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Out Of The Blue Adventures

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Pricing: From $129 per personCategory: Wildlife & Nature ExperiencesLocation: 12 Fawcett St, Ballina NSW 2478

Highlights

  • Whale watching cruises out of Ballina into Cape Byron Marine Park, with a marine biologist guide on every trip
  • Private charters of a 20-seat or 25-seat vessel, or both boats together, for parties and work groups
  • Guided summer snorkel trips to Julian Rocks leave from Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour

About Out Of The Blue Adventures

Out Of The Blue Adventures is a locally owned marine tour company running wildlife trips along the coast between Ballina and Byron Bay. Whale watching cruises leave the Lance Ferris Wharf on the Richmond River during the humpback migration, heading out into Cape Byron Marine Park with a marine biologist on board to explain the behaviour you are watching. The boats are purpose-built rigid hull inflatables seating 20 and 25 guests, with individual forward-facing seats, a covered roof and open sides for all-round viewing. A hydrophone lets guests hear whale song when conditions allow, and professional photos of the trip are included. From December to April the team runs guided snorkelling at Julian Rocks, leaving from the boat harbour at Brunswick Heads. Turtles, manta rays and leopard sharks are regular sightings on these summer trips. For groups, either vessel can be chartered privately, and both can head out together for larger numbers. The company pitches its charters for birthdays, corporate days, Christmas parties and bucks and hens groups, and can tailor a whale, snorkel, dolphin or scenic cruise to suit. Charter groups can bring light snacks and drinks aboard in an onboard cooler, so send an enquiry with your date and numbers to start planning.

Inclusions & amenities

Activity type

Wildlife & Nature ExperiencesWater Sports

Price range (per person)

$100-150pp

Setting

Outdoor

Ages

Kids Welcome

Pricing

Whale watching is $129 per adult (12 and over) and $119 per child (5 to 11), with a family ticket for two adults and one child at $347. The tour page quotes $119 per person for a group of 20 passengers. Private charter rates are set out in the operator's rates document, so send an enquiry for a quote.

Food

Food is not provided on whale watching or snorkel tours, and full meals should stay on shore unless you have booked a private charter. Charter groups can bring light snacks in the onboard cooler.

Beverages

Drinks are not sold on board and single-use plastic bottles are avoided, so bring a refillable water bottle. Private charters can keep drinks in the onboard cooler; no glassware.

Availability

Monday9AM – 5PM
Tuesday9AM – 5PM
Wednesday9AM – 5PM
Thursday9AM – 5PM
Friday9AM – 5PM
Saturday9AM – 5PM
Sunday9AM – 5PM
Whale watching runs daily from late May to the end of October, with departures at 7:30am, 10am, 12:30pm and 3pm, all subject to weather and ocean conditions. Julian Rocks snorkelling runs from December to April. Private charters are by arrangement.

What's Included

About two hours on the water with a marine biologist guide, spray and wind jackets, life jackets, hydrophone listening when conditions allow, professional photos of the trip and a whale sighting guarantee during the season.

Frequently asked questions

Can our group book a boat to ourselves?

Yes. Private charters are offered on the 20-seat Out Of The Blue vessel and the 25-seat Into The Blue vessel, and the two boats can go out together depending on the tour and date. Book as early as you can to secure your preferred time.

How much does whale watching cost?

The whale watching cruise is $129 per adult aged 12 and over and $119 per child aged 5 to 11. The tour page lists a rate of $119 per person for a group of 20 passengers.

Is there a minimum age for the ocean trips?

Children must be at least five for whale watching, snorkelling and dolphin cruises, and must travel with a paying adult. The operator advises against the ocean trips for pregnant guests and for people with spinal, neck or back conditions.

Can we bring food and drinks on board?

No food or drink is served on the whale watching and snorkel tours, so bring your own water bottle. Private charters can carry light snacks and drinks in the onboard cooler, but avoid glassware and full meals.

Where do the tours leave from?

Whale watching and dolphin cruises board at the Lance Ferris Wharf on Fawcett Street in Ballina, where parking is free with time limits. For Julian Rocks snorkelling, the meeting point is the boat harbour at Brunswick Heads, and optional return transfers from Byron Bay can be added for whale watching at $35 per person.

Where we are

Suitable occasions

Fadi

Fadi

3 weeks ago

Absolutely amazing! Very friendly guys on board, knowledgeable marine biologist on board ( who she was funny as well ;) ) Had a great time and had the full experience seeing the whales very close. Definitely recommended…

Claudia Algieri

Claudia Algieri

2 months ago

Incredible experience and I will never forget this. Our marine biologist guide Gabrielle was so knowledgeable and clearly so passionate about whale conservation. We got so close to the whales but at no point did I feel w…

Kathrine Whitney

Kathrine Whitney

3 months ago

I have gone every year and every trip is amazing, fun and educational! Even roped in my sister who now travels from qld and is totally addicted , as am I , to these amazing trips! Thanks out of the blue adventures, and a…

Peter Goldstein

Peter Goldstein

4 months ago

Best whale watch trip ever! Lots of whale sitings and encounters as soon as we left the wharf in Ballina and were in open water. Highly recommend this crew that includes a marine biologist for your next whale watching…

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