Tangalooma Island Resort Whale Watching Cruise
Tangalooma Island Resort Whale Watching Cruise
Tangalooma Island Resort Whale Watching Cruise
4.5
Boat ToursEco ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
7:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Full view
About
Since 1987, Tangalooma Island Resort has offered Brisbane's closest whale watching cruise, plus the opportunity to enjoy 'island life' for the day, and night if you stay over. Our vessel is a smooth sailing, comfortable catamaran. And our island is alive with fun things to do, from land and water sports to just lazing around on the beach. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on one of our high-speed catamarans as you search for humpback whales. Full commentary by an Eco Ranger and light lunch is provided on board. Tours run daily during Whale Watching Season (June to October) and subject to weather conditions - from both the Resort and from our Brisbane River Wharf (Holt St Pinkenba) * Whale sighting Guarantee * Access to Eco-Ranger shows at the resort * Includes a light lunch onboard * A Complimentary Tea/Coffee/Soft drink onboard * Complimentary Download of a happy-snap photo of you aboard the vessel * Complimentary resort access with a choice of departure/return times to extend your day
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Tangalooma Island Resort Whale Watching Cruise
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
150 reviews
Excellent
119
Very good
20
Average
4
Poor
5
Terrible
2
GayleJP
Brisbane, Australia637 contributions
July 2020 • Couples
The day trip from Brisbane to see the whales on their annual migration is outstanding.
Smooth checking in process to the ferry across to Moreton island ($15 extra for parking), and an interesting 75min ride over across the bay. A quick 40 min browse along the beach and resort before re-embarking and heading out into open water to spot the humpbacks.
Lunch was served on this part of the trip, delicious fresh salad and rolls, individually prepared and boxed for you.
Then we had around 2 hours in and around the Flinders reef area. Saw many whales, some came up close to the boat. Plenty of time for everyone to see them, get great photos and watch these magnificent creatures. Also saw dolphins and many sea eagles and other raptors.
The whales were tail slapping, breaching and swimming alongside the boat.
Informative commentary from the crew- on the animals, the area and the history of the island.
Back at Tangalooma we again had around 40 mins off the boat to have a stroll around.
In this era of social distancing, the tour has done well with signage showing which seats are to remain unoccupied, also staff cleaning rails etc, and indicators on the ground to show appropriate distance.
We were blessed with great weather, warm but not hot and most of all, very calm conditions. You might need seasickness medication on a not so calm day.
There are fairly steep steps to the upper deck, but you would be ok on the lower deck to view the whales too.
Highly recommend.
Smooth checking in process to the ferry across to Moreton island ($15 extra for parking), and an interesting 75min ride over across the bay. A quick 40 min browse along the beach and resort before re-embarking and heading out into open water to spot the humpbacks.
Lunch was served on this part of the trip, delicious fresh salad and rolls, individually prepared and boxed for you.
Then we had around 2 hours in and around the Flinders reef area. Saw many whales, some came up close to the boat. Plenty of time for everyone to see them, get great photos and watch these magnificent creatures. Also saw dolphins and many sea eagles and other raptors.
The whales were tail slapping, breaching and swimming alongside the boat.
Informative commentary from the crew- on the animals, the area and the history of the island.
Back at Tangalooma we again had around 40 mins off the boat to have a stroll around.
In this era of social distancing, the tour has done well with signage showing which seats are to remain unoccupied, also staff cleaning rails etc, and indicators on the ground to show appropriate distance.
We were blessed with great weather, warm but not hot and most of all, very calm conditions. You might need seasickness medication on a not so calm day.
There are fairly steep steps to the upper deck, but you would be ok on the lower deck to view the whales too.
Highly recommend.
Written 4 July 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.
Gillian S
Brisbane, Australia65 contributions
Aug 2021
Lovely day out. The ferry ride to the island was excellent. I wish to congratulate the captain on the 10 am and 4 pm ferry on Friday 27/8, what.a professional man. He gave some commentary as we went down the Brisbane river, introduced his team and really cared about them, you could hear it in his voice. On the trip home, he offered to pre book taxis for passengers. We have been across before, and I do not remember the captain going so far beyond his role. Gold star service, Moreton is beautiful. We went whale watching for 3 hours and saw about 12 whales. I think they were the lazy ones as no one was breaching, or tail slapping, but we still saw them up close, so very special. The boxed lunch was tasty and fresh and the other inclusions in the day package were good. Great value for money, highly recommended.
Written 28 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.
