whale watching cruise wollongong

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Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay

Dolphin Watch Cruises was one of the first Dolphin and Whale Watching companies to begin operations in Australia and has now been cruising Jervis Bay for over 30 years!

Dolphin Watch Cruises’ commitment to, and experience in, responsible and sustainable dolphin and whale watching has been rewarded with over 30 local and state tourism awards and has earned the reputation as the leading cruise company on the South Coast of NSW.

Jervis Bay is home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins, meaning visitors can view dolphins inside the bay year round. These friendly and curious creatures love to play in the wake of the boat so it is very common to see them up close and personal.

From May to November every year, the mighty Humpback Whales migrate to the east coast of Australia. With Jervis Bay pointing so far out of the coast, it is one of the best places in Australia to view them, especially on the southern migration.

Scenic cruises of the bay are also on offer and visitors may be lucky enough to spot other wildlife that calls Jervis Bay home, such as Little Penguins, Sea Eagles, Albatross or playful Fur Seals.

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SHELLHARBOUR WHALE CRUISE

There are few natural experiences as exhilarating as whale watching.

WHALE CRUISE

• May - November

Australia is world-renowned as one of the best whale-watching destinations. Shellharbour is uniquely situated on the migration path of one of the planet’s most impressive creatures – the humpback whale. Our tour takes you to several scenic sea-level spots where you can see the humpback whales up close in their natural habitat. Take striking photographs from this unique sea-level vantage point. On the Whale Watching Cruise, you will witness a pod of humpback whales out in the wild as they migrate across the ocean. See the tall blow of large adult whales surge into the sky. During the Northern migration, you will see whales as they travel further out in the ocean. Whale mothers and their newborn calves will be spotted on the Southern migration. Have fun observing the mothers are they teach and nurse their young ones. It is a rare and exciting privilege of the natural world to witness whale migration. Contact us to book a tour.

Pregnancy Policy: Not recommended for passengers over 24 weeks.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hat or Beanie
• Weather Jacket or Jumper
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen
• Drinking Water

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

From mid-May to mid-November. Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.

Check in at the Service Kiosk located near the Salty Squid Cafe at 9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove. Please have your ticket ready on your phone.

Check in at  Service Kiosk next to Salty Squid Cafe, 9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove

2 hour drive from Canberra and Sydney to Shellharbour, South Coast of NSW.

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• 9 Marina Drive Shell Cove
• 02 4203 2379
• [email protected]

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• Wollongong & the South Coast

Whale Watching Cruise from Shell Cove - 90 Minutes

• Witness Humpback Whales play in the ocean on this whale watching cruise
• Learn about Australia's great Humpback Whale migration
• Cruise the pristine waters to spot local seal and penguin colonies

For an extraordinary encounter with wildlife splashing about in the oceans off the South Coast, join this 90 minute whale watching cruise to encounter seasonal Humpback Whales, seals and penguin colonies up close from May to November.

What's Included?

• 90 minute whale watching cruise

Witness the majestic beauty of Humpback Whales during their Southern Migration traveling past the beautiful South Coast of New South Wales. On this 90 minute whale watching adventure from Shell Cove, enjoy a close encounter with the gentle giants as you venture out to the ocean to see them on their annual journey. Travelling South, passengers will explore Bushrangers Bay and its turquoise waters before heading North for a scenic cruise around Five Islands to spot visiting penguins and fur seals sunbathing on the rocks. Cruises are available from the Shellharbour Marina in Shell Cove making this an accessible whale watching experience for travellers in Wollongong, Kiama and Shell Cove.

Session Length

The duration of this experience is 90 minutes. Cruises are available at 10.30am and 12.30pm during the whale watching season from May to November.

Important Information

• Should you suffer from motion of the ocean, please take a tablet, as we do not provide this medication.
• This experience is not recommended for women that are more than 24 weeks pregnant
• This experience is not recommend for people with back injuries

Cancellation

• Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
• Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
• Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

Numbers on the Day

This experience runs with a minimum of two passengers and maximum of 48 passengers.

If wind and sea conditions are not favourable, the experience provider will notify customers via mobile phone number provided on their booking or email. Customers can reschedule to another day.

We recommend warm clothing to be warm as it can be cool out in the open waters, and non slip footwear.

This experience takes place on the South Coast, NSW.

Available dates

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Top Dolphin & Whale Watching in Wollongong, Australia

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1. South Coast Journeys

Whale Watching Cruise on Whale One

Whale watching on whale one, the sunshine coast premier whale watching experience..

