About this tour
A 4.5-hour cruise aboard the Schooten Passage II that takes you along the Freycinet Peninsula's granite coastline to view Wineglass Bay from the water — a perspective most land-based visitors miss. You'll see white-sand beaches, spot dolphins, seals and birdlife, and hear local commentary throughout. Lunch is available as an add-on. Suited to anyone after coastal scenery without the hike.
Highlights
- View Wineglass Bay from the water, not the cliff lookout
- Granite cliffs and white-sand beaches along the peninsula
- Wildlife spotting: dolphins, seals, migratory whales, birdlife
- Live onboard commentary from a local guide
- Lunch option available; toilets onboard
- Operated by award-winning Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
- Wheelchair accessible vessel; suitable for all fitness levels
What to expect
You'll board the Schooten Passage II at Coles Bay and spend 4.5 hours cruising the Freycinet Peninsula coastline. The guide provides live commentary throughout, pointing out geological features, wildlife and local history as you pass granite headlands and pristine beaches. The route takes you out to Wineglass Bay itself, giving you an unobstructed water-level view of the famous curved shoreline. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and seasonal whale migrations. You can bring binoculars to spot birdlife along the cliffs.
If you've selected the lunch option, you'll eat onboard — advise any dietary requirements at booking. The vessel has onboard facilities, so you won't need to return to shore mid-cruise. The experience concludes back at Coles Bay.
What travellers say
- Unique angle on Wineglass Bay — water view beats the crowded cliff lookout
- Reliable wildlife sightings including dolphins and seals
- Knowledgeable local guides add context to coastal landmarks
- Accessible design means families, mobility users and infants can join
- Onboard facilities make the full 4.5 hours comfortable
- Open-water conditions mean wind, spray and potential motion sickness
- No hotel transfers; you must arrange your own drive to Coles Bay
- Lunch not included as standard; costs extra and dietary options limited
- Peak season crowds and wildlife spotting never guaranteed
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This cruise suits anyone after stunning coastal scenery without committing to a multi-hour walk or climb. It's accessible for wheelchair users, families with prams, infants (who sit on an adult's lap for free) and service animals. Lunch is optional and can be added; soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available to purchase onboard. Note that infants don't have a dedicated seat and their meals aren't included — bring snacks or lunch for them. The cruise operates from Coles Bay, which is about 2 hours' drive from Hobart; hotel pickups aren't included. Dress for open-water conditions — wind and spray are likely even in calm conditions.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.