THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join a fast-paced whale watching tour in Coffs Harbour’s Solitary Islands Marine Park and witness migrating humpbacks breaching close aboard. This 1.5-hour trip guarantees memorable wildlife encounters for all ages.
Join a fast-paced whale watching tour in Coffs Harbour’s Solitary Islands Marine Park and witness migrating humpbacks breaching close aboard. This 1.5-hour trip guarantees memorable wildlife encounters for all ages.
Book with Jetty Dive Centre
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
269 ratings
Operated by Jetty Dive Centre · Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
Set along the vibrant coastline of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, the Whale Watching Trip offers an exhilarating encounter with the majestic Humpback Whales as they migrate through the pristine waters of Solitary Islands Marine Park. This 1.5-hour tour delivers an adrenaline-charged boat ride that frequently spots these gentle giants shortly after setting off, making it a perfect excursion for families, solo travelers, and marine enthusiasts alike. Coffs Harbour is renowned for its rugged coastline and rich marine biodiversity, and the Solitary Islands Marine Park provides an exceptional habitat where whales surface close to the boat, allowing guests rare, up-close glimpses of breaching backbones and playful tail slaps.
What sets this whale watching experience apart is its fast-paced yet safe approach, ensuring maximum sightings within a short timespan—ideal for visitors who want a high-energy adventure without sacrificing comfort or access to the natural spectacle. Operated locally, this trip connects travelers directly to one of the region’s most incredible annual wildlife migrations, highlighting the importance of marine conservation in this protected area. Visitors also enjoy scenic views of the lush, forested hinterland meeting the ocean, abundant seabirdlife, and the occasional glimpse of dolphins escorting the mammals.
Your guide will enrich the trip with insights into humpback whale behavior, local marine ecology, and conservation efforts working to protect this fragile environment. The Solitary Islands Marine Park is a hotspot for migratory species, thanks to its unique underwater topography and diverse marine habitats, and this tour embodies a perfect blend of adventure and education.
Nearby, Coffs Harbour serves as a convenient base with excellent accommodation, dining, and other coastal activities. Whether planning a family holiday or a nature-focused getaway, this whale watching trip is a standout attraction, offering a memorable and responsible wildlife experience that supports local eco-tourism and environmental stewardship.
With reliable whale sightings, breathtaking scenery, and friendly experts at the helm, this adventure is a must-do for anyone visiting the NSW mid-north coast during whale migration season. Book your spot and prepare to be thrilled by the raw power and grace of the ocean’s most iconic travelers.
While sightings are highly likely shortly after departure due to expert route planning, wildlife sightings cannot be 100 percent guaranteed in natural environments.
Yes, this family-friendly trip welcomes all ages and offers an engaging experience for young and older visitors alike.
Dress in layers and bring waterproof outerwear to stay comfortable against wind and spray. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Absolutely! Cameras are encouraged to capture the spectacular moments, but protect them with waterproof coverings or bags.
Yes, boats have seating, but arriving early helps secure the best whale-viewing spots on deck.
Boarding is conveniently located in Coffs Harbour, just a short distance from the town center with easy access to accommodations.
Jetty Dive Centre is a dive operator based in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, offering guided dives, snorkelling trips, whale watching and a broad range of PADI training courses. Operating from local launch points, the centre runs boat dives and snorkel trips to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a protected area known for diverse marine life. The business provides beginner experiences such as Discover Scuba Diving, refresher programs, and PADI entry-level courses, alongside more advanced training including Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, Rescue Diver and specialised programs like Enriched Air Nitrox and Shark Awareness. Many courses include online theory, pool sessions and guided ocean dives, and some certifications offer lifetime access to PADI digital materials. Instruction is delivered by PADI-qualified instructors and structured in small groups to maximise individual attention during pool training and ocean dives. Equipment hire is available for many trips, and boat trips typically include on-board provisions such as snacks and morning tea for snorkel and dive passengers. Trip offerings vary by season and include single and double dives to North and South Solitary Islands, targeted marine identification courses, and whale watching excursions when in season. Jetty Dive Centre emphasises safety practices, dive planning and local marine awareness during every activity to support positive underwater experiences for new and returning divers. The centre also runs specialised short sessions such as fish identification workshops and snorkel-focused trips, with trained guides providing interpretation of marine species and habitat notes during each outing to enhance visitor learning and enjoyment safely.
Book with Jetty Dive Centre