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QueenslandDolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Queensland Dolphin & whale watching

Hervey Bay: Ultimate Whale Watching Experience

1. Hervey Bay: Ultimate Whale Watching Experience

This whale watching tour is led by certified marine naturalists who provide expert interpretation of the amazing whale behaviors you'll encounter. As an exclusive, you'll also interact with an onboard whale researcher. Listen to live whale songs with underwater hydrophones and learn the latest whale facts and findings. Drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are all available onboard. You'll cruise in comfort on Hervey Bay's newest, a state-of-the-art vessel the Ocean Defender. Enjoy a fast, smooth ride with panoramic water-level views from forward-facing seats offering plenty of shade. On this small-group tour, there are excellent photo opportunities. The Ocean Defender is eco-friendly, fully licensed, and follows all regulations for whale protection. Enjoy the knowledge that your ticket supports whale research, marine education, and ocean conservation in Australia and around the world. 

Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

2. Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Come join this family-owned and operated business with over 20 years whale watching experience, committed to offering you the best customer service and memories to last a lifetime. With caring and knowledgeable crew who are focused on your comfort and safety as well as guaranteed whale sightings, you can travel with peace of mind. Within minutes of departure, Spirit of Gold Coast will have you up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they embark on their annual migration along the east coast of Australia. This amazing journey is a truly captivating experience, as right before your very eyes these 40-ton Humpback Whales breach, wave their pectoral fins and slap their tails. Join us for the journey of a lifetime - a memorable adventure to be shared with friends and family.

Hervey Bay: Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

3. Hervey Bay: Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

Hervey Bay Whale Watch offer 2 Half Day Whale Watching tours on our purpose built catamaran 'Quick Cat II' designed to specifically enhance your whale watching experience. The vessel was designed and built right here in Hervey Bay and features 5 viewing decks on 3 different levels to ensure uncrowded and unobstructed views. The vessel has various vantage points from right on the water line, to the third story rooftop viewing platform where you feel on top of the world. We also offer Incredible and exclusive opportunities to enhance your tours with exciting add on options making us the best value whale tour on the Fraser Coast!

Hervey Bay 4-Hour Whale Watch Encounter

4. Hervey Bay 4-Hour Whale Watch Encounter

This half-day whale watch cruise departs twice daily from the Hervey Bay Marina on the luxury 20-meter catamaran Tasman Venture. Experience a tranquil cruise across the Great Sandy Strait and past rugged islands before sailing along the pristine western side of World Heritage-listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). The catamaran was specifically designed for whale watching, offering clear viewing decks, underwater viewing windows and a unique water-level viewing platform for the ultimate personal experience. Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime up-close and personal encounters with the majestic humpback whales and marvel at their sheer size and athleticism. Friendly, experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour and serve a morning or afternoon tea and delicious antipasti platter.

Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour: Snorkel, Walk & Whitehaven

5. Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour: Snorkel, Walk & Whitehaven

Ride, snorkel, and bushwalk as you embark on the perfect Whitehaven Beach tour, visiting both ends of the world-famous beach. Take off on the ride of your life in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and enjoy a guided nature walk, inner coral reef snorkeling, personalized snorkel instruction, and more. Departing from Airlie Beach, climb aboard the fastest day boat in the Whitsundays. Experience an informative ride and thrilling adventure on super fast semi-rigid inflatable vessels capable of speeds of up to 35 knots (65 kilometers per hour). Select the North Whitehaven option for an eco-adventure popular amongst avid snorkellers. This includes two different snorkel destinations, a visit to the beach at Hill Inlet, and a guided National Park walk to the lookout above the silica sand of Whitehaven. Select the South Whitehaven option for more beach time. Enjoy at least two hours of relaxing on the white silica sand, and a guided walk to Hill Inlet for breathtaking views of the tropical waters. Snorkel for over an hour amid corals and fringing reefs. Whatever option you choose, enjoy the only tour in the Whitsundays to have direct access to Hill Inlet beaches at Whitehaven. Have peace of mind by traveling with an advanced ecotourism-certified, climate change business and green travel leader. A tropical lunch pack is available to be pre-booked at the check out and paid for on the day of the tour. Water, soft drinks, beer, fruit juices, and chocolates are also available for sale on board or you can bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and lunch.

Noosa: Humpback Whale Watching Tour

6. Noosa: Humpback Whale Watching Tour

Witness the majestic beauty of the humpback whale in the ocean off the coast of Noosa during their annual migration. Begin with a relaxing cruise down the Noosa River where you’ll soak up the sights and fantastic views of Noosa from the water. Then, your captain cruises out into the ocean in search of the friendly giants. Your nature-focused cruise will take you to locations that cannot be fully appreciated from the land, including amazing natural cliff formations, emerald forests, hidden coves, and sweeping beaches. Upon locating the whales, enjoy an awe-inspiring experience as you watch these playful giants frolic in their natural habitat. See breaches, tail lobs, and pectoral slaps as part of a spectacular display.