Christopher B
43 contributions
July 2024 • Solo
Absolutely fantastic tour. Within about 30 mins of departing, we encountered our first whale sightings and they were continuous right up until we had to finish. We got extremely fortunate at the end as we were on our way back when one whale was having a splash around directly in front of us and then did a few breaches to send us all home happy.
Highly recommend doing this as it’s not every day you get to see a beautiful creature like this in its natural habitat (depending where you’re from).
*tip* if you get motion sickness, be prepared to bring some medication to help with it as it can get a bit choppy at times.
Highly recommend doing this as it’s not every day you get to see a beautiful creature like this in its natural habitat (depending where you’re from).
*tip* if you get motion sickness, be prepared to bring some medication to help with it as it can get a bit choppy at times.
Written 28 July 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.
Andrew A
North Lakes, Australia63 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
We visited Tangalooma for the day and took the whale watching tour. We saw humpback whales, turtles, dolphins and beautiful scenery. It was a bit windy but the boat was big enough to make the swell comfortable. It was a fantastic way to spend a day with a great lunch on board and sensational photo opportunities.
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.
Lorna W
Houghton-le-Spring, UK99 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We left later than planned to see the whales but that was fine as we seen loads of whales. It was amazing seeing the whales so close up.
Lunch provided was more than a light lunch - got a sandwich, Mexican salad, apple and a piece of brownie.
It was definitely a once in a life time experience
Lunch provided was more than a light lunch - got a sandwich, Mexican salad, apple and a piece of brownie.
It was definitely a once in a life time experience
Written 21 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.
Michelle D
3 contributions
July 2015 • Couples
My husband and I went on a tour and the water seemed pleasant enough. However, when we travelled about 20 minutes from shore the captain mentioned the water would be very rocky and we should prepare to 'rock and roll'. I became nervous, but braced myself for what was potentially to come. Within minutes most of the passengers on board were sick, including us, and we were made to sit for 1 hours in the middle of the rocky sea. I have never felt so ill in my life and prayed to somehow leave the hell-hole. When we did see a flipper here and a spurt of water there, it wasn't even worth the harrowing trip. With no time to look up from our sick bags the whole trip was an absolute waste. Shame on the company for not warning us ahead of time about the unsafe conditions and allowed us the choice to continue or choose to stay on shore. By the end no one cared about the whales and were demanding we move to safer and calmed seas. Disgusting behaviour from the company who seem to put profit before comfort and experience. What a waste. Absolutely awful. Not worth it.
Written 9 July 2015
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.
Ruth B
Brisbane, Australia46 contributions
Sept 2016 • Family
Very slick operation from this company. You can tell that they have been operating for a number of years and know their stuff. The boat left on time; staff were very welcoming; commentary from marine biologist was informative. The light lunch of wraps and fruit was fresh and tasty. 3 hours was enough time to see plenty of whale activity. Would definitely recommend for the whole family.
Written 12 September 2016
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.
Leanne H
Brisbane, Australia12 contributions
June 2016 • Family
Leaving on the 7am boat from Brisbane gave us 3hrs to spend at Tangalooma. Pleasant and pretty cruise along Moreton Island coastline before rounding the tip to the rougher open waters - take your seasick tablets before you leave. Plenty of room on the boat with 3 levels of viewing, the crew were very friendly, the ecoguide commentary was great and the whales were plentiful. The captain made the boat ride as comfortable as it could be and he gave us many opportunities to see whales - 18 in all. Wraps for lunch, cheese, crackers & fruit - all fresh & tasty. An afternoon muffin on the way home. What a great day - our family all thoroughly enjoyed themselves & would be happy to go again.
Written 23 August 2016
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.
Bob J
Brisbane, Australia11 contributions
July 2016 • Family
This trip is so easy. If you live in Brisbane or are visiting Tangalooma it is something you really should do. It is an easy day trip from Brisbane or an easy 3 hour trip if you are on the Island. We had beautiful weather and we saw 7 humpback whales, about 5 green sea turtles and a number of dolphin pods. It was amazing! The commentary was interesting and informative and all the staff were friendly and helpful.
The only disappointment of the entire day was that some of the people on the boat did not pick up the rubbish they created. The staff did and the boat was always clean but it was disappointing to see tourists on a trip to admire nature unwilling to clean up after themselves. There are plenty of bins on the boat and it is not hard to access them. That is not a bad reflection on the company or the trip as the staff did a great job to keep things clean but tourists should be mindful of the fact that we need to be respectful of our back yard.
