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Sightseeing Cruises

From Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale Watching Cruise with Marine Biologist

Tourist photographing humpback whale spouting in Hervey Bay's blue waters.
Two women take a selfie on a boat as a humpback whale swims by in Hervey Bay.
Tourists on a Hervey Bay cruise watch a humpback whale's tail fluke.
Woman on boat reaching towards humpback whale in Hervey Bay.

Duration

3 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

    • Watch humpback whales up close on a 3-hour eco cruise from Hervey Bay with expert guides, snacks, and water-level viewing platforms.

    • See the whales breach and tail-slap just metres from the boat, with a hydrophone onboard to let you hear their underwater songs.

    • Enjoy real-time commentary from marine experts who explain whale behavior, biology, and the importance of ocean conservation.

    • Kids receive a junior naturalist activity booklet, making it an engaging and educational adventure for the whole family.

    • 3-hour whale watching cruise

    • Live commentary by expert marine naturalist

    • Exclusive interaction with onboard marine biologist

    • Access to onboard hydrophone & underwater viewing window

    • Snacks & beverages

    • Junior naturalist whale watch guide activity booklet for kids

    • Sighting guarantee (Get a return ticket, if no whales spotted)

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Cruise alongside humpback whales and hear them sing on a 3-hour eco tour from Hervey Bay, guided by marine researchers and complete with hydrophone audio and water-level views.

    Getting started

    Your tour begins with check-in at the Ocean Store, located at the Great Sandy Straits Marina. After a short safety briefing, you’ll board the high-speed, eco-certified Ocean Defender catamaran, purpose-built for intimate wildlife viewing and guided by an experienced crew of marine naturalists.

    What to expect

    • A fast route to the whales: Cruise quickly to Platypus Bay, where humpback whales come to rest and play. These calm waters offer some of Australia’s most consistent and intimate whale encounters.

    • Close encounters at eye level: Watch whales breach, tail-slap, and spy-hop right beside the boat. Step onto the water-level viewing platform or peer through the underwater window for a rare below-the-surface look.

    • Live whale songs & expert commentary: Listen to real-time whale songs through the onboard hydrophone, while your marine naturalist guide shares fascinating insights about whale behavior, biology, and conservation.

    A thoughtful, family-friendly experience: Sip complimentary tea, enjoy light refreshments, and keep kids engaged with a junior naturalist activity booklet, making this an educational and memorable trip for all ages.

  • What to bring

    • Bring your hat, sunscreen, water bottle & a camera.

    What’s not allowed

    • Drones, alcohol and smoking are not allowed on the cruise.

    • This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 6 years and under the height of 130 cm.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

    Additional information

    • Free parking is available at the marina.

    • Whale watching season is from July to October.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

    Boarding point

    • Board your cruise at Ocean Store, Shop 1, Great Sandy Straits Marina Urangan Hervey Bay.

    • Address: Great Sandy Straits Resort, Buccaneer Dr, Urangan QLD 4655, Australia.

    Get directions to the boarding point

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