SAPPHIRE COAST - SUMMER 2024 - EDEN 5 See amazing wildlife from an exciting new perspective One of the best ways to get a different perspective on the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the Sapphire Coast is from the water, which is why local cruise operator Sapphire Coastal Adventures runs regular wildlife adventure tours over summer. Formerly known as ‘Merimbula Marina’, Sapphire Coastal Adventures has been operating boat-based tours from the Sapphire Coast for more than 18 years. The company’s summer wildlife tours – which depart from your choice of either Merimbula or Eden on selected days, from now until May 2025 – provide a wonderful insight into the area’s coastal beauty and diverse marine life. Family owned and operated by Simon and Jess Millar since 2008, Sapphire Coastal Adventures’ expert crew members, are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the local waters and wildlife. Co-owner, Jess Miller, said she and the Sapphire Coastal Adventures team are “committed to educating people about the threats that the ocean faces in today’s world”. “We hope that by helping people connect with the ocean and its amazing diversity, they may take action to help preserve and protect it,” Jess explained. “We love sharing our passion for the marine environment – and our local knowledge of the coastline and sea-life – with our passengers. “Our mission is to ensure people safely enjoy every minute of their journey, connect with the ocean, and see our beautiful coastline and marine life from the best possible perspective.” Jess said that passengers on the Merimbula and Eden tours will have the chance to see many sea creatures, which can include common and bottlenose dolphins, Australian fur seals, penguins, sunfish, sharks, turtles, many species of seabirds and even flying fish!” Merimbula Wildlife Adventures Sapphire Coastal Adventures Merimbula wildlife adventures depart depart from Merimbula Public Jetty in Market Street, Merimbula, on selected days from now until May 2025. Co-owner of Sapphire Coastal Adventures, Simon Millar, said the Merimbula wildlife cruise provides an opportunity to see the coastline from a totally different angle, and to get “up close and personal with an array of marine wildlife”. “The entire Merimbula coastline is breathtaking, with long sweeping beaches, magnificent headlands and incredible wildlife,” he said “We depart from the calm waters of Merimbula Lake and out to Merimbula Bay, before heading north or south and keeping close to the coast. “Depending on the weather – and where the best wildlife action is – we may head north towards Turingal Head in Bournda National Park, passing by coastal lakes, colourful cliffs and Bournda Island. Or we’ll head south to stunning Pambula River Mouth and out to Haystack Rock on Haycock headland. “Either way, it’s always a real treat for nature lovers and photographers.” Sapphire Coastal Adventures’ Merimbula wildlife tours run for around two hours, and are held aboard the 14-metre ‘Sensational II’, which takes up to 50 people on each wildlife trip. “This vessel features three 425-horsepower Yamaha engines, so she is fast, comfortable and fun!” he said. “The boat provides passengers with waterline viewing, which is ideal for viewing wildlife, and the dolphins love surfing and playing in her bow-wave!” Eden Wildlife Cruises Jess said that Sapphire Coastal Adventures’ Eden wildlife tours – which run for around two hours – depart from Eden Wharf, on the edge of Twofold Bay, the third-deepest natural harbour in the southern hemisphere. “Twofold Bay is surrounded by spectacular Beowa National Park to both the north and south, and is dotted by historic landmarks like Boyd’s Tower, Davidson Whaling Station and Edrom Lodge. “ she explained. “We may travel north to Lennard’s Island and the Pinnacles, or head south past Boyd’s Tower to the waters off beautiful Mowarry Point. “The Devonian red rock is a significant feature of Eden’s coastline and is millions of years old. “The entire Eden coastline is breathtaking and a treat for photographers.” Sapphire Coastal Adventures’ Eden wildlife tours depart on selected days from Eden Wharf, Weecoon Street, Eden, and are run aboard the company’s 23.5-metre powered catamaran, ‘Bubbles’, which can hold up to 100 passengers and, according to Jess, is built for “comfort, stability and speed”. “She has plenty of outdoor viewing areas, comfortable indoor seating, two toilets with hand basins, and an onboard galley with tea and coffee facilities – all making her a fantastic tour vessel,” Jess said. “And our Eden tours are perfect for people of all ages”. Find out more To book or find out more about Sapphire Coastal Adventures’ wildlife tours – departing from Merimbula or Eden – call (02) 6495 1686 or go to sapphirecoastaladventures.com.au Co-owner-operators of Sapphire Coastal Adventures, Jess and Simon, with their wildlifespotting pooch, Roger. Playful dolphins are a regular sight on the wildlife tours. Curious seals are great fun to watch as they play beside the boat.
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