Australia · WHALE WATCHING CRUISES
Humpbacks run the east and west coasts between roughly June and November, and every operator on this list works inside that window. The 15 below compare boats, sailing times and sighting guarantees, with prices.
Sydney whale watching cruise with expert commentary, hot drinks, harbour views, and a whale sighting guarantee for $63.
“Great fun, knowledgeable guides and we saw lots of whales and dolphins. Would 100% do it again!”
Watch humpback whales in Moreton Bay on a five-hour Redcliffe cruise with lunch, live commentary, optional hotel pickup, and guaranteed sightings.
“This company is really well organised. They’ve got an excellent boat which is designed for watching whales up close. The staff are friendly and a lot of information about whales is relayed. We saw many of these magnificent animals up close - it was truly awesome.”
Spend six hours among humpback whales in Platypus Bay with Freedom III, including meals, expert commentary, hotel transfers, and three viewing decks.
“Great crew, well organized, not too many people on board, fantastic experience the whales came very close to our boat. Enjoyed the day in full.”
Review of Spirit of Gold Coast whale watching, with marine biologist commentary, 100% whale guarantee, practical tips, value, and drawbacks.
“Very organized and professionally run tour. Saw whales immediately upon leaving the seaway! They offered seasickness tablets to everyone ($3) and although it wasn’t rough we were glad we took them as we saw a couple of other people get sick. Trip was just long enough and with fine weather it made an excellent afternoon experience for us and our teenage son.”
Reach Sydney’s open ocean in 20 minutes on this two-hour whale cruise, with outdoor decks, expert commentary, and a free return if whales are missed.
“Lovely views, unfortunately we did not see any whales”
Watch humpback whales from a 24-meter catamaran on a Gold Coast tour with marine biologist commentary, 360-degree decks, and a free retry.
“Excellent experience, the whales were swimming along beside us and the captain have great commentary with lots of info. The crew took great care of everyone and were very attentive to those who were sea sick too”
Review of Hervey Bay’s 3-hour whale watch with marine scientists, live whale songs, close encounters, snacks, and conservation support.
“The team are fantastic and knowledgeable. We managed to spot three pods of whales and were even lucky enough to see a triple breach. I would highly recommend as the money also goes towards the conservation of these animals though if I hadn’t seen the activity we had, I am not sure I would have been as happy but this is obviously not something any of them can control”
See humpback whales, dolphins, Sydney Harbour, and the Opera House on a small-group cruise with a free return guarantee.
“We had a fantastic day out on Sydney Harbour and beyond the Heads for our whale sighting tour. The weather was picture perfect adding a to great trip. Mette was extremely knowledgeable and provided a commentary on the whales' behaviour & how best to spot them. We were encouraged to stand up and move around so we could spot the whales (this was great for me as I normally suffer seasickness and didn't want to just sit). The Whale Tales website encouraged visitors to take medication if they suffer from seasickness 1 hour before, I did and had no problem at all. Our first sighting was a mother Humpback whale…”
Hervey Bay whale watching aboard Tasman Venture, with close humpback encounters, expert guides, underwater windows, snacks, and hotel pickup.
“A fantastic day with lots of whales putting on a show for us”
Review of Whalesong Cruises in Hervey Bay, with whale encounters, hydrophone, meals, pickup, timings, price, and practical booking advice.
“Amazing day. We saw so many whales breaching and fin flapping. The crew were friendly and so helpful. Food was great. What more could you ask for”
Watch humpback whales from a Hervey Bay catamaran with underwater windows, hydrophones, tea, snacks, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“Must do in Hervey Bay staff are fabulous and very knowledgeable they go out of their way to find the whales would definitely do it again and highly recommend”
Spend eight hours whale watching from Hervey Bay to Platypus Bay, with a small catamaran, hydrophone, lunch, and hotel pickup.
“I've been on a few whale watch tours but this is by far the best! Smaller boat and fewer people gets you closer to these majestic giants. The respect these guides show for all the sea life is beautiful. The best day ever!”
Review of Spirit of Hervey Bay whale watching cruise, with Platypus Bay views, expert commentary, tea, transfers, boat details, and booking tips.
“Lots of whale pods , great boat good information about the whales . Had a fun time with the family. The crew were very informative.”
Watch humpback whales in Moreton Bay aboard the MV Eye Spy, with a fresh lunch, live commentary, hotel pickup options, and flexible booking.
“It was just amazing. The whales came so close to the boat. Highly recommended.”
See humpback whales, hear their songs, and scan for dolphins on a 2.5-hour Gold Coast cruise with a 100% whale sighting guarantee.
“The activity was well worth the money x to improve maybe cushions on seats as they were very uncomfortable”
Pick a coast, a rock or a cellar door.
