Who we are

Rob Davis, a fifth-generation Portlander, has over 40 years of fishing experience and a deep-rooted connection to the ocean, shaped by his family’s history and his extensive career fishing across Australia. His expertise in the marine environment, particularly with the Bonney Upwelling, allows him to understand the intricate web of life that sustains the region's rich biodiversity. Over the past five years, Rob and his team at Shoreline Charters have shared this invaluable knowledge through expertly guided tours, showcasing Portland’s incredible wildlife and fishing opportunities.

Rob’s crew is made up of experienced tour guides who have worked along Australia’s and New Zealand’s coastlines, with unparalleled knowledge of both wildlife and fish species. They also include local fishermen with intimate knowledge of Portland's fishing hotspots, ensuring that every guest enjoys a successful and safe trip while taking in the region’s remarkable marine life. Shoreline Charters is the only company in Portland offering such comprehensive wildlife tours to these unique locations and depths, and one of the few local boats offering fishing trips.

Beyond the tours, Rob has been involved in numerous marine industry and research projects, contributing to the development of educational programs and initiatives for maritime institutes. His expertise is so vast that he has been trusted to train industry professionals, further cementing his reputation as one of the leading experts in the field. Whether you’re on a fishing trip or exploring Portland’s wildlife, Rob and his team provide an unmatched experience, built on decades of industry knowledge, research involvement, and a deep passion for sharing the ocean’s wonders.

FAQs

    • Snacks and drinks (stay hydrated)

    • Medications you may need during the trip

    • If you're concerned about seasickness, consider taking motion sickness tablets one hour before departure. Ginger products (such as ginger tea or ginger bears) are also helpful.

    • We provide bottled water onboard.

    • It's best to eat normally before the trip but avoid excessivley milky drinks.

  • Dress appropriately for current weather conditions. It’s often colder out on the sea, so we recommend wearing something slightly warmer than you would for the weather on land. A spray jacket is always handy on boats in case it gets windy or rainy. Hat and sunglasses can help with the ocean glare.

  • If the weather is predicted to turn ugly and time permits, our team will contact you to save you the trip to Portland. We always aim to give you as much notice as possible, but since we’re working with nature, sometimes it’s not always possible. Fortunately, this rarely happens, and most bookings do go ahead as planned.

    • Refunds are available within 7 days of your tour date.

    • No refunds will be issued within 7 days or less before the tour.

    • Parking is available at the Portland Visitor Information Centre carpark. This is located on Lee Breakwater Road, Portland.

    • Wait outside the jetty entrance and our team will greet you ahead of your booking time.

    • All fishing gear, including rods, reels, and bait, is provided for fishing trips.

    • Lifejackets are provided for all participants on all trips.

    • A minimum group of 4 people is required for a tour to commence.

    • To secure your spot immediately, it's best to book with 4 people in your group.

    • If you have fewer than 4 people in your group, you can still book, but your booking will only be confirmed once 4 or more people have booked the same slot. You will be contacted once your booking is confirmed.

Find us

 

All tours depart from the Portland Visitor Information Centre Carpark/Jetty.


Please park at the Visitor Information Centre. The jetty, where all boats are docked, is easily visible. Wait by the entrance to the jetty, and our crew will meet you prior to your booking.

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure. For more information on what to bring and what to expect, please refer to our FAQs.

To secure your spot, please use the Book Now link. We may not be able to fulfill your request if only contacted by phone or email.

Hours
7 days

6:00am - 8:00pm