Looking for a thrilling whale watching experience on the Sunshine Coast? Look no further than Sunreef’s whale watching tours! Our experienced guides will take you on a journey to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Sunreef’s whale watching tour is designed to provide you with a safe and enjoyable experience. Our vessel Whale One is the largest and most comfortable vessel on the Sunshine Coast. Our experienced guides will provide you with all the information you need to know about these fascinating creatures and their behaviors.

At Sunreef, we’re committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast. We take an eco-friendly approach to all our activities, and we work to minimize our impact on the environment. Our whale watching tours are no exception – we follow strict guidelines to ensure that we interact with the whales in a responsible and sustainable way.

Our whale watching tours are suitable for all ages and levels of experience. Whether you’re a family with kids or a group of friends looking for an adventure, our tours are the perfect way to experience the wonders of whale watching.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable whale watching experience on the Sunshine Coast, come and join us at Sunreef and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Book now and get $10 off by using the promo-code IMMERSEME

What you can expect

Check in at Sunreef starts at the time outlined on your confirmation email or text. When you arrive, we will see you at our check in desk so we can give you your boarding pass and ensure all the names on the booking are correct.

We will then direct you to line up at a designated area prior to boarding. 

On departure , we will give all our guests a thorough boat briefing as we exit the Mooloolaba River. The trip out of the Mooloolaba takes around 15 minutes. After exiting the Mooloolaba river mouth we will begin to search for whales using our sight. To help us sight the whales, your whale watching crew on Whale One will ensure that you know what you should be looking for in particular when whale watching.

We will be looking out for mainly blows or major surface activity from the humpback whales, however it’s not uncommon for us to also end up spotting dolphins, turtles and other amazing animals on our trips.

After spotting whales, what we experience is all completely left up to the whale.

This is a completely organic experience, in no way do we control these animals or their behaviours.  They may show surface activities, we may see them swim right under or beside Whale One, and sometimes they may just swim away.

Either way, it will be an experience we’re sure you’ll remember. We will always do everything in our power to respect the whales boundaries and environment.

You will be on the water for anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. Please see below for what to bring, parking recommendations, and more.

While you’re whale watching with us, you will be able to purchase hotdogs, snacks, soft drinks and alcohol (alcohol after 10 am). We have indoor and outdoor, upstairs and downstairs seating on our vessel. There are two marine toilets. 

Read more about humpback whales on the Sunshine Coas t .

Whale Watching customers, please read the following

Trip confirmations: Your confirmation of the trip will depend on the sea conditions and weather. We will monitor this closely and if the weather or sea conditions are unsuitable, we will let you know as soon as we can. We will send out an email and text message the day before your trip around 3:30 pm to inform you of the status of the trip and its departure time.

*Please note that while the weather may look great on the beach, it doesn’t mean the conditions offshore are safe for watching. If we have to cancel a trip due to poor sea conditions it is for our customer’s safety, and we will either rebook or refund you for this.*

Eligibility requirements to board the Whale One vessel for Whale Watching:

• Children under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• If you are pregnant , we unfortunately cannot take you on this tour.
• Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access available on any of our vessels.

What to bring:  Warm clothes, appropriate footwear, and jumper. Please ensure you have your personal medications with you e.g. asthmatics, heart disease, anaphylaxis, etc.).

No drones are permitted on board. 

NO alcohol is to be taken on or carried off the vessel.

Prams / strollers: If you would like to take your pram / stroller, its wheels need to be able to be locked. We will gauge whether or not you will be able to take your pram on depending on how many passengers we have on board and if there are any other prams on board, so you will need to wait until we give the final call to see if it’s okay. If you bring a pram on board, you must choose a spot downstairs to use as your designated seating area. You can still walk around, but please do not leave your pram unattended. You are responsible for your pram.

Dress code: Dress appropriate for the weather, bring layers. You can bring a warm jumper or jacket for the wind chill on the water, and something lighter if you are in the sun. Please remember to be sun safe. Polarized sunglasses will help a lot when spotting whales and looking at the ocean. There are open air, protected and enclosed areas available, but no air conditioning.

Seasickness:  This is in open water and we suggest you consider seasickness tablets to minimize the risk of seasickness affecting your trip. We will not issue any rebookings or refunds for being seasick.

Parking: The Wharf complex has 4 hour parking available, however you will need to find suitable parking for the tour you are on as some of our trips will be over 4 hours. There are some unlimited parking spaces available outside of The Wharf Mooloolaba / SEA Life car park, however please keep in mind especially if you are on an 11:30 am or later trip that parking can get very busy. Please give yourself  at least  15-20 minutes for parking.  You can find a parking map of The Wharf Mooloolaba here.

