Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento

We boarded the Moonraker Cruises boat on a chilly morning for the 10:30 Winter Special cruise. The sea was fairly calm, the sun was shining, this guy was pretty happy to see us - and we were excited, too.Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento 
We set off from Sorrento Pier and followed the shore line, enroute to Queenscliff. The Captain was knowledgable of the local area and his commentary was very informative. 
We admired the clifftop mansions of the rich and famous as we sailed past Portsea.
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento
The boat hugged the coast of Point Nepean National Park and passed through Ticonderoga Bay Dolphin Sanctuary. Around 80 Bottlenose Dolphins live in Port Phillip Bay and this marine park is important to the mammals safety and wellbeing.
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento
Fort Nepean was spotted from the boat and it was great to see it from this viewpoint, after we recently spent a day exploring the tunnels.
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento 
We zoomed off across the bay, past The Rip with its dangerous swirling currents and undertow. Crazy jetskiers were jumping the waves right in the thick of it.
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento

Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento
A juvenile Albatross bobbed about on the small waves. He'll do a lot more of that, with a lifespan of about 30 years!
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento
A Sea Pilot boat set out from Queenscliff base, to meet an incoming ship. These Sea Pilots, with their incredible knowledge of the local shipping channels, board the ship and take control of it as they steer it into port. 
I did not know that.
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento
At Queenscliff, the Captain went ashore and organised to have our lunch delivered to the boat. An individual tray of tasty Fish'n'Chips and a cold drink was the perfect lunch at sea.
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento
We then motored out to Pope's Eye, where a huge colony of Australasian Gannets breed. These bird have specially adapted 'helmet heads', to enable them to plunge into the ocean at great speed, from heights of around 30 metres.
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento At Chinaman's Hat, the Australian Fur Seal colony was having some kind of wild party. There was a lot of noise as they each jostled for a comfy position on the platform they call home. The older males were not putting up with any nonsense from the young'uns and a few of them ended up getting pushed over the side and into the water.
Get off my lawn!
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento
We returned to Sorrento Pier 2 hours later, after seeing about 200 gannets, 100 seals, 50 cormorants, 5 Pacific Gulls, 1 Albatross and 0 Dolphins. We enjoyed every minute of the cruise, even without a dolphin sighting, and will probably do it all again another time.
Moonraker Dolphin Cruises, Sorrento
Where: Sorrento
When:Daily
Why: cruise, marine life
How Much:  Cruise prices vary
Nearby: Sorrento Back Beach