Whale Watching Frequently asked Questions -FAQ

The whale watching guarantee is the right to see whales on your whale watching cruise. If you don’t see any whales on your cruise, you have the right to book another trip or even possible your money back. The refund does depend on the tour operator.

The general standard most whale watching cruises adhere ,whichare strict guidelines set by marine wildlife authorities to ensure the safety of both the whales and the passengers. Typically, boats must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards (approximately 300 feet) from the whales to avoid disturbing them. There are many instances where the whales will come right up to the boat. You could do a selfie with a whale.

If the boat is a speed boat you could be see whales in 30 minutes.That the time it takes to leave the harbour.If it’s a catamaran  it takes 45 minutes. That’s if the whales are close to shore and not far from the harbour. 

Whales are typically closest to shore during their annual migration along Australia’s east coast, especially near Sydney and the NSW Central Coast. Here’s how it breaks down:

Northbound Migration (May–July):

  • Humpback whales travel from Antarctic feeding grounds to warmer northern waters to breed.

  • During this phase, whales often swim closer to the shoreline, making them easier to spot from coastal lookouts and tour boats.

  • Expect energetic displays like breaching and tail slaps