Byron Bay Activities

Byron Bay activities cover a lot of ground: paddle out to meet dolphins off Cape Byron, snorkel with turtles at Julian Rocks, learn to surf at Main Beach, ride horses along Belongil Beach or jump out of a plane over the lighthouse. Most things to do in Byron Bay happen on or above the water, so this page is sorted by what you'll actually be doing, with start points and fitness notes to help you pick.

Kayaking with dolphins in Byron Bay

Two sea kayak tours start from Lawson Street in Byron Bay and paddle through Cape Byron Marine Park. The Byron Bay Dolphin Kayaking Tour runs about 2.5 hours, watches for bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles, adds humpback whales in whale season, and finishes with all-you-can-eat Tim Tams. It asks for a moderate level of fitness, because you paddle your own kayak out through the surf.

The Byron Bay Sea Kayak with Dolphins and Turtles tour uses sit-on-top kayaks, says no experience is necessary, and weaves local Aboriginal stories and sacred places into the paddle. It leaves daily at 9:30am and 2pm, and wetsuits come with it in the cooler months.

Snorkelling with turtles and rays near Byron Bay

The Byron Bay Snorkel at Julian Rocks tour takes a small group out to the marine sanctuary off Australia's most easterly point, where turtles, manta and eagle rays, leopard sharks and a lot of fish share warm and cool currents. A marine biologist guides it, and mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit are included. It leaves from Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour, about 15 minutes north of Byron Bay.

Heading north? The Tweed Heads Snorkel With Turtles tour visits Cook Island from a jetty at Tweed Heads South, five minutes from Coolangatta. The Mudjimba Island Fun Dive and Snorkel trip leaves from Buddina on the Sunshine Coast. More are listed under Byron Bay water sports.

Surf lessons at Main Beach and Lennox Heads

The Byron Bay 2 Hour Group Surf Lesson is held at Main Beach with a maximum of six surfers per instructor and all equipment provided. Lessons run daily between 9am and 5pm, with longer hours from December to February.

The 2 Hour Group Surf Lesson in Lennox Heads covers paddling, catching waves and standing up, starting at 9:30am. It's self-drive, so you get yourself to the beach.

Skydiving and horse riding

Tandem skydives from Tyagarah Airfield drop from up to 15,000ft with up to 60 seconds of free fall over Cape Byron and the surf beaches. Weekday, weekend and transfer versions are compared on the Byron Bay skydiving page.

On the ground, Zephyr Horses guides trail rides from 144 Bayshore Drive through sub-tropical forest, some running to Belongil Beach and one finishing with a pub lunch. Compare them under Byron Bay horse riding.

Whale watching season in Byron Bay

From May to November, humpback whales migrate past Cape Byron. The Premier Whale Watching Cruise is a fast boat with a marine biologist and a hydrophone for whale song. It departs from Ballina Wharf, so allow for the drive. More sit under Byron Bay whale watching.

Choosing between Byron Bay activities

For the biggest adrenaline hit, take the skydive. For wildlife without a high fitness bar, try the sea kayak tour or a snorkel with a marine biologist. For something slow, book the horse ride with a pub lunch. A morning kayak in town and an afternoon surf at Main Beach combine easily, while a skydive at Tyagarah suits being the main event of its half day.

Frequently asked questions

Which Byron Bay activities need no experience?

The Byron Bay Sea Kayak with Dolphins and Turtles tour says no experience is necessary, and the Main Beach group surf lessons start with the basics. The horse trail ride with pub lunch is described as relaxed and suited to all levels.

Where can you see dolphins in Byron Bay?

Both Byron Bay dolphin kayak tours start from Lawson Street and paddle around Cape Byron Marine Park, where bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles are the main sightings.

When is whale season in Byron Bay?

Whale watching cruises off Cape Byron run between May and November, when humpback whales migrate past the headland.

How long does a Byron Bay skydive take?

Allow roughly 3 to 4 hours for a Byron Bay tandem skydive from check-in at Tyagarah Airfield to landing. Skydives run daily from 7am, and you contact the provider after booking to confirm your time.

Local tip: Brunswick Heads, Lawson Street and Tyagarah are different starting points, so check each departure before you stack two activities into one day.

Pick your Byron Bay activity, check the start point, and bring a towel. A dolphin kayak and a Julian Rocks snorkel are a good place to begin. All good days are waiting.