Embark on an unforgettable marine adventure with the Tasman Island Cruises 3-Hour Wilderness Cruise, a breathtaking journey along the rugged and wild southeastern coastline of Tasmania, departing from the historic town of Port Arthur. This exhilarating expedition takes you deep into the heart of the Tasman National Park, a region renowned for its sheer sea cliffs, ancient rock formations, and some of the most untouched natural beauty in Australia. As you step aboard the purpose-built, open-air yellow boats, specially designed to bring you close to nature, you’ll feel an immediate sense of connection with the dramatic seascape that unfolds before you.
The cruise traces the edge of one of the world’s highest sea cliffs at Cape Pillar, where dolerite columns tower over 300 meters above the crashing waves. These cliffs, sculpted by millions of years of oceanic force, loom overhead like the ramparts of a lost world, evoking a sense of awe and insignificance in the face of nature’s grandeur. Along the way, you’ll witness breathtaking geological marvels such as The Totem Pole and The Candlestick, vertical sea stacks that rise like ancient sentinels from the swirling Tasman Sea, popular with climbers and photographers alike. Hidden sea caves, archways, and wave-carved tunnels pepper the coastline, and your expert skipper navigates you through these wonders with precision, offering commentary that blends local history, geological insights, and maritime storytelling.
A highlight of the cruise is sailing past the isolated and wind-swept Tasman Island, home to a historic lighthouse perched high on the plateau and accessible only by helicopter. Once manned by lighthouse keepers who lived in complete isolation, the island now stands as a symbol of Tasmania’s maritime heritage and enduring wilderness. As you drift along the base of this formidable isle, it’s easy to imagine the remote life of the keepers who once maintained the light against the backdrop of roaring winds and crashing waves.
Wildlife lovers will be delighted by the abundance of marine and bird life throughout the cruise. You may encounter pods of playful bottlenose dolphins leaping joyfully in the boat’s wake, while Australian fur seals lounge on sun-soaked rocks or dive gracefully into the sea. In the right season, you might witness the majestic sight of migrating whales, including humpbacks and southern right whales, breaching the water’s surface on their journey along the coastline. Above, the skies are alive with soaring sea eagles, albatross, shearwaters, and cormorants, making this cruise a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The three-hour duration is perfectly paced—long enough to fully immerse yourself in the wildness and wonder of the Tasman Peninsula, yet short enough to comfortably fit into a day of exploring Tasmania’s southern treasures. Throughout the experience, the crew ensures your safety and comfort, providing warm, weather-resistant gear when needed and sharing stories that add a rich cultural layer to the sights before you. Every trip is tailored to the sea conditions of the day, meaning no two cruises are ever quite the same—each one shaped by the tides, the weather, and the wildlife that decide to make an appearance.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, an adventurer, or simply a traveler in search of something profoundly memorable, the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise delivers an experience that goes beyond sightseeing—it’s a true immersion into the raw, untamed beauty of Tasmania’s southern edge, where the land meets the sea in one of the most spectacular displays of nature on Earth.
🚤 Tasman Island Cruises – 3‑Hour Wilderness Cruise (Port Arthur, Tasmania)
Step aboard one of the custom-built bright yellow boats of Tasman Island Cruises, and prepare to be taken on an unforgettable three-hour voyage along the rugged coastline of the Tasman National Park, stretching between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck.
🌅 Scenic Highlights
Experience the breathtaking spectacle of Cape Pillar, the site of the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, rising dramatically from the deep blue sea. Cruise beneath towering dolerite formations such as Cathedral Rock, The Totem Pole, and The Candlestick, and explore ancient sea caves, archways, waterfalls, and blowholes sculpted over millennia by the Southern Ocean’s relentless power.
A major feature of the tour is Tasman Island itself—an iconic landmark in the Southern Ocean, identifiable by its historic lighthouse perched atop a plateau that once housed lighthouse keepers until the 1970s.
🐬 Wildlife Encounters
This cruise offers some of the best opportunities in Tasmania to encounter marine life in its natural habitat. Look for hundreds of seals resting on rocky ledges, playful dolphins weaving through bow waves, and—during migration seasons—migrating whales passing by. Above you, thousands of seabirds, including diving gannets, albatross, sea eagles, cormorants, and peregrine falcons, wheel and swoop in the skies and sea breezes.
🌿 Boat Experience & Sustainability
Tasman Island Cruises uses environmentally friendly vessels, each designed to carry up to 43 guests in open-air, tiered seating configurations—ensuring unobstructed views and a strong sense of connection with the surrounding wild beauty. The boats are built with fuel-efficient engines and low-emission systems, reflecting the company’s commitment to minimal environmental impact. Turers – Australia+8EnjoyAus+8Delightful Travel+8
Routes are customised daily based on sea and weather conditions, allowing guests to see the best of the coastline in a safe and comfortable environment.
⏱️ Logistics at a Glance
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours—typically from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (morning cruise year-round), with an additional afternoon tour (2:00 PM–5:00 PM) during peak season from December to April.
- Departure Point: Tasman Island Cruises Booking Centre, 6961 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, about 90 minutes’ drive from Hobart. Pre-cruise check-in is required: 9:15 AM for the morning cruise and 1:15 PM for the afternoon.
- Availability: Operates daily year-round except Christmas Day. Advance booking is essential due to limited capacity.
🧥 What to Bring
Tasmania’s coastal weather can be brisk even during summer. Guests are advised to wear warm, wind- and waterproof clothing, including jackets, scarves, beanies, gloves, and layers. The crew also provides weather gear if needed. Camera and binocs highly recommended!
💰 Pricing
Adult fares typically begin around AUD 180, with children’s fares available. Some packages may be offered via tour operators starting from AUD 300. Rates can vary slightly by provider.
