Best things to do in Byron Bay
The tours worth your time, ranked, with what each one actually involves.
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Sea kayak with dolphins in the marine park
A guided paddle past the lighthouse, with a free return trip if you see no dolphin, turtle or whale.
Good for: Fit swimmers aged 6 and up
Skip if: Non-swimmers, back problems or pregnancyAlso consider
Small-group whale watching from The Pass
Eight passengers at most, a marine scientist on board and a hydrophone for whale song.
Good for: Whale season, small groups
Skip if: Under 5, over 70, back problems or seasicknessAlso consider
Two-hour small-group surf lesson
No more than six surfers per instructor, with board, wetsuit and rash vest supplied.
Good for: First-timers aged 12 and up
Skip if: Under 12, or pregnantAlso consider
Guided snorkel at Julian Rocks
Boat out from The Pass to a marine sanctuary with turtles, rays and, in winter, grey nurse sharks.
Good for: Confident swimmers aged 10 and up
Skip if: If you can't swim 200 m unaided in the oceanAlso consider
Hinterland and Bangalow day tour
Lighthouse, The Farm, Crystal Castle and lunch in Bangalow, with pickup and entry included.
Good for: A no-swim day; first-time visitors
Skip if: You'd rather hike or swim all dayAlso consider
Tandem skydive over Byron Bay
Up to 15,000 feet and up to a minute of freefall, landing beachside near Byron.
Good for: Aged 16 and up, under 110 kg
Skip if: Pregnant, or over 110 kgAlso consider
Glow-worm tunnel by e-bike
Pickup, a dusk e-bike ride through rainforest, then a walk through an old rail tunnel lit only by glow worms.
Good for: Families with kids aged 8 and up
Skip if: Children under 8Also consider
Cape Byron Aboriginal walking tour
An easy 90-minute walk with an Aboriginal guide: places, stories, language and bush tucker.
Good for: Almost anyone; short and easy
Skip if: You want a full-day outing
- Best first tour
1. Sea kayak with dolphins in the marine park
A guided paddle past the lighthouse, with a free return trip if you see no dolphin, turtle or whale.
- Lesson on Main BeachBriefing and paddling basics first
- Cape Byron Marine ParkDolphins and turtles often; humpbacks in season
- Surf back to shoreRide a wave in at the end
- Best whale trip (in season)
2. Small-group whale watching from The Pass
Eight passengers at most, a marine scientist on board and a hydrophone for whale song.
- Briefing at Byron PlazaShop on Jonson Street
- Beach launch at The PassExpect to get wet to the knees
- Up to two hours with whalesListing includes a sighting guarantee
- Best first surf lesson
3. Two-hour small-group surf lesson
No more than six surfers per instructor, with board, wetsuit and rash vest supplied.
- Fletcher Street deskGet kitted out in town
- Beach warm-upSafety, paddling and standing basics
- Two hours in the waterAbout three hours overall
- Best snorkel
4. Guided snorkel at Julian Rocks
Boat out from The Pass to a marine sanctuary with turtles, rays and, in winter, grey nurse sharks.
- Briefing at Byron PlazaWetsuit, mask, fins supplied
- Boat from The PassBoard from waist-deep water
- Guided snorkelAround Nguthungulli Julian Rocks
- Best hinterland day
5. Hinterland and Bangalow day tour
Lighthouse, The Farm, Crystal Castle and lunch in Bangalow, with pickup and entry included.
- Cape Byron LighthouseViews over the Pacific
- The Farm and Crystal CastleCrystal Castle entry included
- BBQ lunch in BangalowThen back for an afternoon swim
- Biggest thrill
6. Tandem skydive over Byron Bay
Up to 15,000 feet and up to a minute of freefall, landing beachside near Byron.
- Training at the drop zoneAbout 15 minutes from Byron
- Scenic climbAround 20 minutes over the coast
- Freefall and canopyThen 5 to 7 minutes under the parachute
- Best evening
7. Glow-worm tunnel by e-bike
Pickup, a dusk e-bike ride through rainforest, then a walk through an old rail tunnel lit only by glow worms.
- Pickup from your accommodationDrive to Burringbar
- 5 km e-bike ride at duskBike, helmet and lights supplied
- Walk the tunnelAbout 520 m, glow-worm light only
- Best short cultural walk
8. Cape Byron Aboriginal walking tour
An easy 90-minute walk with an Aboriginal guide: places, stories, language and bush tucker.
- Meet at The Pass CafePaid parking; it gets busy
- Easy 1.5-hour walkSignificant places and local history
- Bush tucker tastingIncluded
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Plan it properly
Read before you book
Start here · 6 min readJake Charles / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)What should I do in Byron Bay?
Start here · 5 min readJosh Withers / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)How should I spend 3 days in Byron?
Start here · 5 min readJoseph Bobadilla / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)What can we do in Byron with kids?
Ocean & wildlife · 5 min readAlex Gisby / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)Is the dolphin kayak tour for me?
Ocean & wildlife · 5 min readGabrielle Polita / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)Which whale-watching tour should I book?
Ocean & wildlife · 4 min readDonovan Simpkin / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)When is whale season in Byron?