Tasman Venture Whale Cruise

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise runs through Tasman Venture. Rated 4.9 across 590 reviews. Runs 4 hours. From A$155.

Overview

This four-hour catamaran cruise out of Hervey Bay puts you among humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment. The vessel has underwater viewing windows, so you can watch the whales below the surface, and onboard hydrophones let you listen to them sing. An expert guide gives live commentary throughout, and morning or afternoon tea is served while you watch from the deck.

The trip begins and ends at Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, with hotel pickup and drop off included, and free parking on Buccaneer Drive for anyone who prefers to self drive. Travellers are asked to arrive no later than 15 minutes before departure. The boat carries a maximum of 85 people, runs at a minimum of 10 passengers, and is wheelchair accessible.

Toys, colouring books and DVDs keep children busy between sightings, and reviewers often mention friendly, attentive crews. Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you can return on a different day for free.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupHotel pickup and drop off are included. Self drivers can use free parking on Buccaneer Drive in Urangan and should arrive no later than 15 minutes before departure.
2. Board at the marinaThe vessel departs from Great Sandy Straits Marina, Shop 5/17 Buccaneer Dr, Urangan. There is a hand sanitizer station at boarding, with more stations at key entry and exit points.
3. Cruise into the bayThe catamaran heads out into Hervey Bay to find humpback pods. Live commentary runs throughout the trip.
4. Whale watchingWatch whales from the deck, through the underwater viewing windows, or by listening to their songs on the onboard hydrophones.
5. Morning or afternoon teaTea and snacks are served on board, included in the tour. Additional food and drinks are available to buy on the vessel.
6. Return to the marinaThe cruise ends back at the meeting point, with hotel drop off for those who used the pickup service.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this cruise.

• Dress for cold. The listing advises dressing appropriately for cooler weather, since this is a cruise. Several reviewers travelled in rain and still had a good trip, so layers and a waterproof jacket are the sensible choice.
• Bring the kids. The tour includes toys, colouring books and DVDs for children. One reviewer travelled with a toddler and a newborn and reported the crew were attentive and provided extra blankets.
• Move around the boat. Several travellers said the crew located multiple pods and gave everyone space and time to take photos and videos.
• Food and drink. Morning or afternoon tea is included, and reviewers mention free tea plus food platters in the cabin. Anything beyond that must be bought on board, since food and drinks are otherwise not included.
• Photography. Several travellers said the crew located multiple pods and gave everyone space and time to take photos and videos. Whales sometimes surface right next to the boat, so keep your camera ready rather than packed away.
• Weather. The cruise requires good weather, and if it is cancelled for poor conditions you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Reviewers have set off in rain and still reported plenty of whale encounters, so wet weather alone does not spoil the trip.

Common issues. The cruise needs a minimum of 10 passengers to run, and it depends on good weather, so poor conditions can mean a different date or a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. With up to 85 travellers on board, it is a group experience rather than a small one. One reviewer felt the included snacks were small for the price and would have preferred more substantial food. Gratuities and any extra food or drinks are not covered.

Before You Book Anything