• Townsville is now known as a prime whale whatching tour location with two new tours av available, be sure to book your seat early as it is a short season 
• Townsville offers some of the most amazing scenery and climate for a whale watching tour so book your seat today  
• Small group half day whale watching tour departs Townsville and makes its way over to Magnetic Island to see the humpback whales at play 

Townsville half day whale watching tour. For a short time each year Humpback Whales migrate to Australian tropical waters to breed and give birth; view our 2025 departure dates. This is an experience the whole family, wildlife lovers and thrill seekers will enjoy!

What to Expect

Experience the excitement of Townsville whale watching tours as the waters off North Queensland come alive with the awe-inspiring Humpback Whale migration. Each year from mid-July through late August, these magnificent whales journey to Australia’s tropical coastline to breed and give birth — offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness their spectacular displays up close.

Join us for a memorable 3-hour whale watching cruise in Townsville aboard a modern, purpose-built, air-conditioned catamaran designed for comfort and excellent viewing. The vessel features spacious indoor seating and large outdoor decks, allowing you to move freely between vantage points as you search for whale activity.

Throughout the cruise, expert guides will provide live commentary, sharing fascinating insights into the Humpback Whales’ behaviour, biology, and their remarkable annual migration.

Relax and enjoy a freshly prepared morning or afternoon tea served onboard as you take in the panoramic views of Townsville’s stunning coastline.

Watch for a wide range of whale behaviours — from towering breaches and dramatic tail slaps to pectoral fin waves and close surface interactions. Every tour offers a new and exciting opportunity to encounter these gentle giants in their natural environment.

A Townsville whale watching tour is an unforgettable experience suitable for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a thrilling marine adventure.

If you are holidaying on Magnetic Island and would like to join our tour, please note we offer complimentary ferry tickets to Townsville.

Features and Highlights

• Prime whale watching season in Townsville: mid-July to late August

• 3-hour whale watching cruise aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran

• Spacious indoor and outdoor viewing decks for optimal whale sightings

• Live expert commentary by experienced local guides

• Morning or afternoon tea included onboard

• Witness incredible Humpback Whale behaviours: breaches, tail slaps, fin waves, close encounters

• Beautiful views of Townsville’s scenic coastline

• Suitable for families and all ages

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.

Important Information

Dietary Requirements

Our Townsville Whale Watching Tour is catered by Michels Catering, providing delicious and nutritious individual morning tea packs for each guest. We are able to cater for the following dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

If you require one of these options, please advise us at least 48 hours prior to departure. We will do our best to accommodate your request. For any additional dietary preferences or food allergies, you are welcome to bring your own food to supplement what is provided onboard.

Drinks

• Hot drinks are available for purchase at the Terminal Café prior to tour departure (not available onboard).
• Cold drinks, snacks, and a licensed bar (open from 10:00 AM) are available onboard during the cruise.

Guests Travelling from Magnetic Island

Guests travelling from Magnetic Island will receive a complimentary return ferry ticket to Townsville for the tour. Tickets can be collected onboard the ferry on the day of travel. Please present your travel itinerary to the crew as proof of travel.

Please catch the 7:45 AM ferry at the latest (Monday to Saturday), or the 7:00 AM service on Sundays, to ensure you arrive in time for the whale watching tour.

Travelling with Children & Infants

• Infants (0–4 years old) travel free of charge but must be included in your booking.
• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times during the cruise.

Parking

• Onsite car parking is available for $10.00.
• During peak season (April to September) and on weekends, parking availability may be limited. We recommend arriving early to allow extra time to find alternative parking if needed.

Travel & Motion Sickness

This is an open water cruise and some sea motion is to be expected.

• We recommend eating lightly before and during your cruise.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, travel sickness tablets are generally most effective when taken prior to departure.

2025 Departure Dates

July 2025

• Saturday 26th
• Sunday 27th

August 2025

• Friday 1st
• Sunday 3rd
• Sunday 10th
• Friday 15th
• Saturday 16th
• Sunday 17th
• Friday 22nd
• Saturday 23rd
• Sunday 24th
• Friday 29th
• Saturday 30th (Morning & afternoon tour)
• Sunday 31st (Morning & afternoon tour)

When and Where

Morning Tour

• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Return Time: Approximately 12:00 PM
• Check-in: Opens at 8:00 AM and closes 10 minutes prior to departure

Afternoon Tour

• Available Dates: Saturday 30th August & Sunday 31st August only
• Departure Time: Approximately 1:30 PM
• Return Time: Approximately 4:30 PM
• Check-in: Opens at 12:30 PM and closes 10 minutes prior to departure

We depart from the SeaLink Terminal at the Townsville Breakwater Marina.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• When is the best time to go whale watching in Townsville?

