Whale Watching and Swim with Whales Cruise from Mooloolaba
4.5
Whale Watching and Swim with Whales Cruise from Mooloolaba
By Sunreef
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About
Ages 8-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
- Wetsuit
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Start:
- 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557, AustraliaWe are part of The Wharf Complex, you need to walk inside to find our meeting point.
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: 60653P6- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- If you wish to take part in the whale swimming you need to be able to swim. Unfortunately if you are pregnant we cannot take you on this tour.
- If you are bringing children under 8 yrs old they cannot get in the water and must have an adult/guardian on board at all times with them. If you are bringing kids between 8 and 15 please be aware that they need to be strong swimmers for this activity. Children under 5 are not permitted on board.
- If the trip is cancelled due to poor weather, then another day will be scheduled.
- A min of 8 guests are required for these tours to run.
- There is no guarantee that guests will get to swim with the whales, as this is a 100% natural experience in the whales’ natural environment. The tour operator staff will make the final decision as to whether if it is appropriate to enter the water with the whales, in the interests of both guests and whales safety. Additionally, staff will have the final say as to a guest’s in-water ability.
- Min age for swimmers is 8 years. Children under 8 yrs of age are not able to come on this vessel.
- All children must be supervised by an adult (both on the boat and in the water).
- 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 15 travellers
- If you cancel at least 4 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 3 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
- 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: 60653P6
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Anthony R0 contributionsAlways goodAlways a good experience with the Sunreef crew. Great attitudes , high quality well maintained gear and an excellent approach to safety. They are always looking out for people struggling or having issues and finding ways for everyone to maximise their dive time and have an enjoyable and safe time. From beginner divers to very experienced folks they are able to cater to everyone. So many good dive sites within easy reach to choose from , the standout at Flinders Reef and the HMAS Brisbane and of course Nurse Rock in season. Local reefs to Sunshine Coast as well so 8-9 dive sites mostly within 15 mins on the boat (90 mins for Flinders Reef) Never had a bad experience with them , 30+ dives in 2024 with them. Highly recommended. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Sunreef team !Written 27 December 2024
- Z4804AUgrahamt0 contributionsWhale watchingBrilliant trip the captain was very informative really enjoyed it. I sat on the top deck as it gives you the best views of the whales and we saw several they come up very close to the boat absolutely amazing to see these huge creatures up so close you don't realise how big they are until you actually see them definitely reccomend going on this tripWritten 15 November 2024
- richardwY2861HS0 contributionsAmazing seeing turtles up close!Snorkeling with turtles with the bonus of dolphins and whales on a warm sunny day. Great staff on the boat full of energy which was great to see. Thoughts might see “a” turtle but I think in the end it was about 8 and they were up close! The guides in the water were super helpful and everyone on out trip had a blast, on the way back we saw dolphins from a distance and then a whale and her calf! Awesome day. We told some friends also over from NZ and they are now booked this weekendWritten 11 October 2024
- Voyage432609143000 contributionsAwesome day out..Fantastic up close experience with a long exposure to enable good opportunities for filming. Crew were most helpful in finding us a suitable place to see the whales.Written 30 September 2024
- NorthStar265807817500 contributionsunique close up experience of whale watchingthe two man crew were amazing. They made every effort to ensure that we encountered some whales, that we got as close to them as possible always ensuring that our safety was the priorityWritten 23 September 2024
- 163jeanan0 contributionsMooloolaba Whale Watching TourAbsolutely amazing to see the whales we had only just got out of the river and we sighted a whale. Plus more out further. The staff where also very informative and so friendly.Written 23 September 2024
- Ray S0 contributionsGood trip but check the life jacketsThis was a good trip although the crowd on the boat made it a little difficult to get a rail to see the whales. My main concern was the safety aspect of being told lifejackets were under each seat.We were upstairs.Several passengers near me looked and commented it was not there. We finally established there was a large bag of them under a front seat. My wife cannot swim and felt she would like to have quick access to her jacket in an emergency. A good trip but I feel this should be looked at.Written 25 August 2024
- 790braydend0 contributionsTerrible experience whale watching - DON’T recommended.I had high hopes for this whale-watching tour, but unfortunately, it fell short. Despite the promise of seeing these majestic creatures, the staff would get everyone excited when the whale blew water up but not even seeing their body. When we did sight them it was 100’s of feet away for a split second and just the smallest snippet of their massive body. I’ve been on previous whale watching tours elsewhere and it was incredible to be really immersed with the whales in the environment and see the beautiful mammals up close. Sunreef Mooloolaba was the opposite attempting to get as many people on a large boat. While I understand that certain factors in relation to whale sighting are beyond the company’s control, and the company respects the whale's space/home, I was hoping for a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience based on the description provided in the website and social media. Their photos show these beautiful mammals leaping through the air as if you’re 20-50 ft away. That isn’t the case. The only highlight was the scenic coastal views, but for the price we paid, I expected a lot more. I hope they improve their service in the future, but I wouldn't recommend this tour based on my experience. To those reading, if you’re considering whale watching with Sunreef Mooloolaba please see this review before you make a decision to use your hard earned money for the trip out to sea.Written 9 August 2024
