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Join us for an Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise aboard Quick Cat II for an unforgettable experience spotting Humpback Whales in their natural habitat. Our knowledgeable crew will provide fascinating insights into their behavior and characteristics, while you take in stunning views of K’Gari (Fraser Island) and Hervey Bay’s waters. Look out for dolphins, turtles, and seabirds along the way. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea as we explore the Great Sandy Straits & Platypus Bay – where our Humpback Whales come to play! Enjoy a glass of bubbles and breathtaking sunset views over the water as we cruise back home. Relax and enjoy the peaceful moment after an unforgettable afternoon.
Includes:
- Australia’s most experienced whale watch crew
- Complimentary tea, coffee and light nibbles
- Informative commentary, local knowledge & history
- Hydrophone equipped to listen to whale song underwater
- Fully licensed bar for food and beverage purchases
- Non-smoking vessel
What to bring:
- Hat
- Jacket
- Sunglasses
- Sense of adventure
- Camera (preferably waterproof)
- Swimwear & towel (if you are planning to swim with the whales)
- Money for drinks, snacks, souvenirs, whale swim if desired.
EFTPOS is available on board.
Cruise Time:
- 1:00PM departure & 5:00PM return
*Please check in at 12:45pm*
Check In:
Please ensure all guests check in at our floating office at least 15 minutes prior to your Whale Watch Cruise departure time. Our floating office is located beside Quick Cat II, at the Great Sandy Straits Marina, near Cafe Balena.
If you experience unexpected delays, please call us on (07) 4128 9611.
Optional Extras:
- Exciting opportunity to Swim with the Humpback Whales – Extra $100.00 per person to be paid during the tour (Weather permitting & conditions apply)
Please See our Whale Swim Information page for more details
IMPORTANT INFORMATION PRIOR TO CRUISE DEPARTURE
Weather and Sea ConditionsThe Hervey Bay Whale Watch team has been operating in the area for over 30 years, which has allowed them to become highly familiar with the conditions and preferences of their guests. To ensure the safety of their passengers, Quick Cat II will not leave the harbour in dangerous conditions. While some guests may not be bothered by rough conditions, the company is willing to reschedule cruises for those who are uncomfortable. If the weather is too rough to provide an enjoyable experience, our office staff will promptly notify guests of the cancellation and offer the choice of a refund or the opportunity to rebook for a calmer day.
GuaranteeWhile it’s extremely rare for us to miss seeing whales during our cruises, it’s can occasionally happen during the early or late parts of the season. To minimize the chances of this happening, we adjust our cruise start and end dates annually based on projected whale sightings, ensuring our guests have the best possible experience without any disappointment.
At Hervey Bay Whale Watch, we provide a guarantee that you’ll see whales on your whale watch cruise. If, for any reason, we’re unable to spot whales during your trip, your ticket remains valid for any of our upcoming whale watch cruises until we do see Humpback whales, subject to availability. We’ve always maintained this policy, and we even had one guest who waited 15 years to redeem their ticket!
Terms & Conditions:
– Passengers are required to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure time.
– Passengers are required to follow all safety instructions given by the crew and captain at all times.
– Passengers are responsible for their own personal belongings and any loss or damage is at their own risk.
– Smoking is strictly prohibited on board Quick Cat II & Calypso Hervey Bay
– Hervey Bay Whale Watch is not responsible for any injury or loss of property resulting from passenger misconduct or failure to follow safety instructions.
– Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
– Hervey Bay Whale Watch reserves the right to refuse boarding to any passenger who appears to be under the influence of drugs or who poses a threat to the safety of the vessel and its passengers.
– No refunds will be provided for any missed tours or charters due to late arrival or non-compliance with the terms and conditions.
– Hervey Bay Whale Watch has a zero-tolerance policy towards rude or abusive behavior towards our staff. We ask that all passengers treat our staff with respect and courtesy at all times.
– Hervey Bay Whale Watch reserve the right to substitute another vessel at any time.
– Tour times may vary slightly dependent on conditions and distance travelled.
– Cruise may be cancelled or substituted at any time due to weather or tide conditions or if viable passenger numbers are not reached.
** If you are concerned about weather conditions for your tour, including wind, rain, and sea conditions, or if you have young children, are pregnant, prone to motion sickness, or feel unsteady on your feet, please call our office at least 24-48 hours prior to your tour for a weather update. If the weather is not suitable for your booking, the option to change dates is available (subject to availability). **
SUITS
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The only downside was the lunch option, which was very limited for vegans—I was only able to have rice and vegetables, which was disappointing. Other than that, the trip was fantastic: beautiful, well-organized, and memorable.


