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Whale Watching - Swim With Whales - Hervey Bay - Half Day Cruise - QC

Tour Code: 727

Operated By: Hervey Bay Whale Watch

Departing: Hervey Bay

Swim with Humpback Whales
  • Whale watching guarantee - It is extremely rare that we do not find whales, however this can happen early or late in the season. So your ticket is valid for any of our whale watch cruises until you see them. 
  • Experience the sound of the whales singing underwater with the onboard hydrophones - you may also hear prawns clicking along the ocean bed.
  • Local family run business that started over 30 years ago. Expert knowledge and personal service with Australia's longest established whale watch tour company in Hervey Bay.  
  • Swim with Humpback Whales Option - a true experience of a life time! Subject to conditions on the day, the option to swim with these majestic creatures may be available. Additional fee payable onboard applies.
  • Wheelchair and pram accessible giving guests the utmost in comfort and enjoyment. 

Included In Price

  • Australia's most experienced whale watch crew
  • Tea and coffee, light breakfast and refreshments
  • Informative commentary, local knowledge and history
  • Hydrophone equipped to listen to whale song underwater
  • Fully licensed bar for food and beverage purchases
  • Non-smoking vessel

Book a whale watching tour with one of Australia's most popular half day whale watching cruises from Hervey Bay which also has the unique optional Swim with the Whales opportunity.

What to Expect

Whale Watching Tour with Swim Opportunity in Hervey Bay

Imagine a thrilling half-day whale watching cruise from Hervey Bay, where you not only witness the majestic humpback whales but also have the unique opportunity to swim with these gentle whales. Join one of Australia's most popular whale watching tours, led by a crew with over 30 years of experience in Hervey Bay, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Features and Highlights

  • Prime Whale Watching: Experience the best of whale watching in Hervey Bay, one of the world’s premier locations to see humpback whales up close.
  • Swim with Humpback Whales: If conditions permit, take the plunge and swim alongside these magnificent creatures—a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
  • Purpose-Built Whale Watching Boat: Enjoy panoramic views from a boat designed specifically for whale watching, featuring 360-degree viewing decks and easy accessibility for all passengers.
  • Experienced Crew: Learn from the most knowledgeable crew in the Hervey Bay whale watching business, who have been guiding whale watching tours for decades.
  • Complimentary Refreshments: Savour complimentary tea, coffee, and light snacks during your half day whale watching cruise. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase from the fully licensed kiosk.
  • Spotter Aircraft: Benefit from the only whale watching tour with a spotter aircraft to enhance your chances of seeing whales and to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Half Day Morning Whale Watch Tour

Experience the Beauty of the Great Sandy Straits

Set off in the morning for a half-day whale watching tour, weaving through the picturesque islands of the Great Sandy Straits. Your journey begins with stunning views of Fraser Island as you head towards Platypus Bay, the prime spot for humpback whale sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for the tell-tale signs of a whale breach or the glistening surface of the water as these giants play and frolic.

Swim with the Whales in Hervey Bay

If the whales are feeling social and the conditions are right, you may have the chance to jump in the water and swim with them. This optional experience is an additional fee of approximately $100, payable onboard, and will be refunded if conditions do not permit swimming with the whales.

Return Journey

After an exhilarating half day morning tour with the whales, the return trip offers views of Fraser Island’s remote Western beaches, with opportunities to spot dingoes along the shoreline. The cruise concludes with a brief stop at Kingfisher Bay Resort before returning to the Great Sandy Straits Marina by 12:30 PM.

Half Day Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise

Unwind and Explore

Spend your afternoon on an exciting whale watching tour, complete with breathtaking views of Fraser Island. As you sail through Hervey Bay, enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and nibbles, and prepare for an unforgettable encounter with humpback whales.

Sunset Spectacular

The afternoon cruise often features a more relaxed atmosphere, with the added bonus of a stunning sunset over Hervey Bay as you return to the marina. Grab a blanket, settle in with a drink from the licensed bar, and enjoy the serene beauty of the sunset, making this a perfect way to end your day.