The peak Townsville whale watching season runs from mid-July to late August. While whales can occasionally be spotted outside these dates, sightings are far less frequent. We schedule our tours during this peak season to give guests the best possible chance of seeing these magnificent creatures.

• What happens if I don’t see a whale on my tour?

We are proud to have a 95% sighting success rate during the season. Our tour dates are carefully chosen to coincide with the time of year when whales are most active in the region. In the unlikely event that no whales are seen on your cruise, you will still enjoy a scenic 3-hour cruise along the Townsville coastline with live commentary and a delicious morning or afternoon tea included.

• How close can we get to the whales?

There are strict national regulations that govern how close vessels may approach whales, with distances typically ranging from 100 to 300 metres, depending on factors such as whether calves are present and how many vessels are in the area. However, whales are naturally curious and may choose to come closer on their own. We always prioritise the safety of the whales and the comfort of our guests.

• What time of day is best to see whales?

There is no “best” time of day — whales can be active at any time. Both our morning and afternoon tours offer excellent opportunities to witness Humpback Whales in the wild.

• How big is the boat?

Our purpose-built whale watching catamarans are spacious and stable, with multiple passenger decks, generous indoor and outdoor seating, and large windows for unobstructed viewing from inside the vessel.

• Will I see baby whales?

During the season, we often encounter mother whales with their calves. However, sightings depend on the movements and behaviour of the whales on the day.

• Can I feed or swim with the whales?

No. Feeding and swimming with whales is strictly prohibited under Australian wildlife protection regulations.

• Are we disturbing the whales?

Our tours are conducted with the utmost respect for the whales and their natural environment. Whales have complete freedom of movement and can choose how much interaction they wish to have with us. They often approach vessels out of curiosity, but can also dive or move away as they please.

• What food is included on the tour?

Each guest will receive an individual morning or afternoon tea pack. If you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies, please advise us at least 48 hours prior to departure and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

• Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible. All SeaLink vessels accommodate wheelchair users. Please note, for toilet access, the lower cabin level must be used.

• I’m travelling from Magnetic Island — is pick-up provided?

We do not provide direct pick-up from Magnetic Island, but we do offer complimentary return ferry tickets for Magnetic Island guests to travel to Townsville before the tour. Please refer to our website for ferry departure times. Tickets can be collected from the Nelly Bay office or onboard the ferry on the day of travel — simply present your booking confirmation or travel itinerary.

• Can I bring my own alcohol?

No. Our vessels are fully licensed venues and BYO alcohol is not permitted. The onboard bar will be open during the tour for guests to purchase alcoholic beverages (from 10:00 AM) and light snacks.

• Can I fly a drone during the tour?

No. Flying drones is not permitted from a commercially operated whale watching vessel.

Sustainability

Sunscreen's Impact on the Ocean

Chemicals in sunscreen, like oxybenzone, can be absorbed by corals if you go for a swim after applying it. Nanoparticles in these chemicals have been shown to disrupt coral reproduction and growth cycles, which in turn can lead to bleaching. Here are some pointers on reef-safe sunscreens. For more information on what to avoid, what to look for, and how to lessen your impact, check out this useful article from Reef Check :

• Check out the contents first:

Stay away from oxybenzone, nanoparticles, parabens, and cinnamates.
Look for "Non-Nano" and water-resistant sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
The recommended waiting time between applying sunscreen and entering the water is 15 minutes.

• Don't use a spray when we use an aerosol, much of the sunscreen misses and ends up in the sand.
• Bring an umbrella or a tent to the beach to provide some of your own shade.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Townsville city

Departure Time

9.00am & 1.30pm

Departure Instructions

• Check in opens 10 minutes prior
• Departs from Townsville Breakwater Marina, SeaLink Terminal

Destinations

Magnetic Island

Months of Operation

July - August

Days of Operation

Friday - Sunday

2025 Townsville Whale Watching Season: 26th July to 31st August 2025
2026: dates not released yet

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Additional Information

Magnetic Island Guests: Guests traveling from Magnetic Island will receive a complimentary return ferry ticket to make their way to Townsville prior to the tour. Tickets can be collected on-board on the day of travel. Please present your travel itinerary to the crew as proof of travel. Please catch the 7:45 AM ferry at the latest (Monday to Saturday) or the 7:00 AM service on Sundays.

• Camera
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• light jacket/jumper

• Infants ( 0-4 years old) travel free of charge and must be included in the booking. Please note children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Infants must be included in the booking