• Guaranteed sightings, if no whales spotted on your cruise a free return cruise ticket offered 
• Hydrophone equipped to listen to the whales singing
• Largest Underwater Viewing Rooms with windows to spy the whales underwater
• Fast boat means you get maximum time to spend with the whales, less travelling
• Expert commentary on the whales and features of Fraser Island.
• Accessible for prams - Please ensure to advise at time of booking so the crew are ready to assist.

Experience Hervey Bay's best action packed whale watching tour - 6 viewing decks, underwater viewing windows, Waterline platform, listen to the whales sing on the hydrophone, free WiFi, free transfers.

Hervey Bay is the whale watching capital of Australia and there never seems to be a day that we do not see these mighty humpback whales during their annual migration on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.  

The whales love to spend a lot of time here in Hervey Bay and we get to know each one of them personally over the years as they return each season to play and show off their aerial talents.

Half Day Whale Watching Cruise - Hervey Bay

Morning Departure: 8:30am Return 1:00pm
Afternoon Departure: 1:30pm Return 5:30pm

Join us for the most exciting 4.5 hours whale watching. Our tour takes us cruising past the beautiful white sandy beaches of Fraser Island as we venture into the whales' playground.

Feel the excitement as we scan the waters for our first splash or blow from a mighty humpback whale.

Loud tail and pectoral slaps, spectacular breaches, curious spy hops and close encounters are just some of the antics the whales display to keep us captivated.

Fantastic feature: Two Underwater Viewing Windows located in each hull of the boat which put you below the surface with the whales in their underwater world.

Another feature for close up encounters is our Waterline Viewing Platform.

This platform can be lowered right to the waterline for your chance to come face to face with a friendly humpback whale, what a thrill to be only an arms length away from one of the largest creatures of the sea.

We are a fast, extra comfy vessel which means less travelling time to reach the whales, more time spent interacting with them.  

See more Hervey Bay whale watching tours. 

Your Whale Watching Cruise Includes:

• Courtesy transfers between tourist accommodation and marina
• Complimentary Morning or Afternoon tea
• FREE Wifi connection
• Expert commentary on the whales and features of Fraser Island
• Cruise at a fast 22 knots, means less time travelling, more time with our active, friendly whales
• 6 Viewing decks spread over 5 spacious levels - Perfect for photo opportunities of whales, Fraser Is, turtles, dolphins, sea birds etc
• Personal space at a premium to move around at your leisure, ideal for front row viewing.
• Hydrophone equipped to listen to the whales singing
• Guaranteed sightings, if no whales spotted on your cruise a free return cruise ticket offered 
• Largest Underwater Viewing Rooms with windows to spy the whales underwater
• Our fast boat means you get maximum time to spend with the whales, less travelling
• Kids activities including colouring in, toys, activity booklet etc
• Extra comfortable,luxurious and stable catamaran
• 32 Years family owned and operated whale watching business
• Air conditioned comfort
• Fully licensed souvenir kiosk
• Friendly and inviting atmosphere suitable for all ages
• Whole lot of fun

Frequently Asked Questions From Whale Watchers

What should I wear on the boat?

To ensure your comfort and safety we recommend flat shoes, and something warm to throw on in case it gets cool.  You may also consider something to throw on in case of a rain shower….we have seen that sometimes a whale that is close by can do a tail or pectoral slap and can actually splash our passengers but that’s the kind of shower that is fun! Also if you wear a hat be prepared that you may have to hold on to it if you sit outside as we cruise outre.

What do I need to bring on the boat?

Camera, video, camera, sunscreen, polaroid sunglasses, hat, jacket, flat shoes and money for drinks and souvenirs.

Is the ocean water rough?

We do not cruise in to the open ocean areas. The whales congregate in Hervey Bay which has much calmer water as it is given wind  protection by Fraser Island. Our 24 metre long catamaran and was built with supreme stability, comfort and safety in mind

Is it better to go on a morning cruise or an afternoon cruise?

There is no difference between the morning or afternoon cruises. There is no rhyme or reason to the whales antics and activity at any particular time, they basically do what they want when they want.

I would choose your cruise depending on your family situation. Do you like to sleep in? Are the kids up early and ready to get going in the morning? Would you prefer to return to the harbour with the sunset and a cold drink in hand?

How big is the boat?

24 metres long and 10 metres wide featuring viewing decks spread over 5 levels with loads of room for all to move around to take that perfect. In addition there are two underwater viewing areas, walk down a few steps and in each hull of the boat spy on the whales in their underwater playground, it will take your breath away. Our waterline platform, which we lower to the waters edge, gets you closer to the whales for that “personal touch”

Can I smoke on board?

No, you are not permitted to smoke whilst on board.

Can I purchase drinks or alcohol on board?

Yes, we are fully licensed and provide a range of beer, wine and mixers for sale.

Can I bring food on board?

Yes you can however we do serve refreshments for both morning and afternoon tea, and we also have a licensed kiosk where you can purchase light snacks and nibbles.

Can I bring my pram on board?

Yes you can. When you make the booking please let us know so that we can ensure our crew is ready to help you with your boarding.

Are there toilets on board?

Yes, we have 4 full size toilets aboard.

Are there any life jackets on board?

Yes, we certainly do have life jackets.  There are both adult and child life jackets.

Why do whales sing?

There is a traditional explanation which attributes whales singing to male whales as a way to seduce female whales while looking to reproduce. The sound they produce is melodic and is known as a whale song.

Why do whales communicate with each other?

It is believed that whales use sound for echo location, a sonar-like capability that allow whales to locate dangers and other animals.

How long do whales live?

Some whales have a lifespan similar to humans as they reach up to 85 years old.

How big are humpback whales?

Humpback whales are the 5th largest of the great whales, growing up to 15 metres. The largest whale is the blue whale.  They can grow up to 25 metres (80 feet) long. The image on the right shows the comparison of a humpback whale to a bus!

Why do whales migrate?

During the warm season, whales migrate to cold waters where food is abundant.  When the weather becomes coler, the food starts to become scarce so whales migrate to warmer water for mating and breeding.  Hervey Bay in Queensland is the perfect location for what is known as the southern whales as they rest their young and prepare for the journey back to the Atlantic.

How do whales reproduce?

Like most mammals, whale calves are nourished in the womb of the mothers through an umbillical cord and they grow inside their mother until they are aready to perform some basic actions such as swimming, so that will help them survive outside their mothers.

What do Whales Eat?

Humpback whales have a diet of krill, (shrimp-like crustaceans up to 5cm long), plankton and small fish. Humpbacks sieve food from huge volumes of water using baleen which is specialised fringed, mouth plates.

Read all the tips, hints and things you need to know to prepare for your Hervey Bay whale watching tours. 

 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Hervey Bay

Departure Time

• Morning Cruise Departs: 8:30am Returns 1pm
• Afternoon Cruise Departs: 1:30pm Returns 5:30pm

Departure Instructions

• DEPARTURE POINT: Whale Bay Marina, Buccaneer Drive Urangan Harbour
• Boarding 15 minutes prior to departure

Pickup Locations

Hervey Bay

Destinations

Hervey Bay

Months of Operation

July - October

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Morning Cruise 4.5 hours apporx.
Afternoon Cruise 4 hours approx.

Fitness Level Required

Low

Camera, sunscreen, hat, jacket, wear flat shoes, Polaroid sunglasses, money for drinks, souvenirs etc. Prams are welcome. Licensed kiosk with alcohol, snacks, souvenirs etc, eftpos available

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (4-14yrs)
• Child ages 4 - 14 years inclusive, Infant ages 0 - 3 years inclusive
• Prams welcome