For most of us, swimming with dolphins is a rare and magical experience, so who better to help you connect with these magnificent creatures than the people who've been making the introductions in Port Phillip Bay the longest? The Muir family established Polperro Dolphin Swims in 1986. Named after their classic, lovingly maintained boat, which is 25 years young, Polperro has led the bay in environmentally responsible dolphin interactions. Judy Muir in particular has been tirelessly active in establishing and improving legislation controlling human interaction with wild marine animals, including dolphins.

That's why passengers can't swim up to the bay's bottlenose dolphins, but rather hang on to long ropes trailing from the Polperro's stern, waiting for these often curious creatures to come to them. The rope, and the crew's careful training and supervision of passengers, mean that even non-swimmers can enjoy this exciting experience. “People who are very shy and reticent about getting in the water, in the end you can't get their heads out!” says Judy.

The Polperro departs from Sorrento pier twice daily from October to April. Passenger numbers are strictly limited so everyone has ample opportunity to get wet, or watch dolphins at play from the deck. Reef and seal swims are often part of Polperro trips as well. These are also revelatory experiences, even for most locals, as the bay's rich aquatic life is a surprisingly well-kept secret.

All gear, including wetsuits and snorkels, are provided, and the Polperro has change areas below deck. On chilly days her saloon cabin is warmly welcoming, as is the complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and delicious scones, freshly baked on board by Judy. They're the cherry on top of an inspiring, memorable experience, which saw Polperro enter the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2001, after winning the environmental tourism category three years running.


'Hall of Fame' Environmental Tourism Award Winner
Simply, the best

Note: Please be aware that the dolphins in Port Phillip Bay are wild animals and so interactions cannot be guaranteed on every trip.