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Where to Go Whale Watching in Ballina and Byron Bay

By Clinton

whale watching byron bay

If you happen to visit Ballina or Byron Bay this winter or spring, watching migrating whales is a must. The waters in this part of Australia are frequented by humpbacks, killer whales, and southern right whales. The whale season in Australia runs from June to November, and the southern right whales are the easiest to see from shore—humpbacks, while more identifiable, stay farther offshore on their way north. They get closer to shore on their return trip to the Antarctic feeding grounds, in October to November. 

Whale watching from shore

You can watch whales from a few good spots on shore, or on a local tour boat. Some of the most popular viewpoints in Ballina and Byron are the Ballina North Wall (at the end of the beach there), the Ballina Lighthouse Hill car park, Angels Beach viewing platform, Flat Rock viewing platform, Skennars Head, Boulders Beach headland or Rocky Point, Pat Moreton Lookout at Lennox Headland, Broken Head, and the Cape Byron Lighthouse. A good pair of binoculars or a telescope will help you see the dorsal fins and tails, which let you identify the whale species.

There are a few ways to identify whale species, and nothing too complicated. Southern right whales are 13 to 18 metres in length and have no dorsal fin. They’re mostly black, some have white patches. These whales are slow swimmers and like to calve or rest with young calves in shallow water just beyond the surf line.

Humpback whales are longer—are 14 to 19 metres in length—and have a small dorsal fin, often sitting on their hump. These whales are black on the back and white underneath and sometimes on the sides, and, like all whales, every tail is different. Their tails are like our fingerprints. Humpbacks usually raise their tail flukes before diving, and they perform the wonderful perform aerial leaps during the breeding season.

Killer whales are the shortest whales you’ll see in the Byron and Ballina waters, ranging from 8 to 9.5 metres in length. The males are larger than the females, and the dorsal fin of females is not as tall and is slightly hooked. Their flukes are white underneath, their bodies have a black and white pattern. An adult male has a tall, erect dorsal fin up to 1.8 metres high.

Whale watching boat tours

If you decide to take a whale watching charter boat, a good option is the local company Whale Watching Byron Bay, Ph 1800 243 483. This operation guarantees whale sightings on your tour or you can come back without charge for another trip. Their boats leave right from Cape Byron, so it’s a shorter ride out to sea. Their eco-friendly boats feature 360º viewing and maximum stability, so you’ll have a good view and a gentle ride. Whale Watching Byron Bay has trained marine biologists on board who comment on whale behaviour and answer questions. Their boats also have hydrophones for listening to live humpback whale songs.

Whale Watching Byron Bay has a skilled skipper and will only take 12 passengers on one trip, so your tour will be professional, personalized and friendly. Besides seeing different whale species, you may encounter dolphins and sea turtles, like loggerheads, from the boat. You’ll also see the Cape Byron Lighthouse from the sea (a beautiful view) and the dramatic cliffs, headlands, and beaches of the Cape coastline.

Whale Watching Byron Bay offers several whale watching tours each day to suit your schedule. The company employs a photographer on board, so you’ll go home with plenty of photos. The price of your fare contribution to whale research and most of their tours take along a researcher from Southern Cross University’s Marine Ecology Research Centre. One more plus about Whale Watching Byron Bay: they serve delicious snacks.

Another whale watching operation with reasonable rates is Out of the Blue Adventures, Ph +61 407 522 422, which departs from Ballina’s Richmond River and enters Cape Byron Marine Park. This company also has a specialised underwater hydrophone onboard so you can listen to live Humpback Whale song as you take in the scenery. And they have a Marine Biologist aboard who will share in-depth knowledge of the area and Humpback Whale encounters within Byron’s Marine Park.

A third option is Blue Bay Whale Watching, Ph 1 800 858 155, which departs from a private jetty in the Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour and travels into Cape Byron Marine Park. Like all of the local operations, they offer a money back guarantee (or another trip) if you don’t see a whale. The cabins on the “Bay Warrior” are large with big glass windows for equally great viewing from inside. The boat has a stable back deck is completely sheltered from the sun and the rain and an elevated front deck. Groups are capped at 12 passengers per trip.

Want to experience a luxury beach holiday?

Ocean Blue holiday rental is only a 5-minute walk from the beach and has gorgeous river and coastal views. Located just a short drive from Ballina Airport and 30 minutes from Byron Bay, this is the perfect location for your next beach holiday. Visit our contact page to make an inquiry or booking.

 

Photo credit: Flickr creative commons

Filed Under: Northern Rivers Places to Visit

Testimonials

"I think I’ve found my ‘home away from home’ and we will definitely book again"

“Our stay at "Ocean Blue" was absolutely fabulous and the view was divine! You have catered well for your guests and we had everything we needed. We took our bikes and rode everyday along the many beautiful bike paths. Thank you for the bottle of sparking wine. My girlfriends and I enjoyed that whilst watching the beautiful sunset! I think I’ve found my ‘home away from home’ and we will definitely book again. It’s been a pleasure dealing with you and I look forward to returning soon." - Tracy, QLD

"We stayed 5 days and could have easily stayed another week."

“We loved our stay at Ocean Blue. Communication was quick, easy & very friendly with both Clinton & Franco. We arrived in town early and Franco met with us within 15 minutes to check in early. He explained how everything worked and left us to enjoy the lovely location. It rained for most of our trip but that wasn’t really a dampener on our stay. There are board games, FOXTEL and WiFi included. There was plenty to do at the unit but we also took advantage of the beautiful location and explored the local beaches and shops. The beds were super comfortable and the house was clean and inviting. Supplied coffee pods were are a great added bonus and Clinton has really thought of everything you might need, including heaps of extra towels and toilet paper, which is often forgotten or not supplied at all with Airbnb accommodation. We stayed 5 days and could have easily stayed another week. Can’t wait to return, especially with better weather.” - Dee, USA

"Great location, fabulous views, and an immaculate, stylishly appointed apartment."

"Communication was helpful and courteous and the wine, milk in the fridge, and a bowl of fruit on arrival was very much appreciated." - Marie, Australia

"This is the perfect home away from home!"

"We liked everything, including the best stocked kitchen and residence. They've thought of everything." - Ruth, Australia

“Thank you for a great setting for making lovely new memories”

“We had a lovely time!!! We thoroughly enjoyed staying in the apartment. Beautiful location, beautiful décor, great AirBnB hosts. The area is quiet - a beautiful sanctuary to unwind at the end of a busy day. The beach is within ears distance and the sunsets from the balcony were stunning. Wish we could of stayed longer. Thank you for a great setting for making lovely new memories.” – Sally, U.S.A.

“Looking forward to staying in the future!”

“I have stayed in Ballina and the Northern Rivers region many times in various places including the expensive hotels in town. The facilities and views were equal if not better than those. They were very flexible with check in and check out and also quick to respond to any questions or phone calls. Everything was new and clean and well decorated and my kids felt comfortable as well. I asked if they had a port a cot and they quickly got one for me, very pleased and looking forward to staying in the future!” – Shiva, VIC

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