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New South Wales Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended New South Wales Dolphin & whale watching

Byron Bay: The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

1. Byron Bay: The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

Set out on a 2.5 hour kayaking adventure in Byron Bay. Receive instruction and equipment from your guide before you take in some of the best sights the East Coast has to offer. See the most Easterly Point of the Australian mainland and the Byron Bay Lighthouse from the sea. Learn about local history, aboriginal history, the lighthouse and the marine wildlife from your local guide while you paddle in your kayak around the famous Byron Bay marine reserve. If the opportunity arises, get up close and personal with friendly bottlenose dolphins and discover how inquisitive they can be. You can also look out for sea turtles as they come up for a breath of air and marvel at the size of the majestic humpback whales as they migrate through Byron Bay during June - October. Enjoy paddling your kayak out through the surf and later ride some of Australia's most famous waves. If you don't see a dolphin, turtle or whale you can paddle again with the tour operator free of charge.

Brunswick Heads: Snorkeling Byron Bay Tour at Julian Rocks

2. Brunswick Heads: Snorkeling Byron Bay Tour at Julian Rocks

Join a Marine Biologist guide on a cruise from Brunswick Heads to Julian Rocks Nature Reserve in Byron Bay for a snorkeling adventure with all gear included. Sail along the coast of Byron Bay and explore over 1000 marine species including sea turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, leopard sharks, grey nurse sharks, dolphins, corals, and more. Start from Brunswick Heads Marina, soaking in the sights of the Byron coastline onboard a comfortable boat. Encounter local dolphins and other marine life on the way to Julian Rocks. Next, discover the rocky outcrop of Julian Rocks Nature Reserve, traditionally known as “Nguthungulli”, one of Australia’s top rated dive sites. Snorkel in its safe and shallow waters and observe an endless list of marine life. From friendly leopard sharks and wobbegongs to Manta rays, Turtles, hundreds of colourful fish species, grey nurse sharks, eagle rays, dolphins, and much more, take it all in during a guided snorkel tour.

Jervis Bay: 1.5-Hour Dolphin Cruise

3. Jervis Bay: 1.5-Hour Dolphin Cruise

Jervis Bay has been a Marine park for 18 years and is now one of the most unique and healthy ecosystems in Australia. That’s why the crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay and stunning unspoiled white sand beaches are home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins. Listen to the commentary about the history of Jervis Bay as you travel.  On this tour, you will have the privilege of watching these beautiful mammals. Discover pods of dolphins feeding around the reef systems, particularly Plantation Point and Callala. Sometimes they swim and race hundreds of meters to play on the bow. The Bottlenose dolphin is highly recognizable and known for its long snout and distinctive smile. Friendly and active, you will fall in love with them the moment that you lay eyes on them. 

Huskisson: Dolphin Cruise & Boom Netting Experience

4. Huskisson: Dolphin Cruise & Boom Netting Experience

Discover the Bottlenose dolphins that live in the pristine ecosystem of Jervis Bay. A protected marine park for 20 years, Jervis Bay is home to over 80 Bottlenose dolphins who love to frolic in its crystal-clear waters. Embark on a tour and search for the pods of these playful and friendly creatures. While on tour on the pristine waters, take part in the boom netting activity on board. As the boat cruises through the water, enjoy a fun jacuzzi-like experience as you sit in the boom net, sometimes surrounded by curious dolphins.

Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise & Boom Net Experience

5. Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise & Boom Net Experience

Take a cruise around magnificent Port Stephens Harbour on the biggest boat in the bay. Keep an eye out for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins as you head out on the water. Take in the sights of Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, and the Northern Harbour. Sit back and relax on the deck area, or if you feel like getting a bit wet, join in the boom net action. Slide down the Twist, Twirl, and Splash Waterslide attached to the boat, which whirls you into the boom net. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary on board. If you feel like indulging in something a little different, there is a licensed bar on board that you can choose to purchase from. 

