On the Water
4 hours
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Recommended by 95% of travellers
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from
AU$119
per adult
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
5
Boat ToursEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Hervey Bay Whale Watch is a family run business in Hervey Bay for over 30 years. Hervey Bay Whale Watch operate two half day Whale Watch cruises daily during Whale Season (mid July - Oct) on board Quick Cat II – a purpose built Whale Watching vessel. Quick Cat II has 5 viewing decks on 3 different levels to ensure uncrowded and unobstructed viewing. Quick Cat II also has wheelchair & pram access around the entire main deck. Take advantage of our exclusive 'Whales & Lunch @ Fraser' package. Enjoy a Morning Whale Watch cruise aboard Quick Cat II and then disembark at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island for the Afternoon. Enjoy a delicious lunch (included) at the SandBar Bistro and then relax on the beautiful beaches of Fraser Island. Only an extra $40.00 on top of your Whale Watch. Join our friendly & experienced crew to ensure an experience of a lifetime watching our Humpback Whales up close & personal in the waters of Hervey Bay – the #1 place in Australia for Whale Watching.
Urangan, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
555 reviews
Excellent
494
Very good
34
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
7
Spmyown
Greater Adelaide, Australia16 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
Had a great day out on the Whale Watching and then lunch at Kingfisher Resort. As it was very late in the season we only saw a mother and calf feeding so no action. The return trip to Kingfisher Bay was beautiful travelling along the coast of the island.
Great value with crousaunts for breakfast then muffins for morning tea along with tea or coffee. Lunch at Kingfisher is anything on the menu and a wine beer or soft drink.
After lunch some of our group went for a swim in the main pools while some of us returned on the early barge. We were then taken back to the Marina by bus from River Heads. We got Mates Rates as we are locals which made it great value. Wonderful staff and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Just one disappointment was the lack of disabled access at The Sandbar restaurant , this made it very difficult and exhausting for one of our group.
Great value with crousaunts for breakfast then muffins for morning tea along with tea or coffee. Lunch at Kingfisher is anything on the menu and a wine beer or soft drink.
After lunch some of our group went for a swim in the main pools while some of us returned on the early barge. We were then taken back to the Marina by bus from River Heads. We got Mates Rates as we are locals which made it great value. Wonderful staff and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Just one disappointment was the lack of disabled access at The Sandbar restaurant , this made it very difficult and exhausting for one of our group.
Written 17 October 2021
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.
Sunshinegal0421
8 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We had a wonderful day on the Quick Cat 11 today, the weather was pleasant with a bit of a breeze around. The crew were lovely and kept us informed with their knowledge of whales. We saw lots, young males observed doing peduncle slaps, blowing, tail slaps. Mothers and their calf’s happily frolicking together and a tiny tiny baby dolphin which was not part of the tour but a great bonus. There were plenty of refreshments available to keep you going. Well worth the trip and a great day out. Thank you
Written 29 September 2020
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.
Petri M
Strangnas, Sweden3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This was a fantastic tour with my daughter (7 years old). The sea was calm and I want to send a big thank you to the company who emailed and let us rebook our tour to another day instead of the day we had booked because the weather wasn’t so good for our first booking.
We had the afternoon tour which was supposed to be 5 hours according to the itinerary but ended up being 4h15min. Although the shorter time we got to see several humpbacks and got a really close encounter to the last pair of them. The skipper was really informative and all the deckmen were also very helpful to point out where the wales were moving around the quick cat II.
I would do it again, again and again if I ’d live here or stayed here more days!
We had the afternoon tour which was supposed to be 5 hours according to the itinerary but ended up being 4h15min. Although the shorter time we got to see several humpbacks and got a really close encounter to the last pair of them. The skipper was really informative and all the deckmen were also very helpful to point out where the wales were moving around the quick cat II.
I would do it again, again and again if I ’d live here or stayed here more days!
Written 16 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.
Ian H
Tamborine Mountain, Australia5 contributions
Sept 2021
We had a really great day (family of 4). The staff were all professional and helpful. We did the morning half day trip with lunch at the Kingfisher Bay Resort add on. The experience was different to Whale Watching on the Gold Coast, as the whales were more laid back at HB. There were lots of mothers with calves, young whales testing out their fins and just lounging about whiles others were trying to chase females. Skipper a staff worked real hard to give everyone a memorable experience, given they don't control the whales.
Written 4 October 2021
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.
Peter G
Melbourne, Australia11 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Comfortable, large cat. Main thing , obviously, we’re the whales. Our skipper was very knowledgeable about. them and always seemed to know where to go to see them. Like any wildlife watching you had to be patient but we were rewarded with many sightings including a huge ability Mum breaching simultaneously with her calf and a few seconds later, the “ escort whale” breached. The energetic little calf breached at least 6-8 times more during our trip. The commentary was interesting but not intrusive- our skipper only spoke when he had something to say.
It was so good we are going again today - you can never see too many whales right !!!
It was so good we are going again today - you can never see too many whales right !!!
Written 6 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.
Q385DVjohnj
5 contributions
July 2023 • Family
Epic show put on by magnificent creatures which felt like it was for our benefit - quite an emotional experience really. Informative commentary from the crew. Additional cost for the 1/2 day on Fraser Island was well worth it.
Written 2 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.
