Sapphire Coastal Adventures – Merimbula
Highlights
- Embark on thrilling whale watching tours from Merimbula, witnessing majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat.
- Experience the breathtaking Sapphire Coast aboard 'Sensational II', exploring hidden beaches and stunning headlands.
- Join educational adventures that highlight ocean conservation, connecting you with marine life and the threats they face.
- Reel in a catch on a three-hour fishing charter, perfect for both beginners and seasoned anglers in local reefs.
Sapphire Coastal Adventures (formerly known as Merimbula Marina) has operated boat-based tours from the beautiful Sapphire Coast for over 20 years. They are passionate about whales, dolphins, seals and the ocean and marine environment.
Sapphire Coastal Adventures is committed to helping to educate people about the threats that the ocean faces in today’s world.
Their hope and prayer are that by helping people connect with the ocean and its amazing diversity, they may take action to preserve and protect it.
Tours depart from Merimbula, Eden and Bermagui. Merimbula summer tours showcase the natural beauty of the local coastline.
Sapphire Coastal Adventures’ favourite time of the year is whale watching season. From May to November, thousands of humpback whales can be viewed off Bermagui Eden and Merimbula. In these nutrient-rich waters, they can often be seen feeding and playing. The impact of being out on the water and watching as a massive whale surfaces is one that will stay with you for life.
Images and Video
Tour/s
Bermagui Whale Watching Adventure
This cruise departs selected days from September to November. During this time the Humpback whales are on their southern migration from the Queensland coast where they have calved back to Antarctica for the summer months. Other species of whales often sighted include Southern Right, Minke, Brydes, Orcas and Blue whales.
Bermagui is a wonderful place to view whales. It is only a very short (three-minute) cruise out of the Harbour and into the ocean and from this point, whales can be found! In the waters of the Sapphire Coast, they can be seen lateral lunge feeding, one of the few places in the world where humpbacks can be observed doing this. Mothers and their young calves also provide hours of entertainment as they play along the coastline.
Tours are conducted on Bubbles, a modern and comfortable purpose-built 24-metre whale-watching powered catamaran. Many other sea creatures are seen on their cruises, including Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, Australian Fur Seals, penguins, flying fish, sunfish, turtles and many species of sea birds. Complimentary Morning or Afternoon Tea is provided on the return journey.
Merimbula Wildlife Adventure
The most exhilarating way to experience the spectacular Sapphire Coast.
A fast and fun way to see the local beaches and the spectacular coastline of the Sapphire Coast.
Hop aboard “Sensational II” the 14 metres, 50pax boat.
Let them show you their favourite beaches, headlands and hidden Sapphire Coast gems. Dolphins, Seals and Seabirds are regularly sighted. During the months of May, June and July there is also a high chance of sighting humpback whales on their northern migration!
Departing Merimbula from November to May, is a real ocean adventure!
Merimbula Whale Watching Adventure
Departs selected days during the Northern Migration (May to July) and daily during the Southern Migration (August, September, October and November)The primary species of whales sighted are Humpback Whales. These whales migrate from Antarctica to the Coral sea and back each year. Other species of whales often sighted include Southern Right, Minke, Brydes, Orcas and Blue whales.
Merimbula is a wonderful place to view whales. Within minutes of departure, whales can be sighted. It is not uncommon to find mothers and calves in Merimbula Bay during the southern migration. In the waters of the Sapphire Coast, they can be seen lateral lunge feeding, one of the few places in the world where humpbacks can be observed doing this! A sight not to be missed!
This tour is on the 50pax, 15-meter aluminium Tourist Vessel, ‘Sensational’. Numbers are limited to 39 people for whale watching tours to allow plenty of space for all people. Onboard toilet
She has comfortable seating and real ‘waterline viewing’ perfect for photography.
This is an adventure tour and you may get wet – so bring a jacket and a sense of fun!
Three Hour Fishing Charter
This three-hour charter is ideal for the beginner through to the keen angler.
The local reefs are plentiful year-round. Snapper, Morwong, Tiger and Sand Flathead, Trevally, Nannygai, Leatherjacket, not to mention the many varieties of Wrasses and Gropers are bottom bouncers’ delight.
So if you are looking for that special variety of tablefish, be assured that the Sapphire Coast has them!
The boat Sensational II is 14 metres. Powered by three 425hp Yamaha outboards they get you out to the fishing grounds in comfort and speed.
She is in the AMSA survey for 50 people however they fish a maximum of 14 people to ensure you have plenty of space.
Onboard Toilet. Quality fishing rods and reels are provided. No fishing licence is required. Fish cleaned and bagged for you to take home and enjoy!
Eden Whale Watching Cruise
In 2025 this cruise departs daily days from September to November. During this time the Humpback whales are on their southern migration from the Queensland coast where they have calved back to Antarctica for the summer months. Other species of whales often sighted include Southern Right, Minke, Brydes, Orcas and Blue whales.
Eden is an amazing location to view whales. Eden was once home to several whaling stations and now whales can often be found playing in Twofold Bay. It is only a very short (three-minute) cruise out of the Harbour and into the ocean and from this point, whales can be found! In the waters of the Sapphire Coast, they can be seen lateral lunge feeding, one of the few places in the world where humpbacks can be observed doing this.
Tours are conducted on Bubbles, a modern and comfortable purpose-built 24-metre whale-watching powered catamaran. Many other sea creatures are seen on their cruises, including Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, Australian Fur Seals, penguins, flying fish, sunfish, turtles and many species of sea birds. Complimentary Morning or Afternoon Tea is provided on the return journey.
Memberships
- Charter Vessel Association
- New South Wales Business Chamber
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Visitor Information Centre