Adult
From $139
per adult
- Duration
- 2 – 2.5 hours
- Season
- May – Nov migration
- Marine biologist onboard
- Whale encounter promise
- Small-group experience
Ballina • Byron • Northern Rivers
The Wild Side
of Summer.
Discover a world beyond the shoreline. From playful dolphins and extraordinary seabirds to the winding Richmond River, your next adventure starts aboard Cetacean One.
View all experiences
03 / Coastal WildlifeCloser to the Coast. Closer to Nature.
Discover the fascinating birdlife found along the Northern Rivers coastline.
An adventure for curious explorers, wildlife lovers and photographers looking to experience the natural world from a different perspective.
- 3 hours
- From $100 per person
- Departs Ballina
What you might see
- Ospreys
- Pelicans
- Sea eagles
- Shorebirds
Want the whole boat?
Every experience is available as a private charter.
Beyond the Beaches
There's a Whole Other World Out Here.
Most people experience Ballina and Byron from the shoreline.
But just beyond the beaches lies an extraordinary world of marine wildlife, seabirds, coastal landscapes and winding waterways.
Aboard Cetacean One, every journey offers something different. Whether you're following dolphins along the coast, discovering remarkable birdlife or exploring the Richmond River, there's always something new waiting beyond the horizon.
- Family owned & operated
- Experienced local crew
- Small-group adventures
- Accessible vessel
- 600+ Google reviews
2027 bookings now open
Ballina Whale Watching · Season opens June 2027 · Bookings now open
Reserve your whale migration spot for 2027.
Over 45,000 humpbacks pass our coast from May to November. Cetacean One is a small boat with limited seats on every departure, so the best dates go first. Lock yours in early.
—Real Guest Stories
Don't take our word for it.
Hear it from the people who stepped aboard.
5.0 · 600+ Google ReviewsLoved by local families, travellers and ocean lovers.
Read all Google reviews
The Encounters
“Most incredible experience. Angus and crew had so much knowledge and made the whole experience seamless. A once in a lifetime experience!”
Gregory Hall
“We had such a fantastic morning onboard with the Ballina Byron Marine Adventures crew.” — Holli Rawson
Read full reviewHide full review
Most incredible experience. Angus and crew had so much knowledge and made the whole experience seamless. Also felt so lucky to have perfect conditions and some very friendly whales. Would recommend this to everyone!! It's a once in a lifetime experience!
In good hands
“Our skipper Angus made us feel safe and at ease the entire trip.”
Kim Noble
“The boat was spotless, comfortable and felt extremely safe from the moment we stepped on board.” — Hayden Blair
Space to experience it
“The boat's nice with lots of room to move about on. There's a nice outdoor sofa on the bow to watch from too.”
Oscar TrisleyLocal Guide
“The custom built boat is so spacious — everyone had a clear view of the action.” — Louise Skinner
For the whole family
“We took our family of 5 out on the water and could not have asked for a more magical experience.”
Sophie Leonard
“We took our daughter and she loved it. Such a great experience — we would highly recommend!” — Lucy Haidamous
An experience for more people
“Easy access for my clients with a disability. Ramp available. Recommend to try at least once.”
Scott FlanaganLocal Guide
“Comfortable ride and easily accessed boat. We will be back next season.” — Mathew Thorley
Ready to make your own story?
Join us on the water and see why guests keep coming back.
Latitude 28°52′SWinter Passage
Every winter,
giants pass our coastline.
From May to November, more than 45,000 humpbacks trace the East Australian Current north to warmer breeding waters and back again. For a few short months, one of the greatest migrations on Earth passes within sight of our shore.
Continue the journey
Ch. 03·5Our Whale Encounter Promise
Our Whale Encounter Promise.
The annual humpback migration along our coastline is one of nature's most remarkable spectacles — and we're proud to share it with our guests each season.
While whale encounters are overwhelmingly common on our tours, nature is always in charge. In the unlikely event that whales aren't sighted during your trip, we'll welcome you back for another whale-watching experience with us — free of charge, during June–October and subject to availability.
It's our way of making sure every guest has the chance to experience the magic of these incredible animals.
- Valid June–October
- Complimentary return trip, subject to availability
- Guided by local skippers and marine biologists
"No whale sighting?
Come back on us."
—Experiences & Pricing
Simple, honest pricing.
Book direct with the family. No middlemen, no surcharges — just the people who'll be at the helm.
Child
From $119
per child (3–14)
- Duration
- 2 – 2.5 hours
- Season
- May – Nov migration
- Kid-friendly commentary
- Life jackets sized for children
- Under 3 travel free
Private Charter
From $3,500
up to 28 guests
- Duration
- 2 – 3 hours
- Season
- Year round
- Exclusive vessel hire
- Flexible departure times
- Bespoke itinerary
Prices in AUD · Whale watching operates May – November · Private charters year round
—Before You Board
Common questions.
The essentials before you step aboard. If your question isn't here, message us — a real person will reply the same day.
Safety comes first. If we can't sail safely, we rebook you free of charge to another date that suits — or refund in full.
During season (May–November) we sight whales on almost every voyage. From June to October, if there is no sighting we offer a complimentary rebook.
Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from boarding to return.
Yes — children are very welcome. For whale watching we recommend a minimum age of 4, and we carry life jackets in every size.
The Ballina RSL Floating Pontoon, directly in front of the RSL Boardwalk. Free parking at the Ballina RSL Club.
Yes — from step-free boarding at the pontoon through to accessible restroom facilities on board.
—Acknowledgement of Country
We are grateful to live, work and share these waters on Bundjalung Country.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Ballina Byron Marine Adventures proudly acknowledges the Nyangbul people of the Bundjalung Nation, Traditional Custodians of the land, waterways and Sea Country on which we operate.
We recognise the deep and continuing connection to the ocean, its wildlife and the changing seasons — from the humpback whales that journey along our coastline to the dolphins and other marine life that call these waters home.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the generations of knowledge, culture and care for Sea Country that continue today.
— Ballina Byron Marine Adventures
Ch. 09Why Families Trust Us
Built on generations of local knowledge.
5.0
Star rating on Google
3
Generations on these waters
100%
Wheelchair accessible
0
Missed safety inspections
"The kind of morning you spend the rest of the year talking about. The crew were extraordinary — knowledgeable, warm, safe."
Google Review
"We watched a mother and calf for twenty minutes. My son is still drawing them. Worth every cent."
TripAdvisor
"Truly accessible. My father uses a wheelchair and for the first time in years he was on the water. Thank you."
Google Review
Ch. 10Your Turn
The ocean is already waiting.
Book directly with the family. No middlemen. No booking-site surcharges. Just an honest reservation with the people who'll be at the helm.
Reserve your voyage
A few small details.
Continue to bookingPrivate whale charter · up to 28 · whale swim