Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay
Overview
Enjoy a once in a lifetime, close encounter with Humpback Whales! (June- November).
Join us and our marine biologist on our Premier Whale Watching Cruise. Depart from Ballina’s Richmond River and enter the stunning waters of Cape Byron Marine Park. Encounter astonishing Humpback Whales in their natural habitat as they migrate past the iconic coastline between Byron Bay and Ballina. Enjoy the breathtaking 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, local points of interest & encounters we experience within Byron’s Marine Park.The migration of whales is a significant feat & a spectacular event to witness as they frolic & breach. At more than 2,500-kms, this is considered one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom.
What's Included
- Life Jackets
- Waterproof Poncho
- Live commentary on board
- Free Professional Photos uploaded to social media
- Qualified Marine Biologist guide
- Transfers from Byron Bay to the wharf in Ballina
Meeting Location
12 Fawcett Street
Ballina NSW 2478, Australia
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Humpback Whales are seen along the coast between Ballina and Cape Byron. Where we visit is dependant on where the whales are. Our Marine Biologist guide will provide fascinating commentary as you take in the breathtaking views and whale encounters. It is also likely to spot other marine and bird life during the tour, such as our resident pods of dolphins. We are so sure you will spot a whale that we offer a whale guarantee, or return for a free trip!
Please meet on the Lance Ferris Wharf directly in front of the Wharf Bar & Restaurant, 12-24 Fawcett St, Ballina. Our captain will greet you at the wharf and take you down to the vessel where lifejackets & waterproof ponchos will be supplied.
We will conduct a short safety briefing before we travel briefly along Ballina's Richmond River and head out into the Cape Byron Marine Park on our Premier Whale Watching adventure. Therefore, please arrive 30mins prior to your departure time. Boarding will commence 20mins prior to departure.
Please ensure to arrive 30mins prior to your departure time.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for children under 5yrs
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-66425P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 426 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour
Sample your way through Sydney's thriving craft beer scene with a guide who takes you behind the scenes at the city’s best local breweries. You...
$110
Narooma - E-Bike Hire 2 Hour Rental
Our 2 hour e-bike rental allows you time to explore the area around Narooma. Whether it be the cycle track from Narooma to Dalmeny, or...
$35
Our Sydney Beaches Half Day Tour is the perfect tour to take in Sydney's stunningly beautiful beaches, harbour and coastline. Highlights include, Bronte Beach, Bondi...
$100
Proud winner of the 2025 Tour Operator of the year. Guaranteed small group tour with maximum of 14 people. The only luxury small group operator...
$111
Sample your way through Sydney's thriving craft beer scene with a guide who takes you behind the scenes at the city’s best local breweries. You...
$110
Our 2 hour e-bike rental allows you time to explore the area around Narooma. Whether it be the cycle track from Narooma to Dalmeny, or...
$35
Our Sydney Beaches Half Day Tour is the perfect tour to take in Sydney's stunningly beautiful beaches, harbour and coastline. Highlights include, Bronte Beach, Bondi...
$100
Proud winner of the 2025 Tour Operator of the year. Guaranteed small group tour with maximum of 14 people. The only luxury small group operator...
$111
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Sydney Taronga Zoo General Entry Ticket
Get an up-close look at the animals of the world at Taronga Zoo Sydney — the zoo with a view! Situated on the foreshore of...
$40
Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour
Discover insider secrets and stories of the Opera House artists and performances, and step inside the iconic theatres and foyers that bring to life over...
$34
Sydney Dark Stories True Crime Tour
Take a Walk on the Dark Side... Sail into town and enjoy a glimpse into Sydney's past, revealing the hidden secrets of the city's first...
$24
Tread the Path of Champions - unforgettable for locals, international visitors and sports fans of all ages This 90-minute BEHIND THE SCENES guided walking tour offers...
$24
Get an up-close look at the animals of the world at Taronga Zoo Sydney — the zoo with a view! Situated on the foreshore of...
$40
Discover insider secrets and stories of the Opera House artists and performances, and step inside the iconic theatres and foyers that bring to life over...
$34
Take a Walk on the Dark Side... Sail into town and enjoy a glimpse into Sydney's past, revealing the hidden secrets of the city's first...
$24
Tread the Path of Champions - unforgettable for locals, international visitors and sports fans of all ages This 90-minute BEHIND THE SCENES guided walking tour offers...
$24
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Life Jackets.
- Waterproof Poncho.
- Live commentary on board.
- Free Professional Photos uploaded to social media.
- Qualified Marine Biologist guide.
- Transfers from Byron Bay to the wharf in Ballina.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for children under 5yrs
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Life Jackets
- Waterproof Poncho
- Live commentary on board
- Free Professional Photos uploaded to social media
- Qualified Marine Biologist guide
- Transfers from Byron Bay to the wharf in Ballina
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for children under 5yrs
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
