Between July and September, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm, sheltered waters of the Whitsunday Islands, one of their most important calving grounds. This Whitsundays whale watching cruise lets you see mothers with calves, breaches and tail slaps.
What you do
- Depart from Airlie Beach on a boat with outdoor decks and covered areas.
- Cruise the channels between islands where whales rest with their calves.
- Watch from a safe distance while a guide explains their behaviour.
- With luck, see breaches and tail slaps, and hear whale song through a hydrophone on some boats.
How we do it
The Whitsunday waters are a special whale protection area: boats must respect strict approach distances and never chase the animals. There is no swimming with the whales. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but they are very common in peak season.
Who it is for
Families, photographers and nature lovers of all ages. The boats are stable and comfortable, so even guests who rarely go to sea enjoy the trip.
What to bring
A windproof jacket, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens if you have one.
Best time
July to September, peaking in August. There are also whales in June and October, though fewer.
Included
- Crewed cruise
- Naturalist guide
- Tea, coffee and snacks
FAQs
When are the whales here?
Mainly from July to September.
Can we swim with them?
No, in the Whitsundays they are only watched from the boat.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No, although they are very common in peak season.
