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Tangalooma’s wild dolphin feeding program operates each evening at sunset. The Dolphin Care Team, consisting of Eco Rangers and dedicated staff, run the program which operates to strict guidelines to ensure the protection of the dolphins.
The dolphins come into feed, usually arriving just after sunset, and of their own accord. We never call the dolphins in. It is quite normal for any one of them to be absent from the feed on consecutive nights and this is not something to be worried about – they are probably having too much fun in the Bay!
To ensure the dolphins maintain their natural instincts and independence, they are only provided with between 10–20% of their daily food requirements. This ensures they continue to hunt for themselves and can survive on their own. Herring are fed to the dolphins as they are a species commonly found in the Bay, and the exact number of fish provided may vary depending on the size and weight of the fish available.
Dolphins prefer herring due to their high fat and minimal bone content which make them easier to digest.
Tangalooma operates launch transfer services from Holt Street Wharf, Pinkenba in Brisbane. Passengers travel in comfort across Moreton Bay aboard one of three high speed catamarans – the Tangalooma Jet, Flyer, and Express. To reduce emissions, the fleet runs on the highest grade and only DERM-approved marine bio-fuel. Selected accommodation and day cruise packages booked through Tangalooma Island Resort include the opportunity to participate in the dolphin feeding program.
Experience the magic of meeting wild bottlenose dolphins. While they visit almost every night, this is an experience with wild animals, where dolphin welfare and guest safety come first. Feeding is subject to weather, dolphin behaviour and the number of dolphins that visit the feed on a particular night, so we cannot guarantee every eligible guest will hand-feed a dolphin. To ensure the program’s sustainability, sometimes guests will have to share one fish per group. For safety purposes, sometimes eligible guests may be directed to throw their fish from the jetty. In the very rare event that no dolphins visit or there’s a jetty feed, eligible guests will receive a return voucher. Voucher redemption conditions apply.
Please note that casual visitors to Moreton Island are not allowed access to the resort premises for the nightly dolphin viewing / feeding experience. All guests that are authorised to stay overnight at properties within the grounds of the resort have general admission access to the dolphin viewing areas each evening. Only guests who have booked official day trips and select overnight stays with Tangalooma Island Resort will be able to participate in the nightly dolphin feeding program, but only if it was included in your original package. Consult your confirmation paperwork to confirm your access.
Wild Dolphin Feeding / Viewing is dependent on dolphin attendance, weather conditions & tides, therefore arrival cannot always be guaranteed; however over the last 3 decades of the program, we have experienced a 99% attendance rate. See Dolphin Feeding FAQs for further information about the program.