From 1st July - Oct 2027 HALF DAY WHALE WATCHING TOURS DEPARTING BUNDABERG PORT
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Unforgettable Humpback Whale Encounters
Prepare for an extraordinary adventure on the beautiful waters of Bundaberg. From 1 July 2027 to October 2027, join us for an intimate half-day cruise along the bustling “Humpback Highway” and witness these majestic giants up close in their natural playground. 🐋
Your Whale Watching Experience
Departing from the Bundaberg Port Marina at Burnett Heads, your journey takes place aboard our luxury catamarans, “Reef Empress” or “Main Event”. Over four spectacular hours, you will enjoy uninterrupted views of humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and playing along the coastline.
Tour Highlights
- Luxury Vessel: Cruise in ultimate comfort with spacious decks designed for optimal viewing. 🚢
- Incredible Sightings: Australia Whale Experience has 100% sighting rate over the past 8 years on our whale watching tour along the coastline of Bundaberg.
- Delicious Inclusions: Stay energised with a complimentary light lunch served onboard. 🥪
- Perfect Schedule: Operating every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, boarding at 9:45 am for a prompt 10:00 am departure, returning at 2:00 pm.
INFORMATION FOR DAY OF TRAVEL:
- Plan to arrive early (9:30am recommended) for a 9:45am boarding
- Tours depart from 15-17 Marina Drive, Burnett Heads, which is approximately a 20-25 minute drive from Bundaberg CBD. Please familiarise yourself with the area prior to tour date to ensure you arrive on time.
- Beverages, snacks, sea-sickness tablets & merchandise are available for purchase on board. Filtered water is available throughout the day so please bring a water bottle for top ups (refillable bottles are sold on the boat if required).
- Please wait on the grass area next to the boarding gates marina side of the carpark for our check-in crew to begin boarding
- No shoes to be worn whilst on the vessel for safety reasons. If you need to wear shoes for medical reasons, please ensure they are flat with non-marking soles and advise the crew at check-in and boarding.
- Included in your 1/2 day tour is a light lunch of wraps.
- Arrival back to Bundaberg Port Marina is approximately 2:00pm depending on weather and tour numbers on the day.
- If we have to cancel/change our tours for any reason, we will contact you the day before to discuss options via email and/or via phone. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
- Whilst onboard please follow ALL directions provided by our crew as they are given to ensure your safety and comfort at all times.
SEASICKNESS PREVENTION AND ADVICE:
We strongly recommend that all passengers take sea-sickness medication as a precaution (we recommend Travacalm HQ Original or Chewable). Please consult with a pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication. For those who knowingly suffer seasickness Pharmacists recommend:
- Take Phenergan (seasickness medication) the night prior to travel
- Stay well hydrated
- Avoid alcohol the night prior to travel
- Get a good nights rest before travelling
- Avoid milky drinks, coffee and tea the morning of travel
- Eat before taking seasickness medication
- Take seasickness medication 40 minutes prior to boarding
DON’T FORGET TO BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
- Physical Credit/debit card or cash for onboard purchases as we operate outside of mobile data reception we cannot accept contactless payments from devices onboard using smart phones or apple watches during our travel. You will need to provide a credit card to start an onboard tab at our kiosk to be settled when back in mobile data reception or pay with cash for purchases.
- Spray jacket or jumper
- Cameras
- Drink bottle
- Any required medications including epi pen and seasickness medication for the return journey if required
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
All tours are subject to weather and minimum numbers.
All schedules, activities and prices may be varied without notice.
Listed fares in Australian Dollars include GST. Prices valid to October 2027.
Cancellation policy applies please see FAQs.
SUITS
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Well done guys
1st time we came it we came over on the VIP trip and had the pleasure of being in the captains deck and had a good chat with the marine biologist who told us about the over night stay and if we wanted a gold class experience we should give it a go as the in the later afternoon me would virtually have the reef to ourselves. Well the first trip was so good we decided we definitely needed longer to explore so we booked for one night. Came over in turtle nesting season and did a trip to the island to watch turtles nest and swam in the lagoon afternoon and morning before the day guests came back
Fast forward to this weekend and we were back for the manta ray season. We decided this time to stay two nights as we loved the first one so much we didn’t want to go home after one night.
