Humpback Whales
Up to 16 m · 40 tonnes · Jun – Oct
The signature encounter. Breaching, tail slapping, spy hopping — every tour is different, every sighting unforgettable.
Ballina · Byron Bay · June – October
Ballina Whale Watching Tours.
Small groups aboard Cetacean One. Marine biologists on board. The entire east-coast humpback migration passing a stone's throw from the coastline.
5.0 ★ from 180+ Google reviews · Whale encounter promise
01The Season
30,000 humpbacks, one coastline.
Between June and October the entire east-coast humpback population passes within sight of Ballina and Byron Bay. Open water is only five to ten minutes from the pontoon, so you spend your time watching whales — not travelling to them.
June
Migration north
The first pods arrive. Big travelling whales, purposeful and fast.
July
Peak numbers
Traffic builds daily — breaching, pec slapping, competition pods.
August
Calves appear
Newborns travelling close to mum. Slow, curious, unforgettable.
Sept – Oct
The southern run
Mothers and calves hugging the coast on the return leg south.
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 the June–October migration season 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 during our June–October migration season
- Complimentary return trip, subject to availability
- Guided by local skippers and marine biologists
"No whale sighting?
Come back on us."
June – October · Small groups
Secure your spot this season.
02The Voyage
Two and a half hours, in seven scenes.
Scene 01 · T-30
Arrival
Free parking at the Ballina RSL Club, then a short walk down the boardwalk to the floating pontoon.
Scene 02 · T-10
Boarding
Step-free boarding straight off the pontoon. Safety brief, seat of your choosing, coffee still warm.
Scene 03 · T-00
Departure
Slip the mooring and run the Richmond River past town, out through the river mouth into open ocean.
Scene 04 · T+40
The Encounter
Engines idle. Everyone quiet. A blow, a back, then forty tonnes clears the water.
Scene 05 · T+70
Marine Discovery
Hydrophone in the water and a marine biologist reading the behaviour as it happens.
Scene 06 · T+110
Photography
Dedicated shooting positions along the wide walkways — and a crew who'll call the next surface for you.
Scene 07 · T+150
The Return
Sun on your face, the river opening ahead, time to sit with what you've just seen.
03The Vessel
Cetacean One — purpose-built for this.
A custom aluminium catamaran built in Western Australia by High Performance Marine. Twin Mercury 400hp outboards, exceptional stability in a swell, wide walkways, an elevated viewing deck and step-free access from bow to stern.
Wheelchair accessibleTwin Mercury 400hpHydrophone on boardOnboard restroom
Departs Ballina RSL pontoon
Step aboard Cetacean One.
04What You'll See
Humpbacks headline. They're rarely alone.
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins
Pods of 20–200 · Year round · Curious, playful
Frequent bow-riders. On calm mornings they'll often escort the boat out through the river mouth.
Sea Turtles
Green & Loggerhead · Estuary & reef · Seasonal
Look for a breath at the surface. Ballina's estuary is a known nursery for green turtles.
White Sharks
Apex predator · Cool months · Rare sighting
The rarest and most humbling encounter — a reminder of how wild this coastline still is. Sightings are uncommon but unforgettable.
Short-Beaked Common Dolphins
Fast, acrobatic · Offshore pods · Year round
Often sighted further offshore in fast-moving pods — smaller than the bottlenose, and always in a hurry.
Hammerhead Sharks
Schooling species · Warmer months · Distinctive silhouette
Scalloped hammerheads pass along this coast in the warmer months — usually solo, occasionally in schools.
05On Board With You
A local family and real marine biologists.
06What's Included
Everything on board, nothing hidden.
Inclusion · 01
Approx. 2 – 2.5 hours on the water
Inclusion · 02
Marine biologist commentary
Inclusion · 03
Underwater hydrophone listening
Inclusion · 04
Dedicated photography positions
Inclusion · 05
Whale sighting promise — complimentary rebook
Inclusion · 06
Full weather guarantee — rebook or refund
—Real Guest Stories
Don't take our word for it.
Hear it from the people who stepped aboard.
5.0 · 180 Google ReviewsLoved by local families, travellers and ocean lovers.
Read all Google reviews
The Encounters
“After a full safety briefing, Angus put us in the perfect locations to see multiple pods of breaching humpbacks up close.”
Gavan ClarkLocal Guide
“I've never seen so many humpbacks in one day.” — Jeremy Lamming
Space to experience it
“The most comfortable I've ever felt. Spacious boat, amazing crew and an all-round great experience.”
Miles Away Media
“The boat is outstanding, very comfortable and spacious.” — Alana
For the whole family
“We took our family of five out on the water and could not have asked for a more magical experience.”
Sophie Leonard
“Our girls kept asking questions, and Angus and Ellie were knowledgeable and friendly.” — Ged Moretta
In good hands
“Angus made us feel safe the whole time, especially crossing the Ballina Bar.”
Tori Cameron
“The marine biologist was super knowledgeable and had loads of interesting information.” — Sam Peatey
An experience for more people
“As a wheelchair user, my access needs and comfort were well looked after.”
Mariann Lloyd-Smith
“Easy access for my clients with a disability. Ramp available.” — Scott Flanagan
Ready to make your own story?
Join us on the water and see why guests keep coming back.
—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 (June–October) we sight whales on almost every voyage. In the rare event of 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.
—Live availability
Check today's departures.
Real-time seats aboard Cetacean One. Choose a voyage, pick your date, and book right here.
Daily departures in season
Book your Ballina whale watching tour.
Jun – Oct · Small groups
From $139 per adult