can be a visit to Ile Des Phoques, a remote island about 30 minutes from Maria Island. The cruise offers a chance to explore this island, which is home to sea lions and seals, according to reviews. However, weather conditions can impact this part of the tour—if the swell or wind is too strong, the visit might be replaced with a circumnavigation cruise around Maria Island instead. This flexibility is vital, as safety comes first.

Lunch and Refreshments

The onboard lunch is a healthy salad bowl offering a choice of chicken breast, smoked salmon, roast beef, or vegetarian/vegan options. It’s served while anchored, which means you can enjoy your meal with lovely views and a gentle sea breeze. Many guests rave about the quality of the food, finding it fresh, tasty, and well-portioned.

Complementing the meal, you’ll find a wide selection of drinks—including water, tea, coffee, orange juice, soda water, soft drinks, wine, and beer—all complimentary. This makes for a very relaxing, social atmosphere, especially when paired with the stunning scenery.

The Return and Additional Activities

After lunch, you’ll have some time on Maria Island to explore or relax before heading back. Many reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides who shared interesting facts about local wildlife and history, adding depth to the experience.

The speedboat ride back offers a final chance for wildlife sightings and scenic views along the coast. Some reviewers mention how the crew worked hard to adapt the tour to weather conditions, which made the experience enjoyable regardless of the day’s challenges.

How Does It Compare in Value?

Considering the length of the tour, the inclusion of meals and drinks, and the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural settings, many travelers find this trip offers excellent value. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and friendly crew, emphasizing how these personal touches elevate the experience.

While the trip isn’t cheap, it’s a full day packed with activities, stunning scenery, and wildlife encounters that are hard to replicate in a single tour. If your goal is a memorable, all-around Tasmanian coastal adventure, this tour hits the mark.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who love nature, wildlife, and scenic water cruises. It’s ideal for those who want to see Tasmania’s coast from the water, enjoy good food, and learn about local wildlife and history in a relaxed setting. Since it involves being on a boat for several hours, it’s better suited to those comfortable with marine environments and motion.

If you’re traveling with someone interested in wildlife photography or coastal geology, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also a good choice for those who value guided insights but prefer to explore at their own pace. This tour isn’t specifically tailored for families with very young children, but older kids may enjoy the wildlife and scenic boat ride.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with motion sickness?
Travelers prone to motion sickness should consider taking precautions, as the boat ride can be affected by wind and swell, especially if they’re sensitive to movement.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, and cash for additional drinks or souvenirs are recommended. The boat provides some shelter, but layered clothing helps in changing weather.

Can I buy extra drinks on board?
Yes, additional drinks are available for purchase during lunch, including wine and beer.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If weather conditions prevent visiting Ile Des Phoques, the tour will be replaced with a Maria Island circumnavigation cruise, focusing on the island’s coastlines and wildlife instead.

How long do I have on Maria Island?
You’ll have some free time after anchoring for exploring or relaxing, and there’s also the option of a guided tour of Darlington.

Is the food suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available, including a healthy salad bowl with various toppings.

Can I see whales on this tour?
Whale sightings depend on the season and luck, but some reviews mention seeing whales during their trip.

How many people typically join this tour?
While the exact group size varies, reviews suggest it’s a comfortable experience, often with friendly groups, and the guides keep the atmosphere engaging but relaxed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a blend of wildlife encounters, scenic geology, and delicious food in Tasmania, this cruise from Triabunna is a top contender. It offers a chance to see iconic sights like the Painted Cliffs and seals, coupled with a comfortable boat experience and expert guides. The flexible itinerary, especially regarding Ile Des Phoques, shows a commitment to safety and quality.

This trip is especially good for those who enjoy nature and wildlife photography, want an immersive day on the water, and appreciate local stories and geology. The consistent high ratings and glowing reviews indicate that most travelers walk away with memorable stories and stunning photos.

However, remember that weather can influence the experience, particularly the visit to Ile Des Phoques. If your trip is weather-dependent, keep a little flexibility in your plans. This is a well-loved choice for those wanting to explore Tasmania’s coast in a relaxed, engaging way.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a geology fan, or simply in need of a scenic escape, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day out that’s hard to beat in Tasmania.

You can check availability for your dates here: