If seeing whales in their natural habitat is high on your bucket list, you may not have to travel as far as you think. Not only will you have the chance to see friendly humpback whales swimming around through the clear waters, but you may even spot their newborn calves. The freedom and independence that you will receive when hiring our boats will allow you to have your own personal, peaceful experience watching majestic whales swimming gracefully through the open water.

After feeding and resting to gain all the energy needed, humpback whales begin their annual migration north, starting at Antarctica. The whales will then begin their journey, passing by Tasmania and the east coast, where they’ll reach the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef. In contrast to many other locations, the humpback whales will stop at Hervey Bay for a number of days, providing tourists and locals the opportunity to see the marine wildlife up close and personal.

You will have the chance to see humpback whales and their calves swimming and playing around in the water, as well as watching them approach your boat within metres to investigate!

When Can We See the Whales?

The humpback whales will begin to pass through Hervey Bay around mid July. Towards the end of October, there will be considerably fewer amounts of whales still situated in Hervey Bay. However, the whales can occasionally still be seen in November.

We recommend that the best time to see the whales is between the start of August to the end of September.

Look, but Don’t Touch!

We understand that the beauty of seeing whales in their natural habitat can be a once in a lifetime opportunity, however you must remember to respect the creatures – you’re a visitor in their home! At Hervey Bay, the whales will be completely relaxed and taking a break from the migration, which is why it is so important that they are not disturbed.

A number of regulations have been created to ensure that the humpback whales remain protected during whale season. Please respect mother nature and ensure that you are abiding by the regulations:

• Do not approach within 100 metres of an individual whale, or within 300 metres if three or more boats are within 300 metres of said whale
• Do not approach a whale head on
• Do not herd, chase or interfere with the free movement of whales
• Do interfere with a group of whales or come between a mother and her calf

If you are within 300 metres of a whale, please try to avoid sudden changes of direction, begin to manoeuvre constantly at less than 4 knots, and allow the motors to idle before stopping and raise outboards idle motors before moving off slowly until 300 metres away. It is also important be aware of any signs the whales becoming alarmed – if you believe that the whales are alarmed, please avoid and abandon any contact you may have had with them.

Finally, please do not attempt to feed the whales or throw anything overboard.