What to Bring Whale Watching in Byron Bay (And What to Leave Behind)

A whale watching trip from Byron Bay takes you out into open ocean for a couple of hours. The conditions can be completely different to what you'd expect on shore — even on a warm, still morning in Byron, it can feel cool on the water once you're moving. Here's what our crew recommends bringing, and a few things you can safely leave on the beach.

What to Wear

Dress in layers. The ocean is almost always cooler than shore, and the wind chill when the boat is moving makes it feel cooler still. Even in the height of summer, a light windproof jacket is worth throwing in your bag. In July and August — the peak of winter migration — you'll want a proper fleece or mid-layer under a shell.

Comfortable, non-slip footwear is important. Sandals are fine for the marina, but closed-toe shoes with grip are better on a moving deck — especially if seas are moderate. You'll be moving around the boat to get views of whales on different sides, and wet decks happen.

Wear sunscreen even on overcast days. UV reflection off the water is significant and you won't feel it until later. A hat and sunglasses are worth taking for both sun protection and cutting the glare when you're scanning the surface.

The Seasickness Question

We'd be doing you a disservice if we glossed over this. Open ocean can produce swell, and swell can cause motion sickness even in people who don't normally get it on boats. The good news is that it's very manageable if you prepare.

The most reliable approach: take an over-the-counter motion sickness tablet (dimenhydrinate / Dramamine or meclizine / Bonine are the common ones) about an hour before departure. These work significantly better if taken before symptoms begin rather than after. Drowsiness varies by formulation — non-drowsy versions (meclizine) exist if that matters to you.

Practical tips that genuinely help:

• Eat a light meal before the trip — an empty stomach makes nausea worse; a very heavy one isn't much better. A small, bland meal about an hour before is ideal.
• Stay on deck and focus on the horizon. Being below deck or staring at a screen accelerates symptoms dramatically. The bridge of the nose knows where it is; your inner ear knows where it is. When your visual field disagrees with your vestibular system, that's where nausea originates — looking at a fixed point on the horizon helps reconcile them.
• Stand midship rather than the bow or stern where movement is amplified.
• Fresh air and fresh ginger (a few ginger chews in your pocket) are both mildly effective and can't hurt.
• If you feel it coming on, tell a crew member. We've seen it before; we won't be judgmental; we'll help you find the best position on the boat.

Camera and Photography Tips

Whale photography from a moving boat is genuinely challenging. Here's what works.

Phone Cameras

Modern phone cameras are excellent for whale watching. Use burst mode (hold the shutter) rather than single shots — you want to capture the peak of a breach, which lasts less than a second. Set your exposure manually if your camera allows it (bright sky + dark water = tricky auto-exposure). A phone wrist strap or clip is cheap insurance against a drop.

DSLR / Mirrorless

A mid-range zoom (70–200mm equivalent) is the sweet spot. Whales are big — you don't need as long a focal length as you might think — and a shorter zoom is easier to track quickly. Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo on Canon, AF-C on Sony/Nikon), set a fast shutter speed (minimum 1/1000s to freeze a breach), and shoot in burst mode. Set your ISO high enough to get that shutter speed even in overcast conditions.

What Not to Bring

Leave the selfie stick at home — it'll create a hazard on a moving deck. GoPros are fine but mounted on your body rather than handheld. Drone use near whales is prohibited under Australian law (must be above 300m within 300m of a whale, which effectively rules out useful footage).

The Best Shot You'll Take

The tail fluke rising before a dive. It's slower and more predictable than a breach, and it's how individual humpbacks are identified — the pattern of black-and-white markings on the underside of the tail is unique to every animal. If you get a clean fluke shot, send it to Happywhale — you might find out that the whale you photographed has been seen in Alaska.

What to Bring: The Short List

What to Leave Behind

• Alcohol — not permitted on the vessel before or during the trip, and the worst thing for seasickness.
• Large backpacks or luggage — you won't have much space and you'll want your hands free.
• Drones — prohibited near marine mammals under Australian law.
• Food with strong smells — if you're prone to nausea, you don't need the extra challenge.

What to Expect on the Day

Check-in is at the Sundive shop in central Byron Bay. The team will brief you before departure on what to expect, safety procedures, and how to position yourself for the best views. Once we're underway, your guide will be narrating what they're seeing and explaining behaviours as they happen — so you're never just staring at the horizon wondering what's going on.

We lower a hydrophone into the water on every trip. When whales are close, you can hear them singing through a speaker on deck. If you've never heard a humpback song in real time — not a recording, but live from the animal 50 metres away — it's one of those sounds that stays with you.

Trips run approximately 2 hours. Wear your jacket when you set out, even if it seems warm on shore — you can always take it off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take seasickness tablets before whale watching?

If you've ever experienced motion sickness on a boat or in a car, yes — take a tablet about an hour before departure. It's far more effective as a preventive than a cure. If you've never had issues before, keep a non-drowsy tablet in your bag just in case.

What should I eat before whale watching?

A light, bland meal about an hour before the trip. Avoid very greasy, spicy, or acidic food. An empty stomach is actually worse than a light meal when it comes to nausea. Stay well hydrated.

What's the best camera for whale watching?

The best camera is the one you have with you and know how to use. A modern smartphone in burst mode will capture excellent shots. If you're bringing a DSLR or mirrorless, use a 70–200mm zoom, continuous autofocus, and a shutter speed of at least 1/1000s.

Can I bring children?

Yes — whale watching is one of the great wildlife experiences for children aged 7 and up. We'd recommend motion sickness precautions for kids who are prone to it. Contact us if you have specific questions.

Is it safe to go whale watching in rough weather?

We monitor forecasts closely and cancel or reschedule trips when conditions are not safe and comfortable. Safety is not a compromise. If your trip is affected by weather, we'll contact you to rebook.