The humpback whale migration is nothing short of something out of a circle of life documentary, as they swim north to birth their calves and teach them life skills, before returning south to chilly antarctica. I read a post from airlian that august is the middle of the whale season in gbr. Whale watching in australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various coasts. Whales migrate to northern queensland annually stopping by cairns between july and september each year to entertain visitors. Whale watching whitsundayscairns area great barrier. During the whale season commencing usually july reef magic will operate a second catamaran boat for half day whale watching only tours departing the marlin marina cairns at 9. If the boat captain spots a pod of whales they may. Silversonic and the quicksilver group proactively contribute to this program.
Minke whale dive expeditions great barrier reef mike. Whale and dolphin watching department of agriculture, water. The summertime wet season in cairns is generally hot and humid, with an. Cairns dwarf minke whale dive expedition 5 day 4 night. The best time for whale watching on cairns great barrier reef is between may and september, depending on the type of whale you would like to see. Newsport dailyswimmers had a whale shark of a time off port. Aug 04, 2010 updated slideshow from whalesong cruises whale watching cruises in 2010, platypus bay is the premier queensland whale watching location offering close encounters and whale behaviour not seen. The cairns and tropical north queensland whale watching season depends on the arrival of the whales but is usually during the months of july and august when the water is a little cooler. This forms part of an annual migration of approximately 5,000 whales escaping. Sunreef mooloolaba offers australias first swim with humpback whales experience, from july to october each year, premiere whale watching aboard the iconic whale one from june to november as well as local reef dives, snorkelling trips and diving on the exhmas brisbane as well as a wide variety of hire gear from jetskis. The first humpback whales have arrived in the far north, signalling the start of whale season in the tropics.
Whale watching season is between july and end of august. Whale watching cairns port douglas call 07 4059 5959. The whale watching capital of australia, hervey bay, is a popular spot for our biggest coastal visitors, the humpback whales from june to november. The australian national guidelines for whale and dolphin watching 2017 have been developed in consultation with the states and northern territory government, industry, scientists and nongovernment organisations. It makes sense to take your family holiday cues from a mammal with a brain at least seven times bigger than your own, which is why whale watching in hervey bay has officially been recognised as one of the worlds best ways to witness this heartstopping phenomenon holiday like a humpback with a family migration to the warm waters of official whale heritage site hervey bay next winter, and. July marks the commencement of the humpback whale season and you will almost certainly see these creatures in their natural environment if you take any cairns cruise at this time. They provide a clearly defined set of standards for all human activity around whales and. Cairns tourism cairns hotels cairns bed and breakfast cairns vacation rentals. Swimmers had a whale shark of a time off port douglas. We are planning a trip in the first week of august and have not decided on an island so that might. Nelson bay is one of the best places to spot humpback whales along australias east coast as they migrate north to meet their mates. Whale shark encounters are increasing on the great barrier reef, with the latest reported sighting made aboard spirit of freedom on 11 january 2012 at the northern ribbon reefs commonly associated with australias western coastline, whale shark encounters on the great barrier reef have been rare in the past, although seem to be on the increase, with at least three reported sightings in 2011. During the cooler months of may to august antarctic whales will migrate north to the tropical waters of the great barrier reef to give birth to their young as the warmer waters provide an abundance of food sources and a safe conditions for the calves to. Researchers believe approximately 2000 of these whales.
Every year humpback whales make their legendary 0km. Our tip is if you have a real desire to either swim with whales or wish to go on a whale watching tour in cairns then do not leave it till the last minute to book as it is limited numbers for a limited season. Whale watching season 2018 is just around the corner. Lunch includes rollswraps, fruitmuesli bars and extra water.
As were coming into whale season in the whitsundays, weve put together this quick guide to summarise the seasons, so you can book your whitsunday yacht charter at the time of year that suits you best. Minke whale season and ribbon reef 5 days expedition. Three levels of uninterrupted viewing plus a water level platform gets you as close to the whales as possible making this an ideal whale watch vessel. Whale watching video guide, hervey bay queensland australia. I havent seen any trips specifically advertising whale watching in town but i do know operators are starting to gear towards the whale watching so it shouldnt be difficult to arrange when you are here. Apr 17, 2015 minke and humpback whale season far north queensland posted on april 17, 2015 by melanie blight.
