Cairns’ Whale Watching Tour with the added bonus of free time on Fitzroy Island. Operating daily from 14 July 2025 to 22 August 2025, this tour includes up to 2.5 hours of leisure time to explore Fitzroy Island.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness these gentle giants in our tropical waters. Join Cairns’ only dedicated Whale Watching Tour combined with time to explore stunning Fitzroy Island. Operating exclusively during the annual Humpback Whale migration, this is your chance to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles in the clear tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Our premium catamaran is designed for comfort and stability, providing the perfect platform for observing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. With flexible departure options, you can tailor your day to include both whale watching and free time on Fitzroy Island.
Step aboard one of Cairns’ most modern and stable catamarans and set course for the open waters of the Great Barrier Reef, just beyond the coastline of Tropical North Queensland. The day’s main attraction is the awe-inspiring display of Humpback Whales as they migrate through these warm reef waters to breed and nurture their young.
During the cruise, you’ll have excellent opportunities to observe these whales up close, breaching, tail-slapping, and interacting with their pods ; all while enjoying informative commentary from experienced marine naturalists.
Travellers have the flexibility to choose from two departure times:
Your onboard experience is designed for maximum enjoyment and education, with plenty of outdoor viewing space and expert commentary offering fascinating insights into whale behaviours and the surrounding Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.
The 2025 Cairns Whale Watching Season will operate daily from 14th July to 22nd August.
July and August are prime months for whale watching in Tropical North Queensland, coinciding with the arrival of Humpback Whales and Dwarf Minke Whales migrating to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef to mate and give birth.
Although sightings can occasionally extend into September depending on sea temperatures, tours traditionally conclude at the end of August.
With only a short window each year to experience this phenomenon, advance bookings are highly recommended.
Fitzroy Island is a lush, rainforest-clad island surrounded by coral reefs and turquoise waters—perfect for a relaxing island escape.
During your time on Fitzroy Island, you may choose to:
Whether you prefer adventure or relaxation, this tour offers the ultimate balance of Cairns Whale Watching and island exploration.
See all whale watching tours on the Great Barrier Reef.
See all swim with the Minke whale tours in Cairns.
Read all the things you need to know before you go swimming with whales and on whale watching tours on the Barrier Reef Australia Blog.
Cairns
Check in 30 minutes prior to departure
July - August
Daily
2025 Season: 14th July to 22nd August
Daily during whale season (approx July - August)
5 hours
Low
Child price applies to children 4 to 14
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Additional Tour Operator's T&Cs
You can cancel or amend your tour to a different date (subject to availability) if you notify us 48 hours or more prior to travel.
If you need to cancel or change dates within 48 hours of travel a 100% cancellation fee applies
Please note a ‘no show’ (where passengers do not turn up to the specified pick-up point or departure point without notification) automatically incurs a 100% cancellation fee.
On very rare occasions, tours can be subject to the effect of weather or unforeseen circumstances. If a tour does not operate for any reason, passengers will be offered a full refund or an alternative day of travel.
Tours are conducted in known whale hot-spots and timed to coincide with the peak sighting period for Humpback Whales in Cairns. Despite our best efforts and greater than 90% sightings record, whale encounters can not be guaranteed and refunds are not available in the event whales are not seen. Tours are weather dependent and may need to be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice.
Whale Watching Tours Cairns only accepts liability to the extent of any loss or damage sustained by you as a result of our negligence or that of our agents or employees;
Whale Watching Tours Cairns does not accept liability for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by events which are beyond our control or which are not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part:
Whale Watching Tour Cairns acts as a private carrier and reserves the right to refuse passage to any person and/or baggage.
Whale Watching Tours Cairns will not accept unchecked baggage, fragile or perishable items, money, cameras, electronic equipment, jewelry, business documents, passports or the other valuables. Unchecked baggage and your other personal property is at your own risk at all times
Whale Watching Tours Cairns may, in the event of increased security risk be required to implement heightened security measures including bag or personal searches.
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au$155.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$89.00
Family: au$399.00
Tour Code: 269