Hervey Bay Whale Swim and Watch
5

Hervey Bay Whale Swim and Watch

By Hervey Bay Dive Centre
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Between July and November, humpback whales break their long migration from Antarctica in Hervey Bay, making the area one of the world’s top whale-watching spots. This boat tour offers guaranteed sightings between August and mid-October, with a refund or replacement ticket in the unlikely event you don’t see a whale. Hot drinks and lunch, as well as snorkeling gear and wetsuits, are provided.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 4-97, max of 24 per group
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines

Highlights
  • Look for humpback whales in the Great Sandy Strait Marine Park
  • Sightings are guaranteed from August to mid-October, or your money back
  • Snorkel with whales, when conditions permit

  • Swim with whales (when conditions permit)
  • Up-close whale encounter
  • Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided
  • Guaranteed whale sightings
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Lunch


Start:
  • Hervey Bay Dive Centre, Dive Office Boat Club marina, Jetty St, Urangan QLD 4655, Australia
    Enter the marina via the gate next to the fuel station.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 55749P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Children under 8 years are not permitted to swim with the whales and a parental guardian must remain with them on the vessel. If 2 guardians are present they can interchange between the vessel and swimming when conditions permit. The tour is not suitable for children under 4 years.
    • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 55749P1

    From
    AU$185.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Hervey Bay Dive Centre
      651
      Australia
      Joined in May 2017
    • 688kristinab
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Go if you can!
      As an anxious person, this was an unreal experience and really feels like no other - if I don’t go again, I’ll still be so happy. But I will. Apparently kids as young as 10 can go- so fun for everyone and honestly you won’t regret it. The team are so chilled and will make you feel relaxed straight away. You do a briefing at each stage and don’t have to worry about memorising anything. Very helpful and clear in their direction, helping you to practice skills and really good at helping if you feel nervous. It took me a minute to get confident but they are so so patient. Felt safe the whole time. Really lovely people. The fact that you can go out in the ocean straight after practicing in the pool was huge for me and didn’t think I’d be able to do it but did with lots of support and encouragement and now know I would have missed out hugely if I’d not given it a go. What incredible value for money. One of the most amazing things you can do here. I don’t wanna ruin the surprise but trust me, you have to go down to the bottom. It’s stunning.
      Written 7 February 2025
    • Robball57
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Ex-HMAS Tobruk is a must do dive!
      Did the two dive trip to the ex-HMAS Tobruk. Totally recommend this for all scuba fans. The HBDC setup and staff are excellent with an awesome dive boat in “Kraken”. The Tobruk itself is a brilliant dive - do yourself a favour!
      Written 17 October 2024
    • toekneeleeb
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Whale watching 11/10 experience
      Highly recommend Hervey Bay Dive Centre for your whale watching needs. Friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable people. The boat has ample room, you are well looked after and there the group is kept to a small size unlike some of the other boats we saw out on the water. Unfortunately we didn’t get the opportunity to swim with them as all the whales we had the pleasure of seeing were mother and child combos, however this did not detract from the day and we loved every moment.
      Written 13 October 2024
    • Nicola B
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      whale watching and swimming
      Excellent service. Ed and Mat were very entertaining and knowledgeable. Weather not the best and at time scary as the 'paddock was very untidy' and at times it felt like we were in a washing machine, but I felt safe in the capable hands of the crew- well done. will definitely recommend to others and be back again next year with the family
      Written 1 October 2024
    • meldawe29
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic day. Ed and his crew are great !!
      Brilliant weather. Unreal people. Heaps of whales and even a dingo. Highly recommend going with Hervey Bay Dive Centre
      Written 30 September 2024
    • ClareM002
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Incredible Experience
      Great day out. The crew was amazing. The experience itself was unforgettable. The crew really cared about trying to find whales for us and shared our excitement when finding them. Would definitely recommend HB dive centre!
      Written 8 September 2024
    • fmcdonald100
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Well run Whale watch and swim
      Everything went like clockwork though it also felt very relaxed. We saw and swam with lots of whales and the swim was organised so well giving everyone a chance. Fed all day too with scrumptious lunch and snacks First class
      Written 4 September 2024
    • genna822023
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      This is my 3rd year and I plan on many more.
      Your company has made my dreams come true. This year was my 3rd year and each time, I book more swims. Your crew are amazing and it’s literally my favourite thing to do in the whole world. I choose to come back to your business cause I think it’s the best. Thank you for making my dreams come true and see you again next year.
      Written 4 September 2024
    • tahliap654
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Lifetime experience
