MORETON ISLAND ECO MARINE SAFARI CRUISE AND SNORKEL

Your Day At A Glance

Escape for a day off the beaten track with Dolphin Wild Island Cruises and find out why Moreton Island is one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets. 

Our carefully curated bespoke eco-cruises offer an unforgettable encounter with nature at it’s finest, immersing your senses in the splendour and serenity of magnificent Moreton Island. 

Our cruises depart from the Newport Marina on the Redcliff Peninsular, which is just a 45-minute drive from the Brisbane CBD. Once departed from the marina, we’ll have you at Moreton Island in just 50 minutes. On all our tours, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Tangalooma Wrecks, take your time exploring pristine, white sandy beaches, and encounter an abundance of incredible marine life, such as dolphins, turtles, dugongs and schools of colourful reef fish.

 Your relaxing aquatic adventure with Dolphin Wild Island Cruises is a fun-filled day of island exploration. Your morning begins with a leisurely cruise across to the island, followed by an optional guided snorkel through the colourful coral gardens adorning the intriguing Tangalooma Shipwrecks, including use of all snorkelling equipment. A delicious and nutritious freshly prepared lunch is then served onboard our beautiful 22-metre catamaran, followed by plenty of free time to explore the soft, sandy shores of pristine Moreton Island. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on an informative and educational eco-safari cruise to spot wildlife in the crystal-clear waters of Moreton Bay Marine Park, before beginning our relaxing return cruise back to the mainland. We also provide a delicious morning and afternoon tea onboard, as well as complimentary tea, coffee and water throughout the day.

Boarding for your full-day adventure begins at 7:30am, returning to the marina at approximately 4:00pm. 

Join us on a memory-making and sustainable voyage of discovery with the knowledgeable and experienced team at Dolphin Wild Island Cruises. 

Cruising To Moreton Island

On arrival at Newport Marina, please make your way to the Dolphin Wild gate for boarding. You will be welcomed aboard our beautiful vessel by our friendly crew, who will make you feel instantly at ease with free tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival, as you settle in for your epic day of adventure. For a detailed audio orientation to our vessel, please refer to the Dolphin Wild Island Cruises – Overview audio guide. 

As we begin our cruise to Moreton Island, the dramatic peaks of the beautiful Glass House Mountains will appear to your left, and the coastline of the Redcliffe Peninsula extends to your right. Birds, dolphins and other marine life are often spotted as we undertake the 50-minute cruise to Moreton Island. In the winter months, you are also likely to encounter migrating humpback whales – un awe-inspiring experience to behold! 

This morning we’re cruising through the protected waters of the Moreton Bay Marine Park to Moreton Island, to show you the pristine natural environment of the world’s 3rd largest sand island, only second to Fraser Island and North Stradbroke.  

We acknowledge the Traditional owners of the land and waters we are visiting - the Quandamooka People.

Moreton Island, a place of rich cultural and ecological significance, is home to the Quandamooka People, the traditional custodians of this land. For countless generations, the Quandamooka have maintained a deep connection with the island, weaving their stories, traditions, and wisdom into the very fabric of this unique environment.

As we embark on this journey of discovery get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and biodiversity of Moreton Island, or known by its Aboriginal name Mulgumpin, meaning place of sand hills. 

On the cruise over, those participating in the optional Tangalooma Wrecks snorkelling experience will receive a snorkel briefing and will need to sign a snorkel waiver in preparation for their morning aquatic adventure. 

Snorkelling The Tangalooma Wrecks

On arrival at Moreton Island, its time to don your snorkel gear and dive in and explore the spectacular underwater world of the Tangalooma Shipwrecks. You will be accompanied by our team of expert guides.

The Tangalooma Wrecks are a series of 15 hulks (or boats) that were scuttled (or sunk) here by the Queensland Government between 1963 to 1984. They were placed here for a mixture of reasons, including reef generation, and creating a wave break and providing safe anchorage for recreational boats. These days, the rusty outlines of the semi-submerged sand dredges and barges protrude in a crooked line from the glistening jade waters just off the island’s sandy shore. But concealed beneath the water’s surface is an incredible underwater ecosystem awaiting your exploration. 

