Whale Watching Terrigal: Marine Biologist on Board

A marine biologist travels with you to identify the whales as they breach and tail-slap past the boat.

A one-hour whale watching tour from Terrigal Haven in New South Wales on a small RIB boat, with a marine biologist on board to identify species and help spot migrating whales traveling between the Antarctic and the Coral Sea. The whales often pass close enough to see breaching and tail slapping. Tours run weather-dependent and children must be at least 5 years old. All safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching tour at Terrigal

• Board ecotour RIB vessel
• See migrating whales up close
• Watch whales breaching and tail slapping
• Marine Biologist answers questions
• Enjoy coastal scenery and watch dolphins

The experience

The boat leaves from Terrigal Haven, where migrating whales often pass close enough to reach in a short trip. You'll travel on a purpose-built ecotour RIB at a respectful distance, watching for breaching, tail slapping and fin slapping as the whales move through on their annual journey between the Antarctic and the warm waters of the Coral Sea. The marine biologist on board answers questions about the species and behavior you're seeing, and on most trips the crew gathers data for whale research programs.

Bring clothing for an outdoor adventure: sunglasses, a spray jacket and layers you don't mind getting wet are recommended, since it's typically 5 to 10 degrees colder on the water. Wear flat shoes with good grip because you'll need to climb in and out of the boat. All safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your departure time. If you're late, no refund is issued and rebooking is not guaranteed.

Tours are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or relocated at short notice. If a tour is cancelled or moved due to weather or circumstances beyond the operator's control, you can reschedule or receive a full refund, though travel costs to reach Terrigal Haven are not reimbursed.

What’s included

• All safety equipment including life jackets.
• a marine biologist on board to identify whale species and answer questions.
• data gathering for whale research programs on most trips.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Terrigal Ocean Tours

Is this one for you?The boat entry requires climbing in and out, and the water is colder than the air, so come dressed for an outdoor adventure and wear shoes with grip. The tour runs one hour and is weather-dependent, which means you may need to reschedule if conditions shift, but that's also what keeps the boat small and the marine biologist close enough to answer questions as the whales pass.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How close do the whales actually come to the boat?

The whales often pass close to Terrigal Haven, which is why the trip is usually short to link up with their migration path. You'll follow at a respectful distance in the RIB, but breaching, tail slapping and fin slapping are common sights on most trips.

What should I wear for a whale watching tour in Terrigal?

Wear clothing for an outdoor adventure, including sunglasses, a spray jacket and layers that can get a little wet. The water is typically 5 to 10 degrees colder than the air, and flat shoes with good grip are essential because you'll climb in and out of the boat.

Is there a marine biologist on the boat?

Yes, a marine biologist travels on every tour to answer questions about the whales and help identify the species you see. On most trips, the crew also gathers data for whale research programs.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

Tours are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or relocated at short notice if conditions are unsafe. If a tour is cancelled, you can reschedule or receive a full refund of your payment, though travel costs to reach the departure point are not reimbursed.