Guaranteed sightings offered by most boats (during the season)
Not just passing through, the whales play around for 3 to 4 days in Hervey Bay
Download our Whale Watch Guide
During Whale Watch season (from late July to early November) a fleet of operators offer whale watching tours with vessels departing the Hervey Bay Boat Harbour daily. Of course, tour operators adhere to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service guidelines, which ensure the whales are protected and keep returning to Hervey Bay.
The fleet offers half-day, three-quarter-day, full-day and dawn tours on a variety of vessels, each hosted by professional and experienced crew members, who provide an informative commentary.
Berth A1, Great Sandy Straits Marina, HERVEY BAY, QLD, 4655
Details:
that's Awesome whale watching offers the adventure tourist a unique experience with the founders of vessel based whale watching in Australia, Brian, Jill and Sarah Perry - Australia's most experienced company.
that's Awesome delivers you the freedom to select from multiple trips that get you to and from the whales faster than ever before.
You'll appreciate the low passenger numbers, giving up close and personal with the whales a whole new meaning, the full walk around deck, super stability and no frills, just thrills!.. now that's Awesome.
Berth B7 Great Sandy Straits Marina, HERVEY BAY, QLD, 4655
Details:
Enjoy a full day of whale watching aboard the Blue Dolphin. The vessel is a 10.5m catamaran, which is extremely stable and gentle, with wide decks, ample room to move and a covered viewing area. With a small number of passengers, an unforgettable adventure and an intimate whale watching experience awaits you. Your day aboard the Blue Dolphin includes morning tea and lunch and yes we are licensed.
Come aboard Freedom III to wonder at the magnificence of humpback whales; cruise alongside unique Fraser Island spotting dolphins, turtles, seabirds and possibly dingos to Platypus Bay - where whales come to play.
Three levels of uninterrupted viewing plus a water level platform gets you as close to the whales as possible. Six hours to relax, unwind, be awestruck and pampered while enjoying catering for morning, afternoon teas and tropical buffet lunch.
Make you whale encounter a memorable as well as an educational one.
Berth A1, Great Sandy Straits Marina, HERVEY BAY, QLD, 4655
Details:
Quick Cat II was launched June 2003 for whale watching cruises which Brian & Jill Perry started in 1987. It is a 17 meter luxury catamaran carrying a maximum of 80 passengers. Quick Cat II operates half day cruises every day from mid July - early November. All trips guarantee whale sightings. Morning / afternoon tea of home made muffins & danishes is provided and Quick Cat II is fully licensed. Pies, sausage rolls, hot dogs, etc. can be purchased on board.
Tourism Award winners the past 3 years for Best Whale watch operator & Access Tourism.
Experience Fraser Island plus whales from Kingfisher Bay Resort with Kingfisher 1. Daily whale watching cruises get you out among the whales very quickly. Expert ranger commentary and morning tea included. Take the time to explore Fraser Island and relax, indulge in good food and wine and have fun at Kingfisher Bay Resort.
The MV Mikat is a 20 metre ocean going catamaran which allows for more viewing time with the whales on your cruise. The two superb decks allow for great viewing and photographs.
Cruise departs daily at 9.00am, returning at 2.30 pm and include free courtesy coach pick up, morning and afternoon and buffet lunch.
Expert commentary and anecdotal tales about the whales are provided by our experienced crew.
Come feel the excitement or serenity of sailing aboard 'Shayla', a 10.5 metre luxury sailing catamaran for an unforgettable experience to be enjoyed by all ages. Our Sail Fraser Island cruise (November - July) takes you onto the beautiful waters of Hervey Bay for island visits, swimming, boom netting or just relaxing. Come feel the excitement and awe-inspiring experience that is Whale Watching (August - October) aboard Shayla. It is as close as you can get.
For the Ultimate whale watching experience jump aboard the brand NEW Spirit for an exhilarating interactive adventure with the mighty humpback whale. Fast and luxurious the Spirit gets you to the whales in minimal time for maximum viewing pleasure. With the most viewing area of any boat spread over 5 levels and fantastic features such as Underwater Viewing Windows and Waterline Viewing Platform we shall take you on a breathtaking encounter to remember. Comfy and safe the Spirit is suitable for all ages.
The Tasman Venture is a fast, luxurious, air-conditioned catamaran, noted for its personalized service, stability and superior comfort. Favoured particularly by photographers because of its clear viewing decks and unrivalled record of 'close encounters', the Tasman Venture is also equipped with underwater viewing windows and a brand new purpose built viewing platform that lowers you to the water surface for an up close and personal encounter with these gentle giants that's second to none.
Participation in The Oceania Project's Expedition offers the only extended live aboard whale experience in Hervey Bay. Become part of and fully involved with a research team studying the social behaviour and organisation of humpback whales. Live aboard the research vessel for five nights/six days, anchoring off Fraser Island each night. During each day we observe on average seven humpback pods and up to fourteen individual whales. A unique life changing, eco-tourism experience. Involvement supports humpback whale research.
Berth A4, Great Sandy Straits Marina Buccaneer Drive, HERVEY BAY, QLD, 4655
Details:
Experience the ""Closest Encounters with HumpBack Whales""that you will get anywhere in Australia. Purpose built for Whale and Dolphin watching, the decks will put you right where the action is. Guaranteed Whale sightings, low passenger numbers, two levels - enclosed and open air viewing, quality catering and service, Advanced Eco Tourism Accreditation, local and national award winners, expert commentary and interpretation.
Cruising in calm, protected waters, available for groups and private charters.
