Hervey Bay Whale Watch

The Hervey Bay Boat Club's world-class whale watching tour departs daily aboard the recently upgraded vessel Amaroo. Hervey Bay is the best destination in the world to watch humpback whales, and the Amaroo is perfectly suited for navigating the waters of the area, the worlds first Whale Heritage site! 

Awarded BEST OF QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCE - by Travellers

This tour departs from the opulent Hervey Bay Boat Club and passengers are invited to enjoy this well appointed club's facilities.

Our half-day (4 hour) whale watch cruise departs twice daily at 8:30am and 1:30pm, from mid-July to late October.

The tour takes place from our purpose-built whale watching vessel the Amaroo, a comfortable and stable 20 metre (66 foot) stable catamaran with 3 view decks and all the facilities you need for a great day on the ocean, including restrooms and a bar.

The Amaroo is captained and crewed by our highly trained and experienced local team. They are passionate about the whales and will provide expert commentary on their behaviour and the history of Hervey Bay.

By booking a whale watch with us you are also entitled to a discount on meals and beverages at the Hervey Bay Boat Club, one of the region's premier dining venues and our departure point for the cruise.  

Your cruise includes:

• Morning/Afternoon tea/coffee and biscuits served aboard
• Expert commentary on the whales and features of Fraser Island
• Guaranteed sightings (conditions apply)
• Discount on dining at The Boat Club café and restaurant*
  
• Courtesy transfers

Our vessel features:

• Fast, comfortable, and stable
• Snack Bar
• 3 large viewing decks (including under-cover)
• Hydrophone
• Toilet amenities
• Air-conditioned
• Fully licensed Bar

What to bring:

• Sunglasses, hat & sunscreen
• Camera
• Jacket

What to expect

Whale watching from Hervey Bay is second to none. The region was recently designated the world's first Whale Heritage Site, and with good reason.

Only in Hervey Bay do the migrating humpback whales take a break during the annual season. Here they stop and relax in large numbers, making for the most amazing whale watching encounters on earth.

You can assist the crew by scanning the seas for the first flash or a splash as pods of whales play, signaling the start of your awe-inspiring experience.

As the whales approach the tour only gets better as Hervey Bay is well known as the best place to experience up-close whale encounters. Whale 'mugging' is common as they move in close to watch you, watching them. An experience you won't forget, a 40-tonne humpback whale just metres away from you is breathtaking!

Book online or contact our friendly team

You can use the form located here to check whale watching availability or please call us on (07) 4197 8766 if you have any questions.

Frequently asked questions

Is the morning whale watch better than the afternoon tour?

The whales are all individuals and behave differently, generally their behaviour changes randomly throughout the day. There is no pattern, they can be more active in the morning or afternoon.

Is the weather rougher in the afternoon?

There is a weather phenomenon called “the afternoon sea breeze” however this rarely is of any significance to affect whale watching. The weather is determined by the main weather patterns and can be similar all day or increasing or decreasing during day. Our skipper monitors the weather in advance and will advise of any concerns that may affect your cruise or comfort.

What's included in the whale watching cruise?

Our whale watch tour includes access to our comfortable waiting area in The Boat Club, a 4 hour whale watch cruise with commentary from experienced locals and guaranteed sightings, morning or afternoon tea, and a discount at the Hervey Bay Boat Club on your day of travel. Available for purchase aboard: snacks in the canteen, beverages at the bar, and souvenirs.

Is the tour suitable for small children?

Yes, our vessel (AMAROO) is a very large and stable 20 metre (66 foot) catamaran, safe and comfortable for persons of all ages. There is no requirement for children to wear life jackets, however, we have a range of jackets onboard for use if you feel more comfortable. We do require that parents provide suitable supervision to their children during the cruise. Activity booklets are provided free of charge for all children.

Do you guarantee that we'll see whales?

Yes, whale sightings are guaranteed between the 23rd July and 7th October. However, it is very rare for the whale watching fleet not to see whales between late-July and mid-October. In the unlikely event that the captain is unable to locate a whale during a whale watching cruise between 23rd July and 7th October, a complimentary return ticket will be offered.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Hervey Bay is renowned for consistently mild weather conditions. Combined with the shelter for Fraser Island this ensures that most whale watch cruises take place in reasonably gentle sea conditions. We monitor the weather closely, in the unlikely event that your cruise has to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions the captain will provide as much notice as possible. You can reschedule your whale watch or receive a return ticket. Generally, we only cancel for strong winds... rain does not bother us or the whales.