Byron Bay: Kayak with Dolphins Tour

6. Byron Bay: Kayak with Dolphins Tour

Take in some of the best sights the East Coast has to offer. Learn about local history and indigenous history, the lighthouse, dolphins, whales, and turtles. See the most Easterly Point of the Australian mainland on a guided tour in a two-person, sit-on-top-style sea kayak. Enjoy paddling your sea kayak through the surf and later ride some of Australia’s most famous waves in Byron Bay. Get up close and personal with friendly bottlenose dolphins and discover how inquisitive they can be. Spot sea turtles and marvel at the size of the majestic humpback whales as they migrate through beautiful Byron Bay. There is a 90% chance of seeing dolphins on this tour and if you don’t see them you can come again another time for free.

Nelson Bay: Dolphins, Slides, and Spa Cruise

7. Nelson Bay: Dolphins, Slides, and Spa Cruise

Spend a magical 2 hours looking for dolphins off the coast of Nelson Bay and get some time to splash about in stunning blue water. Choose from a morning, afternoon or tea-time departure and be entertained by the informative commentary as you go on search of beautiful dolphins jumping through the ocean waves. Get stunning views of the harbor, including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. Relax on the deck with a stronger drink and snacks purchased at the licensed bar. Laugh your way around the harbor as you make use of the large boom net and water slide. Soak up your surroundings at the on-board salt water spa.

Jervis Bay: 2-Hour Cruise of Jervis Bay Passage

8. Jervis Bay: 2-Hour Cruise of Jervis Bay Passage

Take in the beautiful scenery of Jervis Bay from a unique perspective on the water. Cruise across the bay, look out for local bottlenose dolphins and enjoy the views of the long sandy beaches that are fringed by spectacular national parks. Cruise above the crystal clear water and admire the contrast with the rocky headlands and towering sea cliffs of Point Perpendicular. See the variety of local bird species and abundant marine life from the comfort of the boat.

Huskisson: Jervis Bay Humpback Whale Watching Cruise

9. Huskisson: Jervis Bay Humpback Whale Watching Cruise

Experience the humpback whale migration along Australia's eastern coastline on a whale watching cruise in Jervis Bay. See the whales as they make their annual migratory journey along the coast and learn more about these beautiful creatures. Enjoy whale watching in Jervis Bay, an experience you cannot get anywhere else in the world. Explore the bay with a tour that has been running for over 30 years. Embark on this exciting tour between May and November, when Australia's eastern coastline comes alive with the spectacular acrobatic displays of humpback whales as they make their way from Antarctica north to sub-tropical waters where they mate and give birth. Get excited about the possibility of multiple sightings, as this is normal in Jervis Bay during these migrations. Watch the whales and other wildlife on this exciting and educational tour, where there has been a record of 102 individual whale sightings on one cruise in October 2020, all within the calm waters of Jervis Bay.

Jervis Bay: 2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise

10. Jervis Bay: 2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise

Enjoy the rare opportunity to witness migrating humpback whales on this 2-hour whale watching cruise. Cruise across the immaculate Jervis Bay on a sunny winter’s day. Watch the migration of these incredible animals, set against rugged cliffs and ancient sea caves. On the northern migration, sport whales within a mile or so off the dramatic cliffs on Jervis Bay’s peninsula. During the southern migration, view mothers and their newborn calves coming to rest in Jervis Bay's sheltered waters. Enjoy historical commentary on Jervis Bay and learn about the migrating humpback whales. On the return journey, see the 100-meter cliffs of Point Perpendicular. See some of the whitest sand in the world and the crystal blue water.

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What people are saying about New South Wales

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 188 reviews

Really enjoyed 2hrs on the beautiful Hussinson harbour. Wasn’t planed but we were very happy to see the offer of harbour boat trips on on our day trip to Husky from Kiama. Money well spent.

Was great saw turtles and so many dolphins up as close as you can get without disturbing them in their space. Beautiful trip and amazing experience!

Great cruise, awesome Staff, very informative, lovely cocktails, well worth it

Amazing experience- super easy and friendly staff had best trip out

Good experience, can see dolphin closer. Comfortable for family.