      I went out with Hervey Bay Dive Centre for the experience of a lifetime. I have always wanted to swim the whales and I finally got that opportunity and it wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the amazing crew at Hervey Bay Dive centre. Ed and his team are brilliant and made the whole day enjoyable. Not only was the swim breath taking but the whole experience from start to finish was 5 star! Thanks for a great day!!
      Written 28 August 2024
    • X234QImatthewm
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best day to swim with Humpback Whales
      The day was perfect. The water was like glass, and we had taken so many photos, our captain was spot-on with finding humpbacks.
      Written 24 August 2024
    • hubbert2018
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Interacting with the ocean world is calming. Ed and Rach make all aspects of this journey the same highly recommended.
      Jumping on the Advanced 2 Live-aboard dive expedition was one of the greatest choices we have made as a family. The sights and sounds we encounter remove us mind body and soul for the daily grind. The lack of reception and the deliberate choice to not implement this drew all onboard closer and made for an incredibly authentic experience. Ed and Rach from @herveybaydivecentre have covered all bases from diet to personal needs. I would recommend this journey for divers of all abilities.
      Written 14 June 2024
    • OceaniaExperiences
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Dives with a great company
      My partner and I had a great dive on the local wreck dives with Hervey Bay Dive Centre. The crew were fantastic, very friendly and knowledgeable. The boat was clean, tidy and comfortable. Looking forward to coming back to dive off their new boat on the EX-HMAS Tobruk. Thanks for a great day and we will be back soon
      Written 21 May 2024
    • juliakZ4051VL
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Marine Life at its Best!
      Spending a day at the Hervey Bay Dive Center was the absolute highlight of my stay in Hervey Bay. After my two scuba dives with the warmest and most welcoming dive team I‘ve ever met in Australia, I was speechless for hours and had the biggest smile. Lucky me I have ears otherwise I would have smiled in a circle. The dive at the Three Ships dive side was amazing. I saw marine wild life I‘ve never seen before: two kinds of rays, turtle, lots of fish. So so happy and thankful for this wonderful day I will remember forever.
      Written 6 February 2024
    • L7691XQlouiser
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Disappointed with HBDC liveaboard
      In September 2023 I took two trips with HBDC- one a day trip and the other a 4 day liveaboard dive trip. The day trip to swim with humpback whales was great but the liveaboard was disappointing. The engine on the boat broke down several times and we had the number of dives shortened and were out in the ocean for many hours at a time with nothing to do in the middle of the day while the crew tried to fix it. Also the engine dying affected the air compressor which meant the tanks were only partially filled when we finally got to dive, shortening the dive time on our already limited dives. The captain said the engine broke down all the time, and on the last trip the refrigeration broke down. Why run a vessel with such an unreliable boat? I also didn't think the dive guide was very professional, telling us not to have dive buddies and to just follow her in a group of eight while she swam off very fast instead. The currents affected the dives a lot, and she refused to check them before giving the dive briefing even after I requested it on the second day. As a result, on one of the dives we swam against the current the entire time. It was exhausting and felt more like a boot camp than a recreational dive! I wasn't the only passenger to complain about this but the crew just shrugged it off. They also didn't follow the regulations for Queensland dive safety, which include having every diver sign back in once they get back on the boat. Not such an issue with only eight divers compared to the much larger boats, but still. When I wrote an email of complaint about these issues later, the captain responded and acknowledged everything I said was true but he didn't see a problem with it or offer any solution or compensation. If you're looking for a dive liveaboard in QLD check out the Spirit of Freedom leaving Cairns. A far better experience for not much more money!
      Written 3 February 2024
    • 673petep
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      HMAS Tobruk dive
      This is the fourth time diving with you guys, the service was impeccable the friendliness of the staff and crew were absolutely fantastic. Nothing was a problem, was such a fun relaxing experience and we will do it over and over again, thank you from me and all who attended
      Written 3 December 2023
    See all 651 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles159 reviews
    Excellent
    150
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    7
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    1
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    0
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    1

    jennybanks5
    Sydney, Australia16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I could count on one hand the times in my life when I’ve been lost for words in describing experiences. This is one of them. Immersing myself in the calm warm waters off Hervey Bay during the last two days “like a human teabag” in the words of Captain Ed, and being gifted the opportunity of floating alongside, next to and having our biggest mammals swim under and beneath you is SURREAL, humbling and profoundly spiritual. Having no expectations and hoping for at least some “close” encounters the trips I took out into Hervey Bay with Hervey Bay Dive Centre today and yesterday have left me incredibly grateful that an opportunity to be a part of something so special is offered in todays culture of “computer, OH&S and compliance says NO.”

