5 Day Whale Watching Tour from Adelaide

OVERVIEW

Nature reigns supreme on the Eyre Peninsula, and this is never more apparent than during the annual migration of Southern Right Whales. The wild frontier of Australia – the breathtaking meeting point of the outback and ocean – sets the stage for your nature-roaming journey. Here, vast expanses of iconic outback descend into the rugged coastline, but the real magic happens in the pristine, sapphire waters below. It’s here we bear witness to the biggest congregation of Southern Right Whales in Australia. Take in this epic nature show from land, air and sea on the best whale watching tours in the Eyre Peninsula over three immersive days. Along the way, taste the region’s world-class seafood, stop at scores of natural wonders and get to know the locals who call these wild lands home. With two nights of luxury accommodation included at the Sofitel Adelaide before and after the tour, you also have the opportunity to explore South Australia’s eclectic capital.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stay two nights in luxury at the Sofitel Adelaide
• Witness up to 120 migrating Southern Right Whales at Head of Bight
• Cruise along the coast at the Great Australian Bight Marine Park
• Immersive Smoky Bay oyster tour and tasting
• Feast on the region’s famed seafood and produce
• Roam pristine beaches and pockets of wilderness
• Traverse the iconic Nullarbor Plain
• Scenic whale-spotting flight over Head of Bight (OE)
• Unearth the real Eyre Peninsula with your expert local guide

INCLUSIONS

• Flights – Adelaide to Ceduna return
• Accommodation – 2 nights at Sofitel Adelaide & 2 nights with ocean views in Ceduna
• All experiences and entry fees unless stated as an optional activity
• Meals as indicated (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners) and some beverages
• Airport transfers
• Local guide and expert knowledge

ITINERARY

Day 1: Adelaide

Arrive by own arrangement to Adelaide and receive an airport transfer from Adelaide Airport to the Sofitel, where you can relax and settle in to enjoy their world-class hospitality. There is much to unearth in this boutique metropolis, where you’ll find laneways lined with bars and heritage architecture framed by contemporary street art. Enjoy your free day in Adelaide as you please and get a restful night’s sleep before your whale watching tour begins tomorrow.

Day 2: Adelaide to Ceduna

A transfer will whisk you away from your Sofitel Adelaide accommodation to the airport for your short flight to Ceduna, where your expert guide is armed with coffee, morning tea and a lifetime of local knowledge.

Your first taste of the Eyre Peninsula’s world-class seafood awaits. Winding down the coast to the sleepy seaside village of Smoky Bay, cast off to SA Premium Oysters’ working oyster lease, learning about the world-renowned industry from the boat crew. Disembark onto the ocean-framed viewing platform, and pluck and shuck premium Pacific oysters straight from the ocean. Surrounded by the glassy waters of Smoky Bay, a plump oyster in one hand and a local wine in the other, life doesn’t get much better. If oysters aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of other exceptional local produce to sample.

Come late afternoon, check into your beachfront accommodation. Having explored some 100km today, kick back as the sun slips away beyond the horizon, and your guide prepares dinner using locally sourced produce.

Day 3: Great Australian Bight and Nullarbor

Rise with the sun before we embark up the coast to take in two local icons. Spanning more than 100km, the Bunda Cliffs are the longest uninterrupted sea cliffs in the world and frame the Great Australian Bight, the focal point of your whale watching tour. Perched clifftop, this stretch of ocean offers the best whale watching opportunities in Australia. Watch whales and their young frolic in the sapphire waters below, then visit the Head of Bight Whale Centre to learn about these incredible creatures over lunch. Breathe deep and take in the magic all around you; this is one of the greatest nature shows on earth. You also have the opportunity to spot whales from above and take in the vast outback of the Nullarbor Plain on a 45-minute scenic flight (optional activity) over the Great Australian Bight.

Delving deeper into the Nullarbor, we’ll stop at an iconic outback roadhouse and unearth coastal caves before arriving in Ceduna by sundown. After traversing 600km, dinner awaits at the Ceduna Hotel. At day’s close, fall asleep to the sound of gently lapping waves outside your window.

Day 4: Ceduna to Adelaide

As the sun trickles over the ocean, breakfast beachside before setting out on today’s adventure and the epic conclusion to your whale watching tour of the Eyre Peninsula.

Away from the well-worn tourist track, Fowler’s Bay is a pristine coastal wilderness home to an abundant array of marine life. Here, see whales from water level on a two-hour cruise. Southern Right Whales sheltering with their young, Humpback Whales, dolphins, sea lions, and little penguins frequent these pristine waters. Back on land, whale spotting continues over lunch on the foreshore.

The vivid pink hues of Lake MacDonnell, world-famous swells of Cactus Beach and vast, deserted beaches of Point Sinclair offer endless photo opportunities.

Finally, it’s time to return to Ceduna and catch your flight to Adelaide, with your airport transfer having you back to your accommodation at the Sofitel around 8.30 pm.  

Today you’ll travel around 200km.

Day 5: Adelaide

Enjoy a sleep-in this morning, followed by a delicious breakfast buffet spread at the gorgeous hotel restaurant Level 9. You can store your luggage with the concierge if you would like to do some more sightseeing around Adelaide, and your airport transfer back to the airport is included and will be arranged for you based on your flight time. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK

• Flights are operated by Rex and depart Adelaide at 7:10 am and arrive in Ceduna at 8:40 am. Flights return from Ceduna on day three 6.50 pm and arrive in Adelaide at 8.15 pm. Please note flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed a month before departure.
• Rex has a 15kg luggage restriction per person plus one 7kg carry-on. For more details on Rex Baggage Allowance, please visit their website.
• Rates are based on Twin/Double Share. If you are on a group tour and travelling solo, you need to pay the Single Supplement rate for your own room.
• Private tours require a minimum of two people, or a Private Tour Single Traveller rate applies.
• Dietary requirements can be catered for, but please advise when booking.
• This tour requires a minimum of five people to operate. In the unlikely event, this number is not met, you will be given two options. First, transfer your booking to another day. If this is not suitable, we will provide you with a full refund.
• As part of our COVID-Safe protocols, all passengers must complete online check-in, including a ‘Fit for Travel’ self-declaration to confirm they are free from illness. This is mandatory and must be completed at the latest 24 hours before departure.
• Please read our full Booking Terms & Conditions before booking your tour.