Jervis Bay Whale Watching Tour
4.5
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Watch Jervis Bay's annual humpback whale migration from the best possible spot—the deck of a whale-watching boat—during this cruise. Explore the waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park and learn all about the whales' biology, behavior, and migrating and breeding patterns from an onboard guide. Aboard a comfortable vessel, you'll also have opportunities to spot more marine life, such as seals, penguins, and bottlenose dolphins.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines

Highlights
  • Cruise to spot migrating humpback whales
  • Onboard live commentary from guides on the whales' behavior
  • Spot other animals, such as dolphins and penguins

  • 2-hour cruise
What's not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Arrive at Huskisson's Jervis Bay Cruise Terminal in advance of your tour's departure time. Step aboard the purpose-built, catamaran and find a comfortable spot as the boat heads out of the harbor. Begin your search for the migrating humpback whales—plentiful between May and November. Look for signs of the whales, such as tail slaps and blows, and listen to in-depth commentary from your guide. You'll also likely see other animals, such as dolphins, albatross, seals, and penguins, that call this pristine bay home. Return to land after your tour.

Start:
  • 15 Field St, Huskisson NSW 2540, Australia
    Check-in 30min before departure at our private cruise terminal - The Fishermens Wharf Cafe located on the left side of Huskisson Public Wharf.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9166P2

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Wear/bring something warm as it can be cool on the water
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
    • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travellers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9166P2

