Top Queensland Dolphin Watching in 2026

Maximize your chances of seeing whales off the coast of Hervey Bay with this morning or afternoon half-day cruise. Ride the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay in a stable catamaran that offers superior comfort and clear views of passing marine life, which may also includes dolphins, turtles and seabirds, and perhaps even a dingo on the sandy beach at Fraser Island.

Don't just see the Whales, EXPERIENCE THEM! Our experience is like no other! Onboard our new state-of-the-art vessel, we are able to get you to the whales a lot quicker, meaning more time watching whales and less time travelling! With 360 degree views from all positions onboard, and limited tickets onboard, you'll always have prime views and never have to battle crowds. Our professional crew onboard also offer great commentary of the whales through the surround speakers. We offer the best experience, and the best whale views, unobstructed by crowds onboard the SAFEST & FASTEST whale watching vessel. Awarded QUEENSLAND'S NEW TOURISM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!

Some call Hervey Bay the Whale Watch Capital of the World for the migrating humpbacks which glide through between July and late October. Marvel at these playful 44-ton (40-tonne) mammals from the comfortable MV Amaroo catamaran with guaranteed sightings (conditions apply). While packages include morning or afternoon tea on board.

Such a unique experience with Whalesongs Noosa. Come aboard with us and see our stunning National Park from the ocean. Our local dolphins are nearly always sighted and love to come and play around the boat. We often see turtles, fish, jellyfish and all sorts of marine life. We always have a dolphin/whale researcher onboard to answer your questions and share knowledge and facts. We also have a hydrophone we put into the ocean to play live on our speakers the amazing sounds and communications of the whale and dolphin pods. You haven't met them till you hear their songs and sounds. You can even record these sounds on your phone to take home and share with friends and family. A trip you will remember always.

Experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with migrating whales on this half-day cruise from Brisbane, available only between June and November. Set sail around Moreton Bay on a luxurious high-speed catamaran and tuck into a delicious buffet lunch on-board as you soak up the scenery. Finally, keep your camera to hand as you spot humpback whales swimming and breaching beside the ship – a rare opportunity to spot the gentle giants in their natural environment.

Experience the marine life of the Great Sandy Strait and K’gari on a morning dolphin-watching tour from Hervey Bay. Ride aboard a smaller boat that allows for a more personalized experience as you look for two dolphin species, sea turtles, and other animals. The tour includes time for boom-netting and a swim at K’gari (in the warmer months), and morning tea is served on board.

Noosa is known for being a great spot on Queensland’s coast to see whales close to shore, but knowing where to look and what you’re looking at can be tricky. With this boat tour, you’ll travel with a whale and dolphin researcher to learn more about these marine mammals and listen to a hydrophone to hear dolphins and whales communicating in real time.

Sample the natural beauty of the Gold Coast, without having to buy or rent equipment, with this outdoor adventure. Hop on a sea kayak and paddle your way over to Wave Break Island for a guided snorkel over a rocky reef and a short bushwalk. Spot dolphins and stingrays, then enjoy tasty, locally sourced snacks before returning to shore.

Visit Noosa’s beautiful National Marine Park on a leisurely boat ride with just a small group. Your skipper knows the best areas to spot marine life, so keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins, and seabirds as you cruise along the coastline and past some of Noosa’s most beautiful natural landmarks.

Get into a kayak for an amazing guided trip from Rainbow beach, but first get into a 4WD zipping up the sand to the Great Sandy National Park where you get to the kayak starting point, Double Island Point. Your experience is all planned out for you, so you just need to enjoy the ride, and keep an eye out for Bottlenose dolphins, Humpback whales, turtles and rays!

Set sail from Brisbane across Moreton Bay with a small group—and let the crew take care of all the details—on this half-day marine adventure. Climb aboard a catamaran and learn sailing basics, enjoy snacks and drinks, and hop off for a swim or paddleboard in the clear waters. Look out for dolphins, turtles, dugong, stingrays, migratory birds and stop at a national park island’s white sand beach.

The Gold Coast Broadwater is an estuary north of Surfers Paradise, known for sheltered waters, island beaches, and dolphins. Working out where to go and what do there can be hard visiting on your own. With this tour, your guide will get you set up kayak equipment and snorkeling gear for you to visit nearby Wavebreak Island. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin in the area.

Unlike standard whale watching boat tours, this experience is a full-day eco adventure into the remote Great Sandy National Park from Noosa. Your tour includes: - Scenic 4WD beach transport through the National Park - Access to remote coastal locations unreachable by regular vehicles - Small group guided ocean kayaking - Quiet, low-impact whale encounters with no engine noise - A more personal and immersive wildlife experience - Opportunities to encounter dolphins, turtles, rays and more - Time spent in pristine natural surroundings far from crowded tourist vessels - Crystal clear waters of Honeymoon Bay & ancient coloured sand cliffs - A natural whale sanctuary Rather than viewing whales from a large boat amongst crowds, our tours focus on respectful encounters in nature, allowing wildlife experiences to happen naturally and on the whales’ terms. This is more than just whale watching — it’s a complete Great Sandy National Park adventure experience.

Swim with whales on the Gold Coast with this guided half day excursion. Get eye to eye with these amazing, gentle creatures in either the Gold Coast, Coolangatta, or Tweed heads area. Your guide will do everything they can to find humpback whales for you to swim with. Coffee/ tea and fresh fruit will be provided after the swim, and snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and spray jackets included.

Explore the waters of Hervey Bay in search of whales on this guided whale-watching expedition. Board a rigid inflatable boat, then head out to the watery paths where humpback whales migrate and birth their calves. Enjoy water-level views of whales, listen to commentary and interpretations from a marine naturalist guide, and listen to whale communications on an underwater hydrophone.