From arrival at the boat we were treated like absolute royalty. As part of booking for the overnight experience we get priority boarding, the staff all introduced themselves and helped us board and settle in. We were given drinks and a grazing platter to enjoy on the way over.
As we had been over several times before this time we decided not to do the glass bottom boat and to spend the morning snorkeling as we were booked to go on the manta ray outer reef tour. Morning snorkeling was great as was the manta ray tour although we didn’t actually see any manta rays Jack and Emma tried very hard to try and find some for us. We also went out again the next day and unfortunately they didn’t grace us with their presence. We decided not to go out on the 3rd day as we did find it very tiring swimming in the open ocean and I was having problems with a medical condition. Of course this was the day that the group not only saw manta rays but also swam with some dolphins oh well luck of the drawer and we will have to try again next year. We did however still have excellent snorkeling in the reef.
Friday night we had the whole place to ourselves with Eamon and Sydney looking after us. Wow wow wow how lucky were we.
Sydney was our chef and made us 1st class food. We do a lot of fine dining and her food matches a lot of top restaurants that we have been to especially with the space she has to cook in. Nothing was too much and Eamon set us a beautiful candlelight dinner over looking the sunset.
Breakfast was whatever we requested and once again beautifully cooked and served.
Went snorkeling straight after breakfast where Eamon dropped us off over towards the other pontoon on top of another Bommie one of the advantages of the overnight experiences which with the morning sun was glorious and we snorkelled slowly back before the day guests arrived again.
Lucky for us we didn’t have to pack our things up as we were in for the exact same treatment again for the next 24 hours.
I highly recommend doing this trip and if you can stay for the overnight even better.
All the staff were excellent and very friendly from the captain to the maintenance crew. They all seemed very happy and always very pleasant to talk and asking us how we were enjoying our stay. But special mentions go to Sydney and Eamon for looking after us so well over the course of the weekend nothing was ever too much trouble
The boat was clean and well looked after, as was the pontoon and amenities. While we have done better glass bottom boat tours before, the commentary and interaction from Hunter was great.
As for the snorkelling, the visibility on our visit was far superior to other tours we had done from further up on the reef. The equipment provided was well kept and very organised and easy to borrow. It was also very easy access from the pontoon to the water for myself and 2 children.
We snorkelled alongside turtles, enormous coral gardens and a beautiful array of fish species. It felt safe with children given the provision of pool noodles and life jackets and having staff in the water checking in on people too. Today, Sydney spent quite a bit of time assisting my daughter when she was out snorkelling. This wasn’t expected, but was truly appreciated!!!
Well done Lady Musgrave Experience, on employing the right employees and training them well. Customer service made this experience better than other tours we had been on.
The crew were AAA+ they honestly enhanced the experience so much, pointing out whale positions in relation to the boat so we could all view and capature the whales. The whole crew on our particular day helped us to relax and not worry about a single thing. Made sure we we're comfortable and well fed at lunch time, yummy wraps.
Perfect all round!
On the day we went, there was probably 80-90 people. We were split into groups so the activities could be coordinated and not too crowded. Worked really well.
The pontoon was great. There was plenty of places to sit and take in the views if you weren't snorkelling. The lunch was great and the snorkelling equipment & wetsuits were in excellent condition.
The snorkelling area was really well protected even though it was quite windy that day. We saw so many different reef fish and turtles. It was awesome.
Whilst there are no age restrictions, I wouldn't recommend taking young children. There isn't a lot to do once they are done snorkelling and it is a long day in and out.
We thoroughly recommend this trip experience.
Crew very experienced. Equipment provided.
Nothing prepares you for the turquoise waters and snoring experience - we saw turtles, star fish and many others.
While there were warnings, sea sickness is a thing. We were ok but over half the boat were unwell, especially on the sail to the island. It’s a quick transition to the first activity when you land at the pontoon and after two hours of sea sickness, it can be a little overwhelming.
That said, it was seriously one of the best days of my life and a must do for any family.
