If you are planning to go whale watching off the coast of Sydney, there are some times of the year that are better than others, and in order to maximize your chances of an amazing experience, here are some useful pointers on when the best times are for whale watching in Sydney.
The best time of year for whale watching in New South Wales is May to November
Traditionally, this is the time of year that the Humpback Whale migrates from the rich feeding grounds of Antarctica and moves on to the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland. While this is generally accepted as being the whale watching season, the best times are the last week of June and the first week of July, as these are the times when the waters are buzzing with whale activity.
Do you need to book a whale watching tour in advance?
To be absolutely sure your trip will allow you to see many whales, you are advised to book whale watching in Sydney as early as possible, and remember that other whale watchers are also looking to secure a day with a lot of action. Of course, there are no times that are set in stone, but generally speaking, the months of June and July are considered the best, and you can always ask the opinion of the tour operator, who knows more than anyone else regarding whale behavior and sightings.
The Outward Journey
Think of the whale migration as being two separate trips, with the first run heading north from the rich feeding grounds of Antarctica to the warmer waters off Queensland. They travel along the Great Barrier Reef in order to breed, and after a few months, the new calf is strong enough to make the return leg, which also passes by the coast of Sydney.
The Return Journey
The Humpback Whale population returns south to their feeding grounds in Antarctica during the months of September, October, and November, and as a general rule, the return leg usually sees the whales a few kilometers further out, which is likely due to strong ocean currents. It is possible to view the whales from certain ground locations, but nothing compares to being on a whale-watching boat close to the animals.
Other Marine Species You Can See
Several species of Dolphins can be seen when out whale watching, and then there are the unmistakeable Orcas that also frequent these waters while gathering together for a hunt. Dolphins are very amiable creatures and often, when they notice a boat, they will gather round out of sheer curiosity.
Booking your Trip
The best way to source an established whale watching tour operator is by searching online, and once you have found their website, you can choose from the calendar dates they have available. It is best to ask the experts about dates and potential sightings, but the earlier you approach the provider, the better our chances of seeing multiple animals.
If you would like to experience these majestic animals close up, search online for a whale-watching specialist who can arrange a day out that will change your life forever.