Whale Watching
Whale watching in Jervis Bay is one of the best winter experiences on the NSW South Coast, with humpback whales migrating along the famous “Humpback Highway” from around mid-May through to November.
Visitors can often spot whales breaching from coastal lookouts and beaches like Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, Cape St George Lighthouse and the cliffs around Booderee National Park. During September – November, we often see the mothers and calves coming into Jervis Bay to rest in the calmer waters.
Popular cruises operating out of Huskisson (50m from Nautilus Apartments) include Jervis Bay Wild and Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay, both offering dedicated whale watching tours that get visitors up close to the action with experienced local guides.
Humpback whales migrate past Jervis Bay along the famous “Humpback Highway” from around mid-May through to mid-November. The northern migration brings whales past the bay from May to July, while September to November is the best window for seeing mothers and calves resting in the bay’s calmer waters.
Yes. Whales are regularly spotted breaching from coastal lookouts and beaches, including Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, Cape St George Lighthouse and the cliffs around Booderee National Park. Bring binoculars and allow plenty of time, as land-based sightings depend on how close the whales travel to shore.
Whale watching cruises depart from Huskisson Wharf, just 250m from Nautilus Apartments. Jervis Bay Wild and Dolphin Watch Cruises both run dedicated whale watching tours with experienced local guides throughout the migration season.
Humpback whales are the main attraction, with large numbers passing Jervis Bay on their annual migration along the NSW South Coast. Southern right whales, minke whales and orcas are sighted occasionally, and bottlenose dolphins, seals and seabirds are commonly seen on the same cruises.