Whale Dream

Whale Dream runs whale- and dolphin-watching excursions from the yacht club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Black River. Its website describes early departures on the west coast and trips to observe marine mammals in their natural environment. Whale watching lasts about two and a half to three and a half hours, with the operator describing a stay near the whales of about an hour. The site says the boat uses a hydrophone to help locate sperm whales and follows humpback whales from a distance.

The operator also offers a dolphin-swimming and lagoon-discovery trip, as well as a combined dolphin and whale outing. These are separate activities, so check which option you are booking. The company says dolphin trips may include swimming; sightings are not guaranteed. Its website lists Colonel Dean Avenue as the base and gives an early morning departure for whale watching.