Mandurah, Australia’s Top Tourism Town, is home to one of the country’s largest dolphin populations. These intelligent creatures have long known that Mandurah is the place to be. They grace the pristine waters of Mandurah, making it a cherished natural haven for locals and a top attraction for visitors. So, if you’re seeking an encounter with these friendly marine companions, you’ve come to the right place.

The Mandurah dolphins that inhabit the Peel-Harvey Estuary and adjacent coastal waters are Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

Our dolphins are a special breed – highly social and known for their playful antics. They often travel in pods, with the privilege of witnessing gatherings of up to 15 dolphins or more. Within these pods, female dolphins maintain vast networks of friends, creating strong social bonds. 

A dolphin cruise is a great way to see these friendly creatures and enjoy a scenic tour. The friendly, playful dolphins often surf on the wake of the boat, sometimes stopping to take a good look at the people on board!

Or hire a boat, kayak or canoe and seek them out for yourself. It’s truly magical when they suddenly pop up right next to you to join you on your very own water adventure.

Mandurah’s unique waterways offer the perfect sanctuary for these delightful creatures. It’s no surprise that Mandurah is considered one of the best places to watch dolphins in their natural habitat. You can spot Mandurah’s dolphins playing in the estuary, boat harbour, Serpentine and Murray River and in the Indian Ocean.

The top locations for witnessing these friendly marine mammals include:

The Mandurah Estuary is a natural playground for our playful dolphin friends. This picturesque location provides an ideal setting for a serene dolphin-watching experience. You can easily hire a boat or houseboat as well as a canoe or kayak without the need for a skipper’s ticket.

The tranquil waters and abundant fish in the estuary make it a favoured spot for dolphins and a top choice for those wanting to watch our dolphins.

As one of the best spots, the Dawesville Cut provides an excellent vantage point to observe the dolphins’ graceful dance. They frequently pass through this scenic passage, offering an unforgettable sight.

The marina is another top location to spot dolphins. Whether you’re sipping a latte at a waterfront café or navigating the marina’s tranquil waters in a hire boat, this location offers the perfect vantage point.

Dolphins often delight visitors by riding the wake of passing boats, providing an up-close and personal connection with these friendly marine companions. So, if you’re looking for a relaxed and convenient spot to witness these aquatic marvels, Mandurah Ocean Marina has you covered.

The calm waters of Mandjar Bay are a favorite hangout for our friendly dolphins. Their playful antics are a common sight here, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to connect with these marine marvels.

Near Riverside Gardens Reserve in Greenfields and the picturesque Goegrup Lake, the Serpentine River in Mandurah is a hidden gem for dolphin fans.

This tranquil river offers a pristine setting for watching our friendly dolphins and provides a beautiful backdrop to witness these intelligent and playful marine creatures in their natural habitat. Don’t miss the opportunity to create unforgettable memories as you watch the dolphins of Mandurah play in this idyllic setting.

The tranquil waters off the beautiful town of Dunsborough, provide the perfect backdrop for travellers to regularly observe Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales and the possibility of spotting the largest ever creature on earth, the Blue Whale, as they escort calves born in southward to Antarctica from October onwards.

The Perth Canyon is a marine hotspot 30 nautical miles off the coast of Perth, Western Australia where the elusive Blue Whales go to feed each year on krill that gather in the Perth Canyon which is larger than the Grand Canyon…just under water! Thought to be the original Swan River mouth, the area is abundant with sea life that gathers for the feeding feast and is unrivalled as the epicentre for biodiversity on the Western Australian coastline.