0481 776 001
  • Guaranteed Whale Sightings*
  • Includes Gear, Lunch & Refreshments
  • Safe & Responsible

About the tour

Hervey Bay Dive Centre operates the regions only dedicated whale swim experience between July and October.

This exclusive experience is an incredibly special opportunity to watch and swim* with one of natures most majestic mammals, the Humpback whale, a curious, gentle and trusting creature.

Each sighting is different and every whale swim unique and personal. People that have swam with whales often describe the experience as "life changing". Our cruise maximises your opportunity to swim with the whales.

Our boat departs from the Dive Centre office in Urangan, Hervey Bay, with deliberately limited passengers/swimmers numbers for a truly personal encounter. The tour is guided by highly experienced local skipper and friendly, PADI qualified crew. Whilst our tour focuses on swimming with the whales there is plenty opportunity to watch them in the best whale watching destination in Australia.

For the whales comfort we only snorkel with them as they're not keen on bubbles. We provide you with a wetsuit and snorkelling equipment.

Includes

  • Swim with whales (when conditions permit)
  • Up-close 3/4 day whale encounter
  • Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided
  • Guaranteed whale sightings*
  • Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea

Swim (Peak) / Watch (Low) Season

From mid-July to early September is the best time to immerse with the whales. During this time the tour will focus on maximising your opportunity to swim with the whales.

From September more calves start arriving in the bay. As a requirement of our Marine Park Permit we are not able to swim with calves. This makes finding suitable adult whales to swim with more challenging. Therefore, from September, to the end of the season in late October, our tour focuses on more of a unique watch experience. If the opportunity arises to swim during this period we will aim to get you in the water.

Price

Swim Rates (peak season July - September)

  • Seat: $225

Watch Rates (low season September - October)

  • Seat: $185

What to bring

  • Your towel and swimmers
  • Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
  • Warm jacket
  • Camera, GoPro etc

Departure info

Day trip Departs: 9:30am / Returns: 3:30pm (eta)

* Please note: Due to the aquatic nature of these activities, this tour is subject to change without notice. Tides and weather conditions can affect its operation which is at the skippers discretion in the interests of safety. Every effort will be made to maximise your opportunity to swim with the whales. However, swimming is conditions dependant and cannot be guaranteed. This tour operates within a national marine park for which we hold a commercial operation permit. We must adhere by the regulations within this permit.
Not suitable for children under 4 years old. Swimmers must be over 8yrs old. Guests may only swim at the skippers discretion. This tour requires a minimum number of 8 persons. We reserve the right to cancel the tour if min numbers are not met.

arcadia whale swim boat hervey bay

Specialised swim & dive vessel

Our specialised whale swim and dive boat 'Arcadia' is a modern 12m powercat, capable of reaching the whale watching grounds in less than an hour. Fast and comfortable, passenger numbers are strictly limited to ensure a personal experience.

Hervey Bay whale season

Hervey Bay is a world class whale watching destination located 3hrs north of Brisbane in the state of Queensland, Australia.

The Hervey Bay whale season runs from August to October.

Hervey Bay's climate is mild even in winter with water temperatures around 19°C (wetsuits available on request). Sheltered by stunning Fraser Island the waters around Hervey Bay are usually calm making for excellent swimming conditions. Whilst the weather is usually warm we recommend bringing a windproof jacket for your comfort on the boat between swims.

Whale swims take place in Platypus Bay a short cruise from Hervey Bay.

whale swimming hervey bay
humpback whale

The humpback whale

The whales that visit Hervey bay during the winter months (late July - late October) are Humpbacks. They are truly majestic animals and an honour to witness, especially up close and personal in the water!

Humpbacks are incredibly playful and curious whales. Hervey Bay is the best place in Australia to see Humpbacks and the only place where they willingly approach to within feet of boats in an act called mugging. Their relaxed and curious attitude whilst in Hervey Bay make for one of the best whale swimming venues in the world.

Responsible nature tour

We take your safety and the whales comfort very seriously. We only enter the water at the whales discretion and when it is safe to do so. All swimmers need to respect the reasons for this and follow our directions at all times.

We are extremely privileged to be able to swim with these magnificent mammals and have a responsibility to respect them and their environment. Each swim is conducted inline with the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching and our internal Code of Conduct.

humpback whale hervey bay

Guaranteed whale sightings

Whilst we maintain one of the highest succesful whale swim rates worldwide, swimming CANNOT be guaranteed, but whale watching is between 1 Aug and 14 Oct. We only enter the water on the whale's terms, in suitable weather/sea conditions. Therefor, we cannot guarantee that everyone will get to swim with the whales.

In the unlikely event that our boat does not see any whales you will be offered a complimentary return ticket or a full refund.