Images and Video
Whale Watching Cruise June to November
Highlights
- Experience Humpback whales breaching and tail slapping in the stunning Solitary Islands Marine Park.
- Enjoy uninterrupted views aboard the Pacific Explorer, designed for safe and stable whale watching.
- Witness whales swimming just metres away, thanks to the quiet engine of the catamaran.
- Delight in a family-friendly cruise that brings you up close to these majestic ocean giants.
The Solitary Islands Marine Park off Coffs Harbour is a meeting place where Humpback whales converge on their migration from Antarctica, making the Coffs Coast the best location in Australia to go whale watching. Here they appear close to the coast and are often seen breaching, spouting and tail slapping just out from the harbour.
There is no better way to see the whales than aboard Pacific Explorer, a 10-metre motor sailing catamaran specially designed for whale watching, offering a safe, stable ride, uninterrupted views of the whales.
Pacific Explorers quiet engine and professional operation sees the whales gravitate to the boat, often swimming only a few metres away, you really do get up close and personal with these majestic giants of the ocean.
Itinerary highlights
Solitary Islands Marine Park
Tour details
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Available from 1 June 2026 to 6 November 2026
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Available from 1 June 2026 to 31 October 2026
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Available from 2 March 2026 to 17 May 2026
Features
Service facilities
Sevice Activity
This business does not currently offer accessible facilities.
Operation information
Whale Watch Experience
Experience the Humpback whale migration with the most experienced and only specialist whale watching operation in Coffs Harbour. “Pacific Explorer” is the second-longest operating whale watching vessel in NSW.
They want guests to enjoy a life experience. Whales react best in a non-threatening environment away from noise and jam-packed fast boats.
Join the crew from June to November each year for an up-close and personal experience with whales. Enjoy uninterrupted viewing, a safe and stable ride, no restrictive fixed seating, and plenty of room to move about.
Cruises depart daily early morning for the best sea conditions and you spend two hours with theses magnificent mammals.
They take the time to gain the whale’s trust and once comfortable, they often swim along close to the boat. This is an experience that should not be rushed, so take the time to get the best possible interaction with these inquisitive creatures.
When the weather warms and the whales have departed, from December to April, come join them for a dolphin watch cruise. They depart at 9am weather permitting for an hour and a half cruise along Boambee Beach in search of our resident dolphins.