- Lee H0 contributionsWe’d happily dive with Sunreef anytime.Very impressed all around, well organised, seamless booking processes, happy friendly energetic staff, excellent boats, professional dive guides ( instructor level) nothing was too much trouble. Safety standards were high and applied well. Patrick our guide was a standout - certainly one of the best we’ve dived with, even taking the time after the dive to assist us to sort out an issue with our own gear that was of our own making. We would happily and confidently dive with Sunreef again.Written 7 August 2024
- dczhw0 contributionsFabulous ExHMAS Brisbane dive with SunreefI have wanted to dive the Ex HMAS Brisbane for a long while - and it did not disappoint! Two fabulous dives with a great guide finding lots of stuff on the wreck - and briefing us in detail beforehand - and checking what we had seen afterwards in case we had questions. It was quite chilly water for us, but Sunreef made sure we were kitted out with the appropriate wetsuits (my son had two!!😂) and we were actually toasty warm in the end - though needed a bit more weight to sink! Felt very safe in the water and on the boat with the Sunreef staff who are very professional, and really know their stuff about the marine life (we also did whale watching with them) and the wreck. Paul was an expert skipper. Was a joy to be on the boat - a busy boat - but you would never know it the way the staff manage things. A brilliant morning out and a must do for divers visiting the Sunshine Coast.Written 29 July 2024
- dczhw0 contributionsSuperb whale watching trip with Sunreef.This whale watching cruise was absolutely brilliant!!!! Loved loved loved it. Saw loads of whales with lots of activity - breaching, fin slaps, head pops - but most lovely was a mother and calf - and the baby calf doing all the stuff was beyond cute. Inbetween the whale action the crew were super helpful and informative. The safety briefing was impeccable - and the information and questions answered was really interesting - these guys really know their stuff! We had Rikki and Sammie on the boat on the mike - they were so enthusiastic and fun and knowledgeable - and Cassie on the bar - such a great experience. The crew make it their mission to get you a good whale watching experience - and it certainly worked for us! THANK YOU!!!!!!Written 29 July 2024
- Anthony R0 contributionsPADI Dive Training with SunreefGreat experience with the Sunreef team for the whole family getting the PADI OW certification. Well organised , great selection of rental gear and great attitude from the whole team over the three days. Special thanks to our instructors Mark , in the pool, and Sheridan for the 2 days in the ocean. Been back to dive with them since certification and same experience each time , super beginner friendly and always feel well looked after. Surprising how much there is to see just 10-15 mins from Mooloolaba. Highly recommended. Give the Nurse Shark dive a try for sure in season a definite highlight ( not listed on trip advisor but it is a standard dive from their website). Saw 6-7 large sharks each dive often within very close (arms length)distance in pretty good 15-18m visibility. 10/10 will dive with them again.Written 20 July 2024
- HilIngram0 contributionsA great days diving with the Sun Reef crewThe Sun Dive crew were welcomming and fun from the initial contact, we were 7 divers and keen for a dive at the last minute. Gypsy at reception made it all happen found the crew and confirmed good to go. We had a great days diving under the guidance of Josh and Heidi, with Zane manning the boat. First dive around the wreck, lots of life the second dive was straight through the bowels of the boat, great trip and many thanks we had a magnificent day.Written 4 March 2024
- ericalH9386IS0 contributionsCrowded during holidays.It was way over crowded. The shops and restaurants were okay, but very commercial. Might be worth the trip when it's not holidays, but I think there are far nicer places to visit on the Sunshine Coast.Written 6 January 2024
- karenthevn0 contributionsIf only we came earlier in the year!Nice day out friendly crew and good boat. Unfortunately we knew it was towards the end of the season but the guarantee we could see whales or rebook meant we took a risk unfortunately it didn’t pay off we didn’t see anything other than a few dolphin dorsal fins. We tried to rebook but the other trips have now been cancelled so we have vouchers to come again from the other side of the world but will unfortunately be unlikely to afford the flights again 🤣🤦♀️ Id say if there’s whales this would be great but late in the season as a visitor it’s an expensive gamble unfortunatelyWritten 24 October 2023
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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4.5
47 reviews
Excellent
34
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5
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3
Daniel D
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Got some great views of whales from the boat and the knowledge of the staff was excellent. However our trip turned into a very expensive whale watching trip. We booked in just before covid with redballoon and the next opportunity we had to complete the trip was just this past month, during that time the price increased by 60% (offtt). While I appreciate as a zoologist that working with animals is not recommended and is variable and difficult, I do think a token 10-20% off your next trip would be appreciated if you do not get to swim with whales on the day, because without the swimming with whales it is an expensive whale watching trip.
Written 15 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.
ScottWatkins
Melbourne, Australia69 contributions
We went to the Sunshine Cosst for 3 days specifically to do the swim with whales tour. Unfortunately bad weather meant we missed out entirely. We’d made the booking for our first day, in case there was a cancellation. When day 1 was cancelled, the company happily moved us onto a similar tour for the next day. Unfortunately the weather was again terrible and day 2 was cancelled as well. They had no spare seats on our 3rd day (and I’m not sure the weather was better anyway). As such, they immediately gave us a full refund.
