An Unforgettable Marine Adventure

Embark on a world-class whale watching experience in Hervey Bay, the world’s very first Whale Heritage Site. Cruising aboard the Amaroo, a spacious and exceptionally stable 20-metre catamaran, you will get closer than ever to these magnificent ocean giants. 🐋

Awarded the prestigious BEST OF QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCE 2026 by travellers, this half-day (4-hour) cruise departs twice daily at 8:30am and 1:30pm from mid-July to late October. Set sail from the luxurious Hervey Bay Boat Club and enjoy first-class facilities both on land and at sea.

What Makes the Amaroo Special

• Three Spacious Viewing Decks: Enjoy unobstructed, panoramic views of the bay, including comfortable undercover areas on both levels to keep you dry and comfortable, rain or shine. 🌊
• Expert Local Crew: Our highly trained, passionate crew provides fascinating commentary on whale behaviour and local history, while actively contributing to global whale conservation.
• Premium Onboard Amenities: Features an air-conditioned cabin, fully licensed bar, snack canteen, and clean toilet amenities.

Exclusive Guest Benefits

• Guaranteed sightings (conditions apply, see below)
• Delicious Refreshments: Complimentary morning or afternoon tea, coffee, and biscuits served onboard. ☕
• Dining Discounts: Enjoy exclusive discounts on delicious meals and beverages at the premier Hervey Bay Boat Club café and restaurant.
• Courtesy Transfers: Convenient transfers are available (for safety, children under 7 require suitable safety restraints).

What to Expect

Whale watching from Hervey Bay is second to none. The region was recently designated the world’s first Whale Heritage Site, and with good reason. Only in Hervey Bay do the migrating humpback whales take a break during the annual season. Here they stop and relax in large numbers, making for the most amazing whale watching encounters on earth. You can assist the crew by scanning the seas for the first flash or a splash as pods of whales play, signaling the start of your awe-inspiring experience. As the whales approach the tour only gets better as Hervey Bay is well known as the best place to experience up-close whale encounters. Whale ‘mugging’ is common as they move in close to watch you, watching them. An experience you won’t forget, a 40-tonne humpback whale just metres away from you is breathtaking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the morning whale watch better than the afternoon tour?

The whales are all individuals and behave differently, generally their behaviour changes randomly throughout the day. There is no pattern, they can be more active in the morning or afternoon.

Is the weather rougher in the afternoon?

There is a weather phenomenon called “the afternoon sea breeze” however this rarely is of any significance to affect whale watching. The weather is determined by the main weather patterns and can be similar all day or increasing or decreasing during day. Our skipper monitors the weather in advance and will advise of any concerns that may affect your cruise or comfort.

What’s included in the whale watching cruise?

Our whale watch tour includes access to our comfortable waiting area in The Boat Club, a 4 hour whale watch cruise with commentary from experienced locals and guaranteed sightings, morning or afternoon tea, and a discount at the Hervey Bay Boat Club on your day of travel. Available for purchase aboard: snacks in the canteen, beverages at the bar, and souvenirs.

Is the tour suitable for small children?

Yes, our vessel (AMAROO) is a very large and stable 20 metre (66 foot) catamaran, safe and comfortable for persons of all ages. There is no requirement for children to wear life jackets, however, we have a range of jackets onboard for use if you feel more comfortable. We do require that parents provide suitable supervision to their children during the cruise. Activity booklets are provided free of charge for all children.

Do you guarantee that we’ll see whales?

Yes, whale sightings are guaranteed between the 23rd July and 7th October. However, it is very rare for the whale watching fleet not to see whales between late-July and mid-October. In the unlikely event that the captain is unable to locate a whale during a whale watching cruise between 23rd July and 7th October, a complimentary return ticket will be offered.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Hervey Bay is renowned for consistently great mild weather conditions. Combined with the shelter for K’gari (Fraser Island) this ensures that most whale watch cruises take place in reasonably gentle sea conditions. We monitor the weather closely, in the unlikely event that your cruise has to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions the captain will provide as much notice as possible. You can reschedule your whale watch or receive a return ticket. Generally, we only cancel for strong winds… rain does not bother us or the whales. Safety is always our first priority. RAIN? We have undercover areas on both levels, with excellent views!