FAQs

We operate whale watching cruises on the Sapphire Coast during the humpback whale annual migration season. They are travelling north during the months of mid-May, June, July. August is a month where some whales are heading north and some have started back south. September, October through to mid-November they are coming south. Any time during this period is good for whale watching. However, from our experience over the past 17 years, we would recommend that mid-June to mid-July is the best time for whale watching. This is when the largest number of whales is passing on their northern migration. It is this time when we see large pods and generally a wide range of behaviours.

The Sapphire Coast offers a huge cariety of activities and experiences from whale watching or wildlife cruises to fishing charters, walks, oyster tours, kayaking adventures and plenty more! Visit www.sapphirecoast.com.au for more.

People always want to know what is the best time to see whales in the Sapphire Coast, is it better in the morning or the afternoon? To be completely honest there is really no ‘better time.’ As a general rule, the ocean is calmer in the mornings. However, this is not always true! 

This really depends upon the whales. There are regulations in place to protect whales. All boats, both whale watching and recreational are required by law to limit their approach to 100 metres from an adult whale. Humpback whales are very inquisitive whales and often come closer to the boat. In some instances, they come so close that the boat cannot move! We call this a ‘mugging,’ however this does not happen every tour.

On most tours we see humpback whales. However, we may also sight southern right whales, Bryde’s whales, sei whales, minke whales and blue whales. We also often sight common and bottlenose dolphins, Australian fur seals, turtles, and although rare we have also sighted orcas and false killer whales.

We all love to see a whale breaching (jump out of the water), however let’s be realistic, they do not do it every day! They are wild animals and when we approach them we seek to simply observe their behaviour. Our skippers are committed to driving in a respectful manner around whales. The behaviour you see from the whales is entirely up to them! We need to remember that they are on migration and just like us their activity and behaviour is different each day. If you want to see the full range of whale behaviours, you will most probably need to go whale watching more than once. Although every so often we do get lucky and see all behaviours in the one tour.

Please be assured that we will do our best to find whales each tour. However, it is important to remember that they are wild animals! In the event that no whales are sighted we will give you the opportunity to come on another whale watching tour free of charge. This offer is valid for the current season only and is not transferrable. This offer is not redeemable for a refund. If no whales are sighted during the last few weeks of the whale watching season, a voucher will be issued for the following whale watching season.

At Sapphire Coastal Adventures, by ‘whale sighting’ we mean that we successfully approach one whale and view this whale at least three times. On board most of our whale watching tours we would spend time with more than one whale and would sight it many times. It is important to remember that whales live under the water, they only come to the surface to breathe which they do every 5-20 minutes. It is only when they come to the surface that we are able to view them.

All our tours are dependent upon suitable ocean conditions. We do not tend to cancel based on forecasted rain. Unless it is very heavy rain which of course affects visibility and our ability to find and follow whales. The factors that influence when a tour is cancelled are based upon the wind strength and direction and the swell height and direction. Our decision to cancel a tour is based upon forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 

If a tour is cancelled, a notice will be placed on our website. An email and a SMS text message will be sent to the contact person for your booking. If you have booked and paid direct through our office/online booking system, we will contact you to offer to reschedule your tour to an alternate time. If you are unable to reschedule, a full refund applies. Please note if you have booked through a third-party agent or are travelling using a gift voucher or discounted voucher, the terms of your voucher / booking agent will apply.

All our whale watching tours go out into the open ocean. Even on the calmest of days there is movement on the ocean. We recommend that if you do not go to sea regularly then it is advisable to visit your local chemist (pharmacy) and talk to them about preventative measures. There are tablets, magnetic wristbands and a range of other measures that may help to prevent you from becoming seasick. 

Other tips that may help include:

1. Get a good night’s sleep the night prior.

2. Have light breakfast (no rich or fatty foods). It is important to eat breakfast as being hungry can lead to nausea.

3. Avoid going into the toilet or inside cabin, the fresh sea air does help.

4. Look out at the horizon or at the land. This helps your sense of balance.

5. Avoid looking down at screens such as phones, iPads, cameras.

6. If you do start to feel seasick, please do not worry, let our staff know and they will do their best to help you. We have seasick bags onboard for your convenience.

All our whale watching tours take us out into the open ocean, so it is best to be prepared for all weather eventualities. Ocean conditions can change whilst we are out. We recommend bringing warm clothing, rainproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, any food you may want whilst on the tour and your camera to take photos.

Parking depends on your departure location, as tours operate from Merimbula, Eden, and Bermagui. All departure points are at public wharves with nearby parking.

Merimbula (Public Jetty, Market Street)

Free public parking is available along Market Street and surrounding streets, as well as in small nearby car parks. Spaces can be limited during peak periods, so allow extra time to find a spot and walk to the jetty.

Eden (Eden Wharf, Weecoon Street)

There is a dedicated car park at the wharf with convenient access to the departure point. Parking is generally straightforward and close to the vessel.

Bermagui (Bermagui Wharf, Lamont Street)

Parking is available around the harbour, including street parking and small public lots within a short walking distance of the wharf.

Recommendation

Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for parking and check-in. Always confirm your departure location in your booking confirmation.

On a typical Wildlife Cruise in Eden or Merimbula, you can expect consistent sightings of playful dolphins riding the bow waves, curious seals resting on rocky outcrops, and a wide variety of seabirds soaring overhead. Depending on conditions, you may also encounter penguins, migrating fish, and other fascinating marine wildlife.

These cruises are a fantastic alternative to whale watching on the Sapphire Coast during the off-season, giving you a unique perspective of the coastline and its thriving ecosystem. Whether you're searching for things to do in Eden or Merimbula, or simply want to explore nature from the water, a wildlife cruise is an unforgettable experience.