The crew/staff are top notch, friendly and efficient. So glad we decided to go with your company. Saw and did everything promised. Well done guys!
But regarding the trip, the ride out to the island was rather bumpy and quite a few people had to take motion sickness tablets and sit outside. But the crew was awesome and helped the best they could when people weren’t feeling well. The boat itself is very spacious and has very comfortable inside seats, some light snacks, and a coffee bar for purchase along with souvenirs. They also play various nature/ocean videos on the TVs which is a nice way to pass the time.
Once out there, the whole experience was very well organized and I felt like we had plenty of time to snorkel, relax, and do the island tour and glass bottom boat. Tons of turtles when we went in early April and a small manta ray even swam by once. The pontoon is also very spacious and lunch wasn’t actually pretty good in my opinion, even if it was simple. They had make-your-own Mediterranean wraps/sandwiches, and on the pontoon boat coffee and tea were complimentary.
So overall, we had an amazing time. The island and surrounding reef are very beautiful and teeming with life. You get this feeling that you never know what will show up - a turtle, a ray, a shark…could be a surprise! And the cost for all of this was a great deal in my opinion!
The staff treated us so well, and kept us comfortable (even with unusually rough seas for our journey to the reef). The equipment is fantastic, modern & comfy.
The snorkelling was awesome with great equipment for us to use. They made sure we were safe every single step. We easily saw turtles, sea snakes, many fish (large & small) and the southern Great Barrier Reef coral. Wow. Now I want to do their scuba experience as well.
The glass bottom was fantastic as was the island tour. Staff were knowledgeable a kept us comfortable every moment.
They provided lunch, morning and afternoon tea and coffee, and we could purchase other things on board and on the pontoon at the reef. Thanks all for a beautiful experience. DO NOT MISS THIS EXEPRIENCE
A huge shoutout to the amazing crew—Jade, Emma, and Benji—who truly made the day extra special. Their warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for everyone on board didn’t go unnoticed. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and having the best possible experience.
If you’re thinking about exploring the Great Barrier Reef, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It’s one of those days you’ll be talking about long after it’s over 🌊🐠
A huge shoutout to the amazing crew—Jade, Emma, and Benji—who truly made the day extra special. Their warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for everyone on board didn’t go unnoticed. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and having the best possible experience.
If you’re thinking about exploring the Great Barrier Reef, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It’s one of those days you’ll be talking about long after it’s over
Before heading out to Lady Musgrave our group of 13 thought the highlight was going to be snorkelling with turtles, Nemo the clownish, manta rays and oodles of other tropical fish in a stunning location. What we did not envisage was the exemplary service, sublime chef-prepared meals and commradery created through sharing this experience with others.
A three-course meal of beef rainbow summer rolls, confit duck with smashed pototoes and veges, and berry pannacotta topped with freshly baked brownies all served with a smile topped off a terrific first day.
The glamping beds on Lady Musgrave HQ are surprisingly comfy, and our every whim was catered to where possible.
Waking in the morning to a view of the lagoon with the island in the distance was an incredible way to kickstart our second day.
None of this would have been possible without the Lady Musgrave Experience team. A huge thank you to Emma, Mats, Xante, Jack, Callam, Benji, Alessia, Matt the skipper, Chef Eamenn, and, in the galley, Savanna, Suz, and Makayla. They made this a lifetime memory bar none.
The only suggestion we’d make is that the guides made zero reference at any point to the indigenous heritage of the island. This is very strange as the same company runs a dedicated tour in collaboration with a local indigenous group. It’s really important to acknowledge that not everything began with Captain Cook.
Amazing the birds and fish were not afraid of people. My favourite part was snorkling with a school of purple iridescent fish. My suggestions are: Have afternoon tea on pontoon prior leaving as it became very choppy on way back. Also have a wall showing different fish and coral with names on the pontoon so you can identify what you saw snorkling.
Thankyou to all the amazing staff for such a wonderful experience
Paul and Penny Johnson
The catamaran transport was about two hours each direction. Pretty comfortable overall, felt safe and had a snack and enjoyed the breeze and views.
