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Polperro Dolphin Swims is
a multi-award winning environmental tourism operation that offers you the opportunity
to observe and swim with wild bottlenose dolphins in Port Phillip Bay,
Victoria, Australia. Our fully licensed vessel possesses a professionally
trained and experienced crew to ensure that you have an unforgettable marine
adventure. Passenger safety and the dolphins' protection are of paramount
importance, and so we purposely limit the size of our trips to guarantee a
high standard of customer and environmental care. Our on-board facilities
include change areas, toilet, hot shower and a galley for serving
refreshments. Wetsuits, masks and snorkels are all supplied. Reef and seal
swims are often part of our trips, so be prepared to see and experience much
more than just dolphins. Polperro Dolphin Swims offers a wide range of other
services including Bay cruises, educational and historical tours, fully
catered charters or a trip of your own personal design.
Departures:
We depart Sorrento Pier daily at 8.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. (weather
permitting), and other times by arrangement. Bookings are essential.
Trips may be cancelled
due to bad weather. Please ring our office on the day for a final weather
check.
Melways Reference: 157 C6
Trip Duration:
3 - 4 hours.
Costs (2007/2008
Season):
Swimmers: AUS$110.00
Observers: AUS$50.00
Child Observers: AUS$30.00
Gift Vouchers: AUS$115.00
Schools and Community Groups: prices provided on application
Please be aware that the dolphins in Port Phillip Bay
are wild animals and so interactions cannot be guaranteed on every trip.
Season:
October to April.
Contact and
Bookings:
Polperro Dolphin Swims
PO Box 11
Blairgowrie VIC 3942
AUSTRALIA
Phone: (03) 5988 8437
Fax: (03) 5988 8734
Mobile: 0428 174 160
Email: crew@polperro.com.au
History:
Polperro Dolphin Swims is owned and operated by the Muir family on the
Mornington Peninsula. It was established in 1986 as the first commercial
dolphin swim operation in Port Phillip Bay. Polperro Dolphin Swims has since
grown to become internationally recognised as a professional, innovative and
successful business that conducts environmentally responsible dolphin
interactions.
Staff Profile:
All of Polperro's crew possess recognised diving and first-aid
qualifications, and are actively involved in environmental regulation and
education campaigns to help ensure the long-term protection of Port Phillip
Bay's marine environment and dolphin population. They are a group of highly
skilled professionals that are capable of delivering safe, responsible and
memorable tourism experiences, and have earned a reputation as being one of
the most knowledgeable and qualified crews working on the Bay.
Dolphin Protection:
In 2002, a scientific investigation into Port Phillip Bay’s bottlenose
dolphin population highlighted just how unique these dolphins are compared to
other bottlenose dolphins in Australia and around the world. Protecting them
is therefore of utmost importance. At Polperro Dolphin Swims, we have been
active campaigners for marine national parks, regulatory reform, marine
education and supporters of dolphin research as essential means of providing
greater protection for the dolphins. We also embrace a range of strict
environmentally-based business practices to minimise disturbance to both the
dolphins and the marine environment. In our ongoing quest to remain an
environmentally sustainable tourism operation, we have been recognised and
rewarded by winning the Environmental Tourism category for three
consecutive years at the annual Victorian Tourism Awards.
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