Lindsay This post was originally published on 1 September 2022. Since then, I’ve been back to Jervis Bay and redone the dolphin cruise, so it only felt right to update this post with that experience. Republished on 27 April 2026.
Welcome to one of my favourite spots on the New South Wales south coast: the stunning Jervis Bay. From the moment I moved to this gorgeous part of Australia, everyone told me how stunning this area was! Just a two-hour drive south of Sydney, and from Canberra, three hours east, making it the perfect weekend break!
Renowned for its natural beauty and turquoise ocean, Jervis Bay draws tourists from everywhere to experience its powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, including dolphins and whales. And trust me, it’s as perfect as it sounds.
So, what better way to take in the sights than by hopping on a boat cruise? As we holiday here for the first time during COVID, we stumbled upon Jervis Bay Wild’s office in the main town of Huskisson, easy to spot thanks to the giant whale statue out front. It was fairly reasonably priced, and we couldn’t resist booking their dolphin cruise, especially with clear skies and a balmy 25 degrees on the forecast. The best part? They guarantee dolphin sightings, and if you don’t see any, your next cruise is free!
Join me as I take you on two very different adventures through Jervis Bay, where even stormy weather couldn’t dampen the fun.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that when you click on a product I recommend through my links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. For more information, click here to read my Privacy Policy.
#NotAGreatStart
Sometimes, the most memorable adventures come wrapped in stormy skies. The next morning, we woke to pouring rain, grey clouds, and strong winds, and suddenly, our excitement for a boat cruise felt more like a bad idea. I kept hoping the weather would improve before we set sail… but nope, no such luck. Thumbs down! 👎
Our cruise with Jervis Bay Wild was scheduled to depart from the Portside Café at Huskisson Harbour around 10 AM, with check-in at 9:30. We parked just a few minutes away, but as soon as we stepped out of the car, it started pouring with rain again. Thankfully, we could see the café, which gave us a bit of hope. But then, the rain came down even harder, and we had to make a mad dash for cover. I was soaked – honestly, I think I would have been drier if I’d just gone for a swim! 😂 My raincoat was drenched to the point where you could wring it out.
The café itself had a cozy, coastal vibe, with large photos of Jervis Bay on the walls, wood-effect panelling, and calming blue and brown tones. The seating was a mix of tall wooden tables and comfy stools, perfect for drying off and warming up before the adventure ahead.
Stormy Sails and Scenic Views
At exactly 10 o’clock, we all boarded the boat and set off on our stormy adventure. Despite it being summer, it sure didn’t feel like it for those few hours! Fortunately, we were prepared for the rain and dressed the part, but even with all our gear, we got thoroughly soaked, especially me, as I spent most of the trip clinging to the rails outside, snapping photos of the breathtaking scenery.
My main goal for the morning was to see Jervis Bay from a whole new perspective, and spotting dolphins along the way would be an incredible bonus. What amazed me most was the contrast between the gloomy, grey skies and the striking aqua-blue ocean in some areas. As we sailed past secluded islands and deserted beaches, I couldn’t help but feel like we were seeing the hidden gems that most tourists miss while flocking to popular spots like Hyams Beach.
A large part of Jervis Bay is covered by the stunning Booderee National Park. Despite the scars left behind by the 2019 Black Summer Bushfires, the landscape still felt lush and green. I’ve always had a soft spot for rainforests, and even with the weather, this one didn’t disappoint.
Mother Nature’s Show
Despite the atrocious weather, we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise. The rain persisted for another hour, and I gave up hoping for clear skies—it was obvious no one was listening! Instead, I embraced the spectacle of Mother Nature’s show from the bow of the ship (while holding on tight to avoid being tossed overboard). As we sailed past a long stretch of rocks, I was mesmerized by the massive waves crashing into them, sending huge, angry sprays into the air. It was awe-inspiring, and I’m sure not many people get to witness Jervis Bay in this wild and dramatic way.
