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Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle

164 Reviews 4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 164 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Newcastle, Australia
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from $100.39 per person

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Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle Image 1
Whale spotting
Whale breaching
Spotting whales
Whale Tail

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On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
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2 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Prebook to save time and see humpback whales in their natural habitat on this whale-spotting cruise from Newcastle. Board an eco-tourism boat and hit the open waters to observe humpbacks in the wild, learning about their natural behaviors via the commentary as the boat maintains a respectful distance. Plus, watch for dolphins and seals, and admire the coastal scenery as you hear details on local landmarks, culture, and history.

- See humpback whales in the wild on a whale watching cruise from Newcastle
- Prebook to secure a place at a time and day that fits your vacation schedule
- View humpbacks and learn about them, and the coastal scenery, from a guide
- Includes wet-weather gear and choice of departures for flexibility
- CoastXP is an Accredited quality and sustainable tourism business

What's Included

  • Marine Toilet Onboard
  • Premium weatherproof jackets provided
  • Safe and comfortable eco-tourism vessel
  • Any parking or transport fees
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Dock C
95 Hannell Street, Wickham NSW 2293, Australia

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Enjoy close encounters with Humpback Whales along the Hunter Coast. The tour showcases the stunning Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline from the water with an added focus on searching for whales, dolphins and seals!

Departing from Newcastle Harbour, visit some of the key landmarks along the Hunter Coastline, before heading offshore on an adventure boat ride in search of migrating humpback whales. Annually, humpback whales pass the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie coastline in strong numbers (up to 35,000 individuals).

Keep a close eye out for some of their fascinating behaviours including pectoral fin slapping on the surface of the water, fluke or tail slapping and of course breaching!! As humpback whales are wild mammals, should you not encounter a whale on your tour, the CoastXP team will welcome you back on board free of charge (within the same season).

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Children under 3 not allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

(9)

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?

A: As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat. Read more Dec 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-85969P1

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Reviews

4.95
164 reviews

Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 164 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
156
4 stars
7
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
A:

As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.

Dec 2022
Q: Will I get seasick on Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Marine Toilet Onboard.
  • Premium weatherproof jackets provided.
  • Safe and comfortable eco-tourism vessel.
  • Two-hour whale watching tour.
  • Small group experience (max 20 guests at a time).
  • Professional wildlife guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Any parking or transport fees.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Marine Toilet Onboard
  • Premium weatherproof jackets provided
  • Safe and comfortable eco-tourism vessel
  • Two-hour whale watching tour
  • Small group experience (max 20 guests at a time)
  • Professional wildlife guide
  • Any parking or transport fees

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Children under 3 not allowed
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
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  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Destinations and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
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  • Cool Destinations reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool Destinations.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
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  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
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  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
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