At Sunreef, we do everything we can to provide an amazing experience from start to finish with all our trips. As we outlined above, these are wild animals that we do not have control over. Some whales may not want to socialise with us, and we appreciate your respect and understanding when this happens.  We give these whale watching tours a 100% guarantee on whale sightings, so if there are no whales at all that day you will have the chance to go again on a free return trip.

Whale Watching

Live calendar below, our responsibility.

All our staff at Sunreef take your safety, and respect for nature very seriously – it’s our top priority so we expect all participants to follow the directions of our staff at all times.

The Sunreef crew is very experienced in guiding these in-water activities and follows all relevant safety guidelines.

All encounters are conducted in accordance with the  Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2017)  as well as our own strict Code of Practice which has been developed with whale researchers and experts to ensure the protection of the whales.

We are also working with the University of the Sunshine Coast on a coordinated research project to increase the knowledge around these amazing creatures. Our commitment includes recording information about every whale sighting and offering spots on every boat for the researchers to get out into the field to collect their own data. Our guests can also participate, if they wish, using our whale spotting sheets.

Call us on  +61 7 5444 5656 Email us at   [email protected]

Directions: Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is one hours drive north of Brisbane or half hours drive south of the Sunshine Coast Airport.

Address: Shop 11 - 12, The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557

Shop Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday to Saturday 8 am - 4 pm Sunday

The Sunreef crew is a team of experienced and passionate professionals who love to share aquatic activities and the marine environment with others. Sunreef prides itself as one of the biggest employers of full-time dive professionals in Australia.

Meet the Sunreef crew

Sunreef is a PADI 5-Star Training Centre, offering globally recognized dive courses for all levels of divers - from beginner to professional. Sunreef dives on the most beautiful Sunshine Coast dive sites, from the Ex-HMAS Brisbane , to our Local Reefs , to Flinders Reef . Join Sunreef on one of their amazing International Dive Trips, run annually. Sunreef is Australia's first Swim with Humpback Whales tour operators and ensures safe and responsible practices are conducted while on these experiences. Whale One  operates out of Sunreef for Whale Watching on the iconic Whale One vessel. Hire  one of our vessels and crew out for your own Private Event . Visit Sunreef at The Wharf, Mooloolaba, where you can get dive equipment serviced , or browse a large range of dive gear for sale in store. Book your adventure today.

Sunreef Scuba Diving Services, based in Mooloolaba is the longest established dive centre on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia) with roots starting back in 1976.

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Ready to immerse yourself in an experience you’ll never forget?

Experience Vivid Sydney from $22. Book now.

Merimbula Whale Adventure - 2 Hours

Highlights & inclusions, select travellers & date, what you can expect.

Merimbula on the NSW Sapphire Coast is one of the world’s best whale watching destinations. Book this two-hour whale watching cruise for a magical encounter with Humpback Whales. Every year, over 40,000 humpback whales migrate past the Australian East Coast and this whale watching cruise from Merimbula will take you into the open ocean to observe them playing in their natural environment.

Join the marine experts on ‘Sensational, a 14 metre vessel for an intimate whale watching experience limited to 40 passengers. Cruises depart from Merimbula between August to November to guarantee the best chance to see the whales lunge feeding while later in the season the baby calves travel past the region. With over 19 years of experience, the passionate crew can’t wait to welcome you aboard and share this wildlife experience with you as you learn all about the life cycle and whale behaviours demonstrated on the day.

What you need to know

• 2 hour whale watching cruise
• Informative commentary
• Guaranteed Whale Sightings - or receive a free return tour
• A fun and informative tour where you will learn about the lifecycle and issues facing whales and dolphins in todays ocean
• The opportunity to get up close and personal with a humpback whale!
• This tour departs daily during the months of August, September, October and early November.
• Cruises depart at 9am
• Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure
• 2 hours in duration
• Tour departs Merimbula Public Jetty, Market Street Merimbula.
• 3 hour drive from Canberra, 6 hour drive from Sydney,7 hour drive from Melbourne
• Fly into Merimbula Airport from Melbourne or Sydney with REX or Quantas. Bus from Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
• Flat, covered shoes
• Warm clothing
• Wet weather jacket
• Bring any food you may like whilst on the cruise
• This cruise will take you into the open ocean. We strongly recommend that you TAKE SEA SICKNESS PREVENTION TABLETS before boarding the boat. Please visit your chemist to discuss options available to you.
• This tour operates over a sandbar and as such there may be times when the departure time may vary to the depth of the sandbar and the tide. In these instances you will be notified in advance.
• We recommend that this tour is suitable to those people with an open mind and an adventurous spirit
• Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
• Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
• Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
• Rescheduling date and time is available up until 24 hours prior to departure. If customer has emergency and is unable to attend please phone the supplier to discuss alternatives.
• If customer is sick or unwell please encourage them to contact us as soon as possible to reschedule their booking. We will not accept rescheduling after the tour has departed.
• 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 
• Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction 
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control 
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher 
• We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements 

You might also like

Illawarra fly treetop walk entry, jervis bay dolphin watching cruise, batemans bay half day sea kayak tour.

