How to Swim with Whales in NSW

Curtis Tredway
2 days ago
3 min read

By Curtis Tredway

Humpback whale swims are absolutely blowing up on social media right now - from the crystal waters of Ningaloo Reef to the blue lagoons of Tonga and French Polynesia. But what many people don’t realise is that you don’t have to leave the country (or even the state) to experience this magic. You can swim with humpback whales right here in New South Wales.

In this blog, I’ll break down when, where, and how you can swim with humpback whales in NSW - and how to do it safely and ethically.

About Me

I’m Curtis Tredway, a Master Freediving Instructor, Underwater Photographer, Safety Diver, and Divemaster. I’ve travelled the world diving with tiger sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, and humpback whales - but honestly, some of my most memorable encounters have happened right here in NSW.

There’s something special about seeing these wild animals in your own backyard, in familiar blue water, surrounded by your community of ocean lovers.

When is Whale Swim Season in NSW?

Each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales migrate along the east coast of Australia.The migration happens in two parts:

Northern migration (late May – July): Whales travel north to the warm breeding grounds off Queensland.
Southern migration (July – October): Whales head back down south to Antarctica, often accompanied by newborn calves.

If you’re hoping for calm, slow-moving interactions, September and October are ideal.

Where to Swim with Humpback Whales in NSW

While there are only a few licensed operators in NSW, Jervis Bay is one of the best places to do it. The bay’s protected waters and incredible visibility make it a hotspot for whale sightings and surface-level interactions.

In 2026, we’ll be running two whale swim and seal charters in Jervis Bay in collaboration with our friends at Woebegone Freedive. These days always sell out fast, combining freediving and snorkelling with the chance to swim alongside migrating whales and playful seals.

If you want to join us, make sure you’re confident swimming 200m in open water - no freediving certification is required, just a love for the ocean and a sense of adventure.

How to Swim with Whales Responsibly

Swimming with whales in Australia is highly regulated to ensure both human and animal safety. In NSW, these activities are permitted only under licensed operators with strict interaction rules governed by the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017.

Here are some key guidelines:

Never enter the water within 100 metres of the whale.
If you are already in the water, you must not be within 30m of the whale.
Let the whale choose the interaction - if they’re curious, they’ll come to you.
No loud noises, splashing, or chasing.
Always follow the direction of your guide or skipper.
If you are in the water, you cannot swim within 100m of the humpback whale
If there is a calf less than 1/2 the size of the mum, you must not enter the water.

Even from a distance, it’s an awe-inspiring experience to witness these massive mammals gliding gracefully beneath you.

What should you do id you have an unplanned interaction? This is what an ethical and responsible whale interaction looks like.

How to Have Better Whale Interactions

Here’s the golden rule: the whale always decides.If they want to engage, they will. If they swim away, let them. The best interactions come when you remain calm, relaxed, and present - much like freediving itself.

Slow your breathing, keep movements minimal, and enjoy the moment. Whether it’s a gentle pass beneath you or a mother teaching her calf to breach, every encounter is unforgettable in its own way.