Out Of The Blue Adventures Dolphin Cruise

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Head out of Ballina's Richmond River into Cape Byron Marine Park to find the resident bottlenose dolphins that live along this coast all year, with a marine biologist on board. If you don't see a dolphin, you can come back on another cruise free.

Days

1.5 to 2 hours

Age

5 years and over

Group size

Shared cruise

Start / finish

Ballina / Cape Byron Marine Park / Ballina

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Purpose-built eco-vessel from Lance Ferris Wharf, Ballina

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Out Of The Blue Adventures Dolphin Cruise

View map

Included experiences

Cape Byron Marine Park — find the resident bottlenose dolphins
Bow riding — dolphins often swim alongside the boat
Marine biologist talk — dolphin behaviour and local marine life
Richmond River — cruise out from Ballina to the open coast

Out Of The Blue Adventures Dolphin Cruise

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING AT BALLINA

Your cruise leaves from Lance Ferris Wharf on Fawcett Street in Ballina, about 20 minutes' drive south of Byron Bay, in the summer season. Arrive half an hour early to check in and hear the safety briefing, then board Out Of The Blue, a purpose-built eco-vessel where everyone has their own seat and a clear view all round. The boat runs down the Richmond River, which rises in the McPherson Range on the Queensland border and is one of the largest rivers on the New South Wales coast. At its mouth the boat crosses the bar between the break walls and heads out to sea.

ON THE WATER: CAPE BYRON MARINE PARK

Out past the break walls you head into Cape Byron Marine Park, about 22,000 hectares of protected sea stretching north from Lennox Head to Brunswick Heads. The coast is home to resident pods of bottlenose dolphins, between 80 and 120 animals depending on the time of year, so finding them is the usual outcome, not luck. The boat never chases them, but they often come over on their own to ride the bow wave or surf the swell, and the skipper sometimes cuts the engines so you can watch in quiet. Look for the young ones keeping close to their mothers.

WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGIST

A marine biologist is on board for every cruise, explaining how the local pods hunt, play and raise their calves. The boat helps with dolphin research in the region, and the crew have watched numerous calves join the pods in recent years. You might also see sea turtles coming up to breathe, seabirds diving for baitfish, and, if you're lucky, a grey nurse shark below the surface. If you don't spot a single dolphin, you can come back on another dolphin cruise free.

BACK TO THE WHARF

After about one and a half to two hours on the water, the boat comes back over the bar and up the river to the wharf. The Wharf Bar & Restaurant is right in front of the landing, with more cafés a short walk away in town.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Lance Ferris Wharf, 12 Fawcett Street, Ballina, in front of the Wharf Bar & Restaurant. Free parking nearby (time limits apply). Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and the safety briefing; the boat can't wait for latecomers.
Departure time: Summer season, December to March, mornings from about 9:30am. Exact times are confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 1.5 to 2 hours on the water.
Minimum age: 5 years. Children must be with an adult and wear a life jacket throughout.
Fitness: Not recommended for anyone pregnant or with a neck, back or spine injury. The wharf is wheelchair accessible, but wheelchairs can't go on board; you need to be able to step onto the boat, with help if needed.
Please note: A short online waiver must be completed before the day. Anyone with cold or flu symptoms can't board. If you are booking for a group, book in one order so you can be seated together.

What to bring

Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Camera
An extra layer, as it is cooler on the water

What is included

Dolphin cruise of about 1.5 to 2 hours
Marine biologist guide
Life jackets
Dolphin guarantee: a free cruise to try again if you don't see one

Not included

Food and drinks
Transfers to Ballina

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.