Mooloolaba: Whale Watching Cruise

7. Mooloolaba: Whale Watching Cruise

Cruise from Mooloolaba Wharf for the chance to see whales on this boat tour. Hear the song of the whales with the onboard hydrophone. Sail on a fast boat to ensure that you get as much time with the whales as possible.  Embark from Mooloolaba Wharf and enjoy panoramic views of the coast as you head to the whale watching location. Relax in a comfortable seat with a high back. Feel the power of the engine as you speed to your destination.  Listen to commentary from you skipper to learn about these mysterious creatures. Watch as the whales breach, slap the water with their massive tails, and perform spy hops and peduncle throws.

Fraser Island (K'gari): Remote Island and Whale Experience

8. Fraser Island (K'gari): Remote Island and Whale Experience

On this full-day excursion, you’ll cruise the Great Sandy Strait along the pristine shores of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). The fast and comfortable 20 meter catamaran is perfect for a small number of passengers ensuring an intimate, personalized tour. Spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds and dingoes as you enjoy a light morning tea. An amphibious watercraft will take you to the western side of World Heritage-listed K’gari, driving right onto the beach to ensure you remain dry and comfortable. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Wathumba Creek during a range of activities including snorkeling with turtles, kayaking, tubing, beach walks or a sand dune climb. Following a delicious buffet lunch served on the boat, the tour continues to Awinya or Bowarrady Creek. Enjoy the diverse natural surroundings and a variety of water activities. Be on the look out for Humpback whales and experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they frolic in the calm clear waters off K’gari. Marvel at their sheer athleticism as they explode out of the water in a spectacular breach or be awestruck as you come face to face as they spy hop right next to the boat. Be one of the few and very fortunate to experience an intimate, immersive whale experience that allows you to get closer to these creatures than ever before as you swim with them in their own natural environment (subject to conditions). The friendly and experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour as well as serving afternoon tea. The tour concludes with a relaxing cruise back to the Hervey Bay Marina.

Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale Watching Experience

9. Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale Watching Experience

Hervey Bay has a reputation as one the best places in the world in which to observe Humpback whales, enjoy this excursion with the guarantee of seeing these wonderful animals. See these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat on this enthralling half–day tour.  Depart from your hotel or accommodation in Hervey Bay and travel to the marina to begin your aquatic adventure. Travel across the beautiful blue, clear water of Hervey Bay and take in the stunning views. Spot humpback and other majestic species of whales as they frolic in the water. Look out also for birds, turtles, dugongs and 3 different species of dolphin. While you watch whales and a whole host of wonderful sea creatures, the friendly crew will serve morning tea and lunch (on Extended Morning cruise) or afternoon tea and dinner (on Afternoon and Sunset cruise).

Airlie: Adventure Jet Ski Tour From Airlie Beach

10. Airlie: Adventure Jet Ski Tour From Airlie Beach

Get your adrenaline rushing with a 1.5-hour jet ski adventure from Airlie Beach. Delight in the informative and entertaining commentary provided by your qualified tour guide, and spot sea turtles in the turquoise waters. Depart from Airlie Beach and drive your latest model Sea-Doo jet ski out to view the Whitsunday Islands from the protection of the coastline. Explore Airlie's beautiful bays and the picturesque world heritage Whitsunday Island Marine Park. Keep your eye out for the area's famous turtles, as well as dugongs, seabirds, and seasonal humpback whales from July to September. Take home memories of your experience with free of charge photos provided on Facebook after your tour. No license is required for this tour, and no experience is necessary.

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What people are saying about Queensland

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 97 reviews

The whole exp was great !! We were picked from Gold Coast on tym & the operator was so nice to talk . She was very polite & made our journey comfortable till we reached the cruise. The staff & captain were really nice & and understanding. The food was amazing& place was really clean . The snorkelling exp was great as we never did in deep water with tide. We were to spot dolphins to our way back.We really had a fun tym!!

Tour guides very friendly and knowledgeable. Terrible weather the day we went and they did everything to make it good. Unlimited tea and coffee on board, morning tea was biscuits (arnotts). Boom net was fantastic fun. Beautiful scenery. Highly recommend.

We booked this at the last minute & so very glad we did. Affordable price & the staff were great. The kids loved swimming in the boom net. Would definitely recommend doing this cruise.

An absolutely perfect day. The events were wonderful, food delicious and staff incredible. One of my top highlights of my Australia trip.

Long trip out to the island, but captain and crew made the time pass quickly, water life sightings were great!