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”. “Its truly incredible to that one of the largest of 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. 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. 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 of 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 are regularly up to 30 metres. 

NOTE: Unfortunately if you are pregnant, we cannot take you on this tour. If you are bringing children between 8 and 15 years old, there must have an adult/guardian on board or in the water at all times with them, and please be aware that they need to be strong swimmers for this activity. Children under 8 are not permitted on board.

Once a whale is sighted, the boat will be put into neutral 100 metres 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 holding on to the floating line attached to the boat. 

All encounters are conducted in accordance with the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2017) 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. 

The tour operator is also working with the University of the Sunshine Coast on a coordinated research project to increase the knowledge around these amazing creatures. Our commitment includes recording information about every whale sighting and offering spots on every boat for the researchers to get out into the field to collect their own data. Our guests can also participate, if they wish, using our whale spotting sheets.

Whilst we will do everything in our power to ensure a great experience, this is 100% on the whale’s terms so we cannot guarantee that everyone will get to swim with the whales. However, if our boat does not see any whales above or below the surface on the duration of your trip, you will have the opportunity to rebook with a 50% discount.