    From
    AU$69.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Jervis Bay Wild Cruises
      4.6 of 5 bubbles887
      Australia
      Joined in March 2011
    • margaretmB4815FG
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The Henry and Luke Extravaganza.
      Great day. Well organised.Henry and Luke were beaut. The Mother-in-law jokes passed the pub test! Thanks heaps for all.
      Written 12 March 2025
    • 879belindaw
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      can't review, as the boat didn't turn up.
      Well if the boat had turned up im sure we would have had a great day!!!!! Was left standing at the pier at our designated time, and no boat was there. Time we had as our pickup time, no boat!!!
      Written 12 March 2025
    • 570rozc
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Enjoyable day out
      Very good day out didn't see any dolphins but enjoyed it any way the people that ran the cruise where great & would do it again
      Written 4 March 2025
    • Julian B
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great trip
      Great trip. We took our 2 year old grandson who was so thrilled to see the dolphins. Skipper and crew were very helpful. Would book again
      Written 2 March 2025
    • 94michik
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Be aware: tour times WILL be changed on you last minute!
      I was very disappointed with the poor conduct of this tour company. First thing, if you book, please be aware that there is a good chance that they will un-apologetically make last minute changes to the departure time of your tour. They say this is due to "tide issues" which I obviously can't confirm (I think in our case there was simply nobody booked for the time we choose and, honestly, I think they had left the 9:30 tour on their website by mistake as this appears to only run in high season). Obviously changing the time of our tour really disrupted our plans for the entire day. But, nevertheless, I could look past this if it was not for the fact that I picked the 9:30am tour and payed for it directly through the companies website and it was ~50AUD more expensive for our group of 5 compared to booking.com and other websites. I payed the extra cash because I really couldn't make the later start time work with our plans and the weather was looking quite poorly from 11am. In the end, I payed an extra 50AUD, had to cancel our afternoon activities and, yes, the weather was not great, the ocean was choppy and we did not see much at all. I contacted the tour company expressing my frustration and they could not care less. They probably have a monopoly on the whole bay so why would they care about doing the right thing? Also, note, the boat is different than shown in the pictures. To be fair, the crew was lovely and the bay was beautiful (otherwise this would be a one-star rating).
      Written 2 March 2025
    • nigelf728
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Looking for dolphins on Jervis Bay
      We were out on Jervis Bay on a comfortable medium sized boat. The crew were competent and pleasant. I think the captain was called Ken, also a nice bloke. Knowledgeable about his local area. I could see the crew using their contacts to try to find leads on where the dolphins were. There was a sighting of one lone dolphin, which I personally missed. They tried. I enjoyed the cruise out on the boat, great views and relaxed atmosphere. I recommend.
      Written 23 February 2025
    • keithoM2532WL
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent
      We had dolphins for quite a while riding the bow wave The rock formations were just amazing as was the colour and spectacle of Jervis bay
      Written 18 February 2025
    • iancX1521YN
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Well spotted!
      The ride around the bay in glorious weather was delightful but the whole point of a dolphin watching cruise is to see dolphins and as the time ticked away we'd resigned ourselves to disappointment. So kudos to the skipper and crew for not giving up and, when the large and friendly pod was finally found, for extending the trip so we could enjoy close up views.
      Written 13 February 2025
    • R787YNkatiew
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Disappointed with type of boat
      Extremely disappointed when a large cruise type boat showed up at the dock. Very different to the smaller speed boat pictured/advertised. I purposely booked this tour for the type of boat. I addressed the issue with the lady at check-in and was met with a dismissive attitude and she walked away from me.
      Written 5 February 2025
    • ianaA1079TD
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Overpriced, overrated and dishonest advertising
      Arrived at the pier as requested @ 10:30 for an 11 am departure. We were suppose to board @ 10:45, this didn’t commence until 11:15, departed @ 11:25. No apology or explanation from shore staff or crew while we waited in full sun. The boat that arrived was significantly different to the one advertised in pictures. It has very limited shaded sitting outdoors unlike the boat advertised. Very very disappointing and I raised the false advertising with shore staff and was met with indifference and defensive attitudes. In addition to the boat not being as advertised, only one of the onboard bathroom facilities was working. Furthermore, the onboard bar was manned only once for less than 5 minutes. The commentary was limited, uninspiring and mostly plugs for various tourist areas around the bay. All this would’ve been acceptable for a cruise < $50, but it’s not they charge almost $100. Overall, the cruise is not worth the ticket price and I believe it’s due to lack of competition and awareness of what other tour operators provide up and down the sapphire coast. Do better and ensure your advertising represents what you’re selling to avoid future customer disappointment.
      Written 26 January 2025
    • Katherine C
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dolphin Cruise on Jervis Bay
      Great day out in Jervis bay. The Captain gave a fun and informative narrative. We got to see heaps of dolphins. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
      Written 20 January 2025
    • jasonsL5396ZE
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Thumbs up, must do
      Great experience for the whole family, crew were fun and informative! Gave us the perfect tour of Jervis Bay. Created more ideas and must does to fill in our trip.
      Written 17 January 2025
    • cassidyh829
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dolphin Cruise
      We unfortunately didn’t see any dolphins, but the crew was so lovely and it was nice to get out for a little boat ride! They say you have better odds of seeing them on hot calm days!
      Written 10 January 2025
    • yulag2025
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommend for a great overview of Jervis Bay
      A terrific way to see the sights of Jervis Bay from a different perspective. This tour gives great insight into the area, the many wonderful beaches and locations to visit during your stay. With an excellent and knowledgeable crew, this was a fantastic experience.
      Written 1 January 2025
    • Andrew M
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent way to see the sights of Jervis Bay
      Very enjoyable, informative and comfortable cruise around the coast of Jervis Bay. The scenery is stunning and we found a friendly pod of dolphins along the away - Captain Henry’s commentary along the way was entertaining.
      Written 1 January 2025
    See all 887 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles148 reviews
    Excellent
    114
    Very good
    16
    Average
    7
    Poor
    5
    Terrible
    6

    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
    This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

    gumnutbabies2019
    Albion Park Rail, Australia13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2020
    This is a 2 hour cruise that starts off in the Jervis Bay area and goes out to sea via the headlands. Once out at sea we literally experienced hundreds of dolphins playing and jumping about all around the boat. Then experienced migrating whales travelling in packs of two and three, massive animals, we could hear them breathing as they broke the surface swimming north. If you have never experienced nor seen these animals in their natural habitat then this company and cruise is for you. Highly recommend this company for the best whale watching experience you will get for such a reasonable price.
    Written 30 June 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thankyou for your Positive Feedback. We are at the peak of the northern Humpback migration and Jervs Bay is uniquely situated to geographically to give "The Ultimate Jervis Bay Expedition" on our purpose built viewing platform "Port Venture - The Whale Whisperer". We are pleased you enjoyed the experience.
    Written 1 July 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    mdh969
    Canberra, Australia1,057 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    5 of us went out on the whale watching cruise on 21 September. We had booked the afternoon tour.

    It was quite windy and we weren’t sure if we would see any whales. The morning trip had sighted some whales in the distance but not close up.

    Luckily we sighted lots of whales and had a great time.

