The Best Whale Watching on the Central Coast
Whale Watching Near Sydney
Whale Season 2026: What to Expect on the NSW Coast
Terrigal Ocean Tours are the only Eco Certified whale watching operator on the Central Coast. They collaborate with local conservation groups and conduct research with local Universities so that they can provide you with the best available information on your tour. Experience one of Australia’s greatest wildlife events, the Humpback Whale migration in safety and style.
The whales pass close to the Terrigal Haven and it is usually a short trip to link up with their migration path. We follow at a respectful distance and have a marine expert on board to answer any questions and to help identify the species. Departs Terrigal Haven Boat Ramp. Only 60 minutes north of Sydney!
Minimum age is 5. Child tickets 5-15 years. Children under 5 are not permitted due to safety regulations.
Please ensure that you provide correct contact details on your booking form in case we have to contact you about your tour.
Unfortunately people with limited agility may not be able to board the vessel at Terrigal.
Whale Watch Guarantee
If whales are not sighted on your tour, you will be entitled to one free return trip to try again. The return trip is for the value of the original ticket. It must be taken in the same year. The credit is not transferable to another person and the ticket price will not be refunded. You can only rebook where seats are available. The guarantee does not apply if you or your group members are not able to complete the tour due to seasickness or other personal factors, or if you have booked on a day with a strong wind or gale warning.
GROUPS
Our main whale watching boat is a large Rigid Woody which can accommodate 20 passengers. We have additional boats and can usually accommodate up to 40 guests with adequate notice. We can run multiple trips on a day for large groups. Please contact us on 0449999868 or email bookings@terrigaltours.com.au if you would like to organize a group session.
PLEASE CALL 0449999868 IF NO SEATS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY YOU PREFER
Whale Watching Discounts
We provide a discounted rate on weekdays outside of holiday periods.
Our standard price is Adults $95 Child $75.
Weekday discounts are as low as Adults $75 Child $65
No further discounts are available.
Private tours are available on request 0449999868
Our Whale Watching Boats
We have three whale watching boats.
“Coastal Express” is a 33ft Rigid Woody Inflatable.
She is our primary whale watching boat.
- In full 1c safety survey for offshore operations
- Carries up to 20 passengers
- Gets to the whales quickly
- has good all around viewing
- You are open to the weather
- Has a toilet facility
We have 2 back up vessels
“Merrow” is a 28ft Rigid Hull Inflatable.
Whale Watching in Australia
Terrigal provides one of the best whale watching locations in Australia. The geography of the area means that the whales travel very close to our coastline. It is a short trip to their path and they are easy to find. We have elevated lookouts which allow us to locate the whales. Drones are used to assist in locating the whales and to gather photography for research and enjoyment. The whales are migrating so they are very active. Breaching whales and mating behaviours are very common. Our protected bays provide great nursery areas for the mothers and calves as they pull in to rest and feed. Whilst Humpback whales are the predominant species we also see Southern Right Whales, Brydes Whales, Minke Whales. Rare sightings include Pygmy Blue Whales and Orcas. Terrigal is a delightful seaside village with lots of accommodation and great dining all within a one-hour drive from Sydney.
The migration has several different phases starting in May, when the young energetic males lead the way. Adult males and non-pregnant females follow in June and July with the pregnant females bringing up the rear. The migration runs right through the cooler months with the mothers returning with their new calves in spring and finishing up in mid November. It is an amazing experience to see the migrating whales up close as they pass on their annual journey between the Antarctic and the warm waters of the Coral Sea. Each month has a different feel as different genders and ages pass through. For guests joining Terrigal Ocean Tours, 2026 is shaping up to be another spectacular year—both for whale sightings and cutting-edge research that’s helping us understand these giants of the sea like never before.
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