Penguin Island is a beautiful island with many opportunities for fun!
Ferry:
The ferry is a 5 minute ride across Shoalwater Bay to Penguin Island. The ferry is there to help people get to the island in a safe way. It is possible to walk across a peninsula, but this is dangerous as there are sudden drop offs and strong currents. It is possible to kayak across though.
For more information and for booking, visit
http://www.penguinisland.com.au/penguin-island-ferry.html#
Cruises:
Penguin and Sea Lion Glass Bottom Cruise: Penguin and Sea Lion Glass Bottom Cruise is a 45 minute tour over the islands' reefs. The skippers will teach you about the nesting habits of sea birds, and as you cruise along you will be able to see the amazing marine life through the bottom of the boat. Highlights include drifting over sea grass meadows and limestone reefs, spotting amazing wildlife, seeing nesting pelicans, cormorants and other sea birds, seeing Australian sea lions on the beach of Seal Island, exploring the islands, learning facts from the skippers, and having free time to swim, explore, and watch the Penguin Feeding,
For more information and to book, visit
http://www.penguinisland.com.au/glass-bottom-boat-cruise.html#
Dolphin, Penguin and Sea Lion Adventure Cruise:
This is a 90 minute adventure cruise where you can get up close and personal with some of the wildlife. You can meet some of the 200 dolphins which the skippers know as friends, including 'Logo', and 'Boomerang'. You may even see mothers with dolphin calves. There is an underwater microphone which allows you to hear the calls of the dolphins.
After meeting the dolphins the cruise will go to Seal Island where you can view Sea Lions and other wildlife.
Throughout this cruise, guides will be explaining everything you see.
With this cruise you can also explore nature trails.
For more information and to book, visit
http://www.penguinisland.com.au/dolphin-watch-adventure-cruise.html#.V4IfW4RhPpA
Rating: (Penguins and Sea Lion Glass Bottom) REVIEW UNAVAILABLE
(Dolphin, Penguin and Sea Lion Adventure) REVIEW UNAVAILABLE
Kayaking and Canoeing:
Kayaking and Canoeing Yourself:
You can kayak or canoe across Shoalwater Bay to Penguin Island, and the paddle around the islands. You can go around the islands, and from one to the other, and spot fascinating wildlife.
Penguin and Seal Island Kayak Tour:
On these tours there is a double sea kayak, paddles, lifejackets, long sleeves sun shirts, hats, dry bags, snorkelling gear, morning tea/lunch, transport to and from Rockingham Train Station, entry into the Penguin Island Discovery Centre and a qualified guide are included.
You must/can bring water, sunscreen, bathers, a camera, shoes (thongs/sandals).
On these tours you can kayak around the islands and see amazing wildlife. During the warmer months you can snorkel with these tours.
Rating: (Yourself): 5 Stars
It's a lovely kayak/canoe, and there is amazing wildlife to see.
(Penguin and Seal Island Kayak Tour): REVIEW UNAVAILABLE
Penguin House: At Penguin Island there is a building where you can see rescued penguins in captivity swimming and playing. At particular time you can see penguin feedings. At the feedings, the workers will explain the penguins' stories and some information about the species.
Rating: 4 Stars
It's a lovely visit, but it is can be quite crowded and stuffy. Also, you do not get the chance to feed the penguins yourself, which would be a great experience. Still, it is nice to see penguins playing around.
Kite and Paddle Boarding:
At Penguin Island you can take lessons in Kite and Paddle Boarding.
Available for Kite Boarding are:
- Taster Course (1hr)
- Beginner/Level 1 Lesson (2.5hr)
- Intermediate/Level 2 Lesson (2hr)
- Advanced/Level 3 (2hr)
- Ultimate Course (6.5hr)
- Zero to Hero Course (12hrs of 6 days)
Available for Paddle Boarding are:
- Stand Up Paddle Lessons (1.5hr)
- Stand Up Paddle Board Sea Lion Adventure (2hr)
Rating: REVIEWS UNAVAILABLE
Snorkelling:
At Penguin Island you can snorkel yourself, or snorkel with Rockingham Wild Encounters. Rockingham Wild Encounters:
Rockingham Wild Encounters gives people a chance to get up close and personal with the wildlife near Penguin Island. Namely, dolphins. For those who have always wanted to swim with dolphins, this might be for you. There is a wild dolphin guarantee, and if you don't get to see dolphins you can go again for free. You must bring a swimsuit, towel and dry clothes to change into. Bring a hat and sunscreen too. It is recommended to bring a jacket because the breeze can be cold no matter what season it is. And, if you have one, bring your camera! Wetsuits are provided.There are several rules to ensure the safety of not only the people, but the animals. - It is strictly against the rules to feed or touch the dolphins. - Children 6 or under cannot participate. - If your child is coming, make sure they are comfortable with a mask and snorkel, will be responsible as to not disrupt the experience for others and can obey instructions. - Supervision of children is up to the parents. - Children are not allowed to be left on the boat while everyone is snorkelling. - Wearing buoyancy aids (such as floaties) is not recommended.Rockingham Wild Encounters does its best to cater for everyone. Those who are not strong swimmers don't need to worry. The crew conducts lessons introducing you to snorkelling, and have an excellent record of keeping an eye on those less experienced and/or confident. The wetsuits provided are rubber and help keep you buoyant.
For information on disabled access visit
http://dolphins.com.au/swim/essential-info.php
For information on pricing and bookings visit
http://dolphins.com.au/swimtour.php
Snorkelling Yourself: There is a range of fish and other marine life, including crab species, at Penguin Island. Snorkelling off the beach is lovely and the water is very clear.
Snorkel Rating: (Yourself) 4.5 Stars
The water is lovely and clear, and with a range of interesting marine life, but I didn't give it the full 5. There is a lot of sea grass off the beach which is not pleasant to snorkel over, as well as the dark colours making it hard to spot animals.
(Rockingham Wild Encounters) REVIEW UNAVAILABLE