Includes up to 16 amazing dives on the great barrier reef. Minke whale expeditions take place on our liveaboard vessel oceanquest. Unfortunately our whale season has now come to an end here in tropical north queensland, however we will be back in july 2020 for another bumper whale season. The encounters we have are whale initiated and whale controlled, confirms mike ball, whose company has offered dwarf minke trips since 1996.
Pitkern ailen, officially pitcairn, henderson, ducie and oeno islands, are a group of four volcanic islands in the southern pacific ocean that form the sole british overseas territory in the pacific ocean. The encounters we have are whaleinitiated and whalecontrolled, confirms mike ball, whose company has offered dwarf minke trips since 1996. Minke whale tours cairns on mike balls liveaboard boat depart from cairns. Every may to september minke whales and july september humpback whales migrate from the chilling antarctic sea to the far norths warmer waters. Created 16 may 2010 for whale watchers and all who love the sea. Minke whale dive expeditions great barrier reef mike ball dive. It is a bumper season, our trip last friday spotted. The trip will include up to 15 dives, double or twin cabin accommodation and all meals whilst onboard. Please contact the operators via our tours page to find out the best times to go.
Each of us has our own special connection to the playground of the great barrier reef, but a passion for sustainable tourism and educational, inspiring cruises is a passion we all share. Whale watching north coast nsw queensland, wynnum manly, australia. Whale watching north coast nsw queensland facebook. These trips are seasonal, as the dwarf minke whales are only in town for a few weeks of the year. Captain tims commentary was excellent and the whales performed their full routine of tricks with breaches, tail slaps, etc. It is a bumper season, our trip last friday spotted over 50 whales safe travels, reef magic cruises. You dont have to actively swim after the whales simply float in the water and they will keep on swimming around and underneath you, often for long periods of time. Whale watching tours cairns swim with whales cairns. With airconditioned cabins, each with en suite bathroom, a comfortable lounge and bar and an onboard chef delivering delicious hearty meals, youll have everything you need to rest and relax after your minke whale encounter. The price includes a picnic lunch, snorkeling gear and spray jackets.
Queensland whale watching whalesong cruises youtube. Whale watching reef magic cruises, cairns traveller. The long whale season in australia between may and november no doubt contributes to its growing popularity. Mike ball dive expeditions have conducted more swim with minke whale experiences than any other company. The australian coastline provides bountiful opportunities to observe any number of whale species on their annual migration. The rest of the time, they are in cooler southern waters. You can enjoy a frontrow seat to this natural spectacle on this cairns adventure which includes a 90minute whale watching tour and a choice of 2 hours or 4 hours free time on fitzroy island. Whale season in the whitsundays 2020 sailing whitsundays. But whale watching season differs throughout the country and so do the kinds of whales youll see. Reef magic cruises are the only cairns company to provide dedicated whale watching tours. A cairns august will give you a winter month that is definitely different to the cold winter months of. Dive and snorkel the best of the ribbon reefs at our most exciting time of year, minke whale season. Sunreef mooloolaba is the largest dive centre in south east queensland.
Book very early to enjoy amazing whale encounters that will literally inspire your love of these playful whales. The whale watching season in cairns runs from may to september and affords sightings of dwarf minke and humpback whales as they migrate to the areas warm waters from over 8000 kilometres away in the arctic seas. Book your seat now on a cairns whale watching tour from cairns today. The first humpback whales of this seasons migration have been seen heading north. May 03, 2017 high whale numbers nearly 12,000 per year which pass by the region and an extended whale watching season on the nsw midcoast combine to offer plenty of chances for visitors to embark on whale watching tours too, with whale watching trips typically departing from the nearby launch point of nelson bay around a 10 minute drive away from port. Half and 1 day whale watching and fitzroy island adventure from. Minke and humpback whale season far north queensland cairns. Australias great barrier reef world heritage area provides an important breeding sanctuary for approximately 30 species of cetaceans whales and dolphins. Whale watching on the great barrier reef is simply spectacular. If youre interested in whale watching in queensland, we have you covered from south to north with these seven places to go. Experience a unique eco tourism encounter in cairns with a world famous whale watching or dolphin watching cruise. Dont forget your camera as you are set for an incredible day out on the water with whale watching tours cairns. Looking for the best deals and offers on top australian tours.
