Humpback whale breaching near Australian coast
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Sunset Whale Watching Cruise – Magnetic Island

from A$139
3 hours
Nelly Bay, Magnetic Islanda
All ages
Free cancellation (24hr prior)
This cruise runs seasonally, July to September, during the humpback whale migration. It is not available outside these months, so check your travel dates before booking.

Board the Kanyini at Nelly Bay for a 3 hour sunset cruise timed to Magnetic Island's humpback whale season. Master Reef Guides share the story behind Kanyini, the local whale the boat is named for, while onboard acoustic technology lets you listen in on real whale song over afternoon tea.

  • Humpback whale breaching near Australian coast
  • Aerial view of a large whale and a smaller whale swimming side by side in clear blue water near Magnetic Island.
  • A large cruise boat is anchored in shallow clear blue water near the sandy beach of Magnetic Island, with people swimming and relaxing under a blue parasol on the shore. Rocky coastline and trees are visible in the background, creating an idyllic setting perfect for sunset whale watching.
  • Humpback whale breaching near Australian coast
  • Aerial view of a large whale and a smaller whale swimming side by side in clear blue water near Magnetic Island.
  • A large cruise boat is anchored in shallow clear blue water near the sandy beach of Magnetic Island, with people swimming and relaxing under a blue parasol on the shore. Rocky coastline and trees are visible in the background, creating an idyllic setting perfect for sunset whale watching.

Quick read before you book.

  • Meet Kanyini, the local humpback whale this vessel is named for
  • Watch the sun go down over Magnetic Island from the water
  • Listen in on real whale song through onboard acoustic technology
  • Guided by Master Reef Guides who know these whales by name
  • Runs during peak humpback season, July to September

What’s included

  • Scenic sunset cruise departing Nelly Bay Magnetic Island
  • Expert commentary from Master Reef Guides
  • Opportunity to listen to whale songs live
  • Afternoon tea and refreshments

Commonly asked questions.

This sunset whale watching cruise runs July to September, during the humpback whale migration season along Magnetic Island's coastline. It isn't available outside these months, so check your dates before booking.

Kanyini is a local humpback whale that means a great deal to Aquascene, and the name they gave the custom built vessel you'll cruise on. Your Master Reef Guides share the full story on board.

No, these are wild whales and sightings can't be guaranteed on any single cruise. If none are spotted on your trip, you still get the full sunset cruise, afternoon tea and time on the water.

Aquascene is generally flexible about rebooking, subject to availability. Cancelling inside 24 hours of departure or not showing up is charged the full fare, and cancelling within 2 days of departure may incur a 20% admin fee.

Plenty. If you want to get out on the water again, our snorkelling and jet ski tour is a good way to fill in the rest of your day before the sunset cruise.

Comfortable casual clothing and a camera, plus a jacket or jumper if you're travelling between May and September, since the boat deck gets cool once the sun starts to drop.

Read more? Here’s the full description.

Step aboard the Kanyini at Nelly Bay for a premium sunset cruise built around one thing: getting close to humpback whales during their winter migration along Magnetic Island's coastline.

Your Master Reef Guides know these waters and these whales, including Kanyini, the local whale the vessel is named after. Between sightings they will talk you through what you are seeing and why it matters, while onboard acoustic technology lets you listen in on real whale song.

This cruise runs July to September, when the humpbacks pass through, with departure times shifting to track the sunset. Relax with afternoon tea and refreshments on deck, camera ready, as the light turns gold over the water.

Explore the other ways to spend a day on Magnetic Island, then check availability for a date that works and book your spot on the Kanyini.

Additional info by the operator.

Tour Operator: Aquascene Magnetic Island | Duration: 3 hours | Departure Point: Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island | Season: This cruise runs July to September during the humpback whale migration and is not available outside these months | What to Bring: Comfortable casual clothing, camera, jacket or jumper during May to September | Whale Sightings: Whales are wild and cannot be guaranteed on any given cruise; if none are spotted you still get the sunset cruise, afternoon tea and time on the water | Accessibility: Aquascene can accommodate most accessibility and mobility needs with advance notice, contact them directly before booking to discuss requirements | Weather & Cancellations: The tour is weather dependent. Your skipper will update you the day before if conditions are unsuitable. If you are unwell, please contact Aquascene for rescheduling or a refund. Cancellations inside 24 hours or no shows are charged the full fare; cancelling within 2 days of departure may incur a 20% admin fee, as stated in Aquascene's policy.