New South Wales Whale Watching Cruise: A Chance to Witness Migrating Humpback Whales

Embark on a thrilling Whale Watching Cruise in New South Wales and witness the awe-inspiring migration of Humpback Whales. Get up close to mothers and their calves as they teach and nurse in the waters near the shore. Book now!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Shellharbour - The Whale Watching Cruise gives you the rare opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of our migrating Humpback Whales. On the Northern migration we sight Whales traveling further out in the ocean. During the Southern migration we begin to get mothers and their new born calves coming closer to shore which gives you a chance to…
What's Included
  • 1.5-hour scenic cruise with narration
Additional Information

The Whale Watching Cruise provides a unique chance to observe the splendid spectacle of our migrating Humpback Whales. When they migrate northwards, we usually spot the whales at a further distance from the coast. Conversely, as they head south, we often see mother whales and their freshly born calves venturing nearer to the coast, offering you an…

Location
13 Marina Dr
Marina Drive
Please meet at Shell Cove Marina. Cafe is located at 13 Marina Drive Shell Cove. Present ticket on your phone at time of boarding. Check in is 30 minutes before departure time. Boarding starts 15 minutes prior to departure. Please do not be late as vessels must depart on time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(9 Ratings)
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326charlis
Sep 10, 2025
The BEST day, EVER!! - What an amazing day! The Captain, Henry(I hope I got his name right) is so funny, starting our journey off with a joke about my 9yr old boy being whale bait...the first of many jokes that we all laughed at. His lovely crew member, a marine biologist was a great source of knowledge for our many questions. There was only a small number of passengers on board and it was mentioned they would go out regardless of how many passengers had booked. The small amount of people was great as we could freely move about the boat to see the whales. Now to the whales....OMG sheer magnificance can't be portrayed in words, well not by me as I am not an author by any means. The sounds they make and their immense size are astounding!! My son spent nearly the entire journey bouncing up and down in pure delight saying "the BEST day, EVER!" over and over which was captured in the many videos I was able to take of these awe-inspiring mammals. The Captain was able to stop a safe distance away from the whales but whales being such an inquisitive species came so close to the boat it felt as though you could touch them. We completed the day wishing for more time and buying the kids some well priced souvenirs. Definitely an experience you must have for yourself.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnfs9809jk
Jul 19, 2025
Great Experience! - Had a great trip Whale Watching with Shellharbour Wild. Thankfully it was a sunny day in June and we did not have to go too far to see many whales, including a couple that breached not far from the boat. Crew was friendly and informative. Highly Recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janey1o1
Sep 20, 2024
Fast, friendly and successful whale watch tour! - Carmel and Henry looked after everyone so well and the minute we exited the harbour we spotted about five whales, they were quite active, and there was a mum and bub that 'played' for ages and we could hear them from the boat. Henry was very respectful of the whales staying required distance, thanks for the best day, we will be back soon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alirc
Jul 18, 2023
Amazing experience seeing humpback whales - We had a great time on this 1.5 hour tour from Shellharbour. We were lucky enough to see humpback whales, a seal and some dolphins. We even saw a whale breach, which was a great privilege. If you suffer with sea sickness, be aware that there can be a swell out to sea so take precautions!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T9859kzjohnc
Feb 5, 2023
Seals and Dolphions - Great 2+ hour trip, saw Seals Turtles and Dolphins, tour leaves and returns from Shell cove marina, its entertaining and highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dg1106
Jun 20, 2022
Great local activity - My husband and I just moved to Shell Cove and we have been exploring the area. Both of us love the water, so this was on our radar as soon as we saw they were open. On this outing, there was only one little, brief whale sighting on the horizon, but it wasn't for lack of looking! The crew were great, provided jackets for everyone on a cold day with ocean swells and were available to answer questions, provide a commentary and attentive to needs. This was a fairly full cruise, but no one seemed unhappy about the lack of whales. Just what nature served up for us that day. We'll be back for the Southern migration.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurenfs6209hn
Jun 13, 2022
No whales, but amazing! - I was disappointed that I didn't see any whales, but Joel and Kim couldn't do enough for me (I was the only one on the cruise) such a wonderful experience, I had a great time. I will be definitely be going back again, and again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jet10300271776
Sep 30, 2025
Awesome trip - The length of the cruise is perfect, family friendly and a great experience seeing whales and dolphins up close. Will absolutely go again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janetda4249pa
Aug 12, 2025
Late notice cancellation - Trip was cancelled an hour before departure which was a bit disappointing. No reason given for cancellation (sunshine and calm sea conditions so wonder if low numbers?). Disappointing but perhaps next time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $52
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).