EDEN PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
A Private Day on Jervis Bay: Guided marine encounters, cliffs and snorkel reefs from a boat
A six-hour private expedition with Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Adventures that combines guided wildlife watching and boat-based snorkelling in Jervis Bay.
A Private Day on Jervis Bay: Guided marine encounters, cliffs and snorkel reefs from a boat.
From the vantage of a private hire boat, Jervis Bay opens as a living coastline: sheer cliffs and white-sand beaches give way to turquoise water where dolphins, seals, little penguins and whales pass through a protected marine park — and on this private outing a qualified skipper and marine scientist guides the route and the snorkel sites.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close encounters with Jervis Bay’s marine life
Keep watch for dolphins, seals, whales, little penguins and seabirds as your guide navigates the bay; at certain sites there are also opportunities to engage with Australian fur seals and Grey Nurse Sharks.
Guided snorkel sessions in protected marine park sites
ACWA operates as one of the few commercial operators permitted to run guided shore and boat-based snorkelling within the Jervis Bay Marine Park, taking you to reefs that are often only boat-accessible and providing in-water guidance.
Private boat, experienced skipper and local expertise
The trip is run by Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Adventures using well-maintained hire vessels provided by Boat Hire Jervis Bay – Anchors Aweigh, and led by a qualified skipper and marine scientist to ensure a safe, informative day on the water.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You meet at the boat ramp, step aboard a private hire vessel with a professional skipper/guide, and spend roughly six hours moving between scenic headlands, wildlife-rich waters and sheltered snorkel reefs — the pace set by conditions and marine opportunities and the emphasis on guided, in-water snorkel experiences where permitted.
THE WILDLIFE
Close encounters with Jervis Bay’s marine life
Keep watch for dolphins, seals, whales, little penguins and seabirds as your guide navigates the bay; at certain sites there are also opportunities to engage with Australian fur seals and Grey Nurse Sharks.
THE SNORKEL
Guided snorkel sessions in protected marine park sites
ACWA operates as one of the few commercial operators permitted to run guided shore and boat-based snorkelling within the Jervis Bay Marine Park, taking you to reefs that are often only boat-accessible and providing in-water guidance.
THE CREW & VESSEL
Private boat, experienced skipper and local expertise
The trip is run by Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Adventures using well-maintained hire vessels provided by Boat Hire Jervis Bay – Anchors Aweigh, and led by a qualified skipper and marine scientist to ensure a safe, informative day on the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private trip suits — and when to check with the operator.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a roughly six-hour private outing — meet at Woollamia Boat Ramp at 7:00 am with a planned return by 1:00 pm.
A day of cruising between scenic headlands and snorkel sites guided by a qualified skipper and marine scientist; the guide will select sites according to conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Guided in-water snorkelling is offered at permitted sites within the Jervis Bay Marine Park; ACWA holds permit MEAA25/277 (expiry 18 Dec 2030) to conduct shore and boat-based snorkel tours.
A light lunch and home-baked goods are part of the day, and the operator provides photos from the trip to take home.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where and when do we meet?
Meet at the Woollamia Boat Ramp at 7:00 am; the trip returns to the ramp by 1:00 pm.
How long is the trip?
The private boat tour is a six-hour outing.
Is snorkelling part of the trip?
Yes — the operator runs guided shore and boat-based snorkelling within the Jervis Bay Marine Park and can take you to snorkel sites that are boat-accessible.
What wildlife might we see?
Expect the chance to see dolphins, seals, whales, little penguins and seabirds; at particular sites there are also opportunities to engage with Australian fur seals and Grey Nurse Sharks.
Who runs the trip and what are their qualifications?
The experience is run by Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Adventures with a qualified skipper and marine scientist as guide; vessels are provided in partnership with Boat Hire Jervis Bay – Anchors Aweigh.
What if I have a mobility or health concern?
ACWA states they do their best to cater for all ability levels — contact them ahead of time with specific concerns so they can advise and make adjustments where possible.