Travel Tip Get Immersed With the Humpbacks at Hervey Bay Whale Watching
- Written by Cassie Jackson
Hervey Bay's world famous whale watching experience has been super-sized again this season, with nature lovers able to take the plunge on immersive humpback encounters.
Immersive whale tours are being offered by some operators in 2015, allowing visitors to delve into the humpbacks' domain and share life-changing connections with the gentle giants of the deep.
There is an excellent range of whale watching tours to choose from including opportunities for “immersion” experiences allowing up close and personal encounters for guests on submerged platforms or tethered to the boat by special harnesses.
For example Blue Dolphin Marine Tours has exclusive full day whale encounters from $130* per adult and $100* per child with discounted family rates available, including limited passenger numbers for great views; eight hours touring on board the luxury vessel; morning, afternoon tea and quality buffet lunch with free drink. If the conditions are right, passengers can join the whales in the water on the boat's purpose-built platform.
Another excellent option is Hervey Bay Whale Watch Quick Cat II which has a full day Whales and Fraser Island experience including light breakfast, morning tea and hop off at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island for lunch from $130* per person. Conditions and temperament of the whales permitting, there is also the opportunity to swim with the humpbacks for an additional $95*.
Meanwhile, visitors can stay and play with the whales based at Mantra Hervey Bay from just $130* per night for Hotel Room including 10% discount on any whale tour booked at reception, bottle of wine on arrival and late check out. Based on a minimum stay of two nights, the offer is valid for sale and travel up to September 18, 2015.
Alternatively Kingfisher Bay Resort has a whale of a deal on Fraser Island including two nights' accommodation with bonus third night free, hot buffet breakfast daily, return ferry transfer and half-day whale watch cruise from $379*, valid from August 1 to 30 October, 2015.
The Fraser Coast is Australia's Home of the Humpbacks where the natural shape and calm protected waters of Hervey Bay offer a natural playground for thousands of the majestic creatures and the best up-close and personal whale watching encounters in the world.
This year an estimated 22,000 humpback whales will migrate from Antarctica to warm northern waters to breed.
On their return journey between late July and early November, the proud new parents and the cutest calves on earth make a temporary home in the tranquil marine environment of Hervey Bay creating a wonderland of intimate and interactive whale activity.
For bookings or further information visit: whalesherveybay.com.au.
*conditions apply, prices subject to change and availability
Image kindly provided by Blue Dolphin Marine Tours.
