Hervey Bay Exclusive Whale Watch Encounter
Overview
This seasonal whale watching tour takes you aboard a 24-passenger sailing catamaran from Hervey Bay to Platypus Bay at K'gari (Fraser Island).
Limited guests allows for a truly intimate tour with one on one conversations to hear about these majestic animals. An immersive platform lets you observe a humpback whale underwater while you listen to the male humpback whale sing by hydrophone. Morning and afternoon tea are served along with a buffet lunch and beverage during the full-day tour.
What's Included
- Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Afternoon tea
- National park fees
- Lunch and beverage
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Please have your phone with you and turned on. If making your own way to the boat please be there 15 mins prior to departure for safety briefing
Great Sandy Straits Marina
Buccaneer Drive, Hervey Bay QLD 4655, Australia
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
After hotel pickup in the morning, board the Blue Dolphin, a 38-foot (11.6-metre) eco-friendly catamaran departing Great Sandy Straits Marina at Hervey Bay. This modern and luxurious sailing vessel is well-appointed with plenty of shaded seating areas and wide, flat decks — perfectly suited for up to 24 passengers.
This long-running and award-winning whale watching tour heads out to Platypus Bay, situated on the western side of K'gari (Fraser Island.) Marine life abounds in the region, from the little-known Australian humpback dolphins to the well-known humpback whales that visit during the winter months.
Throughout the day you will be offered the opportunity to see the whales, including from an immersive platform. An informative talk is given by your skipper, who shares more than 30 years of experience working with marine mammals. Your guide's knowledge and passion of the animals and the marine environment ensures a unique experience. Reference material is also available along with a hydrophone on board to hear the migratory mammals underwater. An intimate day tour for those who want to be one of the few not the many.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult (best suited to children 8 years and older due to the length of the tour)
- Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Tour may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-24104P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 510 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Hervey Bay Exclusive Whale Watch Encounter. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Afternoon tea.
- National park fees.
- Lunch and beverage.
- Live commentary on board.
- Professional guide.
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
The minimum age to participate is 8. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Hervey Bay Exclusive Whale Watch Encounter is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Hervey Bay Exclusive Whale Watch Encounter will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Afternoon tea
- National park fees
- Lunch and beverage
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult (best suited to children 8 years and older due to the length of the tour)
- Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Tour may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
