Hervey Bay, located on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, is renowned as one of the best whale watching destinations in Australia. Visitors can embark on a captivating half-day cruise that promises close encounters with the majestic humpback whales that migrate through these waters. Onboard, guests will enjoy a delectable meal, refreshing beverages, and insightful commentary from experienced guides, all while marveling at the creatures in their natural habitat. However, the true allure of this experience extends beyond the whales themselves, as the cruise also offers a unique opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty of the region.
This experience made our list of the 9 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Hervey Bay.
Key Points
- The half-day whale watching cruise from Great Sandy Straits Marina in Hervey Bay lasts approximately 4 hours and includes a meal.
- The cruise offers a 100% guarantee of humpback whale sightings during peak migration season, as well as the opportunity to see other marine life.
- The tour includes complimentary amenities such as WiFi, morning/afternoon tea, and a hydrophone for listening to whale songs.
- The vessel is designed for wheelchair accessibility, and the crew provides attentive support to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all passengers.
- The tour has an overall customer rating of 4.7 out of 5, with high praise for the guides, transportation, and the quality of the whale watching experience.
Tour Overview
The Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise offers a half-day excursion from the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, Hervey Bay, lasting approximately 4 hours and priced from $100.26 per person. It’s likely to sell out, so you’ll want to check availability and book in advance.
The good news is you can reserve now and pay later, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
This whale watching experience is a must-do activity, with a 100% guarantee of humpback whale sightings during the peak migration season.
Glide over the water on a low-carbon vessel and enjoy the ultimate comfort of wide decks and multi-level viewing.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Hervey Bay
Whale Watching Highlights
Travelers aboard the Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise can expect to see a variety of marine life, including humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, and an array of sea birds.
The tour offers a 100% guarantee of humpback whale sightings, allowing guests to witness the majestic creatures up close.
Throughout the journey, passengers will enjoy live commentary from knowledgeable guides, who’ll share insights into the local marine environment and history.
The low-carbon footprint vessel provides ultimate comfort, with wide decks and multi-level viewing platforms to ensure optimal whale-watching experiences.
For added convenience, the cruise also includes complimentary WiFi, morning/afternoon tea, and lunch or dinner, depending on the tour option selected.
Cruise Itinerary and Inclusions
The cruise departs from the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, Hervey Bay, and includes morning or afternoon tea as well as lunch or dinner, depending on the tour option selected.
Filtered water, tea, herbal tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are provided throughout the trip. Passengers can access free WiFi and use the provided kids’ activity sheets and hydrophone to listen to whale songs. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available upon request.
The itinerary focuses on spotting humpback whales, along with other marine life such as dolphins, turtles, dugongs, and seabirds. The crew provides live commentary on marine and local history to enhance the educational aspect of the experience.
Accessibility and Amenities
Along With the comprehensive itinerary and inclusions, the Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise caters to the needs of all passengers through its accessible design and thoughtful amenities. The vessel is wheelchair accessible, with attentive crew members available to provide assistance. Passengers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring a water bottle, while pets and smoking are not allowed on board.
Accessibility | Suggested Items | Prohibited Items |
---|---|---|
Wheelchair accessible | Comfortable shoes | Pets |
Attentive crew support | Sunglasses | Smoking |
Sun hat, sunscreen |
The cruise aims to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the wonders of whale watching in Hervey Bay.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Ratings and Reviews
Overwhelmingly, customers rate the Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise highly, with an overall score of 4.7 out of 5 based on 118 reviews.
The tour’s guides receive exceptional praise, earning a 4.8 rating, while the transportation and service also impress with 4.8 and 4.6 scores, respectively.
Reviewers highlight the incredible whale sightings and the crew’s attentive service.
Though the organization earns a still-strong 4.4 rating, some customers suggest improvements to the food options, particularly for children.
Ready for more marine magic? More whale watching we recommend in Hervey Bay
Cruise Duration and Pricing
A half-day whale watching cruise from Hervey Bay typically lasts 4 hours and costs from $100.26 per person. The tour offers a convenient reserve now and pay later option, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This ensures flexibility for travelers. The cruise’s pricing is competitive, and with a 100% guarantee of humpback whale sightings, it provides excellent value for money.
Duration | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|
4 hours | From $100.26 per person | Likely to sell out; check availability |
Reserve now & pay later option available | ||
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund |
Booking and Cancellation Policy
The tour offers a convenient reserve now and pay later option, and travelers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility ensures you can easily adjust your plans if needed without incurring any penalties.
The booking process is straightforward:
-
Check availability and secure your spot by reserving online or over the phone.
-
Pay later, with the option to pay in full at least 24 hours before the tour.
-
Cancel for free up to a day in advance if your plans change.
This hassle-free booking experience allows you to focus on anticipating the incredible whale watching adventure ahead.
Vessel and Sustainability
Gliding over the water with a low carbon footprint, the vessel used for the Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise prioritizes sustainability and comfort for an exceptional whale watching experience.
Designed with wide decks and multi-level viewing platforms, the boat can accommodate a limited number of passengers, ensuring an intimate and unobstructed encounter with the magnificent humpback whales.
The use of eco-friendly materials and low-emission engines reflects the cruise operator’s commitment to minimizing their environmental impact.
Guests can relax and enjoy the views while contributing to a more sustainable tourism model, knowing that the experience they’re part of is consciously crafted to protect the delicate marine ecosystem of Hervey Bay.
Recap
The Hervey Bay half-day whale watching cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales up close.
With knowledgeable guides, a delicious meal, and a low-carbon footprint vessel, this tour provides a comprehensive and accessible whale watching experience.
Advance booking is recommended to secure a spot on this must-do adventure in Hervey Bay.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Hervey Bay
- Kgari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise From Hervey Bay
- Hervey Bay: Relaxing Sunset Cruise With Champagne and Prawns
- Milbi Sunset Cruise With Champagne and Prawns
- From Hervey Bay: Kgari, Fraser Island Full-Day Coach Tour
- From Hervey Bay: Kgari, Fraser Island Two-Day Coach Tour
- Djinang Cultural Walking Tour
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Hervey Bay we have recnetly reviewed
- 12 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Hervey Bay
- 6 Best Tours In Hervey Bay
- 9 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Hervey Bay
- 2 Best Sailing Experiences In Hervey Bay
- Hervey Bay 4-Hour Whale Watch Encounter
- Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure
- From Hervey Bay: 1/2 Day Kgari Fraser Island Beach Cruise
- Mary Valley Rattler
- Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise
- Mary Valley Rattler: The Rattler Tasting Train
- Fraser Island 4-Hour Eco-Sailing Adventure
- From Hervey Bay: Kgari Getaway Three-day 4WD Coach Tour