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Byron Bay Whale Watching Safari

Twelve seats, a hydrophone, and humpbacks doing their winter commute.

A safari-style whale watch: max 12 aboard the purpose-built Apollo 2 from Brunswick Heads, with a marine naturalist guide, live whale song through a hydrophone, free pro photos and guaranteed sightings.

⭑ 5.0 440 Google reviews 📍 Byron Bay ⏱ 3 Hours 👥 Up to 12 🔥 Active

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$139 AUD

per person

5.0 from 440 Google reviews

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Overview

Every winter the humpback highway runs right past Byron Bay, tens of thousands of whales commuting to warmer water, breaching and tail-slapping as they go. This crew watches it safari-style: a maximum of twelve passengers on the purpose-built eco vessel Apollo 2, which means everyone gets a rail and nobody photographs the back of a head.

The details set it apart. A marine naturalist guides the three hours, decoding the behaviour as it happens. An underwater hydrophone pipes live whale song through the boat, an eerie, beautiful soundtrack most whale watchers never hear. And a professional photographer shoots the whole trip, sharing the images free afterwards, so you can watch with your eyes instead of your phone. Dolphins, turtles and seabirds pad out the Cape Byron Marine Park species list.

Sightings are guaranteed, no whales, and you cruise again free. It departs Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour, 15 minutes from Byron, June to October. Waterproof jackets provided when the sea's feeling salty.

Why you'll love it

  1. 1

    Whale season: June to October only

  2. 2

    Max 12 passengers

  3. 3

    Live whale song by hydrophone

  4. 4

    Guaranteed sightings or free return

  5. 5

    Free professional photos

  6. 6

    Marine naturalist guide

More photos

What's included

✓ What's included

  • Marine naturalist guide
  • Underwater hydrophone for whale song
  • Professional photos/videos shared after the trip
  • Modern eco-vessel (Apollo 2)
  • Whale sighting guarantee
  • Waterproof jacket if required

✕ Not included

  • ✕Meals and beverages
  • ✕Personal camera equipment
  • ✕Transportation to/from the Brunswick Heads departure point

Common questions about this trip

  • What's the cancellation policy?
    The operator offers 100% refunds on cancellations up to 48 hours before the tour, with conditions applying. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 (including if the operator cancels) and we chase it on your behalf.

Got a question that's not here? Ask us or hit the chat, instant AI reply with a follow-up from the Wanderlust crew.

What travellers say

Reviews from real travellers

Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.

The operator's track record

5.0 on Google · 440 reviews

Review excerpts below are from Tripadvisor.

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"An amazing 3 hours, we were very fortunate to see whales, dolphins and turtles. The whales breaching in particular were incredible. A number of these only 30 metres from the boat, one whale in particular over an hour must have breached some 40 times, quite amazing something never to forget…"
R

Richard E

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"Oh my gosh, that was an incredible trip! We spotted between 20 and 30 whales, two adorable sea turtles, and even a playful dolphin. It was like they were putting on a show for us, with their music and breaching. It was an experience we'll never forget!"
M

Michelle

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"This was just an amazing experience from start to finish. Our tour guide ensured we had the best time and the views were incredible. The beauty of the whales in the ocean is something we can’t stop talking about, just really was so amazing. We highly recommend- bucket list experience for sure."
E

Emily

Tripadvisor review

Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.

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