Contact us advertising packages readership download to homescreen. Half and 1 day whale watching and fitzroy island adventure. Would anyone know which island is best situated to go watch them. You may be interested to know we also run dedicated whale watching tours for a few months at this time of year. Bumper whale watching season tipped for cairns cairns. This forms part of an annual migration of approximately 4000 whales escaping bracing cold conditions in antarctica to rear their young in the warmer waters of australias east coast. Thanks for taking the time to post your great feedback. The great barrier reef is the only location where snorkel and dive tours with. Where to go whale watching in queensland, australia. If you dont mind getting wet, swimming with the whales or dolphins may be an option. But you can watch them for free from the coast, and some of the good lookout points are grassy hill in cooktown, captain billy landing lookout, and ussher point bring binoculars. During a limited season july to september, these half day tours depart marlin marina twice daily, providing visitors the chance to witness majestic humpback whales breaching in the waters of the coral sea. Mike balls runs minke whale tours on their liveaboard boat spoilsport, 3 or 4 night options or 7 day expeditions.
Whilst cairns and port douglas do not offer daily dedicated whale watching tours visitors just may have the chance to see the humpback whales whilst they are on their way to and from the great barrier reef on their dive and snorkel tours. We at whale watching tours cairns are fortunate to call the oceans off the coast of cairns our office. Two humpback whales breach onroute to the cairns outer. Hervey bay, whale watching, fraser island, what more could you want.
Departing from brisbane, the premium dolphin feeding day cruise with whale watching takes you across the bay to moreton island, where you can enjoy a short stop at tangalooma island resort before venturing out into moreton bay to search for humpback whales. With consistent growth over the last ten years due to the abandonment of whaling in the southern ocean, we look forward to 2020 season beginning in june. South wales border right up along the coast to the tropical waters off cairns. The warmest times to go will be during the beginning and end of the season, as theyre not in the deepest part of winter, but a sunny day in winter. The areas around cairns and the ribbon reefs are important for dwarf minke. Whale watching tours thanks for visiting whale watching tours cairns. Whale watching is done in hervey bay which is the gateway to fraser island, this is a long long way from port douglas every year the humpback whales make their migration and while some do get up to the whitsundays it is hervey bay that is the whale watching capital of queensland with over 5,000 whales making a stopover for a rest. Dependant on the ocean temperatures the whale season may extend into september but traditionally our tours cease at the end of august. Minke season quickly became our most exciting dive. Humpback whale surprises dive boat in waters off cairns. Dont worry they will not eat you whilst snorkelling. Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia. This forms part of an annual migration of approximately 5,000 whales escaping bracing cold conditions in antartica to rear their young in the warmer waters of australias east coast.
The tour is led by a marine biologist guide who is passionate about conservation and offers insights into whale behavior that enrich the experience. The great barrier reef off cairns is annually visited by minke and humpback whales who are making their annual migration from the antarctic to the tropical waters of the great barrier reef. Here is a little video that we have put together that was shot late last season. Best time for whale watching in australia about australia. Whale watching in australia has grown tremendously over the last decade. Our marine biologist led adventure whale watching tours are safari style and get you up close and personal with some of the most magnificent animals on our planet, the humpback whale. Whale season in cairns cairns attractions cairns attractions. May 21, 20 the whales are coming to cairns and port douglas posted on may 21, 20 by colleen. Whales are seen off the coast of cairns, i hear the season for viewing is quite short this far up but from what i understand through august is your best chance. Dwarf minke whale liveaboard trips depart from cairns, taking you up to the far northern ribbon reefs. Dependant on the ocean temperatures the whale season may extend into september but traditionally our tours cease at. Please note that whale watching is not available all year round. The whales are coming to cairns and port douglas cairns tours.
