On the Water
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$125
per adult
CoastXP
5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
CoastXP is the Hunter Coast Adventure Destination. Ocean Enthusiast, Dominic May and his team of experienced wildlife guides operate coastal sightseeing, whale watching (Jun - Nov) and guided bushwalking tours along the stunning Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline. All experiences focus on the marine life that inhabits the coastline, local geology, Aboriginal Heritage, as well as unique destination landmarks such as cliffs, wrecks, islands, sea caves and ships. Board one of CoastXP's two custom-built boats to experience the breathtaking Hunter Coastline!
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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On the Water
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$125
per adult
Whale Watching
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
AU$125
per adult
Likely To Sell Out
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
AU$140
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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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5.0
271 reviews
Excellent
261
Very good
7
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Alison E
Lake Macquarie, Australia6 contributions
Dec 2020
We enjoyed a fantastic tour of Lake Macquarie with Dom aboard the state-of-the-art boat, Atmos. Although we’re resident here, we hadn’t been on the lake before and were thrilled to see previously unseen views of places we knew (including our house!). The ride felt very comfortable and safe and Dom was the perfect guide. He was knowledgeable and clear in his delivery as we learned about local Indigenous heritage and the Catalinas that were based in Rathmines. Everything was well organised, from initial booking to stepping off at the end. We’d recommend this tour for locals as well as tourists and look forward to further tours (including whale watching) with Dom!
Written 4 January 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 so much Alison and Darrell for your kind review. It was an absolute pleasure hosting the two of you aboard, and I look forward to seeing you aboard for more tours in the future!!
Written 7 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IndeTvl
Newcastle, Australia65 contributions
Jan 2022
I purchased a Lake Macquarie Explorer tour as a Christmas gift for my husband on the high recommendation from a friend. From the moment we stepped aboard the boat Dom made sure we were comfortably seated, safe and entertained. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole cruise, which took in the significant sights of Lake Macquarie with some fun and excitement thrown in. We departed from Pelican in the custom built boat spent the next 2 1/2 hours having fun and being educated on the past, present and future of the beautiful Lake. We are actually locals and can’t believe how beautiful the the Lake looks from the water. This is a very COVID safe activity and Dom’s boat is pristine. We felt very safe at all times during the cruise. Lots of fun, we can’t wait to do the adventure cruise and some whale watching with CoastXP in the future. Great gift idea!
Written 29 January 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 so much for your kind review, I was really happy the two of you could join us aboard. I'm glad you enjoyed our custom-built boat as well as the fast, smooth ride around the lake. I look forward to seeing you both aboard again during the whale season!
Written 31 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane M
Newcastle, Australia629 contributions
July 2020 • Family
Dom, the owner operator, was lovely and knowledgeable. I learnt things about our city that I was not aware of even though I have been a local most of my life.
It was interesting to look back on our beautiful coastline having a house on the beach and looking out.
Seeing the local seal Nigel lurched on the buoy on the way out of the harbour to passing the huge ship being brought into the harbour. The whales were a little quiet but Dom found a couple of female humpbacks and we followed them for a little while down the coast.
A very enjoyable day
It was interesting to look back on our beautiful coastline having a house on the beach and looking out.
Seeing the local seal Nigel lurched on the buoy on the way out of the harbour to passing the huge ship being brought into the harbour. The whales were a little quiet but Dom found a couple of female humpbacks and we followed them for a little while down the coast.
A very enjoyable day
Written 13 July 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.
Thanks Jane for your kind review, It is always a pleasure hosting locals aboard and being able to see a different perspective of the city we all love! I hope to see you aboard again soon!
Written 27 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RickO
Newcastle, Australia83 contributions
June 2020 • Friends
What a fantastic way to spend a morning in Newcastle. Eight friends who have all been living in the local area for many, many decades decided to do something different. We had all seen whales while surfing or walking along the coast, but honestly until you go out with CoastXP and see them up close you ain’t seen nothing yet! Dominic did a great job finding plenty of marine wildlife, not just whales. Seals, large seabirds and dolphins all joined us for our adventure off Newcastle. Don’t be like us and wait too long, locals and visitors alike, get out there and see these fantastic animals. Up close they are even more magnificent than you’d imagine.
