Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for children under 5yrs
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Life Jackets
Qualified Marine Biologist guide
Waterproof Poncho
Live commentary on board
Free Professional Photos uploaded to social media
Transfers from Byron Bay to the wharf in Ballina
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. Please ensure to arrive 30mins prior to your departure time.
Options
Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay
Reviews
412 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great morning out!
8fiekes,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, with very knowladgeable staff. Plenty of whale sightings with informative commentry by the guide. High safety standard practist by the onboard crew. Highly recommended for visitors and locals a like.
Close encounters with the most majestic and magnetic beings
Danielle D,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an incredible, intimate glimpse into these beautiful creatures and their habits. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made the experience both interesting and educational too! The trip starts a bit outside Byron, so take a shuttle! The whole experience door to door from the town of Byron will take about 4 hours total. It was such an exciting morning out, though! The boat they use is perfect for this kind of tour - fast but also shaded and dry.
Fabulous experience
catherine e,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience saw loads of whales and their babies and got up close . Hugely informative marine biologist who was so interesting too . Sea is quite choppy so be prepared but loved every moment . Beware the location Viator supply is incorrect - that takes you to a random roundabout in Byron bay where you need to be 30 mins away in Ballina !
Do not book with the company. You will come across issues
rachelfR1752LV,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Booked on to Whale Watching tour whilst in Byron Bay. We received an email with the incorrect instructions of where to meet the morning of the tour. Consequently, we then missed the excision. Upon contacting the company, the staff member we dealt with was extremely rude and defensive. They have acknowledged the details were sent incorrectly but are declining us a refund. This of which is ongoing. Please be cautious booking with this company. Do not allow yourself to be in a similar position to us.
Woow!
Lara G,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a wonderful time! Hazel was really nice and knowledgeable and we got to see SO MANY whales..and dolphins! So lucky! Highly recommend, small boat (not touristy at all!) Thank you very much!
Seeing the humpback...
Ursula W,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Seeing the humpback whales like that was the highlight of our trip! A day to remember for sure!Great
A great tour.
patarafan65,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A well organised and respectful tour. The tour didn’t harass the whales or invade their space. Our guide was excellent. Knowledgeable, informative and enthusiastic. Definitely recommend.
One sided boat orientation
Chris764797543,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Captain kept the whales on the same side of the boat almost the entire trip despite repeated requests to turn. There was so little to see on the left the little boy ahead of me fell asleep. Appreciate that where the whales appear is random, but the boat can easily be turned to give everyone a chance at closer views/photos. Those on the right would be delighted with the trip.
Wonderful whales
H1187YOkaylac,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Angus and Gabby were awesome! Saw heaps of mumma whales with calves and male escorts. They kept us safe whilst very close to these large animals.
Once in a lifetime experience
Camilla L,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Amazing experience. We saw so many whales splashing and jumping. Once in a lifetime experience, totally worth. However I was a little bit disappointed that on Viator it says the experience lasts approx. 2.30hours but after 1.50hr we were back at the harbour. Also would recommend louder microphone because I was sitting at the very back and couldn’t really hear the marine biologist explaining her very interesting and informative explanations about whale (I did hear a bit thankfully).
From A$129.00
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Operated by Out Of The Blue Adventures