Three whales swim near a boat labelled Pacific Whale Foundation on calm blue ocean water under a clear sky, capturing the essence of an Ultimate Whale Watching experience.
Back

Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watch Tour

from A$119
3 hours
Hervey Bay
Free Cancellation (48 hours prior)

Head out from Urangan Harbour on Ocean Defender, a small research vessel with forward facing seats at water level, to watch humpback whales resting in Hervey Bay. Listen to whale song through an underwater hydrophone, learn from certified naturalists and an onboard researcher, and enjoy snacks, drinks and a freshly baked cookie over three hours.

  • Three whales swim near a boat labelled Pacific Whale Foundation on calm blue ocean water under a clear sky, capturing the essence of an Ultimate Whale Watching experience.
  • A humpback whale emerges from the sea near a boat on a Whale Watching tour, while two people observe from the boat’s edge under a partly cloudy sky in Hervey Bay.
  • A humpback whale’s head emerges from the blue ocean water during a thrilling whale watching tour in Hervey Bay, displaying barnacles and textured skin, with another whale visible in the background.
  • A humpback whale breaches the surface of the ocean in Hervey Bay, with its body partially out of the water and splashing, under a clear blue sky—a breathtaking sight for anyone on a whale watching tour.
  • A humpback whale breaches out of the ocean, with water splashing around its body under a cloudy sky—an awe-inspiring sight often witnessed on a whale-watching tour in Hervey Bay.
  • A group of people on a whale watch tour in Hervey Bay observe two humpback whales emerging vertically from the water nearby on a clear day.
  • Three whales swim near a boat labelled Pacific Whale Foundation on calm blue ocean water under a clear sky, capturing the essence of an Ultimate Whale Watching experience.
  • A humpback whale emerges from the sea near a boat on a Whale Watching tour, while two people observe from the boat’s edge under a partly cloudy sky in Hervey Bay.
  • A humpback whale’s head emerges from the blue ocean water during a thrilling whale watching tour in Hervey Bay, displaying barnacles and textured skin, with another whale visible in the background.
  • A humpback whale breaches the surface of the ocean in Hervey Bay, with its body partially out of the water and splashing, under a clear blue sky—a breathtaking sight for anyone on a whale watching tour.
  • A humpback whale breaches out of the ocean, with water splashing around its body under a cloudy sky—an awe-inspiring sight often witnessed on a whale-watching tour in Hervey Bay.
  • A group of people on a whale watch tour in Hervey Bay observe two humpback whales emerging vertically from the water nearby on a clear day.

Quick read before you book.

  • Eye level whale encounters from seats at the waterline
  • Live whale song through underwater hydrophones
  • Small group cruise run by a whale research charity
  • Sheltered Platypus Bay, where humpbacks rest on their way south
  • Morning, midday and afternoon departures to suit your day

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.7 Stars|261 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Whales run on their own schedule, so bring a jacket, sunnies and plenty of camera battery.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Three hour guided whale watch aboard Ocean Defender
  • Commentary from certified marine naturalists and an onboard whale researcher
  • Snacks, soft drinks and local Bundaberg brewed drinks
  • A freshly baked cookie from The Bakers Room Artisan Bakery
  • Commemorative whale watch guide
  • Junior Naturalist activity book for children
  • Full size onboard toilet

Commonly asked questions.

Humpback whales visit Hervey Bay from July to October, with August and September usually the busiest months. Sightings are guaranteed from 15 July to 9 October, and if you miss out you receive a free return ticket valid for up to a year.

Check in at the Ocean Store, Shop 1, Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, and boarding opens 30 minutes before your departure. The marina has free parking, plus cafes for a bite before or after the cruise.

Cancel more than 48 hours before departure for a full refund; bookings cancelled within 48 hours are non refundable. If the captain cancels for weather or any other reason, you receive a full refund.

Ocean Defender is a very stable boat, and Platypus Bay is usually calm because K'gari shelters it. If you are prone to motion sickness, take something before you board.

The cruise suits children aged 6 and over, with child rates for ages 6 to 12, and families with children aged 3 to 5 can call 1800 454 310 to ask. It is not recommended if you are pregnant or have neck or back concerns.

Ocean Defender cannot take wheelchairs because of its design and the stepped gangway at Urangan Harbour. Guests with limited mobility are welcome, with a low side boarding gate, handrails and crew to help you to your seat.

Bring flat, closed shoes, a jacket or rain gear, sun protection and a camera; GoPros are fine but drones are not allowed. Our Australia packing list covers the rest.
Further north, the sunset whale watching cruise at Magnetic Island pairs the same migration with golden hour light. Hervey Bay is known for its sheltered water and long sightings close to the boat.

More about this tour.

Each winter and spring, humpback whales pause in Hervey Bay on their journey south, and many of them linger in Platypus Bay, the calm stretch of water sheltered by K'gari. This three hour small group whale watch with Pacific Whale Foundation heads out from Urangan aboard Ocean Defender, a 12 metre research vessel with covered, forward facing seats right at water level.Being that low changes the whole encounter. When a whale surfaces nearby you see it at eye level, and when the crew lowers a hydrophone into the water you can listen to whale song live. A whale researcher travels on board, and certified marine naturalists explain the behaviour you are watching as it happens.Pacific Whale Foundation is a registered charity, so your ticket helps fund its research, education and conservation work. Snacks, soft drinks, local Bundaberg brewed drinks and a freshly baked cookie are included, and kids get a Junior Naturalist activity book to fill in on the way.The season runs from July to October, usually peaking in August and September; our whale watching season guide covers the timing in detail. Visiting in summer instead? The same team runs the Great Sandy Strait dolphin and turtle cruise.This tour has multiple options;
  • 7am morning departure
  • 11am midday departure
  • 2:30pm afternoon departure
Explore the season, check availability for your date, and book your seat on Ocean Defender.

Additional info.

  • Check in at the Ocean Store, Shop 1, Great Sandy Straits Marina, Urangan; boarding opens 30 minutes before departure.
  • Best for ages 6 and up; call the operator before booking younger children.
  • Wear flat, closed shoes and bring a jacket.