A complete guide to whale watching tours on New South Wales Coffs Coast – the ‘meeting place’ for Humpbacks.

Every year between June and November, thousands of Humpback whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to give birth and breed in the warmth and safety of Australia’s Coral Sea. And if an up-close encounter with these majestic giants has always been on your bucket list, whale-watching tours on New South Wales Coffs Coast are unlike any other. Sightings at this’ meeting place’ for Humpbacks are guaranteed and plentiful..

Our complete guide introduces you to Coffs Harbour’s most knowledgeable whale-watching tour operators so you can prepare to make memories you’ll cherish forever.

JETTY DIVE WHALE WATCHING COFFS HARBOUR

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, whale watching tour with a difference, this is it. Boasting decades of experience, Jetty Dive’s friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgeable team knows how to come across the most curious of whales. And with the super-fast engines on their custom-designed whale watching boat, Jetty Dive guarantees you’ll always see what you came for (or you can book again for free!).

Advanced eco-certification connecting guests to the natural world: Jetty Dive has Advanced Ecotourism Certification, which means their business leads the way in terms of best practices in resource management, supporting conservation initiatives, and contributing to the well-being of local communities. Jetty Dive’s certification reflects a commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring that the environment and the people who depend on it are respected and preserved.

Jetty Dive’s ‘Swim with the Humpback Whales Tour‘ is also NSW’s only eco-accredited whale swim, prioritising whale well-being in a non-intrusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

About the boat: The ‘MegaWild’ is Jetty Dive’s newly built whale watching boat. With an all-weather canopy and plenty of seating on-board, it has been custom-designed for maximum views and comfort, making passengers of all ages and abilities feel safe, secure, and dry on-board. And this boat can go FAST! Powered by 1200hp, MegaWild allows you to reach the whales sooner, meaning more time for close-up encounters. But don’t fear, as these powerful motors won’t scare approaching whales off—they are almost silent when idling.

Why you will love this tour: Compared to other operators using smaller engines on their boats, Jetty Dive’s Whale Watching Tour offers more chances to see whales due to MegaWild being able to cover more distance in a shorter time. Thanks to one of Jetty Dive’s ‘spotters’ onshore, we were lucky enough to head north to watch a mother and her calf resting right by our boat on their migration home.

One more thing… hold onto your hat near the marina! Skipper Steve will likely take you for a few super-fast spins around the harbour, which is a fun way to top off your whale watching adventure.

Whale Watch Experience Tour Coffs Harbour

Chase the thrill of the ocean with Whale Watch Experience and Pacific Explorer—the second longest-running whale-watching adventure in New South Wales. Combining a rock-solid safety record and a crew passionate about delivering up-close encounters, prepare for an unforgettable meeting with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.

In the family: With 22 years under her belt, owner Lee Bramley is a second-generation tour operator, taking over the reins from her father. When it comes to sailing with Humpback Whales, Lee’s wealth of knowledge benefits all guests. Hearing so many amazing stories from her years of cruising was super interesting.

About the boat: The Pacific Explorer has a capacity for up to 23 people and is a purpose-built catamaran designed to handle the open seas. Its wide hull and low centre of gravity help to reduce rocking while you stand up and move about the vessel. Being a quieter boat with open decks that allow for unobstructed views often evokes the curiosity of passing whales that feel comfortable coming up close to observe the humans! The Pacific Explorer even has a mascot! Lee’s salty sea dog ‘Macca’, was a pleasure to have on board and also well-trained to spot a whale—often sensing them before humans do.

Why you will love this tour: For the free-spirited and adventurous, the Whale Watch Experience tour is the perfect way to watch the whales. And while the Pacific Explorer is certainly not as fast as its rivals, being one with the ocean certainly makes up for it in terms of an intimate, eco-friendly experience. Seeing the whales glide below the bow net on this catamaran makes you feel so close you could almost touch them. However, the most memorable aspect of sailing on the Pacific Explorer with Lee, Macca, and her passionate crew was that I felt like part of the family.

Solitary Islands Marine Park, Coffs Coast – the ‘meeting place’ for Humpback Whales to rest and play

The Solitary Islands Marine Park off the Coffs Coast is a prime spot in Australia to witness majestic Humpback Whales up close. This unique marine environment is known for the convergence of multiple ocean currents, contributing to a rich and diverse ecosystem. It is also a key gathering point for humpback whales during their annual migration from Antarctica.

From Wooli in the north to Smokey Cape in the south, a giant bay creates a safer environment for mothers to bond with their young. Juvenile and adult whales can often be seen further out to sea, protecting those closer to shore. Regardless of their size, these whales take refuge close to the Coffs Coast, the perfect place to meet, rest and play.

Coffs Harbour’s International Marina is perfectly positioned to offer easy and safe harbour access, free from the challenges of a sandbar. As whales often pass near the coast, sightings typically occur just minutes after departing the harbour, providing an unforgettable encounter with these giants of the sea.

Coffs coast Whale Watching 101 – Know Before you go

Best times to go whale watching on the Coffs Coast

Depending on weather and sea conditions, the Coffs Coast often experiences a bumper whale-watching season from June to November.

What to pack/wear for whale watching experience in Coffs Harbour

Both operators recommend that you wear a hat, sunscreen, protective clothing and bring along a water bottle, and a camera. For those suffering from seasickness, we recommend taking medication before your tour to reduce symptoms.

Humpback Whale behaviour – learn the lingo

Southern Cross University Honours student Emma Sophie has put together a guide on her Instagram outlining typical Humpback Whale behaviour in the waters off the Coffs Coast. Featuring graphics and photos from Sharyn Coffee, see how many of these behaviours you can witness on your whale watching tour.

The importance of adhering to guidelines

Both Jetty Dive and Whale Watch Experience follow rigorous protocols to prioritise the safety of both whales and passengers. These guidelines involve keeping a safe distance from the whales to avoid disturbing them, controlling the number of boats in the vicinity, and adhering to speed limits to reduce collision risks. Interaction times are carefully regulated to prevent causing animal stress, and passenger conduct is managed to ensure that all encounters remain respectful and non-intrusive. These measures ensure a responsible and mindful approach to whale watching, protecting the well-being of these magnificent creatures.

Coffs Coast for accessible and inclusive whale watching tours

Regardless of ability, the Coffs Coast is proud to offer whale watching tours that are inclusive for all. For those that require wheelchair access, Jetty Dive’s custom-built boat, MegaWild, enables most wheelchairs to access the boat. Access ramps and single-level boats enable easy access on board. Regardless of the operator, families with young children and elderly passengers will be in the safest of hands. To ensure suitability, or if you have specific questions about special needs, please contact your operator before booking a tour.

Book your next Coffs Coast Whale Watching tour today

The Coffs Coast whale watching season runs from June to November, so if you want to get close to a whale, book your whale watching tour today!

Click here to book your whale watching tour with Jetty Dive.

Click here to book the Whale Watch Experience Tour.