Phillip Island Nature Parks will launch two new EcoBoat Adventure tours on December 8, 2104, allowing visitors to venture beyond the islands shores and explore the rugged coastline and wild ocean up close. For the first time this rugged coastline can be explored up close on a fully supported EcoBoat Adventure. Phillip Island Nature Parks has teamed up with John Dickie, the islands long-time local boat tour operator, to offer the new service. Operating daily, the EcoBoat Adventures will take thrill seekers on a high speed tour to the local Australian fur seal colony and the base of Summerland Peninsulas cliffs, including the explosive blowhole at the Nobbies.

From June to September, migrating whales such as southern rights and humpbacks are spotted, along with smaller orcas or killer whales. Keep your eyes peeled for any rafts of little penguins out fishing, or look towards the shore to spot a bird of prey such as a peregrine falcon.

Within 20 minutes of departing from the Cowes jetty, the EcoBoat Adventures arrive offshore to one of the countrys largest Australian fur seal colonies. A ranger-guide from Phillip Island Nature Parks is aboard to give guests a special insight into the history and ecology of the colony. Underwater cameras aboard the boat also reward guests with a unique glimpse into the playful antics occurring beneath the waves as seals surround the boat. Visit in January and youll see fur seal pups taking their first swim lessons.

The return journey takes guests towards the Nobbies and the coastline of Summerland Peninsula. One can discover the Aboriginal and European history of the area and get a unique view of the Nobbies blowhole carved into the cliffs by thousands of years of explosive wave action. Further on as the tours heads back towards Cowes, the EcoBoat Adventures pass by Cat Bay, a National Surfing Reserve famous for its longboard break. Return to Cowes jetty in time to explore the sights of town before heading out to see the little penguins waddle ashore at dusk for the Penguin Parade.