Byron Bay Tours
Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay

By Out of The Blue Adventures
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 5-95, max of 20 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Live commentary on board
  • Qualified Marine Biologist guide
  • Life Jackets
  • Waterproof Poncho
  • Free Professional Photos uploaded to social media
What's not included
  • Transfers from Byron Bay to the wharf in Ballina


Start:
  • Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
    The vessel departs from the Lance Ferris Wharf in Ballina, 12-24 Fawcett Street, Ballina, NSW, 2478, 30 mins south of Byron Bay, in front of the Wharf Bar & Restaurant. (Viator's map above takes you to Byron Bay town, not the boarding location - please visit our direct website for a detailed map)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66425P3

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Not recommended for children under 5yrs
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66425P3

    From
    $145.60
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Out of The Blue Adventures
      573
      Australia
      Joined in December 2017
    • helenbright2016
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Whale watching from Ballina
      What a fantastic trip this was, Hazel and Angus were so knowledgeable and knew just where to see so many humpbacks in a calm sea. Highly recommended
      Written 25 August 2024
    • kellie3Australia
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Absolutely Brilliant
      What an amazing experience… the Skipper and Marine Biologist, their professionalism and knowledge made this experience absolutelty outstanding… marine life was like no other… equipment supplied was in excellent condition… definite value for $ … 💯 will definitly be back…
      Written 2 April 2024
    • Helscats
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Magical experience at the rock! Highly recommend this tour company
      Magical experience with my 9 year old son and partner at the rock! The trip started with a fun boat ride and the guide Gabby was friendly and knowledgeable and made us feel at ease :) we saw so many sea creatures - swam with leopard sharks, turtles and manta rays!!! Highly recommend the trip!
      Written 13 March 2024
    • barramundi77
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Magical experience amongst amazing staff!
      We experienced the most magical day with Out Of The Blue at Julian Rocks. After having our booking cancelled on the Saturday due to very poor conditions, OOTB got us out to the Rocks with skill, expertise and great education. Of note are Angus, Gabs and Emily, who made this experience so great. We saw so many leopard sharks (30+), spotted eagle rays and turtles, along with loads of colourful fish. Angus guided us on the best ways to avoid strong current and we had plenty of time to explore in the water with our guides. We even saw multiple pods of dolphins on the return. This is a day our children will never forget. I couldn't recommend this tour group highly enough.
      Written 27 February 2024
    • nicholasohrn
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An awesome snorkeling experience with a great skipper and guide
      We really enjoyed our morning snorkeling to Julian Rocks with Gabrielle and Angus. The ride out to the snorkeling spot was enjoyable and our guide was excited to show us everything she could while we were in the water. We spotted a ray, a turtle, a wobbegong shark, and what felt like a dozen leopard sharks. Of course, we also saw a wide variety of fish, including several schools that swam directly beneath us while we were snorkeling and one that surrounded me while feeding on some plant particles near the surface. We wholeheartedly recommend this snorkeling activity.
      Written 28 January 2024
    • Coady M
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Saw whales and dolphins!
      excellent day out, we were able to get to close with the boat and out guide Gabby was so informative about the whales. we also saw dolphins!
      Written 25 September 2023
    • markfU2449JK
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The ultimate whale watching experience
      A complete whale watching experience. Saw 4 different pods jumping and diving up close and even saw one with an open mouth which is really unusual. Polished it off with seeing a pod of dolphins on the way home. The boat was great and covered the sea fast. The guide really knew her stuff and kept us engaged. Really recommend.
      Written 3 June 2023
