Whale Watching July to October

Hervey Bay’s humpback whales are just as friendly as the locals! That’s what makes our whale watching in Hervey Bay so special as it is the only place in the world where whales actually stop and take time to play. In the relaxed surrounds of our bay, these gentle giants enjoy 'people watching' as much as we love watching them!

Every year approximately 8,000 humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the Whitsunday Islands to breed, then in late July to early November on their return to the south they bring their calves to Hervey Bay for some time out and play in our warm waters.

Whale watching in Hervey Bay can be taken as a 1/2 or full day tour and is a truly awesome and often humbling experience that will stay with you forever.

Experience the magic of whale season in Hervey Bay!

Stay at The Bay Apartments & enjoy a 10% discount on your whale watching tour when you book with our team.

Simply book your accommodation with us and stay during whale season (July to October) & when you book a whale watching tour through our office/reception (not online), receive 10% off your tour booking. T&C's apply.

Here are just a few of the amazing tours on offer. Our team can book your tour and arrange the complimentary pick up and drop off right to the door of The Bay Apartments!

Tasman Venture

  • Half-day whale watching encounters depart twice daily
  • Guaranteed sightings with experienced crew in a fast and luxurious catamaran
  • Large decks, with a water-level viewing platform and underwater viewing windows
  • Morning or afternoon tea provided, plus antipasti platter on return cruise
  • Free courtesy transfers to and from The Bay Apartments
  • They also offer a full day Remote Fraser Island Experience, where you may have the chance to swim and snorkel with whales!

Please contact our friendly team to book in this tour for you.

Tasman Venture

Spirit of Hervey Bay

  • Guaranteed sightings, if no whales spotted on your cruise a free return cruise ticket offered 
  • Expert commentary on the whales and features of Fraser Island
  • Hydrophone equipped to listen to the whales singing
  • Complimentary morning or afternoon tea
  • Comfortable, fast and stable catamaran
  • 6 viewing decks spread over 5 spacious levels, plus an underwater viewing room
  • Courtesy transfers between accommodation and marina

Please contact our friendly team make a booking for you.

Go whale watching on the Spirit of Hervey Bay

Whalesong Cruises

  • Choose between an extended morning (5 hour cruise) or afternoon + sunset (4 - 4.5 hour cruise) 
  • Local knowledge and expert fauna commentary with an emphasis on whales
  • Multi-level viewing throughout the entire vessel
  • Hydrophone to listen to the whales 'sing'
  • Delicious morning tea AND lunch on morning cruise; afternoon tea AND dinner on afternoon cruise
  • Courtesy bus transfers

Please contact our friendly team to book in this tour as part of your stay.

Whalesong Cruises aerial

Blue Dolphin Marine Tours

  • Full day tour – giving you more time with the whales
  • Expert commentary with over 39 years experience with marine mammals
  • Multi award winning sail vessel, with a maximum of 24 passengers
  • Morning and afternoon tea, full buffet lunch and complimentary beverage (beer, wine or soft drink)
  • Complimentary transfers from to and from The Bay Apartments
  • They also offer eco-friendly sailing tours across Hervey Bay and K'Gari (Fraser Island) with small passenger numbers to ensure you get an up close, exclusive experience

Please contact our friendly team to book in this tour for you.

Blue Dolphin Marine Tours FB page

Freedom Whale Watch

  • 3/4 day whale watching onboard the Freedom III - a stable and comfortable 58 foot catamaran
  • 360 degree whale viewing on all 3 levels plus a water level viewing area 
  • Learn about the whales and the local area from the knowledgeable captain and crew
  • Hear the whales sing via their high-tech hydrophone
  • Morning + afternoon tea and a delicious tropical buffet lunch
  • Complimentary transfers from to and from The Bay Apartments

Please contact our friendly team to book in this tour for you.

Freedom Whale Watch FB page

Hervey Bay Whale Watch - Quick Cat II

  • Australia's most experienced whale watch crew
  • Informative commentary, local knowledge and history
  • Hydrophone equipped to listen to whale song underwater
  • Light food and refreshments, plus a fully licensed bar for food and beverage purchases
  • Other tours include K'gari (Fraser Island) combos and a Swim with the Whales option.

Please contact our friendly team to book in this tour for you.

Hervey Bay Whale Watch QuickCat II FB page

Hervey Bay Dive Centre

  • The only dedicated 'swim with the whales' experience (when conditions permit)
  • Guest numbers are strictly limited making for a personal and fun day on the water
  • The swim/snorkel experience takes place via a 20m mermaid line connected to the stern of the vessel
  • Experienced PADI Dive team and professional crew
  • Morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea provided
  • All equipment provided, including a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and safety gear

Please contact our friendly team to book in this tour for you.

Hervey Bay Dive Centre FB page

We are very lucky to have many wonderful tour operators in Hervey Bay!

Please head to the Visit Fraser Coast website for more options, or feel free to call our friendly team before your arrival for a chat on which tour would suit you the best.

  • The Bay Apartments Hervey Bay local area 1
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  • The Bay Apartments Hervey Bay local area 2 v2
  • Whale watching Fraser Island