WHALE WATCHING TOURS IN HERVEY BAY

Whale breach in Hervey Bay

The following information on Whale Watching in Hervey Bay is reposted from BoxaTrix Hervey Bay.

Whalewatch Trips/Vessels

Thousands of tourists visit Hervey Bay every year to go whale watching. These gigantic mammals seem to have taken a particular liking to our warm, shallow Bay waters. Researchers say it is probably the best place in the world to watch them.

Visitors on whale boats are often surprised by how close the whales come to the boats. They are huge and inquisitive and seem to be as interested in us as we are of them. The whales are very active on Hervey Bay’s shallow surface, and often slap their tails and fins on the water and execute magnificent breaches by lifting their huge bodies above the water.

Where can you see them?

Humpback Whales occur worldwide, living in deep coastal waters and tend to breed in shallow water often between islands. Their migratory paths follow the shorelines from the tropics to the Antarctic. It is the longest migration of all whales.

The warm calm waters of Hervey Bay’s “Platypus Bay” invite the Humpback Whales for a brief rest on their migratory path each year between August and October. This rest period gives the calves time to develop a protective layer of blubber so they can follow their mothers through the South Pacific and Southern Oceans to the cold Antarctic waters. When these mammals reach Hervey Bay they have travelled about 5,000 km from the Antarctic. After mating, birthing and fasting for several months, Platypus Bay is a restful haven.

When is the best time?

Whale season in Hervey Bay is late July to November. Whale pods often stay for prolonged periods of time, creating perfect opportunities to observe and photograph them. Anytime during this period you can be assured of a sighting. The whales are in no hurry to return to the Antarctic and spend considerable time here cavorting to the delight of the spectators on board the numerous local whale watch vessels.

Tours

We can arrange whale watching tours with the following local operators during your visit with us;

• Freedom III
• Shayla Cruises
• Spirit of Hervey Bay
• Tasman Venture
• Whalesong