Top 10 Humpback Whale Tours in Australia

1.Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $89Our pick

Join CoastXP at Newcastle Harbour for a two-hour cruise along the Hunter Coast. A guide such as Jane explains whale behavior as you search for humpbacks, dolphins, and seals from a small eco-tourism boat. Wet-weather jackets, photos, and a same-season return promise if no whale appears are included.

“Jane was superb, the whole experience excellent. We really had to look hard to see any whales, but in the end we did and it was magical.”

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2.Hervey Bay: Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 153 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $84

You’ll cruise Hervey Bay aboard Quick Cat II, a purpose-built catamaran with five viewing decks, open 360-degree sightlines, live English commentary, and a hydrophone for whale song. Look for humpbacks near Fraser Island, with a possible swim option subject to conditions, fees, and availability.

“We had an incredible day out. We were promised Whales and we got them . All crew members were friendly and interacting with you the whole day they feeding us with knowledge about these beautiful Mammals. Well done guys. Its worth it!!!”

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3.Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $71

Set out from Noosa Marina with a skipper such as Christian or Mike for a two-hour cruise along the river, past Noosa National Park, and into open water. The small boat can make the ride lively, while binoculars, raincoats, and action goggles help you watch for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.

“Great fun, bit choppy though, so a bit hard to spot the whales. Saw whales, sharks and dolphins. Well worth it.”

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4.Swim with Humpback Whales – Ningaloo Reef – 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $430

Spend about eight hours with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive at Ningaloo Reef, using a spotter plane to locate humpbacks and other wildlife. Crew members including Sarah, Mel, Amy, Nos, and pilot Tif provide gear, meals, safety help, photography, and guided snorkel time.

“Excellent crew, great lunch and Awesome experience. With a double wamm of snorkelling with a whale shatk”

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5.Humpback Whale Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $466

Join Coral Bay Ecotours for an eight-hour Ningaloo Reef whale safari from Coral Bay. Between June and October, you may watch migrating humpbacks from the boat or enter the water when conditions and whale behavior allow. Lunch, snacks, sparkling wine, and a photography package are included.

“We would put down 6 stars if we could! A lot of the tour is up to the animals but the staff/ crew do their best to give you a wonderful experience! The humpbacks were so active on the day we went, so swimming with them was difficult but the crew did their best and wRead more”

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6.Deluxe Mega Fauna Humpback or Whaleshark Swim Ningaloo Reef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · from $430

Set out from Exmouth at 7:00 a.m. for a full day at Ningaloo Reef. A small group of up to 14 people may swim with whale sharks, humpback whales, or manta rays, depending on conditions and animal behavior. Captain Geoff, Mat, Tash, and Joss lead the day, with gear, lunch, drinks, and some hotel transfers included.

“Such a wonderful day out. Very friendly staff and easy to follow instructions. Got to swim with a beautiful whale shark. Worth every penny.”

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7.Newcastle: Small Group Humpback Whale Encounter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 41 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Join CoastXP at Newcastle’s Honeysuckle Foreshore for a two-hour whale watch on a small vessel carrying up to 20 people. Guides such as Dom, Jane, Glen, and Dominic share whale facts and coastline stories while you look for humpbacks, dolphins, and fur seals. Warm jackets are supplied.

“We were very lucky with both the weather and very active whales and dolphins. The trip was very relaxed, and the guide was very good and friendly. Great to get sent some pictures from the trip afterwards (were a lot better than what my smartphone-camera could take).”

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8.Newcastle: Humpback Whale Watching Cruise and Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 30 reviews · 2h 30m · from $60Best value

Join NOVA Cruises for a 150-minute Newcastle harbor and whale-watching trip aboard a 16-meter catamaran. You get indoor and upper-deck viewing, English commentary, fact sheets, tea or coffee, and 12 months to return if no whales appear.

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9.Western Australia: Swim with Humpback Whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 8 hours · from $467

Join Coral Bay Ecotours for an 8-hour Ningaloo Reef trip from Coral Bay, led by an English-speaking crew including guides Paula and Marina. Snorkel two reef sites, search for humpback whales from July to October, and enter the water in groups of seven when conditions and whale behavior allow.

“A great 10 hour activity that was facilitated by enthusiastic and supportive guides. All the weather challenges were overcome to make this a “bucket list” activity.”

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10.Swim with Humpback Whales: Sunshine Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $184

Join a six-person boat from Mooloolaba for a four-hour humpback whale experience with an experienced skipper and in-water guide. Chelsea and Christian have led trips with calm, respectful care. Fins, mask, and wetsuit are included, but whale sightings and water entry depend on the animals and conditions.

“A unique and exceptional experience. We were lucky enough to swim with whales. The team, Chelsea and Christian, were amazing and respectful of the animals. There were six of us on board, and I couldn't have asked for better organization. Everything was perfect. Thank you 🙏”

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