On shore, the weather on day 1 was actually beautiful with only a very slight breeze. However, the company told us that where they go offshore is unprotected and very susceptible to high winds.
They handled it well, just be prepared that they can’t control the weather and I’d recommend booking with some spare days in hand.
I’m sure they don’t cancel tours unless they really have to.
On shore, the weather on day 1 was actually beautiful with only a very slight breeze. However, the company told us that where they go offshore is unprotected and very susceptible to high winds.
They handled it well, just be prepared that they can’t control the weather and I’d recommend booking with some spare days in hand.
I’m sure they don’t cancel tours unless they really have to.
Written 29 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.
Angelfish918
Melbourne, Australia75 contributions
Had an amazing day out whale watching and swimming with the whales. The skipper (Paul) did the most incredible job of keeping in front of them so we could swim with a whale, the sound they make is so loud when you are in the water with them. The water wasn’t very clear due to heavy rain so keep this in mind when thinking about booking. But from the boat we saw turtles and dolphins and around 10 whales showing off, it was a spectacular show. It was an incredible experience and would highly recommend. Thanks to the crew for making it such a great day.
Written 17 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.
xtacie
san francisco148 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I was in Brisbane for a couple of days and I traveled to Moolaboola to fulfill a lifelong dream to swim with humpbacks. Check in was easy, all required equipment was provided and in good shape and we were soon on our way. The crew (Anika, Johnny, Heidi and Jacob) were enthusiastic and worked extremely hard in every respect to give us all the best most exhilarating experience while keeping safety as their biggest priority. They recognized the most favorable times to get in the water and how to behave to get the most from our experiences. We had several opportunities to get in the water and swam with countless whales. An incredible day from start to finish. Highly recommend!!!
Written 4 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.
Mike L
Greater Melbourne, Australia180 contributions
Great day, excellent knowledgeable staff, perfect boat and lots of whales, perfect day really. We went on the 7.30 trip which I would recommend as I have been out previously on later trips and not seen whales. Was pretty rough on the way back in but that’s nature.
Written 11 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.
Stoked to hear you had a Whale of a time with us Mike!
Written 13 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
meltahere64
Gold Coast, Australia14 contributions
Where do I staff, Have to say all the staff that on the day were fantastic, friendly and so much fun got us all excited. But then too be in the water with the whales we got up so close to them Mother and Calf just beautiful. Then too finish the morning off a chance to swim with the Dolphins thanks guys for giving us the opportunity. A BIG THANKYOU.
Written 18 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.
Lizzie H
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We had the most amazing morning trip with Sunreef and can't thank the crew enough for their enthusiasm and whale tracking skills. We had three in-water experiences with humpback whales, two with a mother and her young calf. We also saw some spectacular breaching from the boat. The atmosphere on the boat is brilliant and everyone is very helpful and knowledgeable. Most importantly, they put the whales first and the experiences happen on the whales' terms, which is exactly how eco-tourism should work. Thanks team, we had the time of our lives.
Written 3 August 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.
Sounds like you had an amazing time, thank you for choosing to have your experience with us and hopefully we will see you again soon.
Written 7 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindy H
Mackay, Australia2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Absolute cracker day. Swam with multiple pods of whales. Beautiful Mumma and her calf. Fantastic conditions, the crew were fun, lively and safe. What an AWESOME team and a fantastic experience. Do it, it’s so good, you won’t even feel the cold water. The best 🐳🐳🐳
Written 3 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.
Josi H
2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
my friend and I did the swimming with whales adventure and I just want to express my immense gratitude. The day was fantastic, from checking in until we docked in at the end. The team (we had Benny, Paul, Josh and Annika) were superb, and really guided us and encouraged us for a magical day. Thank you thank you I'll definitely be recommending Sunreef to my friends and will be back for another adventure.
Written 1 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.
Mid Life Mad
Brisbane, Australia223 contributions
Brilliant half day out.
Who knew you could swim with whales at Mooloolaba? I thought we had to go elsewhere for that (like Vanuatu or Ningaloo Reef).
The water was lovely, the whales were present and we got to swim close to a mother and baby 5 times during the trip.
The staff were friendly and helpful and made sure equipment and wetsuits fit. The boat is safe and comfortable, though obviously not a luxury cruise ship!
Their focus was on getting us an opportunity to swim with the whales.
They delivered.
Who knew you could swim with whales at Mooloolaba? I thought we had to go elsewhere for that (like Vanuatu or Ningaloo Reef).
The water was lovely, the whales were present and we got to swim close to a mother and baby 5 times during the trip.
The staff were friendly and helpful and made sure equipment and wetsuits fit. The boat is safe and comfortable, though obviously not a luxury cruise ship!
Their focus was on getting us an opportunity to swim with the whales.
They delivered.
Written 9 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.
Hi there, if no whales are spotted is there a refund or a free repeat visit?
Written 20 March 2023
Hi may i know what’re the chances of seeing and swimming with whales in end of November? Thanks!
Written 1 October 2019
Hi, I've seen a few whales out in the bay the last week. Are you running these tours this month?
Written 11 June 2019
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