4 Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Australia That Fill Up First

1.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 57 reviews · 1 day · from $162Our pick

Take the 75-minute ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma, enjoy resort facilities, then join Eco Rangers for a three-hour whale cruise with lunch. Finish by hand-feeding a wild bottlenose dolphin at sunset, weather and dolphin attendance permitting.

“These activities were actually so interesting and attracted me! Generally, I was enjoyed with my family most of time! However, the activity of dolphin feeding was too short and rushed and we got to get changed our wet body immediately just after dolphin fed! As the ferry is going to depart @7pm and we did not managed to get everything done in such short time, especially with kids. Furthermore, if the activity of dolphin feed were started late!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Port Stephens 3 Hour Whale and Dolphin Watch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $62Best value

Set out from Nelson Bay on a three-hour sailing catamaran cruise to look for humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds, and fur seals near Cabbage Tree Island. Expect onboard commentary, tea or coffee, blankets, wet-weather jackets, a restroom, and a maximum group of 45 people.

“Exellent whale watching experience, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Did their best to ensure we saw as many whales as possible.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 48 reviews · 3 hours · from $95

Cruise Phillip Island’s southern coast with an expert whale spotter and captain’s commentary. Look for humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and wandering albatrosses near Cape Woolamai. Tea, coffee, and cake are included, with drinks and snacks available at the licensed bar.

“Overall experience was good but due to some reasons we couldn’t sight whales. You will get to see lot of Dolphins. The cruise is noisy engine in background. 3 hrs is a bit long journey & of you don’t spot whale then its bit disappointing. The staff was courteous & had good tea n cake facility onboard. You can book on a seasonal day & good weather.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Nelson Bay: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 47 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

Sail from d'Albora Nelson Bay aboard Imagine, a 54-foot catamaran, and search for migrating humpbacks, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. You get covered viewing decks, tea, coffee, warm gear, and live English commentary. Whale sightings are guaranteed from June 1 to October 31, subject to a return-cruise policy.

“Seen alot of whales, and a few dolphins. Amazing experience. Very nice boat and staff!! Would definitely do it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review