Important Information

Weather and Sea Conditions

Your safety and comfort are our top priority. The vessel will not depart if conditions are unsafe, and you will be informed of any adverse weather conditions before departure. If the weather is too rough, we offer the option to rebook for a calmer day or receive a refund.

Whale Sightings Guarantee

We are committed to providing you with the best half day whale watching tour experience. While it is rare not to see whales, if this does occur, we offer a guarantee: your ticket will be valid for another whale watching cruise until you have the chance to see these incredible animals.

Swim with the Whales

The swim with whales experience is subject to weather and sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. This experience is only available from late July to early September and is not bookable online. Please bring your own swimwear and towel; masks and snorkels are provided onboard.

Booking and Conditions
  • Tour Length: The duration of the tour may vary slightly depending on conditions.
  • Vessel Substitution: The operator reserves the right to substitute another vessel if necessary.
  • Minimum Passenger Numbers: The tour may be cancelled or rescheduled if minimum passenger numbers are not met.

Book Your Half Day Whale Watching Adventure

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring humpback whales in Hervey Bay, and potentially swim alongside them. Whether you choose a morning or afternoon cruise, you’re in for an experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Secure your spot today!

Learn more about whales on the Great Barrier Reef from our blog.

See all whale watching tours in Hervey Bay. 

Morning Whale Watch Cruise

Weave and wind your way through the islands of the Great Sandy Straits and enjoy a Half-Day Whale Watch Experience aboard Quick Cat 2. This trip includes breath-taking views of Fraser Island and Hervey Bays’ beautiful waters on the way to search for Humpback Whales. *Please note this cruise goes via Kingfisher Bay Resort

Why choose a morning whale watch? 

As Australia’s first and longest running whale watch operators, we have perfected our whale watching tours down to a fine art. Thirty minutes after departure, take a glimpse into Kingfisher Bay resort as we collect the remainder of our whale watchers before cruising alongside the world’s largest sand island on the way to see our happy Humpbacks.   

Upon entering Platypus Bay, the search is on for some friendly Humpback whales! With our eyes peeled and pointing fingers at the ready, we will look for the tell-tale signs of a Humpback whale, which can be as small as a little glisten on the horizon or as noticeable as a massive splash from a whale breaching close by.

With multiple viewing levels, you can “Ooooh” and “Aaaaaah” from above or get down close to the action on the lower decks. If the opportunity arises and the whales decide to hang around, we may have the chance to put you in the water with them... yes that's right, swimming with Humpback Whales!  Please note, this is an optional extra during the day, and an additional fee payable onboard.

After we are all whaled out, the journey back to the marina via Kingfisher Bay Resort includes a look at the remote Western beaches of Fraser Island, showcasing pristine white sand, colourful cliff faces and freshwater creeks. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Dingos on the return voyage as they often search for a meal at low tide. On a quick stop off at Kingfisher Bay Resort we bid farewell to our resort and “Whales and Lunch” guests before pulling up to the Great Sandy straits Marina at 12:30PM.

Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise

All aboard for a relaxing, yet action packed afternoon cruise to see the famous Humpback whales of Hervey Bay! Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and nibbles as you admire the breath-taking views of world-heritage listed Fraser Island while creating unforgettable memories with these magical marine mammals. On the return cruise to Urangan Harbour, keep your eyes peeled for Dingos along the shores of Fraser Island and take advantage of our licensed bar by enjoying a glass of bubbles while watching the sun set over a very special afternoon in Hervey Bay.

 Why Choose an afternoon cruise?

Whales, nibbles, sunset and possibly a cold beverage to top off the afternoon, need we say more? As Australia’s first and longest running whale watch operators, we have perfected our whale watching tours down to a fine art. Our afternoon cruise features a calm and relaxing vibe, mixed with a dash (often more) of excitement when the Humpback whales put on the show of a lifetime.

