Top 5 Port Arthur Cruises: Tours, Reviews & What To Expect
Planning a visit to Port Arthur and trying to figure out the best way to see it from a different angle? Perhaps, seeing this spot from the water brings another point of view? It’s almost as if going on a cruise or a sailing trip might be the best way to go. After a little bit of research and comparing what is offered, here is a roundup of some super worthwhile Port Arthur cruises and sailing trips that might tickle your fancy. These give you unique ways to explore the stunning coastline and, very, rich historical sites, from the water.
1. Port Arthur Historic Site Harbour Cruise
Okay, so if you’re after a good intro to the area, the Port Arthur Historic Site Harbour Cruise is often the starting point. Basically, this tour operates directly from the Port Arthur Historic Site. It’s usually included with the site entry ticket, which kind of sweetens the deal, arguably. Lasting roughly 25–30 minutes, it’s basically a concise but super insightful tour that gives you stellar views of the historic buildings from the water. In a way, seeing the layout from this angle adds another layer to, say, the grim stories you’ll hear on the land tours. It really brings it home. As a matter of fact, the commentary on board will give you a good outline of the history, focusing on the points of interest around the harbor.
The cruise floats around Carnarvon Bay, so you see the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer Boys’ Prison. Carnarvon Bay almost showcases the broader context of the penal settlement. You see the main historic site buildings too it’s almost like going around to several distinct, separate locations.
Is it worth doing? Totally, in fact. Particularly, if you’re already planning to visit the Historic Site. So, getting on this cruise doesn’t only makes logistical sense, but, arguably, also enhances the whole visit.
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Read our full review: Port Arthur Historic Site Harbour Cruise Full Review and Details
2. Tasman Island Cruises from Port Arthur
Tasman Island Cruises usually gets mentioned a lot. I mean a lot. This three-hour wilderness cruise is, arguably, a bit more of an investment, yet the feedback tends to be very, very good. The boat zooms down the rugged coastline of the Tasman Peninsula and, usually, around Tasman Island. That landscape has humongous cliffs and unusual rock formations.
Basically, one of the big appeals of this tour is the chance to view wildlife. Fur seals, dolphins, and migrating whales are common. So, keep an eye out for them, seriously. Also, the guides know their stuff; so, they’re able to spot stuff that we, the untrained eye, may or may not be able to. Plus, their information about the local marine life adds plenty of value.
In a way, this cruise combines stunning natural beauty with wildlife spotting, too it’s almost perfect if you want more than just historical insights. Obviously, it runs irrespective of the weather but can be a bit bumpy when the weather is unfavourable.
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Read our full review: Tasman Island Cruises Full Review and Details
3. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – Port Arthur
So, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is another well-regarded option for seeing the Tasman Peninsula. Basically, they are known for their environmentally friendly practices and respect wildlife. They are one of the more sustainable tourism outfits, it seems.
Pennicott has, typically, multiple cruise options departing from Port Arthur, and their yellow boats make it kind of difficult to miss them! Most notably is their three-hour wilderness cruise that explores the coastline down to Tasman Island. Like the Tasman Island Cruises, so, they focus on showing you the natural formations like the sea caves and towering cliffs as well as looking out for marine life.
The boats that they use tend to be very stable, open vessels so that means that there are opportunities for great visibility and good photo opportunities. Obviously, one of the upsides of these smaller boats are the opportunities to view marine life in a closer way.
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Read our full review: Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Full Review and Details
4. Bruny Island Cruises (Departure from Kettering, near Hobart)
So, while it requires a little driving (to Kettering), Bruny Island Cruises still makes the list, you see, if you’re keen to explore more of the area. This cruise tends to give a comprehensive tour of Bruny Island’s rugged coastline. The trip has some pretty stunning rock formations, caves, and tons of wildlife.
While it isn’t located right in Port Arthur, this is also a good option to explore while seeing even more in Tasmania, you know. If you are traveling from Hobart, for instance, consider hitting this up.
Bruny Island, so, it gives you a broader snapshot of Tasmania’s natural wonders beyond the immediate area around Port Arthur, arguably.
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Read our full review: Bruny Island Cruises Full Review and Details
5. Private Sailing Charter
So, for that extra something special, so, a private sailing charter can offer an experience like no other. Private tours mean that you are given that tailored service and attention. Most notably is how you can personalize the route and the itinerary.
Private charters are the best way to get off the beaten path. The skippers know all the secret spots too it’s almost magical. They are a great option to find those secret secluded bays. Imagine that?
Plus, that experience also gives you plenty of chances to experience some epic sunset views and photo ops from vantage points you might miss on your own. Ah, and for the utmost relaxation, basically picture yourself sitting with your favorite people on a fancy yacht, sipping local wines. Private charters tend to deliver pretty great bang for their buck when it comes to relaxation. Anyway, for people who enjoy boats and harbors, this might just be perfect!
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Read our full review: Private Sailing Charter Full Review and Details
