Our 9 Best Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Australia

1.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding

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

Take a 75-minute ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma, enjoy resort facilities, then cruise for three hours with lunch while searching for whales. At sunset, Eco Rangers guide you through a brief hand-feeding experience with wild bottlenose dolphins. Bring clothes that can get wet and allow for a late return.

“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 with Imagine Cruises. Look for humpback whales, dolphins, oceanic seabirds, and fur seals near Cabbage Tree Island. The boat has covered viewing areas, a cabin, restroom, tea, coffee, blankets, and wet-weather jackets. A whale guarantee is included.

“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

Set out from Phillip Island for a three-hour winter wildlife cruise along Cape Woolamai and the southern coast. An expert whale spotter and captain provide commentary as you search for humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Tea, coffee, and cake are included, with drinks available from 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 Nelson Bay aboard Imagine Cruises’ 54-foot catamaran for three hours of whale and dolphin watching. You’ll get open views from covered decks, commentary in English, tea and coffee, and possible sightings of humpbacks, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Whale sightings are guaranteed from June 1 to October 31, subject to rescheduling if needed.

“This is a great way to spend a few hours. Captain and crew are knowledgeable, helpful and courteous, taking the time to explain the pre and post-European history of the area, as well as the wildlife spotted. We'll be back.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Dolphin & Whale Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · from $96

From San Remo Jetty, you’ll spend about three hours aboard a comfortable catamaran exploring Cape Woolamai, seal rock, and open water near Phillip Island. On-board commentary, afternoon tea, and coffee or tea are included. Winter offers the best chance of spotting migrating humpback and southern right whales, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“The water was choppy with ocean waves, dipping here rising there, it was the sensation of a never ending roller coaster. The sms warned us to prepare for possible seasickness - glad we followed the advice! Our little group was fine. We saw Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Pre-season Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 5 hours · from $102

Spend five hours aboard Whalesong Cruises’ purpose-built catamaran from Great Sandy Straits Marina. You’ll search for humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and seabirds while enjoying morning tea, lunch, hot drinks, Wi-Fi, and live whale song through a hydrophone. Pre-season sightings are not certain, but the crew reports about a 70 percent chance of seeing whales.

“would have been great but it rained the whole time and we didn't see any whales but all staff were amazing couldn't here the guide at all”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Port Stephens Private Tour From Sydney, with Dolphin/ Whale Cruise Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $340

Travel from Sydney to Port Stephens in a private air-conditioned minivan with a local guide such as James. Choose a seasonal dolphin or whale cruise, see Gan Gan Lookout and Little Beach, stop for lunch, and add sandboarding or camel riding at your own cost. Hotel pickup, bottled water, and return transport are included.

“Love this experience! Saw many dolphins and they are spectacular. Sandboarding was fun. Unfortunately no camel rides available. The guide, James is really nice. The only thing that viator could improve is to let us know we could swim in the cruise (the guides may not know since they are not allowed on the cruise) so we could make preparations.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Viewing

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 7 reviews · 1 day · from $147

Spend a full day traveling by ferry from Brisbane to Moreton Island, then join a 3-hour whale watching cruise with commentary and a light lunch. You also get resort access, a cocktail or mocktail, an Eco Ranger presentation, and a chance to watch wild dolphins at sunset. Sightings depend on weather, tides, and animal attendance.

“Well organized and the amenities were better than expected (real cocktail, good lunch box …)”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.AAA Noosa National Park Tour and Dolphin Safari Whalesongsnoosa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $68

Join Peppie and Albie aboard a small boat from Noosaville for about 90 minutes along Noosa National Park. Look for dolphins, turtles, fish, and seasonal whales while a researcher explains the wildlife. A hydrophone lets you hear live dolphin and whale sounds through the boat speakers.

“Great 2hr experience of the Noosa coastline along the Australian National Park, the marine life around the sandbanks and topped off by a close encounter with the Noosa Dolphins !!”

Check availability →Read our full review