Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise
Description
We advocate for healthy oceans - join us on our Ultimate Whale Watch and become an ocean advocate too! Cruise in comfort on our 12m rigid inflatable boat, the Ocean Defender, purpose-built for small-group tours and whale watching. Enjoy a stunning scenic ride offering panoramic views of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) as you head into the protected waters of Platypus Bay, the world's first Whale Heritage Site - a unique resting area and playground for the East Australian Humpbacks on their migration - part of the Great Sandy Biosphere and Great Sandy Marine Park. The tour is led by marine scientists, providing expert interpretation of whale behaviours, as well as facts and findings from ongoing, world-leading research. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones. Take lots of photos from water-level views, and become an advocate for healthy oceans by supporting whale research, marine education and ocean conservation in Australia.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- No children under 6 allowed on this tour
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- We do not provide pick up or drop off services.
Reviews(265)
No whales. Don’t bother doing this early in the season, there is nothing to see. Do it later in the season so you have a gauranteed sighting or your money back.
Wonderful, it was the first day of the season trip; staff were knowledgeable & focused; we even stayed out on the ocean a bit longer in order to view whales & dolphins that surfaced later afternoon. Also enjoyed the indigenous staff member’s perspective & contribution. A happy family day and awe-inspiring, Thank You!
Fabulous tour on 1st July. Grear tour guide who was very knowledgeable and told us lots about the whales. We saw young whales & dolphins, both separately & hanging out together. Amazing pics & videos taken. We’ll be back during season to see even more.
Issy n the crew were great. Full of lots of info. Very happy with our fellow passenger that spotted the last couple of whales. Nice to see a duo jump n whales hanging out with 🐬
It sounds like you had an incredible time! 😄 We're so glad to hear that Issy and the team made your tour informative and enjoyable. Spotting those magnificent whales along with the playful dolphins must have been a magical experience. 🐬🐋 It's wonderful to have such enthusiastic fellow passengers who share the joy of these remarkable sightings. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us! 🌊
Great experience, friendly crew and seen whales in their glory, would go again.
Your words truly make our day! 🌊 We're delighted you had such a great experience with our friendly crew and enjoyed witnessing the whales in all their glory. 🐋 Knowing you'd like to join us again warms our hearts. Until your next adventure with us on the ocean waves! 🌺
Had an amazing whale watching tour with this great research company. We saw several whales close up and the knowledge of the guide made it even more special. I would highly recommend this foundation and trip.
It's fantastic to hear that you had such a memorable whale watching experience with us! 🐋 The close encounters with the whales and our guide's insights truly make the journey special. We are so grateful for your recommendation and delighted that you enjoyed your time with us. Hope to see you on another adventure soon! 🌊
The staff were very professional whilst making the whole experience very enjoyable. Isabelle the marine biologist was so knowledgeable about whales and shared her passion about marine protection. We especially liked the fact that the company supports marine conservation and research. The skipper had a great sense of humour. A whale watching experience is a must do activity in Hervey Bay.
We're beyond appreciative of your kind words! 😊 It's heartening to hear that you enjoyed such a fun and informative whale watching experience with us. Isabelle and our team love sharing their passion with our guests, and it's great to know the humor of our skipper added some extra joy to the journey. Knowing you value our marine conservation efforts means the world to us. Thanks for making our day with this review and for recommending us as a must-do activity in Hervey Bay! 🐳
We had the most incredible time - small vessel so we felt closer to the whales, excellent commentary from a specialist, small group of people, and we got to listen to the whales with an underwater microphone which was fascinating. Would definitely take friends and family on this tour again.
It's amazing to know you had such an incredible experience, Melissa B! 🐋 The unique intimacy of our small vessel and the chance to listen to the whales through the underwater microphone do make for a special trip. We're thrilled to hear our specialist's commentary added to the magic of the experience. Thank you for the glowing recommendation—looking forward to welcoming you and your loved ones aboard again! 🌊
Our whale watching cruise was nothing short of extraordinary. We were fortunate to have incredible weather and to witness a variety of whale behaviours from several groups just meters from the boat—an awe-inspiring sight that left us speechless. The water was crystal clear, the views of the bay and K’Gari were stunning, and the commentary was both insightful and unobtrusive. The atmosphere on board was one of quiet respect and shared wonder, with each passenger having ample opportunity to observe and photograph the whales without disruption. The crew’s relaxed expertise and thoughtful approach deepened the sense of connection to the experience. It was an unforgettable encounter—serene, intimate, and highly recommended for anyone seeking a truly magical moment in nature.
NatAttacksBack, your words paint such a vivid picture of the day, and we're thrilled you found the experience extraordinary! 🐋 There's something truly magical about being surrounded by the majestic whales, and it sounds like you captured some wonderful moments. We're glad the serene atmosphere and our crew's laid-back approach contributed to your connection with nature. Thank you for sharing your awe and for recommending our cruise to others. We can't wait to welcome you aboard for more unforgettable adventures in the future! 🌊
Love the fact that this company is involved in marine research; smaller boat meant we got close & personal with a couple of whales who "mugged" our boat for about an hour. Breathtaking! Our guide was so knowledgeable, our captain so competent and the whales so awe- inspiring, it was one of the top experiences of our lives. Well worth it. Thanks!
Hi Bouffer9! 🌊 It's absolutely amazing to hear about your breathtaking whale encounter with us! 🐋 The close connection with the whales, guided by our knowledgeable crew, really makes for a special journey, doesn't it? We're thrilled you had such an awe-inspiring experience, and it speaks volumes that you felt it was one of the top experiences of your lives. Thank you for sharing this moment with us! 😊
