Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Adults-Only Cruise with Lunch

The best views arrive from the water. This five-hour cruise gives you a fresh angle on Wineglass Bay, the Freycinet Peninsula, and the granite cliffs around Coles Bay, with a ploughman’s lunch, freshly shucked oysters, Tasmanian drinks, and an adults-only Sky Lounge. I especially like the 360-degree top-deck views and the crew’s lively commentary, often led by Captain Noah. The main drawback is simple: the sea can turn choppy, and the premium fare may feel high if you are not interested in the included food and drinks.

I also like that the cruise makes a full day of the coastline rather than rushing to one photo stop. You get morning tea, lunch, local wine and beer, wildlife watching, and time to look into coves that are reachable only by boat. One point to weigh carefully is the meal. It pleased most people, but one couple found the Sky Lounge food less interesting than expected for the price.

Key points to know before you book

• Wineglass Bay from sea level: You see the famous bay and Freycinet Peninsula from the water, with sheer granite cliffs forming the backdrop.
• A proper food-and-drink package: Morning tea, freshly shucked oysters, a ploughman’s lunch, local wines, and beer are included.
• Sky Lounge access: The adults-only top deck gives you better views, direct access to the bridge, and a quieter setting.
• Wildlife is a major part of the day: Seals, dolphins, sea birds, eagles, penguins, and sometimes whales or orcas have been seen.
• Captain-led commentary: Noah has earned praise for his humor, enthusiasm, and close attention to the coastline.
• Plan for motion: The water may be calm, but it can also get rough near Wineglass Bay, so bring motion sickness treatment.

Starting at Coles Bay with a clear morning schedule

You check in at 9:30 AM at the operator’s office on the corner of Jetty Road and the Esplanade. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Coles Bay and allow time to find the office before boarding.

The vessel is the Schouten Passage II. From the start, the setting does much of the work. Coles Bay opens toward the granite spine of the Freycinet Peninsula, and the boat lets you see how the shoreline changes from gentle beaches to steep rock faces.

This is not a quick ferry ride across a harbor. The cruise lasts 270 minutes, giving the crew room to point out landmarks, wildlife, and local stories without making the day feel like a race. The exact route can change with weather and sea conditions, which is sensible on this exposed part of Tasmania.

The cruise runs in English, with live commentary from the crew. Noah is frequently praised for his energy and humor, while Sophie, Max, and Sarah have also been singled out for warm, attentive service. The tone sounds friendly rather than formal, which suits a day built around scenery, food, and wildlife.

Moving along the Freycinet Peninsula

As the Schouten Passage II leaves the gentle waters of Coles Bay, you get a useful perspective on Freycinet National Park. From land, you see individual beaches, cliffs, and walking tracks. From the boat, those pieces join into one long sweep of granite and water.

The sheer cliffs are the first major visual reward. Their scale is easier to appreciate from offshore, where you can look up instead of across. The crew’s commentary adds context about landmarks, wildlife, and the area’s past, so you are not left guessing what you are looking at.

The boat also reaches coves that are only accessible by water. That matters if you have limited walking ability or simply want to see a side of the peninsula that most day visitors miss. One particularly encouraging account describes crew members assisting two people who walked slowly with aids. They helped throughout the day without rushing them.

You can use the downstairs areas of the vessel, but the Sky Lounge is the main reason to choose this package. It is reserved for adults aged 18 and over and offers a more private setting, top-deck views, comfort, and direct access to the bridge. The area is not just a seat upgrade. It gives you a quieter base for the cruise and makes it easier to watch the captain and crew work.

Seeing Wineglass Bay from the water

Wineglass Bay is the centerpiece, but it is best understood as part of the whole boat journey. From the sea, you see its curved shoreline framed by the Freycinet Peninsula, rather than arriving only at a lookout and turning around after a few photographs.

The water-level view also shows how the bay fits into the surrounding coast. Depending on the weather, the boat may give you calm reflections or a more dramatic ride as it approaches the open water. Clear conditions make it easier to spot details along the shore, but a little movement can add drama to the approach.

Keep your expectations realistic. This is a scenic cruise, not a guaranteed wildlife safari or a fixed photo stop under perfect skies. The trip is subject to weather and availability, and the crew may need to adjust the route for safety. That flexibility is part of taking a boat around an exposed peninsula.

The views are still the strongest reason to book. Several people describe the scenery as spectacular, and the combination of granite cliffs, open water, sheltered coves, and Wineglass Bay gives you plenty to watch throughout the day. You will want your camera ready, but do not spend the entire cruise looking through it. The top deck is at its best when you take in the wide view with your own eyes.

Wildlife watching around Coles Bay

Wildlife adds excitement because it is never fully predictable. You might see sea birds, penguins, seals, dolphins, eagles, or other birdlife along the route. Whales and orcas have also been spotted on some departures, including reports of a pod of dolphins and several whale sightings.

Seals are among the most regularly celebrated sightings, while dolphins can turn a quiet stretch of water into the highlight of the day. Sea eagles, petrels, and other birds add interest when larger animals stay out of sight.

The crew helps by watching the water and explaining what you are seeing. Captain Noah’s enthusiasm is part of the appeal. His excitement when the waves grew at Wineglass Bay made the ride feel like a shared adventure rather than a simple sightseeing circuit.

Still, do not book solely for whales, penguins, or dolphins. Wildlife sightings depend on the animals, the season, and conditions. The coastline and food remain worthwhile even if the sea stays quiet. In that sense, the cruise works better than a trip built around one promised sighting.