To top off this spectacular experience, enjoy some complimentary light nibbles on the return trip which are well accompanied by a cold beverage while you take in the world class sunset. Staff tip: Bring a blanket with you for the return voyage - settle in on the scenic route home with a warm blanket and a comfortable spot on our large open decks showcasing unobstructed sunset views (a glass of bubbly doesn’t go astray here, either).  

Important Information Prior To Cruise Departure

Weather and Sea Conditions

This operator has been operating in the area for over thirty years and so, are very familiar with the conditions and enjoyment levels of their guests. Quick Cat 2 will not depart the harbour if conditions are dangerous, with guests advised of adverse conditions prior to departure time.  Expectations differ from person to person with some relatively unaffected by rough conditions, despite this, we are more than happy to rebook your cruise for a calmer day if you feel uneasy about the weather. If the day is too rough to be enjoyable, we will advise you as soon as possible of the cruise cancellation with the choice of a refund or to rebook.

Guarantee

While it is extremely rare to not sight any whales onboard our cruises, it can occasionally happen very early or late in the season. To largely avoid this happening, we modify our cruise start and finish dates each year to best align with whale watching projections, thereby minimising possible disappointment!

The operator has always guaranteed whale sightings, meaning if you have joined us for our whale watch cruise and we haven’t sighted whales, your ticket is valid for any of our other whale watch cruises until Humpback whales are sighted! (Subject to availability) The operator has always maintained this policy, with one guest waiting 15 years to redeem their ticket! 

Conditions

The opeartor reserves the right to substitute another vessel at any time.

Tour length may vary slightly tour to tour depending on conditions and distance travelled.

Cruise may be cancelled or substituted due to weather or tide conditions or if viable passenger numbers are not reached.

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: 6:45AM check in for a 7:00AM departure - 12:30PM return (Morning cruise travels via Kingfisher Bay Resort to pick up/drop off extra passengers (approx. 1hr 20mins extra travel time to/from whales)
  • Afternoon Cruise: 12:45PM check in for a 1:00PM departure - 5:00PM return
Departure Instructions
  • Departs/returns: Great Sandy Straits Marina
  • Please ensure you check in to the floating office (beside the boat) at least 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
Destinations

Hervey Bay

Months of Operation

July - October

Days of Operation

Daily

Swimming with whales is not a guaranteed activity due to the whales being wild and free to interact on their terms
2025 Season's Dates: 12/07/25 to 19/10/25

Duration

Morning Cruise: 7am - 12:30pm
Afternoon Cruise: 1pm - 5pm

Available for Purchase / Hire
  • Exciting opportunity to Swim with the Humpback Whales - Extra $100 per person to be paid during the tour (Weather permitting & conditions apply)
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Souvenirs
Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Additional Information

Swim with the Whales - ensure to bring swimmers, mask & snorkel, waterproof camera and towel in case the opportunity to swim with the whales becomes available. Additional $100 fee payable onboard. Subject to conditions on the day, swim can not be guaranteed.

Eco Certifications
Certified Tourism
  • Hat
  • Sense of adventure
  • Camera (preferably waterproof)
  • Mask, snorkel, towel and swimwear (if you are planning to swim)
  • Money for drinks, snacks, souvenirs, whale swim if desired.

  • Children swimming with Whales must be 13 years old
  • Children 4-14yrs. Infants free of charge.

All cancellations must be in writing.

Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee.

Please see our terms and conditions  for details prior to booking.

  • In the event that no whales are spotted (which is extremely rare), you will receive a return ticket to come again at a future date.
  • Tour is subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date.

Whale Watching - Swim With Whales - Hervey Bay - Half Day Cruise - QC

Tour Code: 727

Operated By: Hervey Bay Whale Watch

Departing: Hervey Bay

Swim with Humpback Whales

From

au$119.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au$70.00
Family: au$329.00

Tour Code: 727

From

au$119.00

15 yrs & over

4 - 14 yrs

0 - 3 yrs

Ages of Children
(Discounts May Apply)
Phone
1300 231 118
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745
Phone
1300 231 118
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745

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