• 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 optional Swim with the Whales opportunity.

Whale watching tours from Hervey Bay in Queensland, Australia.

Join us for an opportunity to watch whales and maybe have the opportunity to swim with the whales, yes that's right you may just get that once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with giant humpback whales! 

Experience the beauty of the majestic humpback whales as they frolic in the warm waters off Hervey Bay with Australia's most experienced whale watch crew with over 30 years experience. 

When is the Best Time to Swim With Humpback Whales? 

The peak time in Hervey Bay to swim with whales are in the months of late July to early September.

After this time the mothers and calves begin to arrive so legislation prohibits whale swims with mothers and calves. 

Purpose Built Whale Watching Boat

Built for whale watching your half day cruise offers the best opportunities for capturing the pefect photo while whale watching.  

With the emphasis again on passenger safety and comfort the upper deck gives a 360 degrees view with both the upper and lower rear deck offering large curved balconies that have passengers out over the water for a birds eye view of the humpback whales at play in the water.

With the use of ramps running from the main deck to the fore deck allows both able-bodied and disabled passengers freedom to move right round the main decks. The fore deck also offers two large bow spits, that conditions permitting, allow passengers to view dolphins riding the bow waves.

Onboard Facilities

During your half day Hervey Bay whale watching tour the friendly crew will provide complimentary tea, coffee and morning/afternoon tea. 

Additional drinks and snacks are also available for purchase with a fully licensed kiosk.  Passengers can purchase souvenirs, film, sandwiches, hot pies, hot dogs, ice creams, drinks etc.

How Do You Get An Opportunity To Swim With The Humpback Whales?

For the ultimate up close and personal experience with the humpback whales, ensure to bring your swimmers, towel and you may bring own snorkel gear (Mask & Snorkel is provided). 

Please note swimming with the whales are subject to conditions on the day and cannot be guaranteed. 

An additional $100 is payable onboard and will be refunded if your whale swim is unsuccesful.

Swimming with whales cannot be booked online. The best months for swimming with the whales are late July to early September. 

We are the only company which owns a spotter aircraft. While years ago it was essential that the eye in the sky was out there, these days the air craft is used more as a security measure being used daily at the start and end of the season and on days when spotting from the vessels may be a little harder than normal.

Seats are available for purchase to experience the feeling that Brian had when he flew the first day that the whale watching industry was born 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
15/07/24 to 15/10/24

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

• 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.

• 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.