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Whale Watching Cruise
Step aboard this water cruise to experience Whale Watching in the waters off Cape Byron during their migration season from May to October. Book Here!
What to expect
Let us take you out to the protected waters of Cape Byron Marine Park to see these majestic, curious creatures in their native habitat. Our Marine Biologist will be right there with you to answer any questions you might have.
Encounter astonishing Humpback Whales in their natural habitat as they migrate past the coastline between Ballina and Byron Bay. We depart from Ballina’s Richmond River and enter the pristine waters of Cape Byron Marine Park. Enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery while listening to live Humpback Whale song using our specialised underwater hydrophone. Our friendly Marine Biologist will share in-depth knowledge of the area & jaw-dropping encounters we experience within Byron’s Marine Park.
Each year, between May and November, Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales travel north from their Antarctic summer feeding grounds, past Cape Byron headland, and on to their breeding and birthing grounds in the sub-tropics. At more than 10,000kms round trip, this is considered one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. Witnessing this stunning spectacle is easy from Australia’s most easterly point.
We are so sure you’ll spot a whale from June 1st that we offer a free trip if you don’t see one on your first whale watching adventure!
What's included
- A two hour cruise through the stunning waters of Cape Byron seeking out the astonishing Humpback Whale
- Departs from Ballina Richmond River, experience breathtaking scenery and picturesque backdrops and pristine waters of the Cape Byron Marine Park
- The approachable onboard Marine Biologist will enthusiastically narrate your trip with in-depth knowledge of the area and answer every question
- The vessel is equipped with a hydrophone, allowing you to hear the humpback whale song
- Experience one of the most astonishing ocean mammals in their natural habitat
Visit date
Select the date you'd like to visit to check ticket availability.
Exclusions
- Accommodation transfers are currently unavailable
Time
- (There is no better time of the day for whale watching, the time of your cruise falls to personal preference)
- Vessel 1: 7:30am, 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm
- Vessel 2: 7:31am, 10:01am, 12:31am, 3:01pm
- Please arrive 20mins prior to your departure time for boarding.
- Times are subject to change if ocean conditions require it.
- Important: Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your departure time. A safety briefing will be done, any passenger not present for the briefing will forfeit their ticket and will not be able to join the cruise. The boat cannot wait for late passengers. Please ensure you check NSW daylight savings time in advance if you are planning your journey from Queensland.
Duration
- Approximately 2 hour on the water experience
Location
- 30 minute drive south of Byron Bay and a 15 minute drive from Lennox Head. If you do not have your own transport, please book a transfer through the Ballina Byron Airport Transfers website or call Tony on 0481553081. We board at Lance Ferris Wharf, 12 Fawcett St, Ballina. (In front of Wharf Bar and Restaurant)
- (Please note: Byron Bay does not have a jetty or marina, our boarding locations are the closest for passengers located or visiting Byron Bay. Our Brunswick Heads departure is currently unavailable)
- Parking - Cruise is 2 hours so choose parking accordingly. It is not paid parking in this area, only restricted by amount of hours.
What To Bring
- Beanie or Warm Hat
- Warm Jumper or Jacket
- Sunglasses
- Drinking Water
- Camera/Phone for photos
- Sunscreen
- Seasick tablets if needed (some require you to take them 30 mins prior to departure)