Written 19 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.
Thank you so much for your kind review!! I am really glad to hear you had a terrific time, and enjoyed the whales, dolphins, sea birds and seals! I look forward to seeing you all again over summer for a tour to Catherine Hill Bay!
Written 22 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stewart R
Lake Macquarie, Australia2 contributions
July 2021
Dom was wonderful, taking us right to the Whale Expressway to witness the majestically beautiful mammals playfully pass & play whilst they migrated north. The placid-playful nature of these magnificent creatures was awe inspiring.
‘ATMOS’ is a first class vessel with lots of comfort and kept us feeling safe the entire tour.
‘ATMOS’ is a first class vessel with lots of comfort and kept us feeling safe the entire tour.
Written 4 July 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 so much for your kind review. I'm really pleased to hear you had a terrific time and enjoyed the whales! I hope to see you aboard again soon!
Written 21 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KarenHoward123
Newcastle15 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
If I could give 6 stars out of 5 I would. Sensational way to see the coastline of Newcastle down to Catherine Hill Bay like you never have before. Skipper of our boat today ‘Atmos’ was the extremely knowledgeable and capable Tracey. We loved seeing Nigel the seal and highly recommend the Adventure Tour.
Written 12 January 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.
Thanks Karen for your amazing review. We’re so glad that you had a wonderful time. It was a pleasure to host you on board with us, and look forward to sharing more experiences with you in the future!!
Written 14 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catherine T
Belmont, Australia49 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We took the Lake Mac explorer and lunch at 8atTrinity tour. We have had motion sickness before, so were a litttle worried, but the ride was super smooth. We have lived around the lake for years, but got a whole new perspective from the tour. Dom took time to point out sights of interest, is clearly respectful of the ancient history of the place and made the whole experience a joy.
Written 8 January 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 so much for your kind review! We sure did have a fantastic day, and I'm glad you enjoyed the boat ride. Hope to see you aboard again soon!
Written 19 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sansom1978
371 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
After loving the CoastXP Whale Encounter last year, the guided hike has been on my bucket list.
The scenery was amazing as we explored the coast and the national park.
Dom (CoastXP owner) was informative, entertaining and so passionate about the area.
The hike is well organised, well paced and fun.
Lovely touch to have a drink at the end of the hike and reflect on the amazing experience.
Great afternoon for tourists to the area and locals as well.
The scenery was amazing as we explored the coast and the national park.
Dom (CoastXP owner) was informative, entertaining and so passionate about the area.
The hike is well organised, well paced and fun.
Lovely touch to have a drink at the end of the hike and reflect on the amazing experience.
Great afternoon for tourists to the area and locals as well.
Written 18 April 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.
Thanks so much Christian for your kind review. It is always a pleasure having you on our tours!
Written 27 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Forever W
Newcastle, Australia9 contributions
Dec 2021
I was looking for a great place to see the New Years Eve fireworks in Newcastle. On board CoastXPs ATMOS boat was the place to be. Not only do you get front row covid safe seats (plenty of air and avoiding crowded foreshore) to view the fireworks up close and personal, you get a grazing box and a fantastic experience. It was magical. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Looking forward to going again next year if I am lucky.
Written 1 January 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.
Thanks so much, Wendy for your kind review, what a fun way to bring in the new year!! We look forward to seeing you aboard again soon.
Written 3 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daryll H
Charlestown, Australia15 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
This was definitely a unique and enjoyable experience. Whilst the whales were absent, we saw fur seals and dolphins. But the trip is much more than the marine life. The perspective it gives of Newcastle and it’s fabulous coastline is worth the money on its own.
Written 13 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.
Thank you so much Daryll for your kind review. I am really pleased to hear you had a wonderful time, and enjoyed the tour along the Newcastle coastline. It's a perspective of the coast few get to see. I hope to see you aboard again soon!
Written 19 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I'd like to know how long the coastal tour is.
Written 3 July 2019
Hi Sally, our Encounter Tour is 2 hours, and our Adventure Tour is 2.5 hours 😀
Written 3 July 2019
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