Once there, the group was divided up and then had a schedule for things like snorkeling, lunch, glass bottom boat and island walk. Overall it worked well. We felt lucky to see two types of sea turtles, remoras, reef sharks, dolphins, octopus, many species of fish and then countless birds on the island walk. We were hoping to see turtle hatchlings which were in season, but no luck (it sounds like this mostly occurs at night). Some unforgettable memories and photos.
My only complaint was the food. As we were out for about 8-9 hours overall this was a necessary part of the experience, and unfortunately the food and food service just wasn’t very good overall. Edible but not enjoyable.
Overall we enjoyed it very much and I would give it 5 stars other than the food aspect, thus the rating of 4.
( Dive master plus 3 divers in total). The island is fascinating, it is a bird nesting sanctuary, birds everywhere. In the water heaps of fish, turtles, rays and living coral. Good visibility. Great boat and pontoon. Lots of room for everyone. Totally great day!
Although the morning was "a little bumpy"🤪🤣 and with people lining up to be sick and some throwing up everywhere, the professional crew showed genuine care and did an amazing job looking after everyone.
All the activities were fantastic, including the glass-bottom boat, the island tour, and of course the highlight: snorkelling! I saw so much marine life and was lucky enough to see many turtles thanks to it being hatching season.
The food throughout the day really helped keep our energy up. Morning tea (bread and fruit), lunch (salad, prawns, chicken and soup), and afternoon tea (celery, hummus and cake) weren’t fancy, but they were nutritious and tasty.
The views were absolutely worth it, and the crew truly showed how caring and friendly they were, always there to help with anything they could.
Special thanks to Belly, Grace and Yuka. You made my trip beyond wonderful!
I will definitely come back again.🥰
Gluten free was catered in terms of fruit salad, meat, and lunch salads.
Little over 2 hours each way (bring cards and a book). Sea sick tablets if you need that too as some choppy waves. Great crew. Highly recommend
Snorkelling over the reef edge and getting to see a wild sea turtle on the reef was unforgettable.
It was a wonderful day. The food and comfort on the boat and pontoon were fantastic also.
The tour has everything. We got to snorkel, enjoy the glass-bottom boat and walk around Lady Musgrave Island while learning about the environment and how the whole ecosystem works. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea were all really nice too.
This was my second time doing the day tour and it was just as amazing as the first. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to see the best of the Great Barrier Reef. Truly an unforgettable day.
Overall a lovely time, definitely worth doing! (I want to go back already!)
Check in was smooth and the boat is pretty nice. Takes over 2 hours to get to the island, and it will be sloshing and jumping for most of it. We took travacalm on the way out but not the way back and did not get sick.
They gave us a brief rundown of sea critters in the reef before we showed up; saw maybe half those in the water.
Our group did snorkeling first, then lunch, then island tour/glass bottom boat, and more snorkeling. Their snorkle gear is pretty good but I prefer the full face masks from Amazon if you have one. The snorkeling was amazing! So many reef fish, sea turtles, and beautiful coral. The weather was nice and bright and the water is super clear.
The lunch was okay, but I felt we didn't have enough time to eat it.
The island tour was fun, lots of weird birds, and we saw some reef sharks near the shore.
The glass bottom boat was good, though I felt the snorkeling was better.
The pontoon that you do all of this from is pretty nice as well; good layout, shade, seating, beers, etc.
My only qualm is that you spend 4+ hours at sea to get about the same amount of time in the reef.
We went in November, the weather was pretty great, but we missed rain by 1 day.
Hafeez, Pakistan
Island with the LMI Experience team. Check in was smooth, the swell a bit choppy but everyone was made to feel comfortable (crew were great with dealing with a few people suffering from sea sickness). When we arrived at the Island time flew by in the best way - an informative and excellent island tour, a cool glass-bottom boat tour where we spotted turtles, then snorkelling and a scuba dive after lunch - both were amazing, there's so much to see in the lagoon, especially The Aquarium section!
Special thanks for Alex for an awesome dive and a great chat on the way home - must do trip!



















































