Top Queensland Whale Watching

Spotting whales in their natural habitat can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Skip the guesswork on this whale-watching cruise, which guarantees you will see humpback whales as they migrate past the Gold Coast from June to November or you receive a complimentary second cruise. The tour is led by a marine biologist guide who is passionate about conservation and offers insights into whale behavior that enrich the experience. Includes morning tea and a photo booklet souvenir.

Maximize your chances of spotting whales on this half-day cruise from Hervey Bay. Hop aboard a purpose-built vessel designed for comfort, visibility, and responsible eco-tourism, and listen as the crew guides you through close-up whale encounters and shares insights into their behavior. Listen to whales sing via an onboard hydrophone, and watch for other marine life as you cruise the bay.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise off shore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from on board your comfortable boat. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

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.

Spot humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment on this half-day Hervey Bay catamaran cruise. Observe the majestic sea creatures using the boat’s underwater viewing windows or listen to the whales sing using the onboard hydrophones. Learn all about the gentle giants from your expert guide, then tuck into morning or afternoon tea as you watch the whales from the deck.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Search for whales during this 8-hour wildlife-watching tour from Hervey Bay. Aboard a fully equipped catamaran that can accommodate up to 24 guests, sail out to Fraser Island's Platypus Bay. Climb on to the submerged platform to view whales in the water at a safe distance, and use the boat's hydrophone to hear their songs. Tea and a buffet lunch included.

Many whale-watching tours only allow you to see the majestic creatures from a distance, but on this Fraser Island tour you’ll get the chance to swim with them. Visit the more remote parts of the island that many visitors skip, and have fun bushwalking, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. On board the boat, look out for humpback whales and, if the conditions are right, take a dip in the sea beside them.

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.

In a small group with a maximum of eight people we will spend 3-4 hours offshore with the Humpback whales. There are over 35,000 Humpbacks on Australia's East coast so sightings are guaranteed although the whales decide if they want to swim with us. Our skipper is highly experienced swimming with whales around the World and is very familiar with identifying happy and curious whale behaviour. Our group size is kept to a minimum of just eight swimmers to increase the chances of a unique and special encounter. Despite their size humpbacks can be shy and large groups of people in the water are definitely not ideal for a good whale interaction. To keep you warm we have 5mm freedive suits with hoods and quality masks and fins. Our boat is fast and comfortable and gets us to the Whales quickly.

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.

- Amazing whale encounters the eco way by ocean kayaks - Australia's most unique whale watching experience - National Park & 4x4 adventure, seeing whales on a thrilling beach drive - Crystal clear waters of Honeymoon Bay & ancient coloured sand cliffs - A natural whale sanctuary Each year, around 40,000 humpback whales migrate along this coastline, with some resting in the calm waters of Double Island Point with their calves, offering rare and unforgettable wildlife moments in a truly protected environment. The remote setting of our tours means fewer crowds, cleaner waters, and a more authentic connection to nature.

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.

Enjoy a relaxing yet activity-filled half-day on Magnetic Island. On board the cruise you’ll learn about the unique biodiversity of this island from your local guides. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boards are provided so you can fully explore the underwater environment of Magnetic Island’s fringing reef. This is a fun trip for the whole family.

Spot majestic humpback whales swimming and diving in the waves of Hervey Bay on this 4-hour cruise. Set sail across past Fraser Island, as you search for the gentle giants, who migrate to Australia’s warm waters between July and October. Make the most of your boat’s four viewing decks to get up close to the whales, then enjoy a delicious morning or afternoon tea served on deck as you cruise back to shore.

Discover the thrill of sailing on this luxurious half day Moreton Bay cruise departing from Raby Bay in Cleveland. Learn to sail on a large catamaran as you explore the pristine waters of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Catering for couples, families, singles and groups, this Moreton Bay adventure guarantees a relaxing afternoon for all ages. Passengers can take to the helm and learn how to sail, enjoy a refreshing dip in the glistening waters or try their hand at stand-up paddle boarding, sunbathe on a sandy beach within a untouched national park island or relax with a glass of champagne on the front net as you glide across the bay. Antipasto boards and seasonal fruit platters are served as you cruise the tranquil waters. You may even be joined by dolphins, turtles, seabirds and dugongs that call this beautiful bay home.

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

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.

Spend a day immersed in nature, without worrying about logistics, on this day trip from Cairns. Experience the natural wonders of Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands and visit different parts of the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest. Explore waterfalls like Josephine and Millaa Millaa, swim in Lake Eacham, and see the Cathedral Fig Tree, with lots of time for swimming and a flexible itinerary adapts to weather and group preferences.

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.