At one point, the boat hit a big wave, and the rainwater cascaded down the deck stairs, right on top of me. Cold, drenched, and half-frozen, I decided it was time to take a break from the weather and warm up inside. However, sitting down to watch the waves was probably the worst idea, as I started to feel seasick almost immediately. I closed my eyes and took some deep breaths, and this did help the queasiness subside.
It’s important to note that the cruise company isn’t responsible for the weather, or seasickness, which hit quite a few passengers that day! But their amazing staff went above and beyond to help those who weren’t feeling well. And while the dolphins may not always show up (they are wild, after all), you certainly can’t blame the cruise company for that either!
Hyams Beach
When I opened my eyes a little while later, I noticed we had slowed down and were passing some captivating caves on our right. Surrounded by the aqua-blue ocean, the grey and brown rocks layered on top of each other revealed mysterious caves, some only accessible by boat. I was so intrigued—I wished we could explore them, as caves have always fascinated me!
Not long after, we cruised past Hyams Beach, where plenty of brave souls were testing the chilly waters, all to experience the world’s whitest sand. As for me? You wouldn’t catch me in there, as I’m not a fan of the cold! It’s one of the reasons we emigrated to Australia. 😂
Finally, after 1.5 hours, the sun made a welcome appearance. Just as it did, a few of us near the front of the boat spotted a couple of dolphins briefly surface before disappearing as quickly as they arrived. Unfortunately, my husband Zac and daughter Aria had just ducked inside the cabin just before, so they missed them! Though it was my only sighting, the scenery more than made up for it, and we all had an incredible time.
For the last 20-minutes or so of the cruise, we all stood on deck as we slowly made our way back to port. With the sun finally breaking through the clouds, the blue of the water seemed to jump out at you. Contrasted against the white sandy beaches that we sailed past, they really did look picture perfect, and a stark contrast to what we saw 1 hour ago.
Aria absolutely loved the boat trip, finding it incredibly exciting! After the cruise, we headed straight home, cold, wet, hungry, and ready to change out of our drenched clothes.
In the future, I’d love to do this cruise again when the weather is good and it’s nothing but blue skies. That way, I think we’ll really get to experience Jervis Bay’s real beautiful, aqua-coloured oceans, and maybe this time, the dolphins will come out to play!
Take Two!
Fast forward a few years to a more recent visit, and we went back to do the cruise again, except this time it couldn’t have been more different! The sun was shining, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the sea was sparkling like diamonds. It was a really hot day. However, the morning didn’t quite go to plan. We arrived late at the boat ramp, and with it being the school holidays, it was so busy that we couldn’t find a parking spot.
With time ticking and the family still somehow dawdling as they walked over to the dock, I had to yell at them to get a move on. My blood was boiling at how blasé they were being. We finally made our way to the boat at 9:59am, with it due to set sail in one minute.
At 10am, we were on our way, and we made our way to the front of the boat, watching the stunning scenery slowly disappear into the distance. The difference from our first cruise was immediate. The water was unbelievably calm and still, the kind you have to see to believe (you can see it for yourself on my Instagram Jervis Bay Stories here). As I looked out into the distance, the song Wish You Were Here by Incubus popped into my head, especially the line, “the ocean looks like a thousand diamonds strewn across the blue plains.” It really did actually sparkle.
The deep aqua colour was simply perfect, and it made for a beautifully calm cruise out to the other side of the bay to spot dolphins. The crew were also pretty confident we’d see them, as the conditions were ideal, unlike last time. We could see for miles around, with people out early on the more popular beaches, while the lesser-known ones had no one on them.
After about 20 minutes, dolphins were spotted in the distance, and we were so excited as the boat turned and started following them. They would playfully dip below the surface, then reappear closer and closer each time.
And then it happened…
We were standing right at the front when they suddenly appeared, jumping in front of the boat! OMG! Watching them show off, twirling and leaping through the water while we all oooh-ed and aaah-ed was just incredible. I couldn’t believe we were witnessing such a bucket list moment. There was even a tiny baby dolphin doing little jumps and twirls, which made it even more magical.
