Spirit Of Hervey Bay Catamaran

Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise runs through Spirit of Hervey Bay. Rated 4.8 across 526 reviews. Runs 4 hours 30 minutes. From A$155.

Overview

A half-day cruise on a stable catamaran is the format here, running four hours and thirty minutes across the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay off Hervey Bay. The vessel is the draw: a larger boat that reviewers describe as comfortable, with multiple decks to watch from, in sun or shade.

The morning or afternoon departure includes tea service on board and live commentary. Whales are the headline, with dolphins, turtles, seabirds and occasionally a dingo on the Fraser Island beach also possible. Reviewers mention mothers with calves, and crew who position the vessel for the best viewing and photographs. One returning customer says the sightings have grown year on year.

Courtesy transfers from Hervey Bay tourist accommodation are included, or travellers can park at the marina. The cruise suits most travellers, though it is not wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps. It ends back at the meeting point in Urangan, marked by the big whale statue on Buccaneer Drive.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupFree courtesy transfers collect travellers from Hervey Bay tourist accommodation, with the pickup point detailed at booking. Parking at the marina is an alternative.
2. Meet at the marinaThe departure point is 11 Buccaneer Dr, Urangan, identified by the big whale statue on the roadside.
3. Cruise to Platypus BayThe catamaran heads out across the sheltered bay waters, with live commentary on board along the way.
4. Whale watchingTime is spent watching humpbacks and other passing marine life, with the crew positioning the boat for viewing and photos. Dolphins, turtles and seabirds may also appear. Morning or afternoon tea is included on board.
5. Return to the marinaThe activity ends back at the original meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what travellers should know before booking, drawn from the listing and from what reviewers consistently report.

• Moving around. One party started on the open deck and shifted below when the sun got hot. Choose a spot in or out of the sun as the day demands.
• Weather and sun. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can mean a changed date or a full refund. Sun exposure is a real factor on the open deck, so plan for shade breaks as needed.
• Food and drink. Morning or afternoon tea is included. A fully licensed bar is on board for purchase, and Eftpos is available. Souvenir photos cost extra.
• Commentary. The captain gives live commentary throughout, covering whale species, their journey to the bay, and the bond between mothers and calves.
• Group feel. Up to 150 travellers can be on board, but reviewers say the boat is roomy, with plenty of seating in many parts of the vessel.
• Photography. The crew actively positions the boat for the best viewing and photographs, which several reviewers called out. Bring a camera, as sightings can be close and fast-moving.

Common issues. The cruise is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. It depends on good weather and a minimum number of travellers, so a cancellation can happen, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered. Alcohol and souvenir photos cost extra. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and refunds require cancelling at least 24 hours ahead.

Before You Book Anything