Queensland, Sunshine Coast - Mooloolaba
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The opportunity to swim with a humpback whale is a rare and very special one – something that people who have experienced it have described as “life changing”. “It’s truly incredible that one of the largest mammals in our oceans is so graceful and gentle – they are just so trusting of human beings. They seem as intrigued by us as we are of them and glide effortlessly around us, with such a gentleness that it’s like they recognise our fragility in comparison and know we are there out of wonder and respect.”
Every day is different on the water, and every encounter is unique.
Tour duration: Approximately 4 hours
Average guests onboard: – 15 participants.
Once a whale is sighted, the boat will be put into neutral 100m or more away from the whale, and if the conditions are determined as safe by our trained crew, the boat will be turned off and swimmers will be allowed into the water. There will be a floating line attached to and trailing off the back of the boat.
Then it’s all up to the whale – it is a natural experience and it is 100% on the whale’s own terms. Whales are known as curious creatures so they may come over towards us or they may just swim past or away. Either way it’s an experience you will never forget. It is also a case of looking but not touching these wondrous creatures.
This is also in open water and we suggest that you look into Seasickness medication to minimise the chance of it effecting your trip.
Tour Duration: 4 Hours, 30 Minutes
Seasonal (July to mid October)
Departures Daily: 7.00am ad 11.30am
The time of your booking is subject to change and we ask all customers to wait for the confirmation text and email at 3.30pm to confirm trip
Meeting Point: Sunreef, Shop 11-12 The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade Mooloolaba
The Location: Sunreef’s Swim with Whales operates out of Mooloolaba in the heart of Queensland’s Naturally Refreshing Sunshine Coast. It takes about 10 minutes from the Sunreef dock to get out on the beautiful waters off the Coast, which are at their best during the winter months when the whales migrate. Water temperatures during this time range from 17 to 23 degrees and visibility ranges from 10-30m.
Check in at Sunreef starts at the time outlined on your confirmation email or text. When you arrive, we will see you at our check in desk so we can give you your boarding pass and ensure all the names on the booking are correct.
You will then direct you to line up at a designated area prior to boarding.
On departure, you will receive a boat briefing on the exit the Mooloolaba River. The trip out of the Mooloolaba takes around 15 minutes. After exiting the Mooloolaba river mouth we will begin to search for whales using our sight. To help us sight the whales, your whale watching crew on Whale One will ensure that you know what you should be looking for in particular when whale watching.
We will be looking out for mainly blows or major surface activity from the humpback whales, however it’s not uncommon for us to also end up spotting dolphins, turtles and other amazing animals on our trips.
After spotting whales, what we experience is all completely left up to the whale.
This is a completely organic experience, in no way do we control these animals or their behaviours. They may show surface activities, we may see them swim right under or beside Whale One, and sometimes they may just swim away.
Either way, it will be an experience we’re sure you’ll remember. We will always do everything in our power to respect the whales boundaries and environment.
You will be on the water for anywhere from 2 to 3.5 hours. Please see below for what to bring, parking recommendations, and more.
While you’re whale watching with us, you will be able to purchase hotdogs, snacks, soft drinks and alcohol (alcohol after 10 am). We have indoor and outdoor, upstairs and downstairs seating on our vessel. There are two marine toilets. We have seasickness medication available to purchase onboard!
Check our live calendar for tour dates availability and complete your booking with instant confirmation.
If the dive is cancelled due to poor weather, then all monies will be refunded or transferred to another day. It is necessary for you to give us at least 48 hours notice should you need to cancel or transfer your booking. Failure to do so will incur 100% cancellation fee of tour price. If cancelled or transferred within 24 hours, full payment is forfeited
The minimum age to come on this experience is 8 years and all participants must be taller than 110cm. Any participantunder the age of 18 will always need a parent/guardian on the boat with them.
ALL participants of the Whale Swimming experience MUST be strong and INDEPENDENT swimmers.
As with all our dives, your confirmation of the trip will depend on the sea conditions and weather. We will monitor this closely and if the weather or sea conditions are unsuitable, we will contact you by 3:30pm the day before your trip to confirm the status of your trip and departure time.
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