• 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. 

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 option Swim with the Whales or spot them from above in an aircraft.

What to Expect

Discover one of Australia’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences on a half-day whale watching tour in Hervey Bay, with the unique opportunity to swim with humpback whales. Witness these magnificent creatures as they frolic in the warm waters off Queensland’s coast, guided by a professional crew with over 30 years of expertise.

Whether you’re capturing breathtaking photos, learning about whale behaviour, or taking the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Features and Highlights

Whale Watching Experience

• Peak Whale Watching Season:
  • Late July to early September is the ideal time to witness humpback whales in their natural habitat.
  • After this period, mothers and calves arrive, and legislation prohibits swimming with whales to ensure their safety.
• Expert Crew:
  • Over 30 years of experience delivering safe and educational whale-watching experiences.
  • Guided commentary to enhance your understanding of whale behaviour.

Optional Swim with the Whales

• Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity:
  • Bring your swimmers and towel for the chance to swim with humpback whales.
  • Snorkelling gear (mask and snorkel) is provided, but you can bring your own equipment.
• Conditions Apply:
  • Swimming with whales is subject to weather and sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
  • An additional $100 fee applies, refunded if the swim is unsuccessful.
  • Swimming is only available from late July to early September.

Purpose-Built Whale Watching Boat

• Designed for Comfort and Safety:
  • Spacious upper deck offering 360-degree views for optimal whale watching.
  • Large, curved balconies on the upper and lower decks extend over the water for a unique vantage point.
• Accessibility:
  • Ramps between the main and fore decks ensure freedom of movement for all passengers, including those with disabilities.
• Additional Features:
  • Fore deck with two bow spits, allowing close-up views of dolphins riding the bow waves (conditions permitting).

Onboard Facilities

• Refreshments:
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, and morning/afternoon tea provided.
  • Licensed kiosk offering drinks, snacks, sandwiches, hot pies, hot dogs, and ice cream.
• Souvenirs:
  • Purchase memorabilia, film, and other keepsakes onboard to commemorate your experience.

Spotter Aircraft

• Enhanced Whale Spotting:
  • The only Hervey Bay whale-watching company with a spotter aircraft, ensuring the best chances of finding whales.
  • Used during challenging spotting conditions or at the start and end of the season.
• Optional Scenic Flights:
  • Passengers can purchase seats on the spotter aircraft to experience the thrill of aerial whale spotting.

Book your Hervey Bay whale watching tour today and create unforgettable memories with Australia’s majestic humpback whales. Whether you choose to stay on deck or take the plunge, this experience is truly one of a kind.

To explore more Whale tours off the Queensland Coast, visit our website.

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.

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
2026 Whale Season 11/07/2026 to 18/10/26

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, 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

• Hat
• Sense of adventure
• Camera (preferably waterproof)
• 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.