• Email us at [email protected]
• Help code: D2B-5CE8
• This experience is supplied by Sapphire Coastal Adventures

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• We have an approved Science Based Target
• We use third party verified standards

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Sydney wollongong tandem skydive up to 15,000ft, symbio wildlife park entry tickets, mogo wildlife park entry tickets.

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Whale watching on the South Coast

Where to spot gentle giants.

Every year between May and November, more than 40,000 whales leave Antarctica and travel up and down the east coast of Australia to feed, warm up and give birth. Whether you’re trailing these gentle giants – both humpback and southern right – from a clifftop perch or in a boat, their acrobatic spectacle will leave you speechless. Thanks to food-rich waters, the NSW South Coast is a magnet like no other across the country. Here’s where to get in on the action.     

Whale Watching , Jervis Bay - Credit: Jordan Robins

Sydney to Gerroa

You don’t have to travel far from Sydney to find a top whale watching vantage point. Just a short drive south you’ll discover stellar lookouts in  Stanwell Tops – known for its lofty escarpment – near  Wollongong . Continue driving toward Kiama , where the rugged headland around the  Kiama Blowhole provides wide expanses for spotting whales, with a regular ‘whoosh’ of water as your backdrop.

Along the  Kiama Coastal Walk , there are two whale watching platforms to view the whales as they migrate north. Depending on what end of the walk you are on there are platforms at  Minnamurra  and  Gerringong .

It’s a short ride on to the rolling countryside of  Gerroa  and  Seven Mile Beach National Park , where marine life are a constant attraction.

Whale watching in Jervis Bay - Credit: Jordan Robins

Make the marine park in  Jervis Bay your base for some of the most remarkable nature experiences and finest whale observation opportunities in the state.  Huskisson  is the main departure point for whale-watching cruises. Join a tour with  Dolphin Watch Cruises  or  Jervis Bay Wild  and gain an insight into whale behaviour from knowledgeable guides.

From the shore, Jervis Bay’s dramatic coastline and rugged headlands make a scenic grandstand to spot whales in their calm, clear waters. Penguin Head at  Culburra  and the viewing platform at  Cape St George Lighthouse , located in  Booderee National Park , are prime observation spots.

Shellharbour Wild  offers daily whale-watching cruises from May through to November out of the Shellharbour Marina, and you can expect to see some of the best whale watching the state has to offer.

Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruises , Jervis Bay - Credit: Jervis Bay Wild

A wildlife wonderland nine kilometres offshore from  Narooma , Montague Island is a year-round destination for those looking to glimpse seals, penguins, and all manner of seabirds. Then during their migration, the big guns make an appearance, with whales regularly spotted close to the island’s shores. Stay overnight at the historic lighthouse to savour the coastal views and vivid sunsets.

Montague Island , Narooma - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

Sapphire Coast

While the whole South Coast is a whale wonderland, the Sapphire Coast  is particularly attractive, thanks to its food-rich waters. Beginning in late September, huge numbers of whales stop to feed their young before the last stage of their journey south to Antarctica. Come close to these giants of the sea on an unforgettable boat tour along the coast.

If you want to explore the long relationship this part of the South Coast has with whales, visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum , attend the Eden Whale Festival  (celebrating the southern migration of humpback and other whales) and learn about Eden’s whaling history on the self-drive  Killer Whale Trail – past Eden Lookout, Davidson Whaling Station and  Boyds Tower .

This part of the state is also home to wildlife-rich  Beowa National Park , formerly Ben Boyd National Park , covering a staggering 45km of coastline. Lace up your walking shoes and take on the multi-day  Light to Light Walk , traversing the cliffs between historic Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lightstation, with unbeatable views of migrating whales along the way.

For more information about whale watching on the South Coast, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Killer Whale Museum , Eden

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Shellharbour Whale Watching Cruise

Join this 2 hr cruise spotting majestic humpback whales on their annual migration along the east coast of Australia.

