Jervis Bay Whale Watching cruises

Whale watching in Jervis Bay runs from mid-May to mid-November, when humpback whales pass along the NSW coast on their annual migration. The cruise leaves from Huskisson, a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, and is a 2-hour trip through the sheltered waters of the Jervis Bay Marine Park looking for them.

When is whale watching season in Jervis Bay?

The season runs from mid-May to mid-November. Humpbacks head north from May through winter towards Queensland breeding grounds, and return south from September to November. The round trip between Antarctic feeding grounds and Queensland is roughly 10,000 kilometres, and Jervis Bay sits on the route known as the Humpback Highway.

Later in the season, whales heading south often include mothers with calves, which tends to bring more of the splashing and tail slapping people hope to see. Earlier in winter, pods are usually small and moving steadily.

Where to see whales in Jervis Bay

The Whale Watching Jervis Bay cruise is the way to do it from the water. It is a 2-hour trip out of Huskisson with viewing areas designed for whale watching and underwater viewing windows, and it runs seven days a week through the season, including public holidays, with departures at 10am and 1pm.

Dolphins and other marine life are likely to join the trip, since the Jervis Bay Marine Park is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals as well as passing whales.

What to know about humpback whales

Humpbacks are the most acrobatic of the great whales, and the name comes from the way they hump their back before they dive. They are the fifth largest animal on the planet, and the east Australian population is estimated at around 40,000 animals and still growing.

Getting to the whale watching cruise at Huskisson

The cruise leaves from the public wharf at Huskisson, near Fishermen's Wharf Restaurant, at 15 Field Street. Check in half an hour before departure and have your ticket ready on your phone when you board.

No transfers are included, so you drive yourself. Jervis Bay is less than a 3-hour drive from both Sydney and Canberra.

What to bring on a Jervis Bay whale watching cruise

You will be out on the water for a couple of hours, so a hat or beanie, a jumper or weather jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, drinking water and a camera all earn their place. If you get seasick, take medication before you head out rather than once you are on the water.

If the whales are not passing, or you want another trip on the bay, the Jervis Bay cruises page has the dolphin options, and the wider things to do in Jervis Bay page covers beach stargazing after dark.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for whale watching in Jervis Bay?

Whale watching in Jervis Bay runs from mid-May to mid-November. Humpbacks travel north from May to August and return south from September to November, so a trip in either window can include sightings.

How long is the Jervis Bay whale watching cruise?

The Whale Watching Jervis Bay cruise is a 2-hour trip. It departs at 10am and 1pm from Huskisson, with check-in half an hour before departure.

Where does whale watching in Jervis Bay depart from?

The Whale Watching Jervis Bay cruise departs from the public wharf at 15 Field Street, Huskisson, near Fishermen's Wharf Restaurant.

What should I bring whale watching in Jervis Bay?

Bring a hat or beanie, a jumper or weather jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, drinking water and a camera. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before the Whale Watching Jervis Bay cruise departs.

Which whales can you see in Jervis Bay?

Humpback whales are the species that pass Jervis Bay on their annual migration. The Whale Watching Jervis Bay cruise also watches for dolphins and other marine life.

Book the season's cruise from Huskisson and keep the dolphin cruises in mind for the days between. All good days are waiting.