Mid-winter whale sightings: humpback numbers are strong this season

The northern humpback migration is in full swing through June-August. Boat operators are reporting consistent encounters — Out of the Blue Adventures and Cape Byron Kayaks both running with strong sighting rates.

Conditions for spotting from shore: - Best time of day: 6:30am-10am. Whales travel closer to shore in the early morning calm. - Best location: the Captain Cook Lookout (before the main lighthouse — 25 min from town), or the lighthouse balcony itself when open. - Best weather: calm + clear. Choppy days you'll miss most of them.

The southerly return migration runs September-November and is usually accompanied by mothers + calves, which travel slower and closer to shore — better viewing.

For boat tours: book Out of the Blue Adventures (departs Ballina) or Cape Byron Kayaks (departs Clarkes Beach). The kayak option gets you closer to the action with no glass between you and the animals. The boat option is more weather-protected and better for less-active travellers.

We don't earn commission on these tours. We're flagging them because we'd book them ourselves.