Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle

Highlights

Inclusions

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 172 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Fantastic Memorable Experience

  I did this encounter last year in October 25 on my own and it was such a memorable experience that I wanted to take my husband in August 26. He loved it as much as I did. We saw whales, dolphins and seals. Our skipper was full of local information and was interesting to listen to with a really friendly nature and a good sense of humour. Would reccomend you take this trip.

  U9187SJkarenpAugust 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Amazing Day

  We Had an amazing day , saw three whales & many dolphins.1 very active huge humpback that gave us quite a show with multiple breaches & roles, it really was just incredible to witness . Fantastic crew & commentary, very professional & clean modern boat , we will definitely book again, thanks

  pauliH6885QRAugust 2026via Tripadvisor

• 4Great sightseeing trip

  It was a great experience thankyou. Only 2 of us. Appreciated the jackets. Rug up if you go. The wind is cold in July! Only saw 2 whales but the bonus seal and dolphins were some compensation. I was hoping for some breaching but no luck today. Great staff - friendly, professional and knowledgeable.

  OzDiJuly 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Best cruise ever !!!

  If I could add more than 5 ⭐️ I would !!! Amazingggggg!!! I attended a sunrise photography whale watching cruise with my friend that was hosted by Scott a well known photographer in th3 Newcastle area, Scott was very helpful with offering guidance for any photography questions. Dom the skipper done an awesome job by guiding us to view some very playful whales in the morning while also sharing some very interesting information about the whales. Loved the experience and def cannot wait to book my next cruise

  Departure06711550277July 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Best sunrise whale cruise

  Amazing sunrise photography whale cruise with Dom and Scott the photographer. My friend Kylie come up from Sydney to make the sunrise cruise in Newcastle. We were blown away by the knowledge from Dom about the whales. Scott was super helpful in teaching us about how to capture the whales on the cameras and so supportive and encouraging. I can not recommend CoastXP enough for a whale cruise. We will be back 🙌

  charmaines785July 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Whale watching Newcastle

  We had the most amazing day and were lucky enough to see two humpback whales breaching together. Dom our tour guide and boat operator/owner is a lovely informative person. He was able to seek out the most active pod of whales. We also saw a seal and dolphins. The price is very reasonable and two hours was a good length of time. The boat size is ideal. Not too many people on board which helped create a more personal and peaceful atmosphere.

  jennykI5564BJJuly 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Newcastle

• Its from-price is 25% above the median of the 65 experiences we list in Newcastle.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 3 of 65.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Newcastle

Newcastle is a coal-port city at the mouth of the Hunter River in New South Wales, with surf beaches, ocean baths and a lighthouse on a long breakwater.

Newcastle began as a convict settlement in 1804 and grew around coal and, later, steelmaking, and its harbour is still among the largest coal ports in the world. The centre curves around the water, with Christ Church Cathedral on the hill and heritage buildings along Hunter Street. Nobbys Head, a headland topped by a lighthouse, is joined to the shore by a long breakwater, and Fort Scratchley, a nineteenth-century coastal fort, guards the harbour mouth.

See all 65 experiences in Newcastle