Byron Bay is lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the most pristine and spectacular waterways and oceans in the world. So when Out of the Blue Adventures invited us to experience their Scenic Sunset River Cruise recently on the Ballina River, we of course jumped at the chance! After all, it’s not very often that you get to enjoy the rhythm of the river from out on the water, let alone on a luxury rib that is built for both speed and comfort!
We boarded our sunset cruise from the pier at Ballina Wharf, and can I just say what a very nice touch it is to be embarking and disembarking from a pier (rather than on the beach negotiating incoming waves). A very well thought out touch, and definitely one that makes the whole experience way more luxe for sure!
(All cruises embark and disembark from the wharf and Ballina – making it nice and easy to climb onboard!)
Out of the Blue Adventure tours are the brainchild of Dean Fuchs, Dean has worked all around the world on luxury boats for some pretty high profile folks, and definitely knows how to bring a little bit of the luxe out on the water.
Our sunset cruise was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of zipping down the river at high speed and marine biology knowledge from our super knowledgeable and friendly onboard qualified marine biologist (who co-hosts the tours with Dean). What a stroke of genius on Dean’s part, to add this extra element to each of the tours! So, not only do you get to experience the enchanting beauty of the river (or ocean on one of their other tours), but you also get to learn a little about the rivers delicate eco-system, and history of the river too!
We also enjoyed a couple of stops along the river to check out the abundance of native birds, the stops also offered the perfect opportunity to enjoy a couple of cold beers and some homemade treats (which are also included in your tour price YAY!).
The run back to the pier was timed to perfection, just as the sun was setting. Providing a magic moment in time, that I will remember and cherish for a lifetime, with the gentle evening wind on my face, beaming smiles on the faces of my partner, his son and my niece and the sun setting in the distance over the river! I mean really …… does life get much better??
Dean and his team also offer private charters for family and corporate groups AND also run Ocean Safaris (throughout the year), where there is a very good chance you’ll see Byron’s famous dolphins and perhaps some sea turtles and a bunch of other marine life too! Ahhhh yes, and during whale watching season (running June to November) you can join one of their super popular Whale Watching Tours! This one is really on my ‘must do list’ for 2019.
Sooooooo if you are looking for a fun activity to experience with friends and family, then you 100% need to book yourself a Out of the Blue Adventure tour with Dean and his crew!
Follow the ocean and river adventures on IG: @outoftheblueadventures
This life is for living, go out and enjoy it!
T xxx
