Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle
Overview
Encounter humpback whales in the wild, witness their playful behaviours and learn more about these fascinating giants of the deep from passionate local guides.
Prebook to secure your spot in a small group tour on our custom-built adventure boat with unobstructed 360 degree views from every seat. Get close to the action and make unforgettable memories as you watch whales breaching and tail flapping while you listen to their emotive songs.
Watch out for dolphins, seals, and seabirds and admire the coastal scenery as your experienced guide shares details on local landmarks, ship wrecks, sea caves, culture, and history.
• Tour runs daily
• Premium weatherproof jackets provided
• Newcastle’s premier whale watching cruise
• Safe and comfortable, custom-built adventure boat
What's Included
- Marine Toilet Onboard
- Safe and comfortable, custom-built adventure boat
- Premium weatherproof jackets provided
- Two-hour whale watching tour
- Small group experience (max 20 guests at a time)
- Professional wildlife guide
- Any parking or transport fees
Meeting Location
Dock C
95 Hannell Street, Wickham NSW 2293, Australia
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Enjoy close encounters with Humpback Whales along the Hunter Coast. The tour showcases the stunning Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline from the water with an added focus on searching for whales, dolphins and seals!
Departing from Newcastle Harbour, visit some of the key landmarks along the Hunter Coastline, before heading offshore on an adventure boat ride in search of migrating humpback whales. Annually, humpback whales pass the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline in strong numbers (up to 45,000 individuals).
Keep a close eye out for some of their fascinating behaviours including pectoral fin slapping on the surface of the water, fluke or tail slapping and of course breaching!! As humpback whales are wild mammals, should you not encounter a whale on your tour, the CoastXP team will welcome you back on board free of charge (within the same season).
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Our custom-built boat provides a fast, safe and smooth ride which often reduces a person’s level of seasickness. If you know you suffer from seasickness, or are considering taking seasickness precautions/medication, it is recommended you speak to a healthcare professional.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children under 3 not allowed
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-85969P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 171 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEDT).
- Marine Toilet Onboard.
- Safe and comfortable, custom-built adventure boat.
- Premium weatherproof jackets provided.
- Two-hour whale watching tour.
- Small group experience (max 20 guests at a time).
- Professional wildlife guide.
- Any parking or transport fees.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Our custom-built boat provides a fast, safe and smooth ride which often reduces a person’s level of seasickness. If you know you suffer from seasickness, or are considering taking seasickness precautions/medication, it is recommended you speak to a healthcare professional.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Marine Toilet Onboard
- Safe and comfortable, custom-built adventure boat
- Premium weatherproof jackets provided
- Two-hour whale watching tour
- Small group experience (max 20 guests at a time)
- Professional wildlife guide
- Any parking or transport fees
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Our custom-built boat provides a fast, safe and smooth ride which often reduces a person’s level of seasickness. If you know you suffer from seasickness, or are considering taking seasickness precautions/medication, it is recommended you speak to a healthcare professional.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children under 3 not allowed
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
