WHALE SEASON HAS NOW ENDED

Whale Watching cruises resume MAY 2026 – click here for Summer Snorkel Tours

Encounter astonishing Humpback Whales in their natural habitat as they migrate past the coastline between Ballina and Byron Bay. We depart from Ballina’s Richmond River 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 & 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 10,000kms 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. 

We are so sure you’ll spot a whale that we offer a free trip if you don’t see one on your first whale watching adventure!

Cruise Times

(There is no better time of the day for whale watching, the time of your cruise falls 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 20mins prior to your departure time for boarding. 

Times are subject to change if ocean conditions require it. Please visit our vessels page for information on our vessels.

What if your desired time or session is booked out?

Please join our waitlist (online) if your desired date is booked out. We will call anyone on this list first if seats become available for your group size. 

The system will ask for your credit card details, but you will not get charged unless we call and confirm that seats are available for you to join us.

Attention Groups

Please book all in one order or add to your notes that you are with another group, so we can try our best to seat you together.

Restrictions

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age is 5yrs for any cruise on the ocean. Not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users or anyone with a neck, back or spine injury or condition.

*Vessel Departs From Ballina*

Please note: Byron Bay does not have a jetty or marina, our boarding locations are the closest for passengers located or visiting Byron Bay. Whale Watching Transfers for $35 return can be booked online or on +61481553081 with the Ballina Byron Airport Transfers. 

STEPS AFTER BOOKING
Receive your Confirmation Email & Pre-Arrival Waiver
Your confirmation email will have all the details you need for the day including what to wear and where to park, so please read carefully. We require you to complete a quick and easy Pre-Arrival Waiver before the day of your cruise. 
Please keep your phone close for any notifications prior to departure in regards to any time changes or cancellations due to ocean or weather conditions.

• NON-REFUNDABLE TICKETS (Cancellation & Refund Policy) –  All tickets purchased will be non-refundable, unless Out Of The Blue Adventures cancels the cruise due to weather/ocean conditions. If you need to cancel your cruise, you must provide 48hrs notice via phone (in opening hours) and your ticket will become a Gift Card credit valid for a period of three years. If you give less than 48hrs notice before cruise departure, you will forfeit your money and not receive a credit. Please read full Cancellation Policy before purchasing your cruise.Moore