Savvy travelers can find excellent dolphin watching along New South Wales’ stunning coastline. The quickest option is Byron Bay’s 30-minute cruise, which importantly includes a marine biologist who shares expert insights.
Our favorite excursion is the Port Stephens combo tour – it smartly pairs dolphin spotting with sandboarding adventures, making the 11-hour journey worthwhile.
The Hardys Bay tour stands out for its uncrowded atmosphere and reliable dolphin sightings.
Let’s explore these top-rated dolphin watching experiences.
Good To Know
- The Cruise With Dolphins in Byron Bay offers a 30-minute scenic drive, a dolphin guarantee, and a marine biologist guide for an intimate experience.
- The Seal & Dolphin Adventure in Hardys Bay Jetty provides a unique opportunity to witness seals and dolphins in their natural habitat with a small group.
- The Port Stephens Small Group Dolphins & Dunes Combo tour combines a dolphin watching cruise and a 4WD sandboarding adventure for an immersive coastal experience.
- Many of the dolphin watching tours in New South Wales offer free cancellation policies, safety equipment, and accessibility features for a comfortable experience.
- Factors to consider when choosing a dolphin watching tour in New South Wales include the location, group size, duration, and additional activities included in the package.
Cruise With Dolphins in Byron Bay
Situated just a short 30-minute scenic drive south of Byron Bay, the Cruise with Dolphins tour departs from the Lance Ferris Wharf. Recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour offers a unique opportunity to witness dolphins in their natural habitat. Featuring a Badge of Excellence from Out Of The Blue Adventures, the tour includes life jackets, a restroom on board, and a marine biologist guide to provide fascinating insights.
One of the standout features is the Dolphin Guarantee – if you don’t see any dolphins on your first cruise, you can return for a free repeat experience. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized encounter. Wheelchair accessible and conveniently located near public transportation, the Cruise with Dolphins experience isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers. Priced at $62.95 per person, this tour offers a Lowest Price Guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Cruise With Dolphins in Byron Bay Review
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Seal & Dolphin Adventure
Where can visitors embark on the Seal & Dolphin Adventure in New South Wales? This exciting excursion departs from the Hardys Bay Jetty, opposite the corner of Araluen Drive and Killcare Road. Operated by Terrigal Ocean Tours, the Seal & Dolphin Adventure is a great way to spot these marine mammals in their natural habitat.
The tour includes all necessary safety equipment, such as lifejackets and spray jackets. However, it’s important to note that this activity isn’t recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions, including back problems, heart problems, or limited mobility. Pregnant travelers should also avoid this tour.
The boat tour has a maximum capacity of 10 travelers and is located near public transportation. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Plus, travelers can secure their spot with the Reserve Now and Pay Later option. The Seal & Dolphin Adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of seals and dolphins in the stunning waters of New South Wales.
Read our full review: Seal & Dolphin Adventure Review
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Port Stephens Small Group Dolphins & Dunes Combo
The Port Stephens Small Group Dolphins & Dunes Combo offers visitors a chance to experience the stunning coastal region of New South Wales. This 11-hour tour includes a dolphin watching cruise and a 4WD sandboarding adventure, with pickup and drop-off at three locations in Sydney. The tour begins with a 75-minute journey to Port Stephens, followed by a break at a local café.
Participants will then embark on a 4WD and sandboarding adventure on the Southern Hemisphere’s largest sand dunes, lasting 1.5 hours. After exploring Nelson Bay, the group will enjoy a 1.5-hour dolphin watching cruise, with the opportunity to relax on the boat’s viewing decks or swim in the boom net (seasonal).
The tour concludes with additional free time in Nelson Bay and the 2-hour return to Sydney.
This small group tour, with a maximum of 14 participants, offers a unique and immersive experience in the coastal landscapes of New South Wales, including the chance to spot bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Read our full review: Port Stephens Small Group Dolphins & Dunes Combo Review
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The Sum Up
New South Wales offers exceptional opportunities for dolphin watching. The three tours highlighted – Cruise With Dolphins in Byron Bay, Seal & Dolphin Adventure, and Port Stephens Small Group Dolphins & Dunes Combo – provide diverse experiences to spot these marine mammals in their natural habitat. Whether you’re seeking a scenic cruise, a combo adventure, or a small group excursion, these tours ensure unforgettable encounters with the playful and captivating dolphins of New South Wales.