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2026 Whale Season Has Ended
Thank you for an incredible season! Daily Whale Watching Cruises will return May 2027, departing from Ballina. In the meantime, why not explore our Julian Rocks Snorkel Tours starting December 1st!
Byron Bay’s Premier Whale Watching Experience
Join Ballina and Byron Bay’s most unique whale watching experience—voted as the #1 tour in the region and the only local tour guided by a qualified Marine Biologist. 🐋
Encounter astonishing Humpback Whales in their natural habitat as they migrate past the coastline between Ballina and Byron Bay. Departing from Ballina’s Richmond River, cruise along the stunning backdrop 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 and 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 10,000 km 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.
100% Whale Sighting Guarantee
We are so sure you’ll spot a whale that we offer a free trip in the rare event that you don’t see one on your first whale watching adventure with us!
Daily Cruise Departures
Any time is a great time for whale watching! We offer multiple daily departures for flexibility so the time of your cruise simply comes down 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 20 minutes prior to your departure time for boarding.
Departure times are subject to change depending on ocean and weather conditions to ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience. Please visit our vessels page for information on our vessels.
Getting to Ballina & Transfers
Our Ballina boarding location is the closest option for guests staying in or visiting Byron Bay and there is plenty of free parking available. 🚗
Whale Watching Transfers are available for $35 return. Book online via Ballina Byron Airport Transfers.
For other transport options, the Route 640 public bus or 641 operate between Byron Bay and Ballina. Please see Blanchs timetables & maps here. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily accessible.
Important Cruise Restrictions
- All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum age is 5 years for our ocean-based cruises.
- Unsuitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone with a neck, back, or spine injury or condition.
Group Bookings & Waitlists
Booking with others? Add a note or book together and we’ll do our best to seat you together!
Waiting List: If your preferred time is full, please feel free to join our waitlist online. You’ll only be charged if a spot becomes available and is confirmed!
WHAT TO WEAR & 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 30mins prior to departure)
For an image of attire guidance, please CLICK HERE
HOW TO GET HERE
The boarding wharf is in Ballina, which is a 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. We board at Lance Ferris Wharf, 12 Fawcett St, Ballina. (In front of Wharf Bar and Restaurant)
PARKING
Cruise is 2hrs so choose parking accordingly. It is not paid parking in this area, only restricted by amount of hours. For an image of parking options and other boarding information, please CLICK HERE
TIMING
Important: Please arrive 30minutes 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.
WEATHER & OCEAN DEPENDENT
Please keep in mind that all cruises are dependent on ocean and weather conditions and which location was booked. If conditions where to change and become unsafe or unsuitable to operate, we will try our very best to notify you 1.5hrs + before cruise departure, but keep in mind that this is not guaranteed and cruises can be cancelled at any time (even at the wharf or during the cruise) if conditions are deemed unsuitable or unsafe.
IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS
Important: To ensure we can contact you promptly if there is a necessary time change or cancellation, keep your phone on and close. Our primary way of communication is SMS & email. If there is a time change we will SMS then call if we do not receive a response. If we cannot reach you, we will also send an email. Check your phone number and email are correct on your booking details to avoid missing notifications.