Morning tea, oysters, and the ploughman’s lunch

Food is woven into the cruise rather than treated as an afterthought. Morning tea starts the day, followed by a ploughman’s-style lunch that includes freshly shucked oysters. Local wine and beer are included, giving the meal a strong Tasmanian connection.

The lunch suits the slow pace of the cruise. You can eat, look up at the cliffs, and return to the view without losing time at a restaurant on shore. Local beverages also make the $222 price easier to understand, especially if you would otherwise spend separately on lunch, drinks, and a scenic boat trip.

Most of the comments about the food are strongly positive. The lunch is described as tasty, plentiful, and well planned, and the oysters were a particular hit with some diners. The drinks can begin early if you want them, although there is no need to treat the included alcohol as a challenge. A glass of Tasmanian wine with the Freycinet Peninsula in front of you is enough.

There is one useful caution. One person felt the Sky Lounge meal was less interesting than the food served downstairs and did not enjoy what was provided. That seems to be an individual response, but it is worth knowing if food quality is your main reason for paying the premium fare. If you are selective about lunch, check the current menu before booking.

What the Sky Lounge adds for $222

At $222 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. You are paying for a five-hour cruise, a reserved adults-only space, morning tea, oysters, lunch, alcoholic drinks, commentary, and the chance to see a famous Tasmanian coastline from offshore.

The value is strongest for you if you want an all-in-one day. There is no need to buy lunch separately, find a bar afterward, or choose between the best view and a comfortable seat. The Sky Lounge also offers direct access to the bridge, which adds a sense of connection with the crew.

The fare is less convincing if you only want a quick look at Wineglass Bay or do not drink alcohol. You can still use the downstairs areas, but the adults-only Sky Lounge is a central part of the package. If your priority is the lowest possible price, compare this with simpler sightseeing options before booking.

I see the cruise as a special-occasion outing rather than a basic transport service. It works well for couples, friends, and adults who want scenery with lunch and drinks already handled. The premium makes more sense when you value time, comfort, and the view from the top deck.

Motion, weather, and comfort on the boat

The best advice is to prepare for movement even if the forecast looks good. Several departures had calm conditions, but one useful tip is to take motion sickness medication such as Kwells before sailing if you are prone to seasickness. The ride can become choppy, particularly around open sections of the route.

Bring a passport or ID card as requested, and dress for time outside on the top deck. The supplied information does not specify a dress code or exact clothing requirements, so practical layers are the sensible choice for a boat day. You can use the lower areas if the wind or movement becomes uncomfortable.

The crew appears to take motion sickness seriously and tries different ways to help people enjoy the day. That is reassuring, but it does not remove the basic risk. If you are very sensitive to boats, this cruise may not be the right choice, even though the scenery and service are appealing.

The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable. The Sky Lounge has an intimate feel, but you are not confined to it. Moving between the upper and lower areas gives you a chance to find the best spot for viewing, eating, and settling your stomach.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it most strongly to adults who want a relaxed, scenic day with plenty built in. It suits you if you enjoy:

• Coastal scenery without a long walk
• Wildlife watching with live commentary
• Local wine, beer, oysters, and a prepared lunch
• A quieter adults-only setting
• Photography from a high, open deck
• A friendly crew that can explain the area without sounding stiff

It is also a good option for people who want to see Freycinet from a different angle after exploring the national park on land. The cruise adds access to coves and water-level views that a road trip or lookout cannot provide.

I would hesitate to recommend it to families with children under 18, since the Sky Lounge is adults-only and children are not suitable for this activity. I would also think twice if you dislike boats, avoid alcohol, or expect a highly elaborate gourmet meal rather than a generous ploughman’s lunch.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. The cruise is subject to weather and availability, so keep some flexibility in your Tasmania schedule if possible.

There is no student or senior concession price. Hotel transfers are not included, and you need to check in at 9:30 AM at the Jetty Road and Esplanade office. The cruise is conducted in English.

Because wildlife and sea conditions change, the crew cannot promise every sight listed in the promotion. The strongest reason to go is the total combination: the Freycinet coast, Wineglass Bay, commentary, food, drinks, and time on the water.

Should you book the Wineglass Bay adults-only cruise?

Book it if you want Wineglass Bay as a full day out, not just a photograph. The top deck, local drinks, oysters, friendly crew, and possible sightings of dolphins, seals, whales, and sea birds give the cruise a clear sense of occasion.

Skip it if you need the cheapest way to see the bay, cannot handle choppy water, or are mainly paying for a gourmet meal. For most adults who value comfort and a well-hosted outing, the $222 fare is reasonable, especially when you make use of the lunch, drinks, Sky Lounge, and five-hour route.

FAQ

Where does the Wineglass Bay cruise depart from?

Check in at 9:30 AM at the activity provider’s office on the corner of Jetty Road and the Esplanade in Coles Bay.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 270 minutes, or four and a half hours.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

No. The activity is for adults, and children under 18 are not suitable.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes morning tea, freshly shucked oysters, a ploughman’s-style lunch, and alcoholic drinks including local wine and beer.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include sea birds, penguins, dolphins, seals, eagles, whales, and orcas. Sightings depend on conditions and animal activity.

What should I bring for the cruise?

Bring a passport or ID card and motion sickness prevention if you need it. The cruise can be choppy, particularly in some open-water sections.