    I’m so grateful that the team at Hervey Bay Dive Centre are able to provide an adventurous, up close and personal experience for those willing to accept the encounter is completely on the whales terms and you must be respectful and surrender to whether these magnificent creatures choose to “check you out” or not. To anyone considering this – my advice is just do it – I did and after day one booked the next day and the only thing stopping me from booking tomorrow is they were already booked out.

    Captain Ed is a true Aussie Larriken, Rachel who I spoke to initially has an incredibly long term experience in Hervey bay during whale watching and Clare and Grant who on different days ensured we were in and out of the water safely and swiftly were absolutely legendary. (in between swims they also ensured we were feed, watered and knew where the toilet was). This boat only takes a max of 25 and I luckily was on days when there were only 16 people booked so everyone had plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal with the whales. On each trip our Skipper Ed stopped at multiple sites and made sure the whales were curious enough to allow the human teabags to enter the water. An experience like this is not for everyone, however if you are willing to surrender yourself and be open to the sounds, sensations and energetic connection of these magnificent massive mammals I strongly recommend booking with the crew at Hervey Bay Dive centre.
    Written 21 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hey Jenny, thanks heaps for the very kind review I will pass onto Ed and the crew Regards Rachel
    Written 23 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Oscar S
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Family
    As a whale WATCHING tour this was a 5 star experience. We must have seen 15 to 20 whales throughout the day, and at close range. The captain did an outstanding job of finding the whales and the crew was friendly and very helpful. The crew gets 5 stars, as well.

    We also swam with 6 of the whales which would have been a surreal experience if not for one significant flaw ... the underwater visibility in Hervey Bay was not good, at least on the day we were there. I'd say less than 10 meters. At one point we had 4 whales swimming around us, all within 100 to 200 feet of us. We could see them surfacing for air but we couldn't see any of them underwater. There were two occasions where a whale swam right under us and we caught a glimpse of them through the murky water, which was pretty cool. If the visibility were better this would have been an off the charts review but, unfortunately, I have to give the whale swimming part of the tour only 4 stars. I don't know if Hervey Bay always has poor visibility or if we were just unlucky. The weather was nice and the water was fairly calm so I suspect it is always like that. I suggest reading other reviews to get a broader perspective.
    Written 7 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for taking the time to post the review…. Much appreciated
    Written 12 September 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kira9443
    Brisbane, Australia3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a great day out on the water. Saw lots of whales including some calves (who were pretty keen to put on a show for us). The staff were super knowledgeable and more than happy to answer any questions we had. The smaller tour size also meant we all got to know each other a little better. I like that this tour respected the whales space, particularly with calves around.
    I’ll be booking again in whale season :)
    Written 4 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    neet321
    melbourne220 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2023 • Couples
    This tour was amazing. The crew were attentive and there was so much delicious food.

    Even though our opportunity to swim with the whales was limited I would still highly recommend this tour.

    My only suggestion would be to allow those who have not had a chance to get into the water a chance before those who have already had a swim. My husband missed out on the opportunity to get in the water due to poor planning and the eagerness of others wanting a second chance.

    If swimming is a priority, like it was for us then be aware that you may have to be quick in getting in line for the swim.