    • junoSydney
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing morning at Julian Rocks
      What a wonderful morning ... snorkelling at Julian Rocks - clear water - saw turtles, so many species of fish, numerous docile leopard sharks, large wobbegongs, bull rays, and to top it off, a breaching eagle ray! We were looked after from start to finish - our skipper was skilled and friendly, and so were our marine biologists - both accompanied us in the water keeping us safe, and giving us information on our beautiful sea life below - what an incredible ecosystem ... we must all do 'our bit' in protecting our precious environment - thank you so much and highly recommended ... Barb
      Written 11 April 2023
    • OihaneA2
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Just perfect
      The whole experience was just perfect. The guide was very informative and knowledgeable. Julian Rocks was beautiful, full of life and not crowded. So much to see!! and so close. The captain was very helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend it. Can't wait for their whale watching tours!
      Written 2 April 2023
    • lllindalu
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing Experience!
      Had a great time even on a slightly cloudy day. Still saw lots of marine life and the staff gave us fun facts about the seal life as we spotted them!
      Written 30 March 2023
    • Kayteehammer
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Julian Rocks
      Overall a great experience. We saw turtles, leopard sharks and a lot of fish. I would recommend a little more assistance for first timers or people who haven't snorkelled in a while, (I asked if floaties would be provided if we were tired & no clear response & perhaps help people with googles and breathing) otherwise a fantastic experience. Just tips to make the experience smooth for first timers 😀 Beautiful waters and experience!
      Written 24 March 2023
    • Connorange
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent Trip, would definitely recommend!
      Amazing trip, I was worried about sea sickness, but once the boat was moving it was absolutely fine, and the crew were very accommodating. Equipment was new and well looked after, fit well (thanks to the crew for making sure everyone had the best fits) and easy to use compared to other trips I have been on. We had Gabrielle on our group and she made sure to point out all the cool sea life by diving down so everyone could see, as well as being great at making sure everyone was able to get around, even towing the weaker swimmers around on her float so that they got the same experience. Heaps of great marine life full of colour to see! Thanks to Kasia for getting us booked in so easily and Gabrielle for being an awesome guide!
      Written 24 March 2023
    • MicheB789
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Absolutely fantastic, amazing, beautiful experience
      Absolutely amazing stunning beautiful! Thanks to Gab and Dean. You’re knowledge and service was absolute tops!!
      Written 20 March 2023
    • Megaposs
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Astoundingly Great
      Fun, professional, kind, friendly and helpful. You really will see a startling and stunning array of sea life. The boat goes from beautiful Brunswick Heads, so you get a free boat trip as well. The Captain (Dean) was very experienced and really knows his stuff (marine laws, tides, weather). We saw hundreds of species and colours galore. As a mature adult, the trip was easy and actually less taxing than beach swimming. I went with a teenage relative and we both thought it was fabulous.
      Written 12 March 2023
    • 999Lori_F2017
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Experience!
      Great experience! The captain handled the boat amazingly going out of the inlet. The equipment was good and the crew was informative, friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend Out of the Blue Adventures.
      Written 5 March 2023
    See all 573 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    We perform checks on reviews.
    Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
    Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
    When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
    Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
    Learn more about our review moderation.
    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles368 reviews
    Excellent
    362
    Very good
    5
    Average
    0
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    1

