Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Prebook to save time and see humpback whales in their natural habitat on this whale-spotting cruise from Newcastle. Board an eco-tourism boat and hit the open waters to observe humpbacks in the wild, learning about their natural behaviors via the commentary as the boat maintains a respectful distance. Plus, watch for dolphins and seals, and admire the coastal scenery as you hear details on local landmarks, culture, and history.
- See humpback whales in the wild on a whale watching cruise from Newcastle
- Prebook to secure a place at a time and day that fits your vacation schedule
- View humpbacks and learn about them, and the coastal scenery, from a guide
- Includes wet-weather gear and choice of departures for flexibility
- CoastXP is an Accredited quality and sustainable tourism business
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Children under 3 not allowed
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Marine Toilet Onboard
Premium weatherproof jackets provided
Professional wildlife guide
Safe and comfortable eco-tourism vessel
Two-hour whale watching tour
Small group experience (max 20 guests at a time)
Any parking or transport fees
Enjoy close encounters with Humpback Whales along the Hunter Coast. The tour showcases the stunning Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline from the water with an added focus on searching for whales, dolphins and seals! Departing from Newcastle Harbour, visit some of the key landmarks along the Hunter Coastline, before heading offshore on an adventure boat ride in search of migrating humpback whales. Annually, humpback whales pass the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline in strong numbers (up to 35,000 individuals). Keep a close eye out for some of their fascinating behaviours including pectoral fin slapping on the surface of the water, fluke or tail slapping and of course breaching!! As humpback whales are wild mammals, should you not encounter a whale on your tour, the CoastXP team will welcome you back on board free of charge (within the same season).
The Encounter Tour is a nature-based CoastXP immersion experience. The tour focuses closely on the annual Humpback Whale migration between the months of June and November each year.
145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Jennifer H,
Oct 21, 2024
- Viator
Fantastic experience with a brilliant guide who added to the experience. Saw multiple mother and calves, a seal and some dolphins ✨
Anne B,
Jul 13, 2023
- Viator
Highly recommend this to families . Everything was well organised and the tour guide was very informative and helpful
Andrea Z,
Jul 10, 2023
- Viator
Jane was superb, the whole experience excellent. We really had to look hard to see any whales, but in the end we did and it was magical.
Operated by CoastXP