South Coast Whale Watching cruises

South Coast whale watching in NSW centres on humpback whales on their yearly migration, with cruises from Shell Cove and Merimbula. Where you go decides when you go, because the two boats run on different dates.

Whale watching cruise from Shell Cove, May to November

The Shell Cove whale watching cruise is a 90-minute trip with Shellharbour Wild that runs for the whole season, from May to November. On the northern migration, the boat travels further out to reach humpbacks heading for sub-tropical waters to mate and give birth. It also passes local seal and penguin colonies, and the commentary covers the migration itself.

Check-in is 30 minutes before departure at the Shell Cove marina, and the vessel leaves on time, so arrive early.

Merimbula whale watching tour, August to early November

The two-hour Merimbula whale watching tour heads into open ocean on Sensational, a 14 metre vessel with a limit of 40 passengers. It runs daily from August to early November, leaving from the Merimbula Public Jetty on Market Street, and the marine experts on board talk through whale and dolphin behaviour and life cycles.

The tour crosses a sandbar, so the departure time can change with the tide. You're notified in advance if it does.

Choosing a South Coast whale watching cruise

Book Shell Cove for the early part of the season, from May, or for a shorter 90-minute outing. Book Merimbula for the late-season window, when the daily 2-hour cruise operates. If you're on the far South Coast outside whale season, the Merimbula ocean and wildlife adventure tour runs from November to July and looks for dolphins, seals and seabirds, though sightings aren't guaranteed.

Further north, Jervis Bay whale watching is another option in the same season, and there are more South Coast tours if you want to add a paddle.

Getting to the boats and what to bring

Merimbula is a 3-hour drive from Canberra, 6 hours from Sydney and 7 hours from Melbourne, and flights run in from Sydney and Melbourne. For the open-ocean cruises, wear flat covered shoes and warm layers, and bring a wet weather jacket, a hat, sunglasses and a camera. Both operators recommend seasickness tablets, and the Shell Cove crew don't supply them.

Frequently asked questions

When is whale watching season on the NSW South Coast?

The Shell Cove whale watching cruise runs from May to November, and the Merimbula whale watching tour runs daily from August to early November.

Where can I go whale watching on the South Coast?

Cruises on this page leave from Shell Cove and from the Merimbula Public Jetty. Jervis Bay has its own whale watching cruises, and the Merimbula ocean and wildlife adventure tour looks for dolphins, seals and seabirds from November to July.

How long are the South Coast whale watching cruises?

The Shell Cove whale watching cruise lasts 90 minutes, and the Merimbula whale watching tour lasts two hours.

Should I take seasickness tablets for whale watching on the South Coast?

Yes. Both the Shell Cove and Merimbula whale watching cruises head into open ocean, and the operators recommend taking seasickness tablets before boarding.

Is the Shell Cove whale watching cruise suitable if I'm pregnant or have a back injury?

The Shell Cove whale watching cruise is not recommended for women more than 24 weeks pregnant or for people with back injuries, so check with the operator before booking.

Pick the cruise that matches your month, then book your South Coast whale watching online. All good days are waiting.