My love for cruises started in 2010, when the award-winning Mandurah Cruises officially opened its boats to the public. Fast forward to 2025, and I still rate them well, primarily since they don’t stick to one experience.

In fact, this operator is among the list’s most flexible. I’ve jumped aboard their dolphin tours, sunset cruises, catch-and-dine seafood experiences, BBQ boat excursions, and even the Christmas-themed one, which I think is the most eye-catching.

The knowledgeable and cordial staff have also been an asset so far, and our interviewees echoed the same sentiment. Moreover, they’re solid at cooking seafood, especially Western Rock lobsters.

Capacity-wise, you’re looking at a fleet that can host 46 to 110 tourists. Private charters can be reserved as well.

Now, for hiccups, the lack of translators is one. Touring with a non-English-speaking mate usually means you have to translate yourself.

Prices are also on the steeper end.

The Boat Is Lovely

A great little Cruise around the marina and canals. We saw dolphins and even a sea lion which is pretty rare. The boat is lovely and the crew very friendly. Highly recommend this Company.

Melissa Speer, Google Review

Nice and Friendly

It was a great day with Mandurah cruise. It’s very hard to take photo with the dolphins, always under water and when out they’re very fast to dive down. But the whole cruise with the beautiful views and seeing lavish homes besides the bay was really amazing. We enjoyed it so much. The staff are nice and friendly. It was really a nice tour experience in Perth.

Emeon M, Google Review

As you might’ve guessed, Perth Wildlife Encounters will take you closer to Perth’s sea-based fauna. You’ll most likely meet seals, penguins, and dolphins in their natural homes.

The cool bit is that they’re pretty varied in terms of offerings. Sure, most cruises highlight aquatic animals, but the agency offers varied ways to interact with them, such as kayaking with sea lions, swimming/snorkelling with dolphins, and touring Penguin Island.

As for prices, most packages are within Perth’s typical range, except for the premium experiences, particularly overnight trips. The good news is there’s plenty of low-cost options, like the glass-bottom boat tour.

Unfortunately, spotting wildlife isn’t always a sure thing. Given it’s their selling point, missing out can give you that “ripped off” feeling.

Their boats aren’t that great either for large, 100-plus-person parties, as Penguin Express, the largest of their fleet, fits a maximum of 77, including 2 crew members.

Staff Was Friendly

Operator for ferry and tour to Penguin Island. The staff was friendly and would help you sorting your tour to Penguin Island. They provide tours so you can learn about the penguins here. There also friendly volunteers who would tell you about the island. To be honest, penguins will go out early in the morning and only be back at late evening, and when the hatching season, the island would be closed for visiting. However the island is great, with really-really beautiful water plus the beach on the east side of the island is calm, so you can have a picnic, swim and enjoy beach moment here. There would be a lot of small lizard around but they are friendly.

‘Adil Ahmad Ramadzan, Google Review

Very Memorable

Snorkelled with the sea lions today. Amazing experience. Staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and social, and took every step necessary to ensure both our safety and the safety of the animals. Massive thanks to the team Skipper Grace, Neve, Crete and Tiana. The ladies made it a very memorable experience for my partner and I celebrating our 5 year anniversary.

Iguana Prescott, Google Review

If you’re a regular on boat tours, chances are, you’ve heard of the well-decorated Captain Cook Cruises, open since 1980. There’s also a strong probability you’ve been on one of their Swan River-based tours.

One of this pick’s standout packages, which most Australian agencies don’t offer, is the Swan Valley Wine Cruise. The main draw is downing wine and macarons at Mandoon Estate, though you can’t just disregard the tour’s live entertainment or the platter lunch.

The $199 price isn’t daylight robbery, considering it’s a 6.5-hour cruise.

That said, Captain Cook isn’t the best choice for wildlife buffs or tourists who prefer more action-packed cruises, as this agency’s tours lean toward sightseeing and wine.

Some previous customers weren’t too happy either with the limited options and the lack of strong beer.

On the upside, they have massive vessels. The MV James Stirling, for example, seats up to 350 guests!

Luxurious and Clean

4th December 2024 – we booked a Swan Valley River & Wine Cruise through the Viator app and this was the company that provided our day to us. It was brilliant. The vessel was luxurious and clean and the lunch provided was delicious with some wine tastings as well. A smooth ride up the river with some added commentary. A talented and wonderful female contingent of staff kept us happy and safe for the cruise. Was a great morning and highly recommend.

Dan Duncan, Google Review

Interesting Commentary

Nice friendly staff, safe big boat, interesting commentary. You can buy food on board, there are decent bathrooms, and as the boat is so big you don’t feel the movement enough to feel motion sick. It was a pleasant way to tour the Swan River and to get down to Fremantle and back. I took my suitcase, staff helped me move it on and off.

Adelina Holmes, Google Review

What I like most about Wild West Charters is the bang you get for their $125 main cruise, the Perth Swan River Adventure Tour. From what I’ve seen, the 90-minute excursion has bits of wildlife, architecture, secret coves, and even Aboriginal history!

In addition, they have a couples-only tour: the 2-hour Sunset and Savour cruise. The package will bring you closer to Perth’s best attractions, including its wildlife, but the real bonus is dining on The Island and sharing the vessel with just 10 other passengers.

Downside? You’ll stay dry here. While that sounds cosy to most, thrill-seekers, especially those looking to swim or snorkel with dolphins, might find it “meh.”

Other than that, the vessels for private functions cap out at only 14 guests.

Still, Wild West Charters deserves its spot here, seeing how it’s one of the most affordable, customer-friendly, and longest-running options around.

I Felt Emotional

We had a wonderful time on our Wild West cruise. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in Australia. Dave and Bella were wonderful and made it so much fun. I had the incredible experience of giving a black swan water to drink directly from my hand. When I saw the beautiful dolphins chasing the waves behind the boat 🛥️ diving in and out of the water, I felt emotional. It was something I will never ever forget. Thank you for making my time in Perth truly M.A.G.I.C. 🪄

Suzanne Pereira, Google Review

Incredible

The boat cruise on Wild West Charter with Dave was an amazing way for us to explore the Perth city. His skill in manoeuvring his boat and the music play list was incredible too. Highly recommend and we will be bring our visitors on this cruise no doubt.

Ping Chong, Google Review

Gondolas on the Swan is arguably the most unique “boat tour” experience on this list. Just as the name says, you’ll be cruising through the Swan River aboard a gondola, a Venetian-style rowing boat that brings Italy’s romance to Perth.

Their gondolas, while actually Perth-made, still feature their Venetian counterparts’ luxe and swoon-worthy bits. For instance, couples can still be serenaded by Mandolin music while perched on velvet seating.

Those rates, however, can sting, especially if you add seafood/cheese platters and wine to the mix. The 1-hour Bronze Cruise alone will set you back $350.

On the upside, there are half-hour experiences (Wed to Sun only) that come in at just $75 per passenger. Similar to the hour-long excursions, these are exclusive rides, so the romantic atmosphere won’t be spoiled by strangers.

Most importantly, they still go past attractions such as the Elizabeth Quay Bridge and Kings Park.

Memorable Evening

An unforgettable way to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. The sunset ride was pure magic, and our gondolier made the experience even more special with his warmth and charm. A truly romantic and memorable evening we’ll cherish forever.

Adelle Fernandez, Google Review

It Was Lovely

Went on the 1 hour sunset cruise for my partner’s 30th and it was lovely. Alan was good at communicating, lovely music which made it more romantic. It felt like I was the birthday girl 😊

Matay Rose Wantee, Google Review