The Tour Specialists Tour Blog

Swimming with Dwarf Minke Whales!

During the cooler months of the year, Dwarf Minke Whales migrate to the warmer, tropical waters of Far North Queensland to give birth to their young and escape the cold. These friendly, inquisitive creatures are simply adorable!

Dwarf Minke Whale

The passengers on board Poseidon that travelled from Port Douglas yesterday were lucky enough to encounter a few curious Dwarf Minke Whales while they were snorkelling on the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Poseidon is one of only a handful of operators that have a swim-with-Minke-Whale permit.

Swimming with the Minke whales

The permit allows passengers to snorkel whist holding onto a float line attached to the stern of the vessel. This is the safest, in-water method for both humans and Minke Whales and least intrusive to natural behaviours of the animals. A safety briefing is given to all passengers before they enter the water.

The first sighting of the day occurred at Agincourt Reef, which is at the bottoms of the remote Ribbon Reefs. A 5 metre Dwarf Minke Whale approached the boat and everyone in the water witnessed several passes and belly rolls for around an hour!

The next encounter was at their second Outer Reef location where a slightly larger Dwarf Minke Whale. It glided below the snorkelers so close you could almost reach out and touch it! The thrill of this experience left the passengers feeling absolute joy!  Swimming with these majestic creatures is an experience that they will never forget!

Even those that remained on the boat got to see the Dwarf Minke Whales in action as they swam past the boat!

So, all this talk of snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef and swimming with Dwarf Minke Whales making you jealous!? Well you too can have an experience of a life time!

Snorkelling with the Minke whales

The whale season is in full swing and will continue through till August.

Poseidon runs day trips to the Outer Barrier Reef 7 days a week from Port Douglas. Port Douglas is located about 45 minutes drive north of the Cairns CBD. They offer supreme scuba diving and snorkelling experiences. Tours include all your snorkelling equipment, tuition, morning & afternoon tea, and lunch. Scuba diving is an optional extra and a great way to maximise your Great Barrier Reef experience even you’ve never tried it before!

For more information or to secure a booking on the Poseidon Reef Day trip, click here or call us on 1300 761 612