Ballina Byron Marine Adventures
ProHighlights
- Family-run whale, dolphin, birding and river trips aboard Cetacean One, a purpose-built catamaran
- The whole boat can be chartered for up to 28 guests, with route, timing and catering planned around the day
- Step-free boarding and an onboard restroom make every trip wheelchair accessible
About Ballina Byron Marine Adventures
Ballina Byron Marine Adventures is a family-owned tour operator whose skipper grew up in Ballina. Every trip runs on Cetacean One, an aluminium catamaran built for wildlife watching, with twin outboards, wide walkways, an elevated viewing deck and an onboard restroom. During the humpback migration, whale watching trips run for about two to two and a half hours, with marine biologists on board and a hydrophone for listening to whale song. Outside whale season the boat stays busy with 90-minute dolphin outings along the coast, a six-hour offshore birding trip and gentler cruises on the Richmond River, including a sunset run with music, food and refreshments. For celebrations and work days, the whole vessel can be chartered for up to 28 guests. The operator hosts birthdays, corporate events, anniversaries, farewells, proposals and small weddings, and shapes the route, timing, music and catering around each booking. Boarding is step-free and the boat is wheelchair accessible, so mixed-ability groups can travel together and NDIS groups are welcome. Send an enquiry with your preferred date, your numbers and the kind of trip you have in mind to plan a charter.
Inclusions & amenities
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What's Included
Frequently asked questions
How many people can come on a private charter?
The whole of Cetacean One can be chartered for up to 28 guests. Charters start from $3,500 and run for two to three hours, with flexible departure times all year round.
What does whale watching cost and how long does it take?
Whale watching is from $139 per adult and $119 per child, with children under three travelling free. Plan on about two to two and a half hours on the water during the May to November season.
Is food or drink included?
Food is not supplied on whale watching trips, so pack a drink bottle and something to nibble. Catering can be organised for private charters and river cruises, and the sunset cruise serves food and refreshments.
Can wheelchair users join the trip?
Yes. Boarding from the pontoon is step-free, there is an accessible restroom on board, and the crew help anyone who needs assistance. Ocean conditions on the day can affect suitability, and NDIS bookings are accepted.
What happens if we see no whales or the weather turns?
If no whales are sighted on a trip between June and October, you can rebook another whale watching trip at no charge, subject to availability. If the weather makes sailing unsafe, you can move to another date or take a full refund.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
M D
2 weeks ago
Great experience. Great crew. Smooth and safe modern vessel. We saw numerous whales Dolphins and bird life. Saw breaching, and tail slapping whales and heard the whale songs. Well done team.
kirsty harland
2 months ago
What an absolutely unforgettable experience! This was truly one of the most incredible days of my life. From the moment we arrived, the whole team made us feel so welcome. As a family-run business, you can really see the…
Gregory Hall
2 months ago
Most incredible experience. Angus and crew had so much knowledge and made the whole experience seamless. Also felt so lucky to have perfect conditions and some very friendly whales. Would recommend this to everyone!! It’…
Gavan Clark
4 months ago
What an amazing whale watching trip this morning with Captain Angus and his team on his new purpose built charter boat. After a full safety briefing Angus put us in the perfect locations to see multiple pods of breaching…
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