Get ready for the magic of the Morning Whale Watch Cruise from Hervey Bay on board Quick Cat II and be amazed by the sheer size & majesty of Humpback Whales swimming in the calm waters of Hervey Bay. You get to enjoy top-notch commentary, a light breakfast to start the day, and some truly breathtaking views of K’Gari (Fraser Island) on this half-day outing that you’ll not forget.
Price options
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Adults from 129,00 A$
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Child (4-14) from 119,00 A$
Departure Time
- 6 hours
- Departs: 7.00, Hervey Bay, QLD
- Fraser Island
Introduction
The Morning Whale Watch Cruise is your chance to catch a glimpse of the majestic Humpback Whales in their natural habitat in Hervey Bay. We set off on the Quick Cat II, a boat that’s more than ready for a day out to sea, and we’re going to spend the morning taking it easy, cruising past some of the most beautiful & environmentally protected areas of K’Gari (Fraser Island) that are World Heritage-listed.
Cruising along in the sheltered waters of the Great Sandy Straits & Platypus Bay, you’re going to get to experience one of Australia’s most incredible wildlife experiences. And along the way, keep your eyes peeled for some of the other creatures that call Hervey Bay home, including dolphins, turtles and a few seabirds while you munch on some light breakfast goodies onboard.
Details
The Times:
7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Getting There: Show up at our floating office (located right next to the boat at the Hervey Bay Marina) 15 minutes prior to departure, that’s 6:45 AM.
The Basics:
Vessel: We’re sailing on the Quick Cat II.
Route: Our cruise goes via the Kingfisher Bay Resort, where we can pick up and drop off resort guests.
Prices
- Adult: $129.00
- Senior/Student: $119.00
- Child (4–14): $70.00
- Infant (0–3): Free
Special Deals for Families
- 2 Adults + 2 Children: $349.00
- 2 Adults + 3 Children: $419.00
Highlights
- Guaranteed Whale Sightings: We do everything possible to make sure you get to see these incredible creatures up close.
- Listen to Whale Songs Underwater: Our hydrophone system lets you hear the whales singing in real-time; it’s like nothing else!
- Morning Treats: We provide a light breakfast and tea & coffee to get you ready for the day ahead.
- Stunning Coastal Views: We cruise past the K’Gari coastline.
- Expert Guides: Our crew are the most experienced whale watchers in Australia, they’ll share loads of info and insights during the trip.
- Protected Waters: We sail in the calm, sheltered waters of Hervey Bay.
- Bar On Board: And don’t worry, we don’t forget the drinks, our fully licenced bar is open for business.
What you can actually see!
Booking
Full Itinerary
6:45 AM - Check-In Time
Just turn up at the floating office and let us know you’re here. Then, get on the boat, and we’re off!
7:00 AM – We Set Sail
We head out into the Great Sandy Straits, towards Platypus Bay. It’s the perfect time to grab a cup of morning tea, some breakfast and get some expert insights into all things whales.
Whale Watching Time
We spend the next few hours spotting Humpback Whales, we’ll be looking out for breaches, tail slapping, spy-hopping and all the other amazing things these incredible creatures do.
Get Ready to Be Mesmerised
Next up, we take a little time out to listen to the whales singing; it really is quite a sight to behold.
Wildlife Watch
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles and seabirds, you never know what might pop up.
12:30 PM – We Head Back
It’s time to say goodbye to the whales and head back to the marina, with plenty of memories and some stunning photos to go with them.
A half-day whale watching cruise, you’ll get to spend a bit of time at sea, spotting some of the amazing marine life in the area
Tea, coffee, and some light bites to keep you going
Our crew has all the local knowledge and will give you some great commentary along the way
You can even listen in on the whales’ songs with our hydrophone system
We guarantee you’ll see some whales; if not, we’ll let you come back for free
We’ve got a crew of experienced sailors & staff on board
Please note that the vessel is non-smoking
- Swim with the Humpback Whales, for an extra $100 a head (weather permitting, of course, & we do have to say there are some conditions that apply)
- Whales & Lunch @ Fraser Upgrade, add $40, and you can enjoy a special lunch experience
- There’s a fully licenced bar on board, and you can use EFTPOS if you need to
- A hat to protect you from the sun
- Some sunglasses to keep the glare out
- A light jacket to wrap up with, there can be a bit of a breeze coming off the water in the mornings
- A camera (preferably waterproof) so you can capture all the action
- Some swimwear & a towel, if you’re planning on getting in the water
- Money for a few drinks, snacks, and souvenirs, you never know what you might want to pick up
- A sense of adventure, this is going to be a fun day out
About The Weather & Sea Conditions
In general, Hervey Bay is a pretty calm and peaceful spot, but sometimes the weather can get a bit rough. Don’t worry, though, we’ll never set sail if it’s not safe to do so. If we miss a day due to the weather, you can either get a refund or come back and do it another day.
Whale Sightings – We’ve Got You Covered
We guarantee you’ll see some whales. If, for some reason, you don’t, don’t worry, your ticket will still be valid for another trip until you do see them (subject to availability).
Other Things To Know
We reserve the right to swap out the vessel if needed
Sometimes we have to cancel a trip due to bad weather, tides, or not enough people booked on
If you miss your trip for some reason, you can transfer your ticket to another day if there are any spots available
Accessibility & Inclusivity
This cruise is super family-friendly, suitable for all ages
We don’t charge for infant tickets; they get in for free
Our crew will do their best to help out if you need any special assistance. Just let us know at the time of booking
Food Allergies & Special Diets
We’ve got a light breakfast and some snacks to get you going, but just let us know at the time of booking if you’ve got any dietary requirements. And if you need any more food or drinks during the trip, the bar on board has got you covered.
Cancellations and Refunds
If the weather gets really bad and it’s not safe to set sail: We’ll give you a full refund or let you rebook for another time
If the sea’s a bit rough, but it’s still safe to travel: You can rebook your trip for another day
If you miss your ship: We can try to put you on a different cruise if there’s space available
Whale Guarantee: We’ll keep trying till we get you a whale sighting
FAQ
When do the whales turn up in Hervey Bay?
July to October is the best time to see the Humpbacks in the bay, they come in to rest and play in the calm waters.
Is this cruise good for kids?
Absolutely, it’s great for families, and we knock off a bit of the price for kids and families.
What can I do if I get seasick?
Don’t worry, the waters in Hervey Bay are usually pretty calm, but if you do get a bit queasy, we recommend taking some preventative measures.
How close to the whales do we get?
We stick to the rules when it comes to getting up close to the wildlife. We want to make sure we see them without disturbing them.
Can I really hear the whales singing?
Yes, you can. We’ve got a special hydrophone so you can listen to the whales’ songs underwater. It’s one of those moments that just takes your breath away.