You might not always see whales when you go whale watching but there are 3 main things you can do to increase your chances of a sighting, and enjoy the experience:
- Check our whale sightings map for daily sightings.
- Take a good pair of binoculars or telescope.
- Be prepared for long periods of waiting.
And one last important tip: at the watching sites be sure to take extra care around cliffs and rock platforms.
What to take when going whale watching:
- warm clothes and a blanket or chairs to sit on
- a hat and sunscreen
- a thermos with a hot drink or soup
- drinking water and food
- binoculars and sunglasses
- a camera, with a telephoto lens if you have one
- a species identification brochure or booklet
- patience!
When to go
Late morning and early afternoon are good times of the day to whale watch from most vantage points, as the glare off the water doesn't make sighting the "blow" too difficult. Early morning can also be a good time as the "blow" is often highlighted by the backlight of the morning sun.
Water-based whale and dolphin watching guidelines
Water-based whale watching is very popular in NSW. Unlike Hervey Bay in Queensland, where whales are resting with new-born calves, most humpback whales in NSW waters are actively migrating. Any disturbance by vessels has the potential to affect these animals.
Whales require 'personal space', and harassment may severely stress them - possibly causing accidents both for humans and whales if the whales feel threatened. This is especially important in the case of adults with calves, which may be either resting or suckling. Research has shown that whales are highly sensitive to engine noises. You should also be aware that during the mating season, males competing for females may engage in rough physical contact.
Whales are protected animals, and if you go out on the water, you should follow the regulations for whale watching. They've been designed to make whale watching enjoyable and safe, without interference to the whales.
The basic rules when near whales and dolphins are to:
- Remain quiet and do not try to feed or touch them.
- Be alert and watch for whales and dolphins at all times.
- When in a vessel, do not approach closer than 100m to any whale or 50m to any dolphin.
- The caution zone for vessels is the area within 300m of a whale and 150m of a dolphin. No more than three vessels are allowed within the caution zone at any one time and vessels should operate at no wake speeds within this zone.
- Approach whales and dolphins from parallel to and slightly to the rear - not from directly behind or head-on.
- When leaving whales or dolphins, move off at a slow (no wake) speed to the outer limit of the caution zone (300m) from the closest animal before gradually increasing speed.
- Keep a lookout and avoid disturbance to mother whales or dolphins and their calves. Mother and calf will be close together and the calves are sometimes difficult to see.
- If there is a sudden change in whale or dolphin behaviour, move away immediately at a slow steady pace.
- Whales and dolphins sometimes form social groupings and may approach your vessel - if this happens place the engine in neutral and let the animal(s) come to you; or slow down and continue on course; or steer a straight course away from them.
- Do not get into the water if you see a whale or dolphin. If you're already in the water do not disturb, chase or block the path of a whale or dolphin and if possible, return to your vessel or the shore.
In October 2005, The Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2005 were released. The Commonwealth, states and territories agreed to introduce consistent regulations for marine mammal protection in all jurisdictions so the same rules applied across Australia. These regulations are detailed in The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Marine Mammals) Regulation 2006.
