Swim with Whales in Jervis Bay

WHALE SWIM — JERVIS BAY MARINE PARK, NSW

Humpback whales, up close and personal in Jervis Bay Marine Park. Eye contact in deep blue water. Songs through the hydrophone. Wild encounters that happen on the whale’s terms, led by locals who know how to read these waters.

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Some things you have to see to believe. This is one!

Every year from May to November, tens of thousands of humpback whales pass through the waters off Jervis Bay on one of the longest migrations on earth. For a few extraordinary hours between June and the End of October, you can be in the water with them.

This is not whale watching from a distance. This is a permitted, in-water encounter with the largest animals on the planet — guided by people who know these waters, respect these animals, and have spent years earning the right to offer this experience.

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THIS IS EXPERIENCE IS RARER THAN YOU THINK

One of only three permitted whale swim experiences in NSW.

Swimming with whales in Australian waters is not something anyone with a boat can offer. It requires a specific government permit — one that reflects a sustained commitment to ethical, non-invasive wildlife encounters. There are only three operators in New South Wales who hold that permit. Woebegone Dive is one of them, and one of only two based right here in Jervis Bay.

Permit number: MEAA20/204
issued under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

We did not earn this permit by accident. It reflects over a decade of operating responsibly in Jervis Bay Marine Park, our affiliation with ORRCA — the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia — and a genuine, documented commitment to the welfare of the animals in these waters.

When you book a whale swim with us, you are booking with the operator that earned the right to offer it.

Why Jervis Bay is the place to swim with whales.

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As these majestic creatures make their annual journey between Antarctica and Queensland's warmer breeding waters, the Jervis Bay coastline naturally juts out into their path and brings the whales in close. This is not simply a sheltered bay that happens to have whales nearby. This is the Humpback highway, and we are right on it.

We have chosen the six best months to be on the water with them: June through October. Two migrations, two completely different experiences. We’re lucky enough to see these animals twice in the one season, and each stretch has its own character.

Northern migration
June to August

These whales are travelling with purpose, heading north to Queensland’s breeding grounds. But the young adolescent males are what we’re looking for. Curious, playful, and not above showing off (Big Egos). Over the years we’ve had some of our most extraordinary underwater encounters during the northern migration. The energy is different. Higher.

Southern migration
September to October

The pace slows. The whales are heading home, and the mothers are travelling with their calves. Under our permit conditions we don’t enter the water when calves are present, as it should be. These mummas have earned their space. What we can do is watch from the boat as they teach their young to dive, breach and tail slap.

We’re still looking for those curious males to swim with, and the southern migration delivers. Encounters tend to be longer, slower, and closer. We’ve had some of the most memorable viewings of our careers during these months.

Book now. Limited Availability.

HOW IT WORKS

Departs early from Huskisson

We head out early to make the most of calm morning conditions and give ourselves maximum time on the water.

We let the whales come to us

This is fundamental to how we operate. We never chase whales or drive our boat up to them. Instead, we read their direction, cut the motors, and wait. What happens next is entirely on the whale's terms. When a curious humpback decides to investigate — and they often do — the result is something no amount of planning could produce.

In-water encounters

When conditions allow and whales are close, your guide will lead you into the water. You will need to be a confident swimmer with snorkelling experience and able to swim 200 metres unassisted. This is deep open water. A positive attitude and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone is essential.

Seals and dolphins along the way

The fur seal colonies at Drum and Drumsticks and Ellisa's Playground are part of most tours. Even on days where whale encounters don't come together, swimming with playful, curious fur seals in their home environment is a genuine highlight in its own right.

Sea caves and coastal scenery

Jervis Bay's sandstone headlands, sea caves, and pristine coastline frame every journey. Our guides share the natural history of the area.

Homemade morning tea on board

Plant-based, gluten-free friendly. No single-use plastics on board.

Tour Details

Duration: 5–6 hours
Departs: 7am, Huskisson

Price:
$300 per person with your own suitable gear
$350 per person including full premium dive gear hire

We highly recommend hiring our gear for this experience. For an extra $50, you’ll be set up with a warm 8mm wetsuit and the right equipment for spending time in open water.

We also carry a hydrophone on board, so when conditions allow, you may be able to listen to the whales singing beneath the surface. It’s pretty special.

A focused morning on the water, led by conditions and whale behaviour.

Book now. Limited Availability.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It can be. This is a deep-water experience that involves swimming in open ocean conditions. You need to be a confident swimmer with snorkelling experience and able to swim 200 metres unassisted.
It is not suitable for non-swimmers or anyone uncomfortable in deep water.
No. Whales are wild animals, and every encounter happens on their terms.
What we can promise is that we will give you the best possible chance, operate respectfully, and make the day memorable regardless of what the whales decide to do. Many guests still leave having swum with fur seals, seen dolphins, explored the coastline, and experienced Jervis Bay from a completely different perspective.
You can bring your own mask, snorkel, wetsuit, and fins.
Full gear hire is available for an extra $50 and includes a warm 8mm wetsuit, which we highly recommend for this experience. The water can be cold, and good gear makes a big difference.
We also provide reef-safe sunscreen and complimentary waterproof jackets for all guests.
The whale swim is best suited to confident swimmers. For younger guests, we recommend getting in touch before booking so we can talk through what’s involved.
The broader tour experience, including the boat trip, seals, dolphins, and coastal scenery, can still be a wonderful day out for a range of ages.
Our whale swim season runs from June to October, when humpbacks are moving along the coast.
June to August is the northern migration, when whales are travelling north. September and October bring the southern migration, when whales return with calves. Each part of the season is different, and both can be incredible in their own way.
Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.

Good to know before you book.

This is a wild ocean experience, so every day is a little different.

Client Reviews

★★★★★

"Absolutely insane experience — snorkelling with whales in the middle of the ocean."

— Tom, Trip Advisor

★★★★★

"Woebegone are the experience you need when you desire an authentic and meaningful connection to the ocean. Their passion and stewardship for the ocean is lived and breathed."