    Stephanie W
    Sydney, Australia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2022
    I've done a few whale tours before with other companies but this tour was by far the best experience! Our marine biologist Merrin was fantastic. She interpreted what was happening in real time, as well as providing interesting information about the whales. The whole approach from the company on the day was highly organised, professional and so much fun. The captain drove the boat very safely around the whales and Merrin was constantly checking in on everyone during the tour. Can't wait to go again next season!
    Written 31 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We really appreciate such a detailed, enthusiastic review Stephanie! We're so happy you had an awesome time and will be joining us again in the future. Cheers!
    Written 1 August 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Suzanne
    Sydney, Australia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dean and Louise went the extra mile to make our experience extra special.
    Their passion for what they do was contagious and as a marine biologist Louise was generous with sharing her knowledge.
    I can’t recommend them highly enough !
    Written 5 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Tracey B
    Sydney, Australia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    Went out for the early morning cruise. The skipper Angus was absolutely sensational getting us in and out and keeping us safe but our marine biologist Merryn was beyond terrific. She both delivered very interesting knowledge to the entire boat but also went out of her way to chat to us individually and answer any specific questions we had. She was engaging and lovely! From start to finish we felt safe and excited. This company is professional but also very approachable and laid back. I couldn't rate them enough and will be coming back towards the end of the season to see the babies! Thankyou Merryn and Angus and Thankyou Out of The Blue
    Written 30 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Tracey, Thank you for your review of your early morning whale adventure with us! We are glad to hear you had such a lovely time out there and we will pass on your kind words to Merryn and Angus! We look forward to welcoming you again soon. Warm regards, Out Of The Blue Adventures
    Written 15 July 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    aussielovesaholiday
    Ballina, Australia77 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Being Ballina local’s it’s surprising that this was our first time out with Out of the Blue Adventures. We had an amazing time and saw Whales from the moment we left the River mouth.
    We saw an exciting Heat Run which is a form of mating dance and the local pods of dolphins kept us company as well..
    The marine biologist was so knowledgeable and informative.
    The boat was expertly driven by the Skipper.
    What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning. We will come again and we recommend to tourists, locals and any one wanting to be inspired by Nature at its best.🐋
    Written 26 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi, Thank you for your review of your whale adventure with us! We so are glad to hear you had such a lovely time and were treated to dolphins as well as whales- how lucky! We look forward to welcoming you again soon. Warm regards, Out Of The Blue Adventures
    Written 15 July 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Fee1974
    Sydney, Australia20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The reviews are all spot on. This was an amazing tour. Fantastic, knowledgeable crew who you feel comfortable with from the start. Alice the Marine Biologist gives you all the information you need about the whales, dolphins and even bird life out in the ocean. Dean controlled the boat taking us closer to the action and also took some amazing photos of the whales we saw on our trip. We were blessed to see two whales breaching close by as well as quite a few dolphins. The photos were later posted for us on Facebook which was great! Boat ride itself can be a little rough/exciting, especially on the way back in on the bar. These guys are absolute professionals and I would go again with them in a heartbeat. A very memorable experience for us. Thanks again guys.
    Written 9 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Greg V
    Byron Bay, Australia32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The boat was new and well equipped with a long rain and wind protector and life jacket that was a modern and comfortable design. The skipper, Angus, manoeuvred the boat through the Ballina Bar expertly and we quickly arrived where the whale pods were surfacing. Throughout the trip, the marine biologist, Emily, gave interesting presentations that filled the gaps waiting for the whales to surface. It was a great adventure.
    Written 3 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Greg, Thank you for your review of your whale adventure with us! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your trip! We forward to welcoming you again soon. Warm regards, Out Of The Blue Adventures
    Written 15 July 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Anne E
    Sydney, Australia3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE MORNING OUT! We went out with out of the Blue whale watching and the reviews were absolutely accurate in every sense. This company goes above and beyond to make sure you are safe and comfortable as well as positioning us front and centre on the humpback highway. We saw so many whales and had absolutely fabulous commentary the whole trip from the marine biologist Merrin. Angus the skipper got us in and out of the bar with ease. Both of them were amazing and very approachable and informative. Can't recommend this tour enough!
    Written 23 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi, thank you for your very lovely review! We are so pleased you enjoyed your time with us and the whales. We can't wait to welcome you again soon. Warm regards, Out Of The Blue Adventures
    Written 15 July 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Leanne G
    Lismore, Australia38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had a wondeful experience. The skipper was experienced and knew where to take the boat heading out to sea. The host was knowledgeable and informative and knew her information that she contributed to our trip.
    We were privileged to see whales and dolphin's swimming and diving.
    Written 14 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Fox W
    Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2020
    Had an amazing time on the water with these guys. Gus was an epic Skipper and Rory had so much information to share with us all. The photo on their brochure actually happened right in front of me (whales doing their "spy hole" thing) but I turned my camera off instead of hitting the shutter button.I'm such a goof. But I swear that's exactly what it was like! The whales approached us with such curiosity and I was so excited. Even more so than the kids on board I think. Any concerns I had about invading their space or chasing them was banished when I saw how much they wanted to interact with us too. There was so much action from the whales, Breaching and tail slaps and spy holes. An unforgettable experience you will not regret.
    Written 7 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    BOOtsie5
    Paraparaumu, New Zealand391 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022
    Wow, what an awesome trip. The company are professional and 100% make sure the trip is both enjoyable and safe. They provide top quality poncho's that cover from head to toe to keep you warm and dry, and top of the range life-jackets. The boat is comfortable with enough room to be able to see, and because it's low down the view of the whales is awesome. Both Angus and Emily were superb crew members with Emily's knowledge of the whales outstanding; she was able to answer everyone's questions without hesitation.
    We were lucky enough to see 3 whales very close to the boat; 2 of which were breaching and splashing their pectoral fins into the water. There was no rush to leave the spot and we didn't go until the whales moved on.
    This was our last day of our holiday and this trip was the highlight. I would definitely recommend it to others and would return again if I came back. Thank you guys for making it so special.
    Written 15 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi, Wow! Thank you for sharing the highlights of your whale watching experience with us! I'm sure first time whale watchers will find this really helpful. It sounds like the perfect day! We look forward to another adventure with you next time you're in the area!
    Written 18 August 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Showing results 1-10 of 363
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay provided by Out of The Blue Adventures

    All Byron Bay HotelsByron Bay Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Byron Bay
    All things to do in Byron Bay
    Day Trips in Byron Bay
    RestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire