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Whale Watching Tour

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Whale Watching Tour

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Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to see the gentle giants of the sea.

DUGARU (Whale)


Each year the waters surrounding Townsville, Magnetic Island and The Palm Island Group come alive with the annual migration of the majestic Humpback Whales. These amazing mammals love playing in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef and migrate every year to feed, mate and give birth before returning south with their calves. Mid-July to August is a prime time for whale watching and this cruise is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an encounter with these gentle giants.

Humpback sightings have continued to increase every year along the Queensland Coastline. They just love to show off with breaches, tail slapping, and even a close-up wink when they are feeling extra curious.

Cruise aboard a spacious catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing areas and enjoy a 3-hour cruise with SeaLink Magnetic Island including on-board commentary and a delicious morning or afternoon tea.

SeaLink’s popular Orpheus Island Day Tour, Whale Watching, Charter Tours, and Outer Reef Experiences which incorporates the world-first Museum of Underwater Art, are Ecotourism Certified by Ecotourism Australia.

Inclusions

  • 3 hour cruise off the coast of Townsville
  • On-board commentary
  • Morning or Afternoon Tea
  • Modern, spacious and air-conditioned catamaran with maximum guest number capped to less than half capacity, to provide a comfortable and enjoyable cruise
  • Indoor and outdoor viewing areas

Tour Details

  • 2025 dates coming soon!

    • Licensed bar on SeaLink vessel - NO BYO alcohol
    • Cold drinks and snacks kiosk available on-board
    • Modern, spacious and air-conditioned catamaran with maximum guest number capped to less than half capacity, to provide a comfortable and enjoyable cruise.
  • Morning Departure:

    Departure: 9.00am
    Return: 12.00pm (approx.)

    Check-in: opens at 8.00am and closes 10 minutes prior departure.
    Location: SeaLink Breakwater Terminal, Townsville.
  • Historically we have had a 95 per cent success rate on our tours. We ensure that our start and finish dates are during the peak of the season to minimise leaving our guests disappointed. In the rare case we don’t come across any whales, it is still a great morning/afternoon on the water.

  • Dietary requirements

    Our Whale Watching tour is prepared by Michels Catering who provide delicious and nutritious food and can cater for the following dietary requirements:

    • Gluten-free
    • Dairy-free
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan

    Please advise in the comments section at check out or call our sales team on 074726 0800, no later than 48 hour prior departure and where possible we will endeavor to meet your request.

    For any further dietary preferences or food allergies, you’re welcome to bring your own food, in addition to what we can supply.

    Magnetic Island Guests
    Any guests travelling from Magnetic Island will receive a complimentary return ferry ticket to make their way to Townsville prior to the tour. Tickets are available for collection on-board on the day of travel, please show your booking number or travel itinerary (must catch the 7:45 am service at the latest when travelling Monday to Saturday or the 7:00 am service on Sundays).

    Travelling with children and infants

    Infants ( 0-4 years old) travel free of charge and must be included in the booking. Please note children must be supervised by at one of their parents at all times.

    Parking

    Onsite car parking is $9.00. Please note that car-parking is very limited and availability cannot be guaranteed. During peak season and weekends we highly recommend you find alternative options.

    Travel and motion sickness

    This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. We recommend you eat lightly before and during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to departure.

    If you are unsure or you need further assistance please contact our sales team on 07 4726 0800.

  • When is the best time to go Whale Watching in Townsville?

    The peak of the Whale Watching season in Townsville is between Mid-July to Late-August. Whales are occasionally seen outside of these times off Townsville but they are limited in numbers and often difficult to spot.

    What happens if I don’t see a whale on my tour?

    Historically we have had 95% strike rate on our tours, we set our start and finish dates in the peak of the season to minimise leaving our guests disappointed. In the rare case we don’t come across any Whales, it is still a great morning/afternoon on the water, and you would have received a 3-hour cruise plus a delicious morning or afternoon tea.

    How close can we get to whales?

    There are strict guidelines on how close vessels of all kinds, from kayaks to cruise boats, can approach whales. It also depends if there are calves in the pod and the number of vessels in the area. As a guidelinesThis however does not stop whales from taking matters into their own hands for a close look of us! At all times, SeaLink operates with the safety and enjoyment of both our passengers and the whales.ne the approach distance can range from 100m to 300m.

    What time is the best time of day to see whales?

    Anytime is a good time to see whales from the water

    How big is the boat?

    All our Whale Watching vessels are spacious catamarans with at least two passenger decks and spacious outdoor and indoor seating. The large windows provide a great view should you wish to remain seated inside.

    Will I see baby whales?

    We see many mothers and calves during the whale watching season, however it all depends on whether they want to see us.

    Can I interact (feed/swim) with the whales?

    Feeding and swimming with the whales is not permitted.

    Are we imposing on the whales?

    Whilst we are eager observers, ultimately, it’s up to the whales how much interaction they have with us. Whales can dive from 2 to 20 minutes, in any direction, and can out manoeuvre a spectator vessel if they choose. Mostly the whales are as curious of us as we are of them.

    What food is included?

    A individual morning/afternoon tea pack will be provided for each guest. If you have food allergies or specific dietary requirements, please advise our team at least 48 hours prior to departure where possible we will endeavour to meet your request.

    Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

    Yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible. All SeaLink vessels are wheelchair accessible, for toilet use travel in the lower cabin is required.

    I’m travelling from Magnetic Island, do you provide a pick up for this tour?

    No, unfortunately this takes too much time out of the tour itinerary. SeaLink will however provide Magnetic Island guests with a complimentary return ticket to make their way to Townsville prior to the tour. Please see our website for a list of departure times. Tickets are available for collection from the Nelly Bay office or on board on the day of travel, please show your booking number or travel itinerary.

    Can I BYO alcohol?

    All SeaLink vessels are fully licensed venues, all liquor must be purchased and consumed on-board (BYO liquor is not permitted). Our on-board bar is open for the duration of the tour for the purchase of light snacks and refreshments (alcoholic drinks available from 10am).

    This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. We recommend you eat lightly before and during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to the departure. Please dress according to the weather – it will often feel colder at sea. Smoking is not permitted on board.

    Can i fly a drone on this tour?
    No, unfortunately it is not possible to fly a drone from a commercially operated Whale Watching vessel.

  • 1. Cancellation by the Traveller

    If you cancel your booking the following fees apply:

    • Between 14 days and 48 hours before departure: 20% of total cost
    • Between 24 hours and 48 hours before departure: 50% of total cost
    • Within 24 hours of departure: 100% of total cost

    A ‘no show’ will incur 100% penalty. No refunds are given on unused tickets.

    2. Cancellation by SeaLink North Queensland

    All tours cancelled by SeaLink North Queensland due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances are eligible for:

    • Full refund
    • Transfer or reschedule to another SeaLink North Queensland Tour
    • 100% Credit to use for a future SeaLink North Queensland Tour

    3. Booking changes

    SeaLink North Queensland will accept travel date changes or changes to another SeaLink North Queensland Tour (subject to availability) up to 48 hours before departure for a $20 p/person administration fee – any difference in tour price is payable by the passenger. Please note cancellation fees apply for any changes within 48 hours – please refer to the above Cancellation Policy.

    4. Change of Itinerary

    Tours and itinerary are subject to prevailing weather and sea conditions including tides, wind, swell and rain. The vessel master will determine the most appropriate course on the day of travel.

    5. Travel Insurance

    Holiday plans can be disrupted and cancellation fees can be costly. We highly recommend that you have your own travel insurance. Please note that Travel Insurance may not cover disruptions caused by mechanical breakdowns or adverse weather conditions.

    Click here for the full list of SeaLink North Queensland Terms & Conditions.

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