WHALE WATCHING IN PORT MACQUARIE

THE EXPERIENCE

THE YEARLY MIGRATION OF HUMPBACK WHALES ALONG THE EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA IS A TRULY AWE-INSPIRING SIGHT.


Every year, from May to November, tens of thousands of Humpack Whales migrate from Antarctica to the tropics and back again. Port Macquarie is one of the greatest places along the coast to view all the action. 

We have two boats that depart daily during the season from the CBD on whale watching tours, "Wave Rider" and "Essence". 

We now also offer sunrise and sunset whale watching experiences, the magic lighting makes for a unique experience and stunning photo oppotunities.


YOU CAN VIEW OUR AVAILABLE BOAT TOURS BELOW

  • Ocean Blast Fun Ride

    Date: Saturday 17th Jan

    Departed at 9:30 AM

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  • Ocean Blast Fun Ride

    Date: Saturday 17th Jan

    Departed at 10:30 AM

    0 spots available

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  • Private River Charter - Essence

    Date: Saturday 17th Jan

    Departed at 11:00 AM

    0 spots available

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  • Ocean Blast Fun Ride

    Date: Saturday 17th Jan

    Departed at 11:30 AM

    0 spots available

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  • Hastings Boom Net Cruise with Dolphin Spotting

    Date: Saturday 17th Jan

    Departed at 1:30 PM

    0 spots available

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  • Afternoon Delight River Cruise

    Date: Saturday 17th Jan

    Departed at 4:00 PM

    0 spots available

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  • Private River Charter - Essence

    Date: Saturday 17th Jan

    Departed at 6:00 PM

    0 spots available

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Can't find the experience you're looking for? Click here to browse all of our tours and experiences.

WAVE RIDER

Experience the beauty of nature up close on our Waverider, an open rib boat with a protective roof. It shields you from the sun and rain, while offering an intimate encounter with stunning marine life.

As these beautiful creatures swim past, you might even get the chance to hear their unique sounds and catch a whiff of their distinct scent. It's an immersive experience that brings you closer to the wonders of the sea. The adventure lasts for approximately 90 minutes, giving you ample time to soak in the sights and sounds around you.

DURATION 90 MINUTES (approx)
LOCATION PORT MACQUARIE
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Port Jet Cruise Adventures

ESSENCE

Our beautiful new boat Essence, has three different viewing decks, and even has UNDERWATER VIEWING WINDOWS. Just a short trip on our boat and our spotter on the hill will direct the skipper to the best sightings.

DURATION 90 MINUTES (approx)
LOCATION PORT MACQUARIE
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Port Jet Cruise Adventures

SUNRISE WHALE WATCHING

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Join us for a Sunrise Whale Watch - There’s no better way to start the day than alongside Humpback Whales at dawn.

Bundle up and experience the magic of sunrise from the water as these majestic creatures make their annual migration.

The early morning light makes for stunning photo opportunities.


DURATION 90 MINUTES (approx)
START TIME 6:30AM
LOCATION PORT MACQUARIE

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Port Jet Cruise Adventures

SUNSET WHALE WATCHING

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Join us for a magical experience as the golden glow of the setting sun meets the majesty of the migrating Humpback whales. Our Sunset Whale Watch Cruise offers stunning photographic opportunities and a peaceful new perspective on these gentle giants—from the water, at twilight.

Port Macquarie is one of Australia’s premier vantage points for whale watching, thanks to its close proximity to the migration path. With help from our skilled spotter on the hill, our skipper will take you right to the action—quickly and safely.


DURATION 90 MINUTES (approx)
START TIME 3:30PM
LOCATION PORT MACQUARIE

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Port Jet Cruise Adventures

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Onboard photographer 

Onboard toilet  

Purpose-built whale watching vessel  

Encounters with dolphins, turtles, birdlife

WHAT TO BRING

Camera 

Reusable water bottle 

Sunglasses 

Warm jumper or jacket (essential in winter) 

Hat 

Reef safe sunscreen

LOCATION

Our tour departs from the Port Jet Cruise Terminal in the CBD of Port Macquarie. Access via Short St. Please arrive no later than 30 minutes BEFORE your cruise departs. 

What happens if I get sea sick?

We apologize, but there are no refunds for sea sickness.

Some people never get sea sick (the lucky ones), however others need to be prepared! We advise you to take something if you are unsure – don’t let sea sickness spoil your day!

Visit the pharmacy prior to the day of your cruise for motion sickness tablets to ensure you can make the most of you cruise. Take the medication as per directions on the packet, particularly the loading dose.

We strongly recommend abstaining from large milky drinks (i.e. coffee!) and large meals on the morning of your cruise

Cancellation policies

Though we would love to go out on the water every day sometime mother natures doesn't play along, our passengers safety and comfort is our main priority, If the trip is cancelled, you will be transferred to the next suitable day, if we cancel due to conditions and you are unable to ride another day we will refund you.

A cancellation by the customer made less than 24 hours prior to departure incurs a 100% cancellation fee (no refund). A “no show” on the day also attracts 100% cancellation fee.

Changes due to weather, ocean conditions or passenger numbers

Port Jet Cruises reserves the right to change or cancel departure times due to bad weather and/or ocean conditions ,or passenger numbers.

Please make sure to read your confirmation and reminder emails/text messages, to confirm any departure time changes that may have occurred.

We try to do so with as much notice as possible , however sometimes conditions outside and on the bar can change quite quickly meaning in some cases unfortunately the call can only be made on the morning of the cruise.

How close do we get?

We must stand off 100 meters from the adults, and 300 meters from the cows and their young. However, they can come right up to the boat if they want – and they often do!

They can often come so close that you can smell and hear them, or even get a little wet!

Whilst all efforts will be made to ensure that your whale experience is an enjoyable one it is important to remember that these whales are wild animals – they do not perform on cue!

All encounters are conducted in accordance with the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2005) as well as our own strict Code of Practice.

Terms & Conditions

Please note that the boat leaves at the time specified on your booking confirmation message the day before your cruise. If you miss the departure, there are no refunds.

If you require mediations, please ensure you have all that you need with you (e.g. asthmatics, heart disease, anaphylactic etc.).

If you have have recently visited hospital, or have a pre-existing medical condition, we would ask that you consult your GP prior to cruising.

If you are pregnant, or have back or neck injury, this cruise is not suitable

All children on your booking must be looked after at all times. Minimum age for whale watching is 4yrs. Please be aware if we are experiencing less than ideal ocean conditions it is the Skippers call on children this young heading out to sea.

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Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 9am - 5pm
Holiday Season: 7 days, 9am - 5pm

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