This is an excellent and easy way to view beautiful marine life and I highly recommend it.
It can get windy especially on the top deck so take a jacket and layer clothing.
The only disappointment of the entire day was that some of the people on the boat did not pick up the rubbish they created. The staff did and the boat was always clean but it was disappointing to see tourists on a trip to admire nature unwilling to clean up after themselves. There are plenty of bins on the boat and it is not hard to access them. That is not a bad reflection on the company or the trip as the staff did a great job to keep things clean but tourists should be mindful of the fact that we need to be respectful of our back yard.
This is an excellent and easy way to view beautiful marine life and I highly recommend it.
It can get windy especially on the top deck so take a jacket and layer clothing.
Written 2 July 2016
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.
Diana K
4 contributions
July 2020
Awesome experience! We have seen several groups of humpback whales relatively close to the boat, they even breached 3 times!
It was lovely sunny day, however a little bit windy. Good lunch was provided on board. In this tour you do not have time to spend on the island itself, the boat departs almost immediately after arrival.
Don't forget to take the sunscreen, despite the fact that it was in winter, many passengers including myself returned back to the resort with red sunburned faces :D
It was lovely sunny day, however a little bit windy. Good lunch was provided on board. In this tour you do not have time to spend on the island itself, the boat departs almost immediately after arrival.
Don't forget to take the sunscreen, despite the fact that it was in winter, many passengers including myself returned back to the resort with red sunburned faces :D
Written 7 July 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.
Hi there
I'm in Brisbane visiting my daughter, and would like to come over to Tangalooma resort to do some scuba, snorkeling.. dolphin experience etc.. is their accommodation at the resort.. only couldn't see it on the website.
Peter Cooke
Written 26 December 2019
Yes there is defintely a wide range of accommodation at Tangalooma, however during peak periods such as Christmas there may be limited availability and minimum stay requirements. On the Tangalooma Island Resort Homepage, there is a booking engine for you to see availability for your dates.
Written 2 January 2020
I am planning bring my children to go whale watching on 22 October. Any chance we might spot them?
Written 25 September 2019
Hi, i’m looking to join the tour in late november 2019. Are there any dolphins and whales to spot? Thanks!
Written 14 June 2019
Hi Dreamer58840677145,
The dolphins are generally into the resort every night at Sunset. Unfortunately its unlikely you'll see any whales in November as their migration generally finishes in Mid October
Written 30 June 2019
I'm going to be in Brisbane next week. Is there any chance for me to see whale pls?
Thank you,
Written 3 June 2019
Hi ThuyN859, sorry for the late response. Tangalooma Island Resort operate Whale watchging tours daily from 1st June to mid-October each year.
Written 30 June 2019
Hi,
I am planning to go to Tangalooma resort on week of 20th May. Wondering if there is chance to see Whale at that time? Thanks
Written 9 May 2018
Hi hbyim,
Unfortunately our Whale Watch Cruise Season doesn't start until 1 June and generally at this time of year you won't see any in Moreton Bay on the passenger boat transfer over to the resort, or in the waters around the resort itself (not impossible but unlikely). Those that are about, are likely to be passing by on the eastern side of Moreton Island
Your best bet would be to either try to book into a Northern Safari tour when you get there, which will take you up to Cape Moreton to potentially spot a whale from the clifftop near the lighthouse, or to try your luck spotting one from a helicopter tour.
Hope this helps
Written 9 May 2018
hi, is it worth to stay over night at the Tangalooma resort or just a day trip is enough.
Written 18 September 2017
Hi babelub0,
Definitely worth staying overnight if you can, you will get more time on the island to enjoy our great range of tours and activities including ATV Quad Bikes Tours, Desert Safari (Sand Tobogganing), Snorkeling Shipwrecks, and of course hand feeding the wild dolphins that come to our shores every night!
Written 25 September 2017
Could you please advise if catamaran is rough sailing or smooth sailing, my husband gets sea sick very easily so just checking before we book, thanks
Written 7 June 2017
We go offshore off Cape Moreton, so there is exposure to swells, but we would cancel the tour if we thought the swells would make guests uncomfortable. We do have Australia's largest dedicated whale watching vessel in our fleet, which helps with stability. I would never say that we could guarantee that your husband is safe from sea-sickness as every persons level of comfort is different, but we manage the boat as best we can to avoid this.
We transported more Whale watch guests than any other operator last year, and finished the season with an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars... so we are confident that we would be your best bet for a day cruise off Brisbane
Written 14 June 2017
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