• 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 2026 departure dates. This is an experience the whole family, wildlife lovers and thrill seekers will enjoy!

Discover the thrill of whale watching in Townsville as the warm North Queensland waters become the stage for one of nature’s greatest spectacles — the annual Humpback Whale migration. From mid-July through August, these awe-inspiring giants can be seen showcasing their acrobatic displays just off the Townsville coastline. Each year they travel to Australian tropical waters to breed & give birth.

What to Expect

Step aboard our sleek, modern air-conditioned catamaran for an unforgettable 3-hour Townsville whale watching cruise. This purpose-built vessel offers both spacious indoor seating and expansive outdoor viewing decks to ensure every guest enjoys the best vantage point for spotting whales.

Throughout your cruise, you’ll be treated to expert live commentary from experienced guides who will share fascinating insights about the region’s marine life and the behaviour of the majestic Humpback Whales.

Delight in a freshly prepared morning or afternoon tea as you take in the stunning scenery of Townsville’s coastal waters.

Stay alert for spectacular whale activity such as breaches, tail slaps, fin waves, and other mesmerising behaviours. With a little luck, you may even witness a close encounter that will stay with you long after the tour ends.

This is an ideal experience to share with family and friends, promising a day of natural wonder, excitement, and cherished memories.

Features and Highlights

• Prime whale watching season in Townsville: mid-July to late August
• 3-hour whale watching cruise on a modern air-conditioned catamaran
• Indoor and outdoor viewing areas for uninterrupted whale sightings
• Expert live commentary from knowledgeable local guides
• Morning or afternoon tea included on board
• Opportunity to witness Humpback Whales breaching, tail-slapping, and other behaviours
• Stunning views of Townsville’s picturesque coastline

2026 Tour Dates

July

• Saturday 25th
• Sunday 26th

August

• Saturday 1st
• Sunday 2nd
• Friday 7th
• Saturday 8th
• Sunday 9th
• Friday 14th
• Saturday 15th
• Sunday 16th
• Friday 21st
• Saturday 22nd
• Sunday 23rd
• Friday 28th
• Saturday 29th
• Sunday 30th

See all whale watching tours in Queensland and swim with whale tours.

See all the things you need to know before you go on a whale watching tour here on The Tour Specialists Blog.

Important Information

Dietary requirements:
Our Whale Watching tour is prepared by Michels Catering who provide delicious and nutritious food. An individual morning tea pack is included for each guests and can cater only for the following dietary requirements:

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

If you require any of the above options, please notify us at least 48 hours before departure and we will do our best to accommodate your request. For any further dietary preferences or food allergies, you are welcome to bring your own food in addition to what we can supply.

Drinks

Hot drinks available for purchasing from the Terminal Café, prior tour departure. (not available on-board our vessel)
Cold drinks, snacks kiosk & licensed bar (open from 10.00am) available on-board our vessel.

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.

Travelling with children and infants

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.

Parking

Onsite car parking is $10.00. During peak season (April - September) and weekends we highly recommend arriving early for your tour to allow sufficient time to find alternative options if our car park is full.

Travel and motion sickness

This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. We recommend you eat lightly before and during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to departure.

Departure times and location

Morning Tour

Departure time: 9.00am
Return time: 12.00om (approx.)
Check-in: opens at 8.00am and closes 10 minutes prior departure.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go Whale Watching in Townsville?
The peak of the Whale Watching season in Townsville is between Mid-July to Late-August. Whales are occasionally seen outside of these times off Townsville but they are limited in numbers and often difficult to spot.

What happens if I don’t see a whale on my tour?
Historically we have had 95% strike rate on our tours, we set our start and finish dates in the peak of the season to minimise leaving our guests disappointed. In the rare case we don’t come across any Whales, it is still a great morning/afternoon on the water, and you would have received a 3-hour cruise plus a delicious morning or afternoon tea.

How close can we get to whales?
There are strict guidelines dictating how close any vessel can approach whales. These rules vary based on factors such as whether calves are present in the pod and the number of vessels in the area. Generally, the permitted approach distance ranges from 100 to 300 meters. However, this doesn’t stop curious whales from deciding to come closer for a look at us! At all times, SeaLink prioritizes the safety and enjoyment of both our passengers and the whales.

What time is the best time of day to see whales?
Anytime is a good time to see whales from the water

How big is the boat?
All our Whale Watching vessels are spacious catamarans with at least two passenger decks and spacious outdoor and indoor seating. The large windows provide a great view should you wish to remain seated inside.

Will I see baby whales?
We see many mothers and calves during the whale watching season, however it all depends on whether they want to see us.

Can I interact (feed/swim) with the whales?
Feeding and swimming with the whales is not permitted.

Are we imposing on the whales?
Whilst we are eager observers, ultimately, it’s up to the whales how much interaction they have with us. Whales can dive from 2 to 20 minutes, in any direction, and can out manoeuvre a spectator vessel if they choose. Mostly the whales are as curious of us as we are of them.

What food is included?
A individual morning/afternoon tea pack will be provided for each guest. If you have food allergies or specific dietary requirements, please advise our team at least 48 hours prior to departure where possible we will endeavour to meet your request.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible. All SeaLink vessels are wheelchair accessible, for toilet use travel in the lower cabin is required.

I’m travelling from Magnetic Island, do you provide a pick up for this tour?
No, unfortunately this takes too much time out of the tour itinerary. SeaLink will however provide Magnetic Island guests with a complimentary return ticket to make their way to Townsville prior to the tour. Please see our website for a list of departure times. Tickets are available for collection from the Nelly Bay office or on board on the day of travel, please show your booking number or travel itinerary.

Can I BYO alcohol?
All SeaLink vessels are fully licensed venues, all liquor must be purchased and consumed on-board (BYO liquor is not permitted). Our on-board bar is open for the duration of the tour for the purchase of light snacks and refreshments (alcoholic drinks available from 10am).

Can i fly a drone on this tour?
No, unfortunately it is not possible to fly a drone 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

Departs 9.00am, returns 12.00pm (approx.)

Departure Instructions

• Check in opens at 8.00am and closes 10 minutes prior departure.
• Departs from Townsville Breakwater Marina, SeaLink Terminal

Destinations

Magnetic Island

Months of Operation

July - August

Days of Operation

Friday - Sunday

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