As you immerse your face in the refreshing waters and embrace the serenity of the silence beneath the surface, you will discover that the ship’s skeletons now support an enchanting garden of vibrantly coloured hard and soft corals, teaming with marine life who’ve found refuge in the ships’ shelter. 

As you snorkel the clear waters, you’ll be swimming in the company of a plethora of tropical and sub-tropical fish, wobbegongs, rays and sea turtles. It’s a magical underwater playground for marine life and snorkellers alike. Highlights include the magnificent Coral Gardens and the swim-through ‘Fish Tank’ of the Remora, which was split in half during it’s scuttling. 

Your Tangalooma Wrecks snorkel experience will last for around 50 minutes and will require you to swim approximately 600 metres. You must wear a wetsuit for your own protection, and all snorkel equipment is provided. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. 

For those who aren’t snorkelling, our sun-drenched decks provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquillity and natural beauty of your surroundings. 

Island Time

Following your snorkelling adventure (or relaxed morning aboard the boat), the alluring aroma of freshly baked bread signals the serving of lunch. Our crew lays out a delicious spread of meats and fresh salads, with vegan and vegetarian options available on request. Our fully stocked bar is open for service, tempting you to indulge with a carefully curated cocktail list, beers, wines, soft drinks and snacks for sale. 

After lunch, the boat will be moved close to the beach, and you can be transported by tender (or opt to swim your way) to the pristine sandy shores of Moreton Island. Enjoy ample free time to immerse your senses in the beauty of this island paradise. Sink your toes into the soft white silica sand and bask in the warm sunshine. Cooling sea breezes play across your skin, and the gentle rhythm of the ocean lulls you into a serene sense of calm. 

Watch the kids building sandcastles or splashing in the shallows, where the glistening waves caress the shore. Or take an energising walk to tread your own path of footprints in the sand.  Be as active or as passive as you please – this is your chance to choose your own island adventure!

Afternoon Eco Safari Cruise

After a leisurely period of island time, climb back aboard the boat and get set for your afternoon Eco Safari Cruise. 

During this informative and enlightening eco tour, our knowledgeable crew will share insights into the unique ecosystems that thrive here. Learn about the delicate balance between land and sea, and discover how Morton Island's diverse habitats support a wide array of plant and animal species.

We begin at the Tangalooma wrecks where you spent the morning snorkelling. The waters surrounding Moreton Island form part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. The marine park itself was established in 1993 as part of the World Heritage-listed park which extends from Caloundra to the Gold Coast seaway.  This enabled protection of the ecologically significant habitats including reefs, marshes, tidal mudflats, sandflats and seagrass beds.  It also helped repair the damage done by the Whaling Station which occupied Tangalooma from 1952 to 1962.  Then later, the Pacific Adventurer Oil spill in 2009 which saw 270 tonnes of oil spill into this pristine area.

The island is now home to the beautiful Tangalooma Island Resort, which was the location of the 2002 movie Scooby Doo, Spooky Island!

A Unique and Precious Environment

The park has a particularly unique environment with the low nutrient sandy soil and tea-tree-stained acid waters meaning the plants and wildlife had to adapt. Keep your eyes peeled for the island's resident wildlife. The island hosts 180 species of birds, 40 types of reptiles, 11 native mammals and 11 species of amphibians.  It’s home to 6 of the 7 species of turtles and during June to November sees the migration of the humpback whale.  Most commonly we see the bottle nose dolphin, majestic sea turtles, seabirds soaring overhead and if you’re lucky - the docile dugong.