Shellharbour Whale Watching Cruise Highlights

• Get up to $10 cash back per person when you book with us
• 2 hr whale-watching cruise , spotting migrating humpbacks off the coast of Shellharbour
• Departs from the meeting point at The Salty Squid Cafe, 9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove

What to Expect

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All aboard Illawarra's first whale watching cruise as it sets off from new Shellharbour Marina

A new whale watching venture - the first of its kind in the Illawarra area - has set sail on its maiden voyage from the new Shellharbour Marina.

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Shellharbour Wild now operates from the marina located at The Waterfront, Shell Cove , and held ts first 90-minute whale watching cruise on Saturday.

Shellharbour Wild is operated by Jervis Bay Wild, which run cruises from Huskisson.

READ MORE: The best places in the Illawarra to watch whales this migration season

It has refurbished one of its Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) Adventure to be based at Shellharbour Marina.

Spokesman Sam Tooley said the company was excited to offer the first water-based tourism venture at Shellharbour Marina, which was completed last year .

He said the business had received a great deal of support from the developer of the new marina and community, Frasers Property, and Shellharbour Council.

"With the development of Shell Cove area, there is an ideal opportunity for a tourism operator to go in there," he said.

Mr Tooley said the area was perfect for whale watching and the Adventure , with its four 350 horsepower engines, was the perfect vessel.

"It's the absolutely ideal adventure-style boat. It's got 48 seats, so it is quite a large boat, but perfect for this type of thing," he said.

He said the company planned to run whale watching cruises from Shell Cove up until November, and then look at offering other cruises over summer.

READ MORE: Pod of killer whales caught on camera

"We are dipping our toe in with the whale watching season to make sure it works commercially and will then look at other [cruises] as well," he said.

He said Shell Cove was perfectly located near an abundance of wildlife, with the Five Islands seal colony less than half an hour away by boat.

"All around there is where the seals live. It is also a very picturesque area with lots of other marine life, including oceanic dolphins," he said.

Whale watching cruises will run from this month until mid-November during the migration of whales along the east coast of Australia.

According to the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, eastern humpback whales follow a migration pattern along Australia's eastern coastline each year between April and November.

READ MORE: All the winners and photos from the Illawarra Woman in Business Awards

After a summer of feeding in the Antarctic water, they first head north to mate and give birth in the warmer sub-tropical waters off Australia's north-east coast, with the majority of humpbacks making the trip between June and August.

They can then be spotted again even closer to the coast as they make their way back towards the Southern Ocean from September to November.

The recovery of the humpback population after years of whaling led to the rapid growth of Australia's whale watching industry, which was dealt a major blow over the past two years due to COVID-19 restrictions.

To read more stories, download the Illawarra Mercury news app in the Apple Store or Google Play .

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Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.

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Shellharbour Wild - scenic local tours

See what the shellharbour marina has to offer with shellharbour wild.

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Description

Discover the area’s unique flora and fauna while relaxing onboard our boat and enjoying the panoramic views of shellharbour and beyond. from whale & sea life cruises to eco-scenic adventures, our tours are not just fun, they are educational. .

From Whale & Sea Life cruises to Eco-Scenic adventures, our tours are not just fun, they are educational. You will be led by our expert tour guides, who hold extensive knowledge of the Shellharbour environment and marine life.

Bookings Essential - CLICK HERE TO BOOK 

Daily Eco-Scenic Cruise Departing mid Nov to mid May Get whisked away on a day to remember with our Eco-Scenic Cruise. Our crew’s local insider knowledge means you will discover all the best and most breathtaking spots in the Shellharbour area. We look at Bushrangers Bays to explore the exquisite, turquoise calm waters cruise along the spectacular coastline with awe-inspiring views of Windang and Perkins Beach. Five Islands Nature Reserve, one of the must-see biological marvels in the area. And don’t forget to look out for cute fur seals! They are often found sunbathing on the rocks below.

Departure Times:

• Monday 10am + 1pm
• Tuesday 10am + 1pm
• Wednesday 10am + 1pm
• Thursday 10am + 1pm
• Thursdays 10am +1pm
• Friday 10am +  1pm
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CRONULLA MARINA - Berth 2, 2 Tonkin Street, Cronulla NSW 2230

• All At Sea Fishing Charters Cronulla
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2024 Season

01 june - 31 october, now doing ' sunset ' cruises....

MORNING  Tour - 9.30am - 11.50am

AFTERNOON Tour - 12.30pm - 2.50pm

SUNSET Tour - 3.10pm - 5.40pm

GIFT VOUCHERS

2024 Booking Calendar -> NOW LIVE !!

Between 30,000 - 40,000 whales will pass Cronulla this season....

We GUARANTEE you will see whales... or you can COME BACK FOR FREE !!

