Whale of a Time at Hervey Bay

After our last venture on a boat, we were a tad reluctant to go on the water so we checked a few things this time (especially the distance from shore to whale spotting point and how protected the boat would be from high seas). Feeling reassured, we booked our cruise and what a great experience it was. If you haven't done this, we thoroughly recommend it.

Leaving at a civilised 8:30 a.m. we boarded the catamaran Spirit of Hervey Bay. The captain has done this trip many times and he and his crew are experts at spotting whales that appear like small dots on the horizon.




Bob on board the purpose-built whale watch vessel. Excellent viewing areas inside and out, upstairs and downstairs with views from below the surface as well.

After the first whale sighting, it wasn't long before we saw 2 more. The captain slows the boat so that he can approach as close as allowed without threatening the humpback whales. August is the best time to see humpbacks from Hervey Bay. It has a world-wide reputation and deservedly so.

2 adult humpback whales floating on the surface. Even though the flash of the tail is exciting, it's also a sign that a whale is going to dive.
The commentary by the captain was very informative and we both learnt more than what we already knew about whales.




The catamaran stays in the protected waters of Fraser Island which is always visible. This means that the sea won't get rough. We had perfect conditions! Calm seas, little wind, excellent visibility under the surface of the water.

Several more whales were spotted and we edged closely towards them. Most of them don't seem too fussed by the whale watch boats and as this is an annual stop-over for them, it's understandable. When you see how curious they can be and how close they come to the boats, it's even more infuriating when you consider the slaughter of whales by the Japanese. One of the crew told us that many Japanese tourists are unaware of the slaughter and the controversy caused by it.

We were so lucky for almost an hour when a yearling whale (not very old but still an incredible size) swam so close to our boat. An amazing experience! It's hard to describe the feelings when one of these graceful mammals provides  up close and personal moments. Magical! The photos will be more powerful than words. Check them out.

We were on the top deck and the yellow bit poking out is the lower deck. People down there were so close but it was easier for me to walk about on the top. It's an interactive experience as the captain lets everyone know where the whale is; it swam alongside, under the boat, at the bow, the stern.

The whale almost seemed to pose for photos as it hovered in the water. Humpback whales' eyes are at the side of the head and look down so the whale came quite close many times and lifted its head sideways out of the water to check out the boat and the passengers. We were enncouraged by the captain to clap and make noise as whales are curious and will explore their surroundings. They really are a soft target for whalers.
As we reluctantly left this whale, it started to follow us. The captain told everyone that it would have jumped on board if it could.

A pod of 3 whales joined us after we left the yearling and they swam around for a while. To the left of the photo there is a flat circle shape - this is called a footprint and it is left by the whale as it dives.

The captain was very generous with his time and the boat arrived back at the dock almost 30 mins late with another cruise set to leave shortly after.