    The staff were fantastic and made the trip lots of fun.

    Would definitely recommend 👍
    Written 21 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Pamela Hodge
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2022
    Absolutely great afternoon on Jervis Bay Wild whale .atching Cruise this afternoon .
    The whales put on an excellent show but Wayne and his crew enabled us to have excellent views and then on the way home he manoeuvred the boat so that we had spectacular views of a large pod of dolphins
    Written 23 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your review and feedback. I will pass on your comments to the boat crew.
    Written 3 July 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Maxima Jo
    Canberra, Australia20 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Family
    I think the tour company was dishonest to take the boat out on 22 September. The weather forecast was for 25kn south easterly winds. From the moment we got on the boat the crew were telling us it would be rough and whales would be difficult to see. None visible in the bay. The attempt to go past the heads to “the whale Highway” in the ocean was completely unsuccessful due to the size of the waves. Turning the boat around was quite exciting. The tour should have been cancelled. The only reason it wasn’t canceled was because most of the passengers on the boat were part of a large tour group which no doubt would have been unable to rebook. No photos to load becaus3 nothing to see on this tour. Not happy Jan!
    Written 22 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Fess on the move
    Canberra, Australia6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Out and back in two hours! The boat was fast and stable amazing how quick we were outside Jervis bay and on the"whale highway". Skipper and crew were clear with the few instructions, and knowledgeable. Yes we saw whales breaching and slapping as they migrated. A fantastic experience done in two hours.
    Written 1 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Charlotte
    7 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2021
    My partner and I booked a whale watching tour and went out on their boat last Saturday at 1pm. It wasn't a whale watching trip at all - it felt more like a tour of the harbour beaches within Jervis Bay (and we also stopped to look at some rock formations).

    We went out to the harbour bay mouth and searched for whales for around 5 minutes then headed back inside. We were really disappointed - as felt that the "whale watching" aspect of the tour was practically non-existent. We saw no whales. The weather wasn't great (strong winds) which may explain why we didn't venture further out of the harbour, but if this was the case I think they should have offered the option to reschedule the tour for those that actually wanted to look for whales rather than pay $69 for a trip around the harbour.
    Written 7 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your feedback. Can you please contact the booking office on (02) 4441 7002
    Written 14 November 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Annie D
    Sydney, Australia16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful experience! It took a while to find any whales when we got past the heads, but when we started seeing them, the captain stayed out a lot longer than timed for us. We saw about 8 whales!
    And on the way out he stopped when we saw seals, dolphins & even penguins!!!
    Everyone was very courteous & stayed sitting so all could see.
    Highly recommend it
    Written 29 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your review. Wildlife in Jervis Bay is certainly spectacular and you were very lucky to see penguins. I will pass on your comments to the boat crew.
    Written 30 August 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Mw
    Zurich, Switzerland2 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Miserable! We were sold a whale boat tour at 9:30 in the morning and at 12 o'clock when the tour was supposed to start it was suddenly cancelled on the grounds that the waves were too high. It was calm and the weather was perfect, there were no waves that day. Then they tried to sell us a dolphin tour for the afternoon... but then the waves were apparently no longer a problem!
    Google
    Written 25 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Elizabeth B
    Alafaya, FL20 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The whale watching cruise was a nice way to spend the afternoon. Although it initially looked like out luck wasn’t good, we did see a group of 3 whales. The boat Captain did a great job of staying with the whales giving us multiple opportunities to see those beautiful animals. Highly recommend this cruise.
    Written 14 October 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your Positive response, we endeavor everytime to deliver "The Ultimate Jervis Bay Expedition". To get up close and personal and showcase these majestic creatures is always a privilege!
    Written 14 October 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Jacqueline C
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2020
    We had the most wonderful time, the boat was comfortable and roomy, the staff were very friendly and really made the experience so much more, especially when a team member courageously saved my ( new) hat from nearly going over board for me.

    But the whales stole the show , we were very lucky to have an hour of watching a mother and calf playing and learning.

    A very special day, will be back, highly recommended.
    Written 25 September 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thankyou for your positive feedback. The mothers and calves are now entering the bay. It is an amazing sight to see the mothers and calves bonding together. " The Ultimate Jervis Bay Expedition"!
    Written 25 September 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    Jervis Bay Whale Watching Tour provided by Jervis Bay Wild Cruises

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