8 Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Australia Worth Flying For

1.Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 57 reviews · 1 day · from $162Our pick

You’ll take a 75-minute ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma, enjoy resort facilities, then join a three-hour whale-watching cruise with lunch and commentary from Eco Rangers. At sunset, you can hand-feed a wild bottlenose dolphin under strict care guidelines. Allow a long day, and bring clothes that can get wet.

“Moreton Island was a beautiful place. The whale watching was one of the best tours, according to our guide - the whales even swam up to our boat to show off! The dolphins were adorable, too. The feeding only lasted a few seconds, just giving them a fish, but it was such a unique experience to be that close to them.”

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2.Port Stephens 3 Hour Whale and Dolphin Watch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $62Best value

Set out from Nelson Bay for a three-hour whale and dolphin watch aboard a gentle sailing catamaran. The crew provides wildlife commentary, tea, coffee, blankets, and wet-weather jackets. Look for humpback whales offshore, dolphins near the boat, and fur seals around Cabbage Tree Island, with a whale guarantee included.

“Absolutely exceeded all expectations. Cannot say enough good things about our trip. Staff, whales and experience all an 11/10. I am always wary booking animal experiences that the animal's welfare is put first and that the booking is not to the Read more”

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3.Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 48 reviews · 3 hours · from $95

Set out from Phillip Island for a three-hour wildlife cruise past Cape Woolamai and the southern coast. An expert whale spotter and captain guide your search for migrating humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Tea, coffee, and cake are included, with drinks available from the licensed bar.

“The entire experience was wonderful, the crew were all so friendly and kind. You can really tell how passionate they are about the animals. We saw 5 whales and loads of dolphins. I highly recommend!”

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4.Nelson Bay: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 47 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

From d’Albora Nelson Bay, you’ll spend three hours aboard Imagine Cruises’ 54-foot catamaran searching for migrating humpback whales. Covered decks, tea and coffee, wet-weather jackets, fleece blankets, and an onboard bar keep the trip comfortable. Look for breaching whales, dolphins, Australian fur seals, seabirds, and occasional close approaches known as mugging.

“amazing as always. repeat booking will be yet more repeat bookings in the future”

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5.Dolphin & Whale Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · from $96

Set out from San Remo Jetty at 1:00 pm aboard a large catamaran for a three-hour cruise past Cape Woolamai and Seal Rocks. You’ll hear onboard commentary, stop near the Old Granite Quarry, and watch for humpback whales, southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and albatross. Afternoon tea, coffee, and tea are included.

“The water was choppy with ocean waves, dipping here rising there, it was the sensation of a never ending roller coaster. The sms warned us to prepare for possible seasickness - glad we followed the advice! Our little group was fine. We saw Read more”

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6.Hervey Bay: Pre-season Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 5 hours · from $102

Join Whalesong Cruises at Great Sandy Straits Marina for a five-hour pre-season cruise through Hervey Bay. You will scan for humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and seabirds from wide viewing decks, hear whale song through a hydrophone, and enjoy morning tea, lunch, hot drinks, and Wi-Fi. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the usual chance is about 70 percent.

“Very very good.Friendly and courteous staff members and even though it was an early start to the season we did see a whale and dolphins Would definitely recommend The whalesong if you are going for a day out to the whales”

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7.Port Stephens Private Tour From Sydney, with Dolphin/ Whale Cruise Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $340

Spend about 10 hours with a private driver-guide from Sydney to Port Stephens. Choose a dolphin or whale cruise in season, visit Gan Gan Lookout and Little Beach, stop for lunch, and add sandboarding or camel riding. Guide James has earned warm praise for his friendly care.

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8.Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Viewing

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 7 reviews · 1 day · from $147

Take a 75-minute ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma, spend three hours watching humpback whales with onboard commentary and lunch, then enjoy a cocktail, resort facilities, and a sunset visit to the wild dolphin feeding area. Dolphin attendance depends on weather, tides, and the animals themselves.

“Well organized and the amenities were better than expected (real cocktail, good lunch box …)”

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