Humpback Whales

Whales are found in many places around the world but Hervey Bay has earned the reputation of being the whale watch capital of the world. Our whale season runs from mid to late July to early to mid November and when you visit you wont be disappointed. Whale numbers have increased over the years and there can be as many as five to 10 pods (a group of whales) or more in the bay at one time.

They always seem to be in a nosy playful holiday mood in Hervey Bay and seem to enjoy an audience playing up to the boats and their passengers. There are a number whale watch business that operate in the Wide Bay. Here are the charters that I personally would recommend to visitors of Hervey Bay.

Spirit of Hervey Bay

Morning cruise departs Hervey Bay Marina at 8.30am returning at 12.30pm. Afternoon cruise departs Hervey Bay Marina at 1.30pm returning at 5.30pm. Boarding time is 15 minutes prior to departure

Your 1/2 day Whale Watching adventure includes:

• Transfers between your accommodation in Hervey Bay and the Marina
• Expert commentary based on 17 years of whale watching experience
• The unique opportunity to eyeball a humpback whale through our underwater viewing windows
• Complimentary morning / afternoon tea
• Hydro phone to listen to the whales sing
• FREE souvenir pack
• Guaranteed sightings (if no whales are sighted an open return ticket is issued to passenger)

Blue Dolphin

Come whale watching or sunset cruising aboard "Blue Dolphin II".The Blue Dolphin catamaran is 10.5 metres long and 7 metres wide with ample room to move around for optimum viewing of marine creatures - a full 360 degrees.This Tasman C35 catamaran is very stable and gentle with shaded viewing areas for your comfort.Blue Dolphin offers almost eye to eye viewing with the whales, the only one of its kind in the Bay!

Your skipper Peter has been involved in eco-tourism for many years and has a vast first hand knowledge of the local area and the marine life. Also worked at Seaworld for 14 years with the dolphins and whales there.

The cruise is a full day with morning and afternoon tea and lunch provided. The vessel is also licensed.

Departs the marina at 7.30am and returns approx 15.30 hours.

Tasman Venture

Tasman Venture is the original Whale Watch tour, operating since the inception of the industry. The Tasman Venture is favoured particularly by photographers because of its clear viewing decks and unrivalled record of "close encounters". The fast speed of the Tasman Venture means that viewing time is not encroached on by hours of traveling time to the Whale Watch area, providing more actual viewing time with the whales.

MV Mikat

The MV MIKAT is a very stable, air conditioned catamaran which has two superb walk around viewing decks, covered aft decks and a spacious bow for photography and filming these magnificent creatures. The comfortable lounge has a library of whale, dolphin and shark books and videos of Humpback Whales in Hervey Bay.

Features:

• Underwater viewing and big-screen TV
• Friendly experienced crew. Expert commentary.
• Underwater microphone to hear the whales sing.
• COMPLIMENTARY BUFFET LUNCH.
• Fully Licensed.
• FREE courtesy pick-up service within Hervey Bay

Quick Cat II

offers the most popular trip, the half day trip.
Departing 8.00am till 12 noon and again at 1.00pm till 5pm daily from late July till early November.

We were the first in Australia to Guarantee sightings and are still the only company that has its own spotter aircraft.
Over the years we have tried big boats with hundreds of people, but decided to stay in the small to mid range. We have found that we are able to offer very personal, face to face and educational trips, while adding a few stories of past years from the very beginning of the industry of experiences we have gained.

Even though we can offer information and give a very informative service on each vessel we like to see our passengers becoming involved. We are not just a voice on the microphone. We like you to ask the questions, and if on the very rare occasions that we can’t answer your questions, we will find out.

Whale Song

Fraser Island and its waters support a diverse variety of wildlife including up to six species of whales, four species of dolphin, turtles, birds and more. Features include full wheelchair facilities, extra wide decks, luxurious fit out, underwater viewing and listening, kids activities and toys and gourmet catering.