A passenger’s report:

Dolphin Wild Cruises was the only tour operator offering cruises on Jervis Bay New Year’s Eve 2011. I couldn’t resist the chance to see the dolphins again, on a ‘dusk patrol’ eco adventure beginning with a sunset over the water, and capped off by the best view of the fireworks at Huskisson NSW.

The friendly and attentive crew made sure this tour was extra special: they looked after us with plenty of tasty, complimentary snacks plus a range of soft drinks, bottled water and a fully stocked bar. The night was a sell-out for Dolphin Wild Cruises, with passengers offered the choice of riding on either their catamaran or on one of their RIB boats.

Both vessels headed out at 6:30 pm, for this special 3-hour ride. Within no time, the skilful crew found a large pod of dolphins. The passengers thrilled not only at how many dolphins there were, but at the fact that we were right in the middle of them: dolphins swam and played all around the boat for the longest time.

3-year-old Seth was bursting with excitement: “There’s one, Daddy! There’s ANOTHER! AND another!” I love that about kids: they can freely express what the rest of us are feeling inside!

We then enjoyed a great eco tour of the unspoilt Beecroft Peninsula. We peeked in at Jervis Bay’s perfect little lagoon, Honeymoon Bay, and eventually reached Point Perpendicular’s famous lighthouse. Dolphin Wild’s RIB boats are designed to bring passengers safely right up close to the cliffs that tower up to nearly 100 metres above the water. The lowering sun shone gorgeously on the craggy, weather-worn cliffs and rock formations of Silica Cove, the Torpedo Tubes, the Docks and the Outer Tubes. All the while, the clear, deep turquoise waters glistened.

“This is just perfect!” cooed Diane, a photographer from Canberra. She must have taken hundreds of pictures.

Clear skies invited the most stunning sunset over the water: a rare thing to see here on the east coast of Australia. On our return trip to the waters near Huskisson, the sky deepened to a very dark blue while the many stars grew visible.

Dolphin Wild’s crew brought both vessels to a very close yet safe distance from the fireworks area. It was a magnificent to then watch them from the water: I have seen many fireworks from land, but this experience was absolutely second to none!

I strongly recommend that you book today for a ‘dusk patrol’. Enjoy the sunset and exceptional scenery, while the dolphins play nearby.

Nicole Ballinger
Nowra NSW