01 June - 15 August

" peak ->northern migration".

WED + FRI + SATURDAY + SUNDAY

SATURDAY + SUNDAY

LIMITED - SATURDAY'S

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basic info...

2024 - whale season, 2023 - gift vouchers (not used), deposit / payment, days of operation, school holidays, private/group bookings, coffee / tea / food, is morning or afternoons better , where do we go, what type of whales, what to bring, sea sickness, public transport.

our whale watching vessel...

'Whale Watcher' is a 55ft well maintained purpose built Whale Watching vessel providing loads of open deck space to move around, with two levels of undercover seating.

With all the latest equipment, Whale Watcher is quick, safe and comfortable.

Easy access to extra seating in an enclosed cabin area with wide viewing windows and full toilet facilities will ensure your journey is a most comfortable one.

Cronulla Public Wharf is located at 2 Tonkin Street on the southern side of Cronulla Train Station.'

GOOGLE MAPS LINK (CLICK HERE)

other things to do in cronulla ...

Party Boat River Cruise   - www.CronullaPartyBoats.com.au

Boutique Fishing Experience   - www.AllatSea.biz

Premium Fishing Charter - www.SydneyPremiumCharters.com.au

[2024 Season -> NOW OPEN..] .... Use the Online Calendars to Book your Seats... ..

Whale Watching

Best whale watching spots, each year, the waters off eurobodalla’s coastline become a thoroughfare for migrating whales, providing excellent watching opportunities., the largest living creatures in the world are just off the eurobodalla coast.

Every year in late winter and spring, the waters of the Batemans Marine Park become a busy thoroughfare for humpback whales heading south from their northern breeding grounds to enjoy a summer of intense feeding in the Antarctic Ocean.

Whale watching season

Eurobodalla’s peak whale watching season runs from September to November. During their southern migration, whales are moving slowly and venture so close you can hear their breath as they exhale – scan the waters and you’re likely to be rewarded with a whale sighting. 

Typical species that you would encounter on a whale watching tour include the southern right and humpback whales but you might also spot an orca.

Later in the season, female whales and their newborn calves can be spotted cruising, often just beyond the breakers. The pair of them travelling all that distance – one a giant of around 15m and possibly over 50 years old and the other a tiny 4m and just a few weeks old – is a symbol of hope and reassurance for the future.

During the height of whale watching season you can do whale watching from shore but for a truly exhilarating experience book a whale watching cruise.

Whale Watching Tours

Close encounters of the whale kind

From late winter through spring daily whale watching tours depart from Narooma, and depending on whale movements and numbers, also from Batemans Bay. Sea conditions, whale sightings and the stage of the annual migration will dictate how often whale watching cruises are available.

Your whale watching adventure will be led by an experienced skipper or guide. They will usually know where to find a pod of whales, often only minutes from the port. While there is never a whale guarantee, the odds of spotting whales and other marine life are very good mid season when whale numbers are high.

 There are strict regulations that restrict approaching whales in boats but whale behaviour shows that  often these curious ocean mammals will swim right up to stationery vessels for a bit of “people watching” and they don’t mind putting on a bit of a show. Make sure you have your camera ready to capture the amazing experience and the spectacular sight of whales breaching.

Conditions apply to all charter tours. Weather conditions and minimum booking numbers may result in tours being postponed or cancelled, so book early in your stay.

Always check before you book if you need wheelchair access or have other accessibility requirements.

Departure times, sighting or free return trip guarantees are at the discretion of the operator. Enquire before making your booking.

View Whales from Land

Look for the tell-tale spout or a splashing breach

Whale watching from land can be a rewarding experience. If you can’t get out on a whale watching tour you can still get to have a whale watching experience from shore. 

Many whales come close to sure during the spring migration where you can observe whales behaviour. Humpback whales are commonly sighted but you may also see other whale species. 

Suggested locations

Best land vantage points for whale watching around Narooma are Bar Rock lookout, Dalmeny headland and Carters beach headland at Kianga.

Further north, try whale watching at Broulee Island, Burrewarra Point at Guerilla Bay, Toragy Point at Moruya Heads, and South Head at Batemans Bay.

See a list of suggestions for whale watching from land.

Giant acrobats of the sea!

Of all the whales seen in the waters of Eurobodalla, it is ultimately the famous yet little understood acrobatics of the humpback whale that lure observers with the possibility that they may see a breach as they leap from the water and return with a mighty splash, or perhaps the awesome slapping of their giant fins and tail flukes on the water. 

