Your whale day is booked.
Everything you need before, during and after your tour from Eden, on the far south coast of New South Wales.
Prepared for Jordan and Casey Whitfield
Thank you for choosing Southern Arc. We are a small, local crew, and we love sharing this stretch of coast with people who care about the ocean.
We cannot promise a sighting. The whales run their own timetable. What we can promise is a calm, respectful trip, a skipper who reads the water, and a hot drink when the wind picks up.
This booklet is short. Skim it on the drive down and bring it with you on your phone.
Your tour day, step by step
Before you board
The night before- Layers: thermal top, fleece, windproof jacket
- Flat, non-slip shoes with a closed toe
- Hat with a chin strap, sunnies, sunscreen
- Seasickness: eat a light meal, skip the heavy breakfast, and ask your pharmacist about tablets 1 hour before
Check in at the wharf
45 minutes before- Show your booking number at the Southern Arc desk
- Sign the safety form if you have not already
- Toilets and parking are close by
- We call your name for boarding
On the water
About 2.5 hours- Safety briefing before we leave the harbour
- Stay near the horizon if you feel queasy
- Hot drinks and snacks on board
- Our guide explains what you are seeing
Whale etiquette
Whenever we are close- Quiet voices at sightings
- Hold on when the skipper changes speed
- No drones, no throwing items overboard
- We keep our legal distance, always
Back ashore
After the tour- Photo sharing and sighting log
- Warm up at a local cafe (ask the crew)
- Tell us how it went
- Your referral gift is waiting
Policies and your agreement
- Changes: free rescheduling up to 48 hours before departure.
- Cancellations: full refund for 7 days or more, half for 2 to 7 days.
- Weather: if we cancel for safety, you choose a new date or a full refund.
- Sightings: wildlife is wild. If no whales are seen, you can rejoin a later trip at a discount.
- Health: tell us about mobility needs, pregnancy or medical conditions when you check in.
- Children: under 12s wear a lifejacket at all times.
Service agreement summary
A short version of what you agree to when you sign:
- You follow the skipper's and crew's directions at all times.
- You stay seated or hold on while the vessel is moving.
- Southern Arc follows all whale approach rules for NSW waters.
- Fees, changes and refunds follow the policies on this page.
- Your details are used for your booking only.
Concept example only. This is not a real agreement.
Bring a friend, both save
Loved your day? Pass on your personal code. Your friend gets a discount on their first tour, and you get credit toward your next one.
off for your friend's first booking
credit for you, per friend who sails
Your code: WHITFIELD-ARC (example, amounts illustrative)
Credit lasts 12 months and cannot be exchanged for cash.
Other experiences
Sunrise Departure
An early start when the water is still and the light is soft. From $120 per adult.
Illustrative
Private Charter
The whole boat for your group, up to 12 guests, with a custom route. From $1,450.
Illustrative
Coastal Photo Cruise
A slower trip along the cliffs for photographers, with a small group. From $140.
Illustrative
Contact and hours
Running late on the day? Call us. We will do our best to hold your seat.
Payment methods
- Card: Visa, Mastercard and Amex, online or at the wharf desk.
- Bank transfer: use your booking number as the reference.
- Digital wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay at the desk.
- Gift vouchers: bring the code on your phone or printed.
A 25% deposit holds your seat. The balance is due 7 days before sailing. A card surcharge of 1.5% may apply (illustrative).
Questions guests ask
When is the best time to see whales?
Peak season is usually mid-year into spring, when whales travel along this coast. Your skipper will tell you what recent days have looked like.
Will I get seasick?
Many guests do not, but swell varies. Eat lightly, stay in fresh air, watch the horizon and ask the crew for help early.
Is the boat accessible?
Tell us in advance and we will talk through boarding options. Some areas of the vessel have steps.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes, in a small bag. We supply hot drinks and light snacks. Alcohol is not permitted on board.
What if I do not see a whale?
We rejoin you on another sailing at a discount. We will also take you past seals and seabirds where we can.
Giving back to the ocean
A slice of every booking supports local marine care. It is a small gesture, but it adds up over a season.
from each ticket to local coastal clean-ups (illustrative)
beach days each year, open to guests and neighbours
Tour packages
Classic
per adult, illustrative
- Shared cruise, about 2.5 hours
- Guide commentary
- Tea, coffee and water
- Sighting log certificate
Premium
per adult, illustrative
- Everything in Classic
- Reserved front deck spots
- Light morning tea
- Digital photo gallery
Private
per boat, illustrative
- Your group only, up to 12
- Flexible start time
- Catering of your choice
- Dedicated guide
Thank you, Jordan and Casey
We cannot wait to share the water with you. If you enjoy your day, a short review helps other travellers find us.
Review bonus
Leave a review within 14 days of your tour and enjoy a free hot chocolate on your next sailing (illustrative).