Dugongs, often referred to as "sea cows," are fascinating marine mammals that inhabit the waters surrounding Moreton Island. These gentle giants are closely related to manatees and are known for their herbivorous diet, primarily consisting of seagrass. Moreton Island provides an important habitat for dugongs, offering ample seagrass beds for feeding and shallow, sheltered waters for resting and breeding. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these iconic creatures and their habitat, ensuring the long-term survival of dugongs on Moreton Island for generations to come.

In 1865, Moreton Island was also home to goats and pigs.  These were left by the Navy for use by any shipwreck survivors.  However, the National Parks have worked hard to eradicate the non-native pig problem.

During World War II, Moreton Island played a strategic role in Australia's defence. The island served as a base for coastal defence batteries, and the Rous Battery and Cowan Battery were constructed to protect the entrance to Moreton Bay. Remnants of these wartime fortifications can still be found on the island, serving as historical reminders of the island's military past.

Concluding Your Cruise

As we cruise along the ever-changing rugged coastline of Moreton Island, where ancient sand dunes meet the blue waters of Moreton Bay, look out for Mount Tempest.  This is the world’s highest stabilised sand dune at a height of approx. 280 metres.  That’s 7 times larger than the dunes you may have attempted to climb today. The island covers around 186 square kilometres and extends 37 kilometres from north to south.  The exact shape of the island never stays the same for long with the changing ocean currents and winds.

Take a moment to relax and soak up the stunning coastal scenery and peaceful paradise that surrounds us. From the towering sand dunes to the hidden coves and pristine beaches, Moreton Island is a place of unparalleled natural beauty.

As our eco cruise comes to an end, we invite you to consider the importance of conservation and sustainability in preserving places like Moreton Island for future generations. By choosing eco-friendly experiences like this one, we can all make a positive impact on the planet we call home.

It’s now time to begin our cruise back to the mainland marina. As you prepare to disembark, we hope you leave with memories that will last a lifetime, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our natural world.

Accessibility

Here at Dolphin Wild Island Cruises, we actively strive to make our boat adventures accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Wherever possible, we endeavour to ensure that all have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural splendour of pristine Moreton Island.

Our crew is trained to provide assistance to guests with disabilities. Whether you require help with boarding, accessing facilities, or have specific requests, our friendly staff is here to ensure your comfort and enjoyment throughout the trip. Please inform us of any specific requirements during the booking process, so we can strive to make the necessary arrangements.

We are proud participants in the Companion Card program. If you have a Companion Card, we will be pleased to offer you concession ticket pricing for your chosen cruise. 

We warmly welcome aboard families with prams, and our capable crew can assist with boarding and storage of your pram onboard our vessel. 

Unfortunately, due to the design of our boat, we are unable to facilitate wheelchairs onboard. 

Please note that you will need to be able to swim to participate in our water-based activities, including snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks. Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity with increased risks for some individuals, including those who have medical conditions which are worsened by physical exertion, and those with medical conditions resulting in lack of consciousness.  Participation in this component of the tour is optional, and is subject to completion of a snorkel briefing, snorkel waiver and medical assessment which must be completed onboard the boat.

We can cater for vegan, vegetarian and low gluten dietary requirements, but unfortunately are unable to cater for Coeliacs and other very specific dietary needs. If we are unable to cater for your specific dietary needs, we encourage you to bring your own food. 

Our tours depart from Newport Marina at 158 Griffith Road, Newport, on the Redcliffe Peninsula about 45 minutes’ drive north of the Brisbane CBD. Free all-day parking is available at the marina for those who opt to self-drive, with dedicated accessible parking spaces in the free parking area, within 50 metres of the vessel. 

We also offer a bus transfer option from Brisbane City which can be purchased at the time of booking. Alternatively, you can opt to take the Redcliffe Peninsula train line to its final stop at Kippa Ring Station, where we can collect you free of charge and transfer you to the marina. Please notify us at least 48 hours before your cruise if you wish to utilise this service by emailing us direct – info@dolphinwild.com.au. 

If you have any questions prior to booking or ahead of your cruise, please feel free to contact our friendly team on the email above, or by phoning 0477576311.