Whether you prefer to be in the water or on the water, the mix of rugged ocean and calm bay on the Mornington Peninsula means that there is something to suit your style. Try something you’ve never done before, like learning to scuba dive or swimming with dolphins. We know we shouldn’t boast, but you’ll find an amazing underwater world that really does rival Australia’s northern coast for its incredible colour and marine life. Did you know that our region has 10% of Victoria’s coastline? Now that’s a lot to discover!
Find your flippers folks because there is a plethora of exploring to be had in our underwater world.
Truly immerse yourself at one of the Mornington Peninsula’s diverse diving locations. From the novice to the more advanced diver experiences include popular pier diving, open water dives through to the more challenging wreck, wall and back beach dives. Whichever you choose you will blend effortlessly into the surroundings and become a silent witness to the magic of these waters.
For the stuff that memories are made of you’ve got to try swimming with the friendly Burranan bottlenose dolphins and Australian fur seals who call Port Phillip home. Get up close to these majestic animals on a tour and enjoy the way they interact. More>>
Stand up paddle boarding will see you gliding quietly along the top of the shallow waters of Port Phillip or Western Port. Learning to stand up paddle has its advantages - once you get the hang of it you can even take small passengers on the front of the board. Great for small children, or even a seafaring dog! Sorrento, Rosebud, Dromana, Balnarring are all great locations to stand up paddle – depending on the tide and local weather conditions. More>>
For those a bit more daring, you can enjoy the spectacular Mornington Peninsula waters by going for a surf. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t tried it before as there are experts on hand to help you… and it’s a lot of fun! For those with experience and their own surf boards there are some excellent surf breaks along the coastlines of Bass Strait and Western Port at Gunnamatta, Sorrento Back Beach, Rye Ocean Beach and Point Leo (among others). With the great surf you also get dangerous rips, so it is important that you take note of local conditions and practise care at all times. Point Leo is recommended as the best spot for beginners with 4-6ft swells and patrolled during weekends until the end of March. More>>
Throw a line of one of our piers; Mornington, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye or Sorrento, or try surf fishing along the Bass Strait or Western Port coast. Or, get the insiders scoop by taking a trip on the water with a local fishing tour operator that have fished these waters for decades. Their local knowledge and wealth of experience will help you find the best local fishing spots any time of year. Snapper season runs from October to May and whether on you’re headed to Western Port or Port Phillip you are bound to catch something delicious. More>>
With a bay on either side of the Mornington Peninsula, there is a sailing activity to suit you. Grab some friends and join a guided catamaran tour of the bay from Sorrento. If you always wanted to sail but don’t know how, join a practical hands on program with qualified instructors to learn out on the water at Blairgowrie. More>>
Kayaking is one of the most serene modes of transport and gives you the advantage of a great workout and you may also of encountering dolphins and seals. A guided tour also means you can tap into the local knowledge on the history of Port Phillip, the marine life and points of interest along the way. There are plenty of places that offer kayak hire or bring your own for a self-guided adventure. More>>
Get aquatic with the experts!
>>>Bayplay Adventure Tours (Portsea); snorkelling, diving, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, kayaking (self-guided, hire, tours and dive courses)
>>>Moonraker Dolphin Swims (Sorrento); swimming with dolphin’s tour and dolphin sightseeing cruises
>>>Polperro Dolphin and Seal Swims (Sorrento); swimming with dolphins and seals tour
>>>Mornington Boat Hire (Mornington); boat, kayak, stand-up paddle board and reef board hire (no boat license required)
>>>Relax Go Fishing (Mornington); fishing charters
Find more inspiration for this Summer HERE>>
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