BUNBURY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
In the Wake of Bottlenose: Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Koombana Bay
A four-hour, marine-biologist–designed encounter from the Dolphin Discovery Centre that pairs intimate dolphin swims with hands-on conservation — all equipment and post-swim facilities provided.
In the Wake of Bottlenose: Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Koombana Bay.
Set in the protected waters of Koombana Bay, this award-winning Dolphin Discovery Centre tour offers an intimate, guided swim with wild bottlenose dolphins — an experience designed by marine biologists that also doubles as a research and conservation outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Swim with wild bottlenose dolphins
Venture into Koombana Bay where a resident population — the tour notes the bay as home to over 100 dolphins — may choose to approach swimmers; interactions are with wild animals and therefore initiated by the dolphins themselves.
A tour built by marine scientists
The swim was created by marine biologists with the welfare of the dolphins prioritized and is delivered by experienced tour guides and trained volunteers who also oversee research activities during the outing.
Dolphin sighting guarantee
The operator guarantees sightings of wild dolphins in the water; if dolphins are not seen you may be offered a repeat outing at no extra charge, subject to availability.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
The tour unfolds from the Dolphin Discovery Centre and, after check-in, you’ll head into the protected waters of Koombana Bay in search of bottlenose dolphins. When dolphins are sighted, guides may invite confident swimmers into the water, where buoyant, warm wetsuits and snorkel gear are provided so participants can float and observe or be approached by the animals. Throughout, staff and volunteers record sightings and behaviour, making each outing part wildlife encounter, part scientific survey.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a towel and warm dry clothes or a jacket for after the swim; you may bring a camera and any required medication (advise your host via the indemnity form and in person). All wetsuits, masks, snorkels, water and a snack are provided.
The guided tour runs for four hours and operates daily from November through April. Tours start at 7:45am; check-in at the Dolphin Discovery Centre begins at 7:30am.
The Centre provides storage, changing rooms and hot showers for guests to use before and after the swim.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is four hours.
What equipment is provided?
All equipment is provided, including warm wetsuits, mask and snorkel; water and a snack are also supplied.
What happens if I don’t see dolphins?
The operator guarantees sightings of wild dolphins in the water; if no dolphins are seen you may be offered a repeat outing at no extra charge, subject to availability.
When and where do I check in?
Check in at the Dolphin Discovery Centre tour desk (Lot 556 Koombana Dr, Bunbury) from 7:30am for a 7:45am tour start.
Are there showers and changing facilities?
Yes — storage facilities, changing rooms and hot showers are available at the Centre.
Can pregnant guests or people with pacemakers join the swim?
Pregnant guests and pacemaker users should consult their physician before participating; medical conditions should be disclosed via the Swim Tour Indemnity Form and in person.