So the word is out that Hervey Bay is one of the very best places in the world to see whales. Here at the world’s first Whale Heritage Site, from mid-July right up until late October, you can enjoy seeing humpback whales frolic in their favourite tropical holiday destination. There is no staring contest quite like the one that whale watchers experience in Hervey Bay’s waters. Expect money-back guaranteed sightings with our passionate and dedicated whale-fleet. Whilst the whales will always put on a great show, there is so much variety between our different cruises that will cater to any needs your crew require onboard.
Spirit of Hervey Bay
The largest boat in our fleet, Spirit of Hervey Bay offers guests 6 viewing decks spread over 6 spacious levels to give those onboard all the best vantage points and personal space needed for some serious whale watching. Enjoy underwater viewing windows and an open-air top deck to see these 40-tonne animals up-close from above and below!
Spirit of Hervey Bay run two half-day trips every day during the season (including courtesy bus pickup/drop-offs) and have been doing so for over 30 years. They are just that confident that you will have a great experience, that they offer a money-back guarantee if no whales are sighted during your trip. *
Tasman Venture Hervey Bay
Tasman Venture commenced whale watching cruises in Hervey Bay back in 1991. The large and fast catamaran is fully licensed and equipped with a 360-degree viewing deck with wheelchair access, underwater viewing rooms, Wi-fi, hydrophone, a comfortable air-conditioned cabin during those hot or colder days, morning/afternoon tea served on each cruise as well as a water-level platform on the back deck that can be lowered to get you just that much closer during the right conditions.
Tasman Venture operates two cruises daily (including courtesy bus pickup/drop-offs) during the whale watching season with sightings guaranteed. Their sister ship, Pure Dive, also offer a full-day Remote Fraser Island and Whale Experience, where the more adventurous can test the waters even further and swim with these majestic giants during the right conditions.
Boat Club Adventure Cruises
The M.V. Amaroo is a purpose-built whale watching vessel and offers a half-day cruise departing each morning and afternoon from the Boat Club, Hervey Bay. A courtesy bus can pick you up and drop you back to your accommodation should you need, and morning/afternoon tea is served onboard each cruise.
The comfortable and stable ship is fully licensed and features an air-conditioned cabin, three viewing decks, hydrophone and underwater camera so you don’t miss any of the action.
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Quick Cat II is a purpose-built catamaran, featuring five viewing decks split over three different levels to give you all the #instaworthy angles whilst enjoying the whales in an uncrowded environment. The 360-degree viewing deck downstairs is perfect for prams and wheelchair access so no one has to miss out on the action.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, there are many different ways to design your cruise whilst onboard the family-run Quick Cat II. Enjoy a half-day whale watching cruise departing Hervey Bay each morning and afternoon (including courtesy bus pickup/drop-offs), with whale swimming on the cards during the right conditions. You can also combine your cruise with a packaged deal to visit Fraser Island as well with Whales & Fraser Island Trails, or a Whales & Lunch at Fraser Island’s Kingfisher Bay Resort. Find out more
Whalesong Cruises
The M.V. Whalesong 2 was built in 2010 designed for eco-friendly whale watching. The use of smaller, more modern engines means Whalesong saves fuel and therefore carbon emissions. The wide and water-level decks allow for great viewing conditions and wheelchair access for all guests travelling onboard. There is also a comfortable sheltered cabin to cater for all weather, a hydrophone, free Wi-fi, morning/afternoon tea AND lunch served onboard each cruise and licenced bar facilities available for purchase (whale watching can be thirsty work!).
Whalesong offer half-day whale watching tours departing daily each morning and afternoon or an extended morning cruise for those who want to ‘seas’ the day and spend just that little bit longer with the gentle giants.
Blue Dolphin Marine Tours
The most intimate experiences in the fleet, Blue Dolphin Marine Tours‘ Exclusive Whale Encounters takes a maximum of 20 guests for a full-day whale-watching cruise. Onboard you are almost at eye level with the whales. Enjoy the serenity away from the crowds to allow for a more personal encounter.
The luxurious 11.6m catamaran was launched in 2011, equipped with wide decks and undercover seating when you have had too much sun, a full walk-in bathroom and hydrophone to listen to the whales whilst watching them up close.
Hervey Bay Dive Centre
Hervey Bay Dive Centre boasts the region’s only solely dedicated whale swim experience. Onboard the M.V. Arcadia, a modern 12m Cougar Cat that boasts a fast, safe and comfortable ride, guests can enjoy the fully walk-around lower deck plus upper viewing deck, as well as the fully licenced facilities and full-sized toilet. Allowing a maximum of 33 passengers, it too is one of the smallest vessels in the Hervey Bay whale watching fleet.
The family-run business ‘thrives on living life to the fullest and this is demonstrated in the way we deliver our services’. The up-close ¾ day whale encounter includes guaranteed sightings (between August 1-October 14) or your money back. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are also included during your trip, as well as all your snorkelling gear and wetsuits provided onboard.
Freedom Whale Watch and Dive Charters
Previously owned by renowned documentary producer, Ben Cropp, Freedom III is a stable and comfortable 19m catamaran with 360-degree whale viewing split across all three levels – plus a water-viewing level so you don’t miss any of the whaley exciting action! The vessel is also equipped with 3 toilets, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, hydraulic lift platform as well as fully licenced facilities.
The full-day cruise includes courtesy bus pickup/drop-offs, morning tea, tropical buffet lunch and afternoon tea, as well as an information session on the way out so you can fully appreciate these amazing animals.
Pacific Whale Foundation Australia
With over 30 years of experience in Hervey Bay and nearly 4 decades of marine animal research and conservation around the world, Pacific Whale Foundation offers shorter, 3-hour tours departing three times a day during the whale watching season. The low profile, eco-friendly Ocean Defender vessel with 360-degree ‘whale’s eye’ views, offers personalised whale watch and swim tours carrying a maximum of only 40 passengers.
Enjoy interacting with the onboard whale researcher, listen to live whale songs on the underwater hydrophone, hear expert commentary from one of the certified naturalists as well as contributing to the ongoing research being conducted by the foundation in Hervey Bay with guaranteed sightings and free snacks and soft drinks provided.
* Terms and conditions apply