Ballina Coastal Dolphin Adventure

Explore the incredible Ballina coastline on a 1.5-hour Coastal Dolphin Adventure, operating from November through to the end of May.

Departing from Ballina, we’ll head offshore aboard Cetacean One, our spacious, purpose-built catamaran, and explore the coastline around Ballina, Lennox Head and South Ballina in search of our resident and visiting dolphins.

These trips are all about enjoying the ocean and discovering the marine life that calls our coastline home. Depending on the day, we may encounter bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, turtles, seabirds and other marine wildlife along the way.

Every adventure is accompanied by a marine biologist, providing interesting and informative commentary about dolphin behaviour, communication, the local marine environment and the wildlife we encounter.

One of the highlights of the experience is our onboard hydrophone. When conditions and dolphin behaviour allow, we can lower the hydrophone into the water and listen beneath the surface, giving guests the incredible opportunity to hear the clicks, whistles and sounds of dolphins in their natural environment.

On the way back into Ballina, we'll slow things down and explore part of the Richmond River, including a stop around Mobbs Bay, a fantastic local hotspot for birdlife. Keep an eye out for pelicans, ospreys, sea eagles, terns and other coastal and estuary species.

With plenty of room onboard, comfortable seating, an onboard toilet and experienced local crew, it's a relaxed and exciting way to experience Ballina's coastline outside of whale season.

Tour duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Season: November – end of May
Areas explored: Ballina, Lennox Head & South Ballina coastline
Includes: Marine biologist guide, hydrophone experience and Richmond River/Mobbs Bay wildlife stop

Private Charters

Our Coastal Dolphin Adventure is also available as a private charter, giving your group exclusive use of the vessel. It's a great option for families, groups, schools, celebrations, corporate outings or anyone wanting their own private marine wildlife experience along the Ballina and Lennox coastline.

As always, our trips are weather and ocean-condition dependent. We only operate when conditions are suitable so we can provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water.