4.8 (532) · Hervey Bay · By Spirit of Hervey Bay Free cancellation
Embark on a whale watching adventure in Hervey Bay. Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery as you cruise past the beautiful white sandy beaches of Fraser Island and enter the whales' natural habitat.
Experience superior comfort and style aboard this first-class, fast catamaran cruiser, allowing you to spend more time observing the whales.
Numerous viewing decks, along with underwater viewing windows, provide unique perspectives of the whales when they are close to the vessel.
Choose between a morning or afternoon tour, both including a light morning or afternoon tea to enhance your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
✓ Complimentary transfers from Hervey Bay tourist accommodation or free parking at the Marina.✓ Morning or afternoon tea provided.✓ Air-conditioned vehicle for your comfort.✓ Fully licensed bar available for purchases.✓ Live commentary provided on board.✓ Eftpos payment facility available.✕ Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.✕ Souvenir photos can be purchased separately.Activity Schedule
4 h 30
Feel the excitement and anticipation as we venture out from the Urangan Harbour to experience the mighty humpback whale in their natural surrounds.
Watch the horizon for the first splash or blow, in the hope of whale behaviours that include loud pec and tail slaps, brilliant breaches, curious spy hops and close encounters like nowhere else in the world.
Plus our friendly and knowledgeable crew will keep you enlightened along the way.
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Look for the distinctive Big Whale statue on the roadside to find the departure point.
The return point is marked by the prominent Big Whale statue on the roadside.
We offer pick-up services from hotels, motels, resorts, caravan parks, and backpacker hostels. Please contact us by phone or message to arrange your pick-up.
Hotel pickups are scheduled to begin approximately 30 to 60 minutes before the tour's departure time.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants must remain seated on an adult's lap during the tour. This activity is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise A 4-hour whale watching cruise, departing at 1:30 PM and returning at 5:30 PM. Includes afternoon tea. Pick-up service is included. Morning Whale Watch Cruise A 4.5-hour whale watching cruise, departing at 8:30 AM and returning at 1:00 PM. Includes morning tea. Pick-up service is included. Book in advance, especially during peak whale season. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Consider bringing a light jacket as it can be cooler on the water. Have your camera ready for incredible photo opportunities. Listen to the crew's commentary for fascinating insights. Inform us of any dietary requirements when booking. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 7882P1
Activity offered by Spirit of Hervey Bay via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Couples Nature enthusiasts Tourists Experience the thrill of whale watching in Hervey Bay. Cruise in comfort on a fast catamaran. Multiple viewing decks and underwater windows. Knowledgeable and friendly crew. Morning or afternoon tea included. Convenient pick-up service available.
Population 57,722 (2021)
Elevation 18 m
Currency Australian dollar
Official language English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 000
Capital city Canberra Average temperatures 26° Jan 25° Feb 24° Mar 22° Apr 19° May 17° Jun 16° Jul 17° Aug 20° Sept 22° Oct 24° Nov 25° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the whale watching cruise? + The whale watching cruises are either 4 hours (afternoon) or 4.5 hours (morning).
Are there any age restrictions for the tour? + Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. The tour is suitable for all ages.
What should I bring on the tour? + It is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket. A camera is also advisable.
Can I purchase drinks on board? + Yes, a fully licensed bar is available for drink purchases, though alcoholic drinks are extra.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The tour will be cancelled if there is bad weather.
How do I get to the departure point? + Look for the Big Whale statue on the side of the road. Free parking is available at the Marina, and courtesy transfers from Hervey Bay tourist accommodation are also provided.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Don't delay book now, amazing experience. 10/10
190mandye, October 2026
Absolutely loved this whole experience from start to finish. Crew, boat, whales...all amazing. Highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator · SpiritAdminStaff Woohoo...pleased you had an amazing experience on the Spirit of Hervey Bay. We love making great memories for our passengers, with our whales in Hervey Bay. Thanks so much for your recommendation. Much appreciated. 😊👌📸👀🐋
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great
680margif, October 2026
Albeit the whales were not as abundant as we hoped we were delighted by many pods with babies who were having a “whale of a time”. The crew and captain were informative and professional. The ship is superb! Thank you!
Response from the operator · SpiritAdminStaff Thanks Margi. As the saying goes, timing is everything. Peak viewing is certainly during the months of August and September in Hervey Bay, but pleased you got to see lots of pods with babies and had a great time. 🐋👀📸👌😊
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great operator, great boat, highly recommend
R45ULbeng, October 2026
Fantastic tour - actually did it two days in a row and both different but brilliant. Towards end of season but they knew where to go to find whales, and we did. Very friendly and professional, great insights and commentary.
Also very stable and comfortable boat. Definitely recommend, we’ll be back next August for the peak experience.
Response from the operator · SpiritAdminStaff Thanks so much Ben. Much appreciated. 😊 Our whales in Hervey Bay are definitely the stars of the show - the crew and boat, just add to their brilliant behaviour. See you in August next year for the 'whale muggings'. Also, thanks for sharing your brilliant breach photo! 🐋🐋👀📸👌
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Amazing views
pauli2w, October 2026
We had a fantastic afternoon whale watching , we saw a group of nine and then a mother with two calves, spectacular viewing. Captain was very informative, boat had plenty of space, well stocked shop/bar , afternoon tea was nice.
great afternoon
Response from the operator · SpiritAdminStaff Thanks so much Paulito. Pleased you had a spectacular day out with our whales in Hervey Bay and made some amazing memories. 🐋👀📸👌😊
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Amazing experience
dawnsW8486BE, October 2026
It was a very exciting day staff were wonderful and see the whales was amazing
Response from the operator · SpiritAdminStaff Thanks so much Dawn. Pleased you had an amazing day out on the Spirit of Hervey Bay. 🐋👀📸👌😊
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