Tag Archives: Boat tour Tasmania

What is the best time of year to book a boat tour in Tasmania?

A Long-nosed Fur Seal at the colony on the Tasman Peninsula, southern Tasmania.

Don’t miss out on the magic: The best time of year to book a boat tour in Tasmania

Ahoy there! If you are looking to book a boat tour in Tasmania but can’t decide when to go, fear not! We’ve got you covered.

Firstly, let us just say that any time of year is special out on the water in Tasmania. Whether you’re cruising through calm seas on a sunny summer day or rugged up in a warm jacket watching the waves crash against the shore in the cooler months, there’s always something magical about being out on the open water.

But if you’re looking for some specific wildlife sightings or experiences, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Fur Seals

Seals can be guaranteed year round, so if you’re keen to see these cute critters lounging on the rocks or splashing around in the water, you’re in luck no matter when you book your tour.

If you’re after some particularly adorable seal action, November to December is breeding season, and pups are the most active from March to June. So if you want to catch some seal babies playing and learning to swim, those are the months to aim for.

A breaching Humpback Whale during its migration along the Tasmanian coast.

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales migrate north from Antarctica to their warmer breeding grounds along the Tasmanian coast from May to July and south from September to December. Southern Right Whales can be sighted with a bit of luck between June and November. So if you’re keen to witness these majestic creatures breaching and tail slapping, plan your tour accordingly.

Killer Whales and other rare whale species like Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Sei Whales and Minke Whales can pop up throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled for these elusive creatures. And if you’re lucky enough to spot them, make sure to snap some photos to show off to your jealous friends back home.

Bottlenose Dolphins putting on a show off the coast of the Tasman Peninsula.

Dolphins, sea birds & world class scenery

Let’s not forget about the dolphins and sea birds. Dolphins are always a thrill to watch as they play and swim alongside the boat, and Tasmania is home to a variety of sea bird species, like albatrosses, shearwaters and petrels. Keep your eyes on the skies and you might just spot one of these magnificent creatures soaring overhead.

But it’s not just about the wildlife – there’s some world-class scenery to explore as well. The caves and huge dolerite columns along the coast are truly awe-inspiring, and a boat tour is the perfect way to experience them up close.

A special appearance of a Royal Albatross, one of the largest birds in the world.

Book a boat tour in summer, autumn, winter or spring

So, to sum it up, there’s really no wrong time of year to book a boat tour in Tasmania. The southern coast is always stunning, the wildlife is plentiful and the natural features are awe-inspiring. Whether you’re visiting in summer, autumn, winter, or spring, you’re guaranteed a magical day out on the water.

But if you do have specific wildlife sightings or experiences in mind, be sure to plan your tour accordingly. Whether you’re after seal pups, migrating whales, or sea birds, there’s a time of year that’s just right for you.

So what are you waiting for? Book your boat tour today and experience the magic of Tasmania’s southern coast for yourself.

Special tip #1: If you prefer to leave your camera at home and enjoy the ride without worrying about taking photos yourself, you can purchase ocean wildlife imagery from our skipper on his photography website.

Special tip #2: The bright red sunsets in winter after our afternoon tours are incredible and make the perfect photo opportunities at the Pirates Bay jetty.