There’s also the dramatic tension that develops when whales dive. The minutes tick by and cameras are poised… eyes are scanning… suddenly there’s a massive roar of air as it exhales just metres from the boat or it explodes into the air in a spectacular spiraling breach.

Doubly rewarding!

Later in the season female whales nursing their calves may be cruising just beyond the breakers, so close you can sometimes hear their breath as they exhale. The pair of them travelling all that distance – one a giant of around 15m and possibly over 50 years old and the other a tiny 4m and just a few weeks old – is a symbol of hope and reassurance for the future. 

Montague Island & whale watching brochure

A wildlife hotspot.

Barunguba Montague Island is 9kms offshore from Narooma and is a hotspot for wildlife including some of the best whale watching on the east coast.

Humpbacks, southern right and orcas are regular visitors to these waters.

Download the brochure and find out more about the whales around Barunguba Montague Island and the other amazing things to see and do on and around this stunning natural wonder

More about whales

Southern right whales, fin whales, Brydes whales, sei whales, sperm whales and blue whales have also all been seen off Narooma in recent years and there has even been a sighting of a rare albino humpback off Barunguba Montague Island, known as Migaloo.

Humpback whales 

Megaptera novaeangliae, the east coast australia population.

After years of excessive hunting along the migration route, whaling was banned in the 1960s. The population had dwindled to just over 100 individuals. 

By 2009 the population had recovered to over 10,000 individuals with an annual estimated  increase of 10-15%. In 2020 the population travelling along the East Coast of Australia was estimated to be more than 35,000 whales.

Humpback distinguishing features

The humpback whale can grow to 16m in length and develop very long pectoral fins. They are dark brown to black on the back with white on the belly, flanks and flippers. The dorsal fin is roughly two-thirds down along their back. The tail flukes have scalloped edges. Their unique pectoral (front) flippers can be up to 6m long, also with bumpy scalloped edges. They have a knobby head and distinctive throat grooves.

They have a wide bushy shaped blow up to 4m high when exhaling from their twin blowholes. 

Southern hemisphere humpback whales may have a lot of grey or white on their bodies. “Migaloo” is a famous albino humpback you may be very lucky to see. 

Humpback visible body parts

Flat area above the mouth, extends back to blowholes. Has bumps (tubercules) on the top. 

Pectoral Fins

Forward fins, in proportion to a third of the length of the whale’s body. 

A relatively small fin right on the back about two-thirds along the body. Many different sizes and shapes. 

Caudal Peduncle

Sometimes called the tailstock. This is the immensely strong rear section of the body between the dorsal fin and the tail flukes. 

Tail Flukes

The two sides of the tail are called flukes. Quite often they carry scars and have bits missing from past attacks and other injuries. These are distinctive and used by scientists to identify individual whales. 

What about the hump?

They actually don’t have one. They get their name from the arch of their tailstock as they sound – the only whales to have such a pronounced u-bend. 

Humpback behaviours

Two to five breaths at the surface then dive for up to 10 – 15 minutes but usually less. 

The animal arches the tailstock into a u-bend as they dive. The distinctive humpback tail flukes are often held high for a moment. Usually indicates a deeper dive. 

Front of head (rostrum) comes out of water and dives back under. Sometimes the whole head may appear. 

Peduncle Slap

Tail is raised and chopped back into the water with a sideways motion using the flexible Peduncle which is the strong muscular area just before the flukes. 

Tail Slapping

Whale is upside down underwater. Can smack the whole tail repeatedly on the water in either direction. 

Tail Swish or Roll

A flicking movement where the tail is slammed sideways and down as the whale submerges. 

Flipper Flapping or Pectoral Slapping

One or more pectoral fins are repeatedly raised and then flapped loudly back onto the surface. Sometimes extended above water for several minutes. Sometimes appears to be backstroking. 

Spy-hopping

The whale hangs vertically sculling in the water and the nose and head may rise upwards, sometimes as far as the eye. 

You may see one half of a tail fluke and sometimes the belly scything through the water, with rapid changes of direction. Followed by a period underwater than a repeat of the process. 

Humpback songs

There’s still so much to learn about the beautiful music of the Humpback whales. Sounds that have been recorded off Hawaii over the last few years – described as pulse sounds – have been found to have a frequency of around 40 Hz. This is a lower frequency than the songs of the male humpbacks, which have an audio frequency between 80 and 4,000 Hz and researchers are now considering whether this may be sounds of the female humpbacks, previously thought to have no song. 

Southern right whales

Eubalaena australis

Right whales were one of the first to be targeted for hunting on a large scale.

