Whale Watching Jervis Bay: Close to Sydney, far from the ordinary

In Jervis Bay spotting a whale is not rare, it’s expected. Just over two hours from Sydney, this marine sanctuary offers front-row seats to migrating whales (May–Nov) and year-round dolphin encounters, all from purpose-built vessels guided by marine experts. Whether you're chasing the thrill of a fluke splash or the quiet wonder of a calf beside its mother, Jervis Bay’s calm, clear waters set the perfect stage.

Things to know before you book your Jervis Bay cruise

• Pick the route that excites you most
  The two cruises offer different scenic highlights. The whale-watching cruise journeys past iconic spots like Hyams Beach and the rugged Booderee coastline. The dolphin cruise, on the other hand, hugs the shorelines of Plantation Point and Callala, passing coral reefs and calm, clear waters.
• Consider the cancellation flexibility
  Planning with a wiggle room? The whale-watching cruise offers more leeway, with free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. The dolphin cruise offers free cancellation only if you cancel 10 days in advance, which might not suit last-minute planners.
• Check your vessel features
  The whale-watching vessel is purpose-built equipped with underwater viewing windows, a live submersible camera feed, and open-air decks designed for extended offshore trips. In contrast, the dolphin cruise vessel features panoramic decks, offering great views but less technical gear for deep encounters.
• Know your season
  Whale watching is a seasonal experience, you can only join from May to November, during the migration window. If you're visiting outside these months or want a year-round option, the dolphin cruise runs throughout the year, with regular sightings of Jervis Bay’s resident bottlenose dolphins.
• Plan your own transport
  Neither cruise offers transfers from Sydney, so you’ll need to self-drive or arrange public transport to reach Huskisson, where both tours depart. It’s a scenic 2.5–3 hour drive south of Sydney, and well worth the journey.
• Match the experience to your travel style
  If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, passionate about migration patterns and love raw nature moments, the whale-watching cruise is your best bet. But if you’re after a relaxed, family-friendly outing or traveling with younger kids, the dolphin cruise offers a softer, calmer experience that’s no less magical.
• Keep weather and sea conditions in mind
  Jervis Bay’s conditions can shift with the wind, especially during whale season. If the weather changes suddenly, your whale-watching tour may retreat or reroute. Fortunately, the region is full of scenic backups like Hyams Beach and the White Sands Walk. Always check forecasts and arrive early to adjust plans if needed.

Where to board your Jervis Bay whale-watching cruise from?

Jervis Bay whale-watching and dolphin cruises depart from Jervis Bay Wild’s Cruise Terminal in Huskisson, a charming coastal village tucked within the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales. This terminal is the heart of all marine adventures in the bay and is located just steps away from cafés, souvenir shops, and white-sand beaches. 

How to get there

From Sydney: Jervis Bay is roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive south of Sydney via the Princes Highway (A1). The most scenic and flexible option is to self-drive and ideal if you’re planning a weekend road trip. Once you reach Huskisson, free parking is available near the cruise terminal and on nearby side streets. 

By public transport: You can take a train from Sydney to Bomaderry (Nowra), then connect with a local bus or taxi to Huskisson (around 30–40 minutes from the station). Though slower than driving, it’s a relaxed way to take in the countryside if you're not in a rush.

Pro tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in, grab a coffee from the nearby cafes, and take in the views of Currambene Creek. Sometimes dolphins are spotted even before you board!