They stayed with us for around 20 minutes, swimming off for a while, then coming back. It was honestly one of the best days I’ve had since living in Australia.
And what made it even more special was how completely different it was from our first experience during COVID, when the weather was terrible. The two experiences couldn’t have been more different.
And honestly, that’s the thing about doing a Jervis Bay dolphin cruise… You just never know what you’re going to get. One trip might be wild weather and empty seas, and the next could turn into one of those unforgettable, heart-racing moments you’ll talk about for years. For me, this second experience was pure magic, and it’s exactly why I’d do it all over again. If you’re visiting Jervis Bay, this is one adventure I’d absolutely recommend adding to your list… whatever the weather!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Q: How long is the cruise?
The cruise typically lasts around 2-hours, usually from 10 AM to 12 PM. However, on our first cruise, it ran a bit longer because Jervis Bay Wild was communicating with other boats in the area, trying to spot dolphins. Unfortunately, they always seemed to be elusive whenever we arrived at their location!
Q: What time of year is ideal for visiting Jervis Bay, particularly for good weather and dolphin sightings?
I’ve only ever visited in the Australian summer months (December to February). On our first cruise, we were unlucky not only with the weather but also with the dolphin sightings as well. However, from May to October/November, you can also spot whales. Just keep in mind that winter runs from June to August. While dolphins can be seen year-round, the weather can impact your experience.
Q: What specific amenities are provided on board?
From what I remember, they do offer drinks and snacks on board, although I can’t recall everything they sold; we did purchase some drinks. They definitely had a toilet, which was great to have!
Q: What if the weather is bad?
There really isn’t much you can do. Jervis Bay Wild will still head out if it’s safe, and try to make sure you have a good experience. We couldn’t have asked for worse conditions for our first visit, which my photos can attest to. But on our return, the weather was perfect, and a much better experience, which allowed us to see the beauty of Jervis Bay and its dolphins!
Q: Should I take seasickness tablets?
I’ve only ever felt seasick three times in my life, and all three times involved me being stuck on a boat during atrocious weather. So, having some seasickness tablets on hand would have been useful if I’d known!
Q: How should I dress?
Checking the weather the day before will help you choose the right outfit. Let’s face it: despite it being summer, if I had dressed for a beach day, I would have been utterly miserable. The waves crashing against the boat were freezing! I recommend wearing quick-drying clothes to help you dry off a little whenever you go back inside the cabin. If you’re lucky enough to have a beautiful hot day, like we did the second time around, we dressed for summer. Remember your bathers, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and lots of water.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, our cruise with Jervis Bay Wild was a fantastic experience! The stormy skies and relentless rain might have dampened our clothes, but they certainly didn’t dampen our spirits. From the dramatic waves crashing into the rocks to the fleeting dolphin sighting, there were many memorable moments on this wet and wild morning.
One of the highlights was witnessing the stunning contrast between the moody grey skies and the aqua-blue ocean. Sailing past secluded beaches and breathtaking coastal scenery made it feel like we were uncovering hidden treasures that most tourists overlook. And while I’m not one for cold water, I did find it a little comical seeing the brave souls at Hyams Beach taking on the brave ocean made me smile. Even Aria had the time of her life, finding the boat ride thrilling despite the weather!
For anyone thinking of booking this dolphin cruise, I’d absolutely recommend it—rain or shine. You can easily reserve your spot through HERE, but be sure to check the weather forecast before you go! And if you’re lucky enough to get a sunny day, you’ll see Jervis Bay in all its glory, with those stunning aqua-coloured oceans and (hopefully) a few playful dolphins making an appearance.
Are you planning on visiting Jervis Bay on the south coast of New South Wales in the future? Will you be heading out on a boat cruise? Got a question about Jervis Bay? Let me know in the comments section below.
Like what you read today? Click on the link below and subscribe to my blog for more of my travel adventures, freebies, and inspiration for your next trip.
What a gorgeous place to visit!
It sure is 🙂
Jervis Bay looks so serene and beautiful. I need to add this place to my bucket list. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks love. Much appreciated as always 🙂