Whitsunday Islands, Australia: Whale Watching

Take a whale watching tour through the Whitsunday Islands and marvel at the size and beauty of these spectacular creatures, as they migrate up the Queensland coast and visit their warm water, calving grounds. Watching the Humpback Whales frolic, jump and slap the water is a once in a lifetime experience, available to Whitsunday Island visitors during specific times of the year. Meeting the gentle giants of the sea is a rare experience and an opportunity not to be missed.

Annually from June to September, the Humpback Whales can be spotted off the Whitsunday coast. Migrating from the Antarctic in May, to the warmer waters on the Queensland coast, sadly the Southern Humpbacks have been recognised as an endangered species since 1963. Astonishingly, they can grow to a massive 16 metres in length and weigh up to 40 tonnes, on a diet almost exclusively of krill. So, board a Whitsunday Island whale watching tour and be astonished at these fascinating mammals.

At the specific times of the year, there are plenty of guided whale watching tours that operate from the Airlie Beach coastline and specific resort islands. Passengers must be aware however that there proximity restrictions while whale watching. Vessels are not allowed within 100 metres of the whales, but their inquisitive nature usually gets the best of them and they end up next to the hull anyway.