Swim with Humpback Whales Tour (July - Oct)
A once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with Humpback Whales right on the Sunshine Coast. A qualified crew will ensure you safely immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience that will live with you forever!
Our whale watching and swimming trips are approximately four hours in duration, with each trip catering for up to 20 participants. Sunreef provides all participants with wetsuits and snorkelling equipment required for the adventure. Participants are also fully briefed on the boat about what to expect from the experience.
What makes it great:
- Australia's 1st Humpback Whale Swimming experience
- See whales in their own environment
- Intimate whale watching experience
Inclusion:
- Return boat trip
- Fun, friendly and professional crew
- Snacks and water
- Whale watching cruise followed by a swim with the magestic creatures
- Mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit
Departure times & locations:
Departure Point: 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557, Australia
Departure Time: 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 and ensure that your gear is organized.
Your day at a glance:
When you arrive, we will see you at our check in desk so we can check your Whale Swim Waiver and ensure all the names on the booking are correct.
We will then direct you to the departure area where you will also pick up your mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit. The Sunreef Crew will help you find a wetsuit and fins that fit you the best. We will have you wait on the boardwalk before your Skipper gives you a briefing of how we will run the trip.
On departure, we will give all our guests a thorough boat briefing as we 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. 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.
This is an incredibly rare experience enabling you to hang out with Humpback whales in their own domain. Immerse yourself in this truly moving experience and boast proudly that you have swam with Humpback whales! For those that would prefer not to climb into the waters and get wet this experience is just as fun from the boat as an observer.
Please note: This experience is 100% on the whales own terms. The supplier will do everything in its power, to ensure whale encounters, we can’t guarantee that our guests will get to swim with these magnificent sea mammals but if on the day the boat doesn’t sight a whale, you will be eligible for 50% off your next trip.
Travelling with children
Minimum 8 years old. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times (on board or in the water, also please be aware that they must be strong swimmers for this activity.)
Things to bring:
Towel, swimsuit, change of clothes for afterward. Please ensure you have your personal medications with you e.g. asthmatics, heart disease, anaphylaxis, etc).
SWIM WITH WHALES CUSTOMERS, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING
Trip confirmations:
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 let you know as soon as we can. We will send out an email and text message the day before your trip around 3:30 pm to inform you of the status of the trip and its departure time.
*Please note that while the weather may look great on the beach, it doesn’t mean the conditions offshore are safe for watching. If we have to cancel a trip due to poor sea conditions it is for our customer’s safety, and we will either rebook or refund you for this.*
Swim with Whales Waiver: Each swimmer is required to complete a Sunreef Swim with Whales Waiver before your Swim with Whales trip. You can fill the form out when we send your booking confirmation.
Eligibility requirements for Swim with Whales:
- If you cannot swim, this tour will not be suitable for you, please see our whale watching tours for another amazing alternative to experience humpback whales.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are taking prescription medication, are suffering from any injury or illness you may be unable to swim with Sunreef. If this could apply to you please contact us.
- Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access available on any of our vessels.
-
Not suitale for pregnant women
Seasickness:
This is in open water and we suggest you consider seasickness tablets to minimize the risk of seasickness affecting your trip. We will not issue any rebookings or refunds for being seasick.
Parking:
The Wharf complex has all day parking available, however please keep in mind especially if you are on an 11:30 am or later trip that parking can sometimes get very busy. Please give yourself at least 15-20 minutes for parking. We recommend that you park your vehicle in the Sea Life (Underwater World) car park at The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade.
Additional Info
- No drones are permitted on board.
- NO alcohol is to be taken on the vessel.
What to bring:
Towel, swimsuit, change of clothes for afterward. Please ensure you have your personal medications with you e.g. asthmatics, heart disease, anaphylaxis, etc).
The Location
The whale swimming and watching operations work 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 C and visibility is regularly up to 30 metres.
Our Responsibility
At Sunreef, we take your safety and that of the whales very seriously. It is our Number 1 priority so all participants must follow the directions of staff at all times. Sunreef is experienced in guiding in-water activities and adhere to all relevant safety guidelines. All encounters are conducted in accordance with the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2005) as well as our own strict Code of Practice which has been developed with whale researchers and experts to ensure the protection of the whales.
Instant Booking & Mobile Friendly Tickets
Check availability & book here to secure you spot on Swim with Humpback Whales Tour (July - Oct). Pre-booking is essential. Please do not turn up on the day without a booking.
About Sunreef:
Sunreef Scuba Diving Services, based in Mooloolaba is the longest established dive centre on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia) with roots starting back in 1976. Sunreef Mooloolaba offers Australia’s first Swim with Humpback Whales experience, from July to October each year, as well as Whale Watching, Local Reef Dives, Flinders Reef Dives, Snorkeling Trips and Diving on the Ex-HMAS Brisbane. The Sunreef crew is a team of experienced and passionate professionals who love to share aquatic activities and the marine environment with others.
Departure Point: The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557.
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 and ensure that your gear is organized.