Hayley W
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
Sept 2022
We booked a Whale watching trip as a birthday present for our son who turned 16 today. From the moment we were greeted we felt valued and just like part of the family. The second we arrived on board a delicious warm ham and chees croissant was thrust in to our hands! The catering was simple but SO very generous. You could help yourself to endless tea and coffee but the staff were still seen traversing up and down the 3 decks to personally deliver food items. Breakfast morphed into morning tea, a huge muffin, biscuits and seasonal fruit. All served by such lovely staff!
The atmosphere on the boat was friendly. Three levels gave ample seating and viewing options. The commentary was appropriate, keeping you informed but not being excessively distracting from the actual activity of whale watching. We saw multiple sightings of whales, some close to the boar others further away. There were mothers with their calves, fin slapping "conversations" and 2 males jostling for a female. We were in awe to see these beautiful creatures so close up.
The whole experience was done without intrusion with the vessel letting the whales come to us, not chasing them down.
Unbelievable value for money for a wonderful experience with a great company. Book a trip now before the season is over, You won't be disappointed.
The atmosphere on the boat was friendly. Three levels gave ample seating and viewing options. The commentary was appropriate, keeping you informed but not being excessively distracting from the actual activity of whale watching. We saw multiple sightings of whales, some close to the boar others further away. There were mothers with their calves, fin slapping "conversations" and 2 males jostling for a female. We were in awe to see these beautiful creatures so close up.
The whole experience was done without intrusion with the vessel letting the whales come to us, not chasing them down.
Unbelievable value for money for a wonderful experience with a great company. Book a trip now before the season is over, You won't be disappointed.
Written 11 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.
Fiona L
2 contributions
July 2021 • Couples
Lovely boat, friendly and informative crew. We were on an afternoon trip so along with seeing whales, dolphins and turtles up close we were also to see a beautiful sunset on the return trip. Will definitely do again.
Written 1 August 2021
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.
Pam S
1 contribution
Sept 2022
Very friendly and helpful staff. Learnt a lot about whales and saw heaps. Although the ramp onto the Cat and the ramps on the Cat were very steep, I was able to get all round the boat in my power wheelchair, as I have a recliner function and seatbelt. The access toilet was no where big enough to fit a wheelchair, however, because I have some mobility, one of the staff and my husband were able to shuffle me in. Had the best afternoon out at sea!
Written 18 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.
Barrington B
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This early August time has many sub-adult whales to see as the whole east coast population continues to increase. These 'teenagers' are very inquisitive and 'mug' the boat giving fabulous close up views as they swam under and around the boat. The people who chose to do a whale swim were really excited about their experience.
Written 4 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.
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay, Australia
Anytime between mid July and October you will see whales in Hervey Bay. Early in the season we tend to get juvenile whales, which are followed around mid August/September with mothers and calves, followed by adult males in October. As each trip is unique it is very hard to say when is the best time. We hope this helps.
Written 14 July 2019
I am in Harvey bay is now a good time to see the whales or should I leave it till September cheers Kerry
Written 14 July 2019
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay, Australia
Hi Kerry,
It is a good time to see the whales although very early in the season, The whales we are seeing at the moment are juveniles, whereas in September we usually have mothers and calves in the bay. You could always do both :)
Written 14 July 2019
I'll be in Hervey Bay mid September and especially interested in adding the swimming option. What are the chances of swimming with the whales at that time?
Written 4 August 2017
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay, Australia
Hi John,
We have been running the swim option for the last 3 years and mainly swims are possible with the sub-adults whales which are generally in the Bay earlier in the season July/August. In September we often have mothers and calves and swims are not possible when there are calves in the pods. However in saying that, each trip is different and we did have a few swims last year in September and October. Sorry we cant be more definite but its very dependant on the whales on the day.
Written 4 August 2017
Hello,
My hubby & I are planning to come around in January . Any chances of seeing the whales? We know is not the full season but we driving from Sydney to Cairn
Many thanks
Written 25 July 2016
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay, Australia
Hi Anca,
The Whale season is from June until the end of October. So unfortunately you wont get to see them in January. If you were able to change your trip, to the above months you would be guaranteed Whales.
Thanks Kerry
Written 26 July 2016
We will be in Hervey Bay Friday 26th august
How many weeks into the actual season where you guarrantee whalesis it ? Please
Thanks in advance for your help
Written 14 July 2016
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay, Australia
Debbie, we guarantee every cruise & have done for 30 years. Our season is already running with whales in the bay & we will have many more by August. Looking forward to seeing you in Hervey Bay where the whales stay & play.
Jill
Written 15 July 2016
Is it too late in the season if we book for September 30?
Written 16 September 2015
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay, Australia
Oh no way, whales are in the bay till end October, we have loads of mums & calves right now,"Whale Soup" we call it!
Written 16 September 2015
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay, Australia
Morning cruise 7am-12.30pm 5.5hrs
Afternoon cruise 1pm-5pm 4hrs
Guaranteed whales n every cruise
Written 30 July 2015
what is the duration of tour and operating times please
Written 30 July 2015
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Hervey Bay, Australia
Morning cruise 7am-12.30pm.
Afternoon cruise 1pm-5pm.
Guaranteed whales & free home made muffins.
Written 6 August 2015
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