Fraser Island Whale Watch Encounter

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

This seasonal whale watching tour takes you aboard a 24-passenger sailing catamaran from Hervey Bay to Platypus Bay at K'gari (Fraser Island).

Limited guests allows for a truly intimate tour with one on one conversations to hear about these majestic animals. An immersive platform lets you observe a humpback whale underwater while you listen to the male humpback whale sing by hydrophone. Morning and afternoon tea are served along with a buffet lunch and beverage during the full-day tour.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult (best suited to children 8 years and older)

Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options are available, please advise at time of booking if required

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.

Tour may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions

Minimum age is 8 years

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Afternoon tea

Professional guide

National park fees

Lunch and beverage

Live commentary on board

Coffee and/or Tea

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

After hotel pickup in the morning, board the Blue Dolphin, a 38-foot (11.6-metre) eco-friendly catamaran departing Great Sandy Straits Marina at Hervey Bay. This modern and luxurious sailing vessel is well-appointed with plenty of shaded seating areas and wide, flat decks — perfectly suited for up to 24 passengers. This long-running and award-winning whale watching tour heads out to Platypus Bay, situated on the western side of K'gari (Fraser Island.) Marine life abounds in the region, from the little-known Australian humpback dolphins to the well-known humpback whales that visit during the winter months. Throughout the day you will be offered the opportunity to see the whales, including from an immersive platform. An informative talk is given by your skipper, who shares more than 30 years of experience working with marine mammals. Your guide's knowledge and passion of the animals and the marine environment ensures a unique experience. Reference material is also available along with a hydrophone on board to hear the migratory mammals underwater. An intimate day tour for those who want to be one of the few not the many.

Options

Fraser Island Whale Watch Encounter

Pickup included

Reviews

4.97

466 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

459

Excellent whale watching with professional and enthusiastic crew
lesleymJ9986LH,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a brilliant day on this whole day whale watching tour. The whole day was professional, friendly and clearly run by a team who are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic and keen to ensure we all had the best day possible. Only 21 people on the trip so we all had excellent views of the wildlife. We saw dolphins, rays and turtles but the absolute highlight was the number of whales we saw - many at close quarters which was just amazing. We saw them rolling, tail fluking and breaching as well as swimming right by the boat - the captain was clearly skilled in knowing where the whales were likely to be so we were in the right place at the right time. There was also excellent catering on board with numerous cups of tea/coffee and cakes/biscuits/fruit - all brought round to us so we didn’t have to miss a minute of our whale watching. Also a delicious buffet lunch was served. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Wonderful day on the water with whales in sight
Andrea S,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Max 24 people on beautiful catamaran, skipper Peter has extensive knowledge of whales that he shares with visitors. Were in several places where we saw mothers with babies. Animals were only really close to the boat once, but it was enough. All day Cathy provided us with food + drinks. Sometimes sweet, sometimes savoury, sometimes fruit. Everyone had enough space and there were also nice conversations among themselves. We really enjoyed the day even if we had hoped for more spectacular sightings. But Peter doesn't force himself on the whales and so the whales decide for themselves how close they want to get to the ship. Thank you for this day, we recommend this tour!
Amazing
daniellegZ8771BJ,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The team at Blue Dolphin are amazing. Very knowledgeable and experienced. I had such a great day spotting whales and even dolphins and a turtle. I did get sea sick but Peter and Cassie were so caring and helpful, got me back up and enjoying the trip in no time. We were out all day but the time flew by. We were provided so much great food throughout the day and drinks were available. Seeing the whales up so close was truly amazing, a once in a lifetime experience. If you are going to do it, book with Blue Dolphin.
Perfect Experience
500jonasd,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great trip with blue dolphin marine tours. The crew was really friendly and caring. The boat was comfortable and, what we liked the most, offered a 360 degree view. The most important, we saw a lot of whales and calves swimming, resting and also jumping. Another positive aspect is the respect that the animas were treated with respect, so no chasing or something like that. I would definitely recommend the tour.
Beautiful day !
703charl nel,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a really nice day ! Very good captain and staff. We saw a lot of whales and some dolphins. Don't forget your sunscreen for the day on the boat! You can take you tickets 😉✅
Top day
573klaasw,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience. Very expertly guided by the skipper Pete. On board everything provided. Well catered lunch and numerous snacks in between, offered by Casey. Had a great day!
Best whale watching tour available
clodaght656,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful experience whale watching, the crew was so knowledgeable and attentive making sure everyone felt well and had a good time, plenty of tasty food throughout the day and even more whale activity without the big crowds everyone had a great view. Couldn't recommend enough!
Phenomenal experience!
821ravid,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was my first time on a whale watching tour and was fortunate to encounter 20 or so whales on the cruise! It was fabulous! Peter's knowledge is astounding so is Cassie's. Cassie took care of all of us on the boat, the 24 passengers with a mix of different age groups and she served everyone amazingly! The only thing not so pleasant was one tourist hogging almost all of Peter's attention having one on one conversation while the poor guy was doing his best to give all of us a great time!
MAGICAL DAY ON THE OCEAN WITH PASSIONATE CREW
Savfamily5,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Spent two consecutive days out on the water with Peter and crew. Both experiences were magical and we saw different pods and behaviours; a highlight for me was the mum who brought her calf over to the vessel to check us out. With a maximum of 24 passengers on board, there is plenty of room to move around and find a great spot to watch these beautiful creatures. Peter’s passion and knowledge, along with Cassie’s friendliness, endless food and snacks, and a full day on the water makes this a great value trip. I hope to come back one day, earlier in the season, to catch the "muggings", when pods of curious ‘adolescent’ whales apparently swim in close for a look! Highly recommended (and there were lots of repeat visitors).
Great tour in a small group
silviadP722LI,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A top tour, highly recommended. Everyone went to great lengths. We've seen a lot of whales. Lots of whale mothers with their calves. A whale calf jumped in front of us a good 30 times. Other whales have come very close to our boat. They're huge!