Cairns whale and dolphin watching, swim with whales and. More than 7,000 whales holiday in the fraser coast on their 5,000km migration from antarctica to teach their baby calves sweet skills like breaching, spy hopping, tummy flashes and plenty of other survival tools. These specialist whale watching tours first started in 2009 and are the only of their kind in cairns, delivering guests an excellent whale sighting rate of 99%. The footage of the male humpback was captured in a stunning video by the pro dive cairns skipper chris vadas on board dive boat scubapro. Jul 26, 2012 my wife and i had an amazing morning whale watching on reef magic cruises. Whale watching port douglas cairns message board tripadvisor. The cairns post has reported that,500 whales are making the migratory trip from the antarctic, up to cairns and its great barrier reef, a 10% increase on last year. Minke and humpback whale season far north queensland. Whens the best time to visit cairns, australia down under tours.
The songs comprise a magical mix of clicks, moans and eerie wails. May 10, 2011 hervey bay is known as australias best whale watching locations. Dont forget your camera, a whale watching tour in port douglas is an unforgettable experience. Join our 5 day 4 night swim with dwarf minke whale liveaboard dive trips in june and july. Our whale watching tours from hervey bay commence in midjuly and extend to early november as part of the humpback whales annual migration along the east coast of australia. If you are owed money by the company, please download the report to creditors and complete the proof of debtclaim form on page 81 of the report. Choose from a selection of half day whale watching tours from cairns. Spectators on both the east and west coasts have the chance to enjoy their own whale show, twice a year, as the mammals travel to and from antarctica for what should be known as the worlds longest lunch feasting on all types of fish, krill, and plankton. Dwarf minke whale expeditions only operate during the months of june and july, so book early to. Sporting calm waters, you can spot them from beaches, along headlands or on one of many whale watching tours both on the water or in the air. Dwarf minke whales generally start to appear on the northern ribbon reefs approximately 240km north of cairns from may onwards. The dwarf minke whale tourism monitoring program was a world first fully permitted swimmingwithwhales program and is conducted in partnership between the great barrier reef marine park authority, researchers and the tourism industry.
Cairns dwarf minke whale trips on great barrier reef. Adventurefree tours australian tour experts adventurefree. The sea was great and there were whales absolutely everywhere off cairns betwen fitzroy island and green island. Around 2,000 20,000 whales make their annual migration from the atlantic to warmer waters in the cairns.
Quicksilver group manager media megan bell said the 30 passengers and crew were heading out for the start of their threeday dive and snorkel adventure when the whale was spotted heading north between green island and fitzroy island. This equates to around 35% of the worlds total living cetacean species. Whale season in 2019 was a good season for the whitsundays with just slightly below average numbers this year. Cairns whales, dolphins, seals and penguins directory. They will go as far north as cairns and choose the waters of the. We have a 9am or 11am departure from cairns and two departure times from fitzroy island at 2pm or 4pm so you can choose. Cairns whale watching tours on the great barrier reef. Although you can visit taveuni all the year round, the main diving season is april to october. Snorkelling with whales should be on every marine life lovers bucketlist. Researchers believe approximately 3,000 of these whales make the 10,000km round trip to the cairns region annually.
Mar 24, 2020 best time to see whales in sydney, weatherwise. Frequently asked questions whale watching tours cairns. With our whale tours and packages based around the activities of one of the larger species, the humpback whale, we treat passengers to an experience unlike any other. Need help finding the right cairns whale watching tour. While more reef off cairns becomes a hot spot in september. My wife and i had an amazing morning whale watching on reef magic cruises. The humpback whale season in cairns is at its peak from july to september. Whens the best time to visit cairns, australia down. This coincides roughly with the period which sees the best visibility.
We could hardly believe it when the whale breached john our skipper said i could hardly believe it. Silversonic has one of the few permits available from the great barrier reef marine park authority that allows our guests to swim with dwarf minke whales if encountered a truly unforgettable experience from our experience, july to september is the peak season to encounter the inquisitive minkes as they frequent the agincourt ribbon reefs where silversonic visits. Migaloo the famous white whale popped up to say gday today off. Reef cruises were on their tour when they encountered the whale shark at split bommie on opal reef. But when we are in season, we operate daily cruises. Whale watching port douglas cairns forum tripadvisor. These songs can have distinct patterns and can last for over 20 minutes with the whale only pausing to. Find, compare and book your australian tours and charters with adventurefree. Whale shark encounter on great barrier reef, cairns. Swim with whales on liveaboard dive trips, great barrier reef, swim with dwarf minke whales, see humpback whales as they migrate to the warmer waters. These trips can not be booked as a day trip from cairns.
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