The Byron Bay coast plays host to resident pods of bottle nose dolphins all year round. They number between 80 and 120, depending on the time of year, but they always provide our passengers of all ages a thrill, an experience to remember; something that always brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Bottlenose Dolphins are spotted in their natural habitat as they play and swim along the coastline between Ballina and Byron Bay on our incredible Dolphin Cruise. We depart from the Richmond River and enter the pristine waters of Cape Byron Marine Park. Our friendly Marine Biologist will share in-depth knowledge of the area & marine creature encounters we experience within Byron’s Marine Park. Learn about our local pods of dolphins, their habits and behaviours. We are so sure you’ll spot a dolphin that we offer a free return trip if you don’t see one on your first Dolphin Cruise!
We are proud sponsors of Dolphin Research Australia and the Healthy Waterways-Healthy Dolphins Project! These research and conservation projects work to protect vulnerable communities impacted by human activities and habitat destruction. We also provide our vessel for monthly surveys and participate in the Dolphin Watcher’s Program that monitors dolphins in the region. We have witnessed and documented the arrival of numerous babies over the last few years and we continue to be amazed at the population growth of the pods along the Ballina & Byron Bay coast.
Come and see our beautiful dolphins as they swim and play off the bow of our vessel 'Out Of The Blue'.
Inclusions
- Marine biologist guide
- Dolphin guarantee or return for a free cruise to try again
Seasons
Time
- 9:30am to 11:30am
- Important: Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your departure time. A safety briefing will be done, any passenger not present for the briefing will forfeit their ticket and will not be able to join the cruise. The boat cannot wait for late passengers. Please ensure you check NSW daylight savings time in advance if you are planning your journey from Queensland.
Duration
Location
- The boarding wharf is in Ballina, which is a 30 minute drive south of Byron Bay. We board at the Lance Ferris Wharf, 12 Fawcett Street, Ballina NSW.
- Cruise is 1.5hrs so choose parking accordingly. It is free parking in this area.
What To Bring
- Hat
- Jumper or Jacket
- Sunglasses
- Drinking Water
- Camera/Phone for photos
- Sunscreen
- Seasick tablets if needed (some require you to take them 30mins prior to departure)
Additional Information
- All children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age is 5yrs for any cruise on the ocean. Not suitable for pregnant woman or anyone with a back injury. Anyone with cold & flu symptoms will not be allowed to board the vessel.
- Your confirmation email with have all the details you need for the day including what to wear and where to park, so please read carefully. We require you to complete a quick and easy Pre-Arrival Waiver before the day of your cruise. You will be unable to board the vessel if you have not completed the Pre-Arrival Waiver
- Please keep in mind that all cruises are dependent on ocean and weather conditions. If conditions where to change and become unsafe or unsuitable to operate, we will try our very best to notify you 1.5hrs + before cruise departure, but keep in mind that this is not guaranteed and cruises can be cancelled at any time (even at the wharf or during the cruise) if conditions are deemed unsuitable or unsafe.
- Important: To ensure we can contact you promptly if there is a necessary time change or cancellation, keep your phone on and close. Our primary way of communication is SMS & email. If there is a time change we will SMS then call if we do not receive a response. If we cannot reach you, we will also send an email. Check your phone number and email are correct on your booking details to avoid missing notifications.
Cancellation Policy
- All tickets purchased will be non-refundable, unless Out Of The Blue Adventures cancels the cruise due to weather/ocean conditions. If you need to cancel your cruise, you must provide 48hrs notice via phone (in opening hours) and your ticket will become a Gift Card credit valid for a period of three years. If you give less than 48hrs notice before cruise departure, you will forfeit your money and not receive a credit. Please read full Cancellation Policy before purchasing your cruise.
Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- Offers and inclusions are subject to change without notice
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 48 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- The operator reserves the right to update their rates without notice