    I could not fault the crew or the Captain 10/10
    Written 15 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for the review…. We appreciate your comments
    Written 19 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Saima123
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2024 • Couples
    Lovely crew, subway 4in sandwiches and a soft drink for lunch, snacks throughout the day. Had the chance to see whales on the boat and the captain was trying his best to get us close up but I was really disappointed that we didn't swim with the whales and it wasn't communicated to us on the boat that we wouldn't be swimming with them. Ended up snorkeling on the edge of Fraser Island but there wasn't much to see... some dead reef and a few fish. Overall the crew were really lovely but I think this shouldn't be advertised as "swim with whales" if that aspect is not guaranteed. There are plenty of other whalewatching tours with lunch in the area for a lot cheaper than what we paid, but this is the only company that offers a swim option, which is why we paid the higher price. For $185 they should be offering partial refunds if you don't swim with the whales, lots of people had brought go pro cameras etc and were disappointed that all we did was snorkel a bit and not even in a great area.
    Written 5 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We have never guaranteed the whale swim as it is totally dependant on conditions and the whales…. Refer to website! Your comments are noted however and our fee is reflective of what you get during the 6+ hour tour….. compared to other tours on offer it is considered great value for money. Anyways all the best…
    Written 6 October 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    NZP0PPY
    New Zealand29,113 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023
    Wow - amazing, incredible, food for the soul. I was a sceptic when we went out and first got in the water and nothing.
    But then we found two inquisitive whales spy hopping the rangers boats. They came over to check out our boat and we were in the water. Three whales swimming right up to us, under us, rolling on their backs and swimming under us. They were less than a metre away.

    After everyone had a float and experience with the whales we moved on and did the same with some other whales.

    We then watched whales breaching, pec slapping, spy hopping, tail slaps.

    My only disappointment was the idiots who didnt follow rules and let go and drifted off the line (snd got in everyone elses view), and then held onto the line with their feet, except it was my snorkel they had their feet on and tried to drown me.
    follow the instructions and just hold on the line, flow and dont feel entitled to get the experience without regard for others or the whales.
    Written 23 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for taking the time to review the tour Your points are valid and noted Regards… Ed
    Written 24 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Jacqui T
    Lakefield, Canada11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2023 • Family
    It’s is getting close to the end of whale season so our chances of finding a lone whale to swim with was slim. We did get in the water once but the whale wasn’t interested in us. The whole experience was magical. 5/5 The crew was very respectful of the mums and babies and we got to see tails slapping, fin’s slapping and breaching the surface. Sooo worth the money. Experience of a lifetime
    Written 11 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Well thank you….. we appreciate you taking the time to write the review Awesome 👏 Rachel
    Written 14 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    rsclark2017
    Duisburg, Germany41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2023 • Solo
    I researched for a long time and found just the right tour. A small group, about 18 people, on a very good boat with toilet. Grant, Nick and Mat took care of us and provided us with information again and again. They were so relaxed and cordial that it felt like a trip with friends. Mat even had his family with him, so it was really very familiar. As I said, completely relaxed.
    The skipper (Grant) always managed, with the best view from above, to get us at a proper distance from the whales. And there were many of them in the best weather. Jumping out of the water, flapping their fins, swimming on their backs or showing off their fascinating tail fins, we saw it all. And they also tried to make swimming possible, but since 90% of the mothers are there with calves at the moment, and you are therefore only allowed in the water with solitary animals (without fins, on a line in the water), it is very difficult. And then these few whales would also have to swim in our direction.

    Tea, coffee, sandwiches, fruit, sweets and non-alcoholic cold drinks got us through this great day. I can only recommend this tour with this organiser.
    Written 28 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for joining our tour… we all really appreciate your nice review Regards Rachel
    Written 5 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Lisa B
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As if the close up encounters from the boat weren’t already amazing…then we got in the water for the swim. Next level amazing!!! The whales swam so close underneath you, almost pausing to have a look…so gentle, never felt unsafe…was just in awe of how big and graceful (and close) they were!
    Written 15 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Lisa, Thanks for the review…. It is an amazing tour and experience All the best….. Rachel and the swim team
    Written 16 August 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Safari27995497689
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022
    What a great day we had as a family. For the record, Hervey Bay Dive Centre doesn't guarantee you'll see or dive with the whales but they do they're very best to make sure it happens . . . and happen it di for us all. We got into the water and were about 1-2m away from up to 10 whales over the 4 opportunities we had to get into the water with them. Each 'dive' is strictly controlled and you must be attached to a line or a part of the boat by holding on to a rope. The whale watching from the boat itself is equally amazing as you are much closer to the whales from the deck of the boat - it's a smaller craft with less people than most other whale watching boats It was a brilliant day and the bonus is that you need to travel quite a distance along the western side of Fraser Island to get to the main whale watching area - so you also get a scenic cruise as part of the deal. Would thoroughly recommend.
    Written 2 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Wow… awesome review… thanks heaps and all the best to the family Regards Rachel and Ed
    Written 2 September 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    Hervey Bay Whale Swim and Watch provided by Hervey Bay Dive Centre

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