They were considered the “right whale” to hunt because of their slow speed and thick blubber layers which make them very buoyant and easy to harvest once dead. Their huge size provided large quantities of valuable and desirable commodities – oil, meat and baleen.

They were pushed to the brink of extinction and hunting was officially banned in the 1930s, although illegal hunting continued for decades. Southern right whales are listed as a threatened species in NSW and WWF estimates a population of around 3,500 individuals in Australian waters.

Distinguishing features

Between 15-17m with females slightly longer. Calf around 4-6m. Maximum weight is around 100 tonnes (100,000 kgs)

A large round shape with massive girth and broad backs. Their large heads with a massive lower jaw,  take up to a third of the entire body length. Creamy coloured lumps (callosites) cover the head and jaw which can be an identifying feature on individual whales. Their upper side is dark brown to black with patches of white on the belly. The dorsal fin is absent. They have two blow holes that produce a wide v-shaped blow pattern several metres high. 

Flippers are short and paddle shaped with blunt edges and the tail is large with black flukes with smooth edges.

Southern right whales can be quite acrobatic. 

Observed behaviours include head-stands with the head submerged and waving their flukes in the air and spyhopping.

Another commonly observed behaviour is the use of the tail flukes like a sail to push them along in the  wind.  Flipper slapping on the surface of the water and bellowing and moaning during the breeding season has also been observed. 

Southern right whales live in groups of up to a dozen but are usually seen in groups of two or three. 

Right whales eat plankton and krill, sieving the tiny prey through the baleen plates in their large mouths by cruising  just below the water surface.

Killer whales

Ornicus orca, whales stalking whales .

Humpbacks not only bring many tourists to the region, but also the most feared predator of all the ocean, killer whales. Researchers from Killer Whales Australia believe the whales, which are actually not whales at all, but the largest members of the dolphin family, follow the humpback migration from Jervis Bay to Barunguba Montague Island. Barunguba Montague Island, only nine kilometres from Narooma, is an ‘island cafe’ for the killer whales, where they can feast on seals, resting humpback youngsters, sharks, kingfish and other marine life. Numbers of killer whales are low in the region and sightings are special. 

In Eurobodalla, fishermen, tour guides and locals are all involved in reporting and collecting information about the mysterious and fascinating killer whales. 

Killer Whales Australia has been studying the killer whales, which are actually a type of dolphin, in southern waters for decades and is being helped along the way by the Eurobodalla community. 

Despite their charismatic profile, little is understood about killer whales in the coastal waters of Australia. The citizen’s science project aims to better understand these apex predators and achieve a conservation listing for the whales in Australia. 

Killer whale habits 

Did you know these busy hunters are fussy eaters? They like shark livers, but not whale blubber, preferring their lips and tongues. Like the smaller dolphins they also like to bow ride and have been known to come up to boats. 

For more information about the Citizen’s Science Project and how to call in a sighting go to their Facebook page .

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1. South Coast Journeys

The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

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There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don’t need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren’t like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise , you’ll want to sign up for a tour in most if not all of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You’ll be looking for the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

In Alaska, many of the biggest “attractions” — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you’ll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler  

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn’t just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer’s “Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call” guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I’ve tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I’ve also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska’s spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you’re thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It’ll be expensive. We’re talking $250 or more per person. But there’s nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don’t miss the whales. Even if you’re not a big wildlife person, you’ll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don’t-miss sight. It’s everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a place where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don’t have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It’s just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person, round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you’re probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it’s not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you’ll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There’s a creek there, too, where I’ve sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you’re just hoping you don’t get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren’t devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you’re a craft beer fan, like me , you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It’s made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street, along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It’s the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

Related: The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle  

How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it’s all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. Many of the tour operators you’ll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price . Shopping around isn’t necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America  is a part-owner of Skagway’s big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I’ve had some luck with that over the years. It’s hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I’ve listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you’ll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. That said, different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I’ve used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line  

Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $669.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska’s most iconic experiences.

It’s also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. That’s a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I’ll tell you this: I don’t regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you’ll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $189.95

If it’s Alaska’s famous humpback whales that you want to see, you’ll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you’ll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips  

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you’re like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don’t let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It’s a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that’s the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They’ll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement) plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don’t need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn’t have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you’ll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $149.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I’m a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn’t going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area’s classic Alaskan scenery.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise  

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you’ll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it’s well worth the money. Indeed, it’s one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you’ll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you’ll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You’ll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you’ll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike: a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you’ll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $299.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There’s nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you’re going to do a floatplane ride, there’s nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You’ll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that’s so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it’s not too “misty” to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It’s definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours in length and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

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• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.