The staff were friendly and informative.
We stopped multiple times on the way to Platypus Bay whenever we saw a whale or a pod. The whales came up close to the boat and the skipper did whatever he could to keep the whales interested - turning engines on etc.
It was a beautiful day on the water and an experience our family will never forget.
The staff spent lots of time talking with passengers about whales.
















But the morning trip was so much better than you could hope for
The crew knew exactly how to make our experience a lifetime memory
From the early morning snacks to the expert commentary this team are winners
100% value for money
Robyn & Leighton NZ


Thank you we had an amazing special time!!



We were fortunate to witness whales up close, hearing their songs, seeing their blowholes, and watching them interact with the boat was absolutely surreal. The fresh fruit on board was a lovely touch, and the overall atmosphere was both relaxed and exhilarating. This was the perfect way to conclude our two-week journey through Queensland. Without a doubt, it was the best investment we made on our trip. I’m already planning to return & next time, I’ll be swimming with them! Thank you to the entire team for creating such a memorable and magical experience for us both!
Watching and swimming with the whales was absolutely magical, emotional, breathtaking, and something I’ll never forget. A HUGE thank you to Kellie, Josh, Hayley, Natalie, James, Jack, Steve, and the rest of the amazing crew! You were all fantastic, so friendly, supportive, and passionate. You made us feel safe, excited, and truly connected to the ocean. I 1000% recommend this experience, it’s a life-changing adventure!





We did our work Christmas Party with these guys - the Twighlight Cruise. Exceptional Service, Good content and excellent value for money. Saw dolphins and dugong.
Thanks Sam and team you went above and beyond again.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Can’t wait to do the Oasis tour next year.







The crew Sam, Amelia in the kitchen and the Captain made our day absolutely incredible! The family owned company takes a natural approach with the whale swim which was why we did not book with another company (Hervey Bay Dive Centre!)
The swim was determined by the whales themselves if they decided to be curious and stick around the boat, only then did we get in the water on the mermaid line.
The tour was ran as a whale watching with the add on of a swim (€100)- only when you have a good swim with the whales you pay for this onboard after completion, this acts as a guarantee.
Thank you for looking after us and making our day so special!





My husband and I are weekly patrons for the season, on board “quick cat” and again we were not disappointed it was amazing.
Big thanks to Skippers Josh, Sam Steve and Damien, fellas you excelled yourselves as usual in showcasing these amazing mammals in their environment and showing us as many pods as possible each trip we went into bay, there were no shortage of whales from start of season in July to our last trip on 15th October.
The “Quick cat” is purpose built for whale watching so there is plenty of room to move around the vessel and as there are different levels, you can go as high or as low as you wish.
The skippers have an extensive knowledge of humpback behaviours and are very informative, excellent for school excursions, I still learn something new on our trips after eight years.
There is plenty of food and drinks on offer and the girls in the galley Sophie, Liberty, Meg, Chelsea, Shayla do a great job in providing morning and afternoon teas ensuring everyone has plenty of refreshments and food on offer.
I can’t forget the rest of the crew Radim, Luke and Mitch who are always available on deck to answer any questions and assist everyone in general.
We chose Hervey Bay whale watch when we first moved into the area, and we are so glad we did. A family-owned business and I must say they go over and above to ensure patrons have the best experience each and every cruise during the season.
I must not forget the ladies in the office Lindy, Kate, Mandy, Jenny, Alicia who are extremely helpful when you are booking.
We have experienced some amazing interactions over the years, and I am sharing some highlights from this season.
I highly recommend Hervey Bay Whale watch “Quick Cat 2” for whale watching I have never been disappointed on any of our cruises over the last 8 years.

The hosts were friendly and the captain was very informative.
We also had an abundance of fruit cake varieties, biscuits, tea , coffee , juice and water for afternoon tea .
The ship was very spacious and clean .

From the minute we were booking to the time we were dropped back to our starting point was purely amazing.
The captain was so understanding with my son who has special needs and involved him in the captaining experience.
We got to see heaps of whales up close.
The trip we booked included a visit and lunch on Fraser Island which was very lovely.
I can see why this family business has been running for so long as they truly care about their passengers and go above and beyond to make sure it's a day you'll remember forever.

Went into the water when one was close. He decided to say hello and got a little too close and grazed me with his tail fin. Awesome experience ???? The crew made sure I’m ok and took good care of the few scratches I got on my legs.
Would highly recommend and go with them again!
Thank you for an awesome experience!!!