Whale Watching Tour
Whale watching tour
Set off on an unforgettable 3-hour whale watching adventure, where the beauty of North Queensland’s coastline meets the excitement of encountering some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. Departing from Townsville and Magnetic Island, this seasonal experience is designed to give guests the opportunity to witness migrating humpback whales in their natural environment while enjoying a scenic and enjoyable cruise on the water.
Cruise through Cleveland Bay and surrounding offshore waters as our experienced crew search for whale activity in known migration areas. Along the way, guests will enjoy informative commentary about humpback whales, their migration patterns, behaviours, and the marine environment of the region. Each tour offers a unique experience, with opportunities to observe whales breaching, tail slapping, surface rolling and travelling through the bay.
This tour is focused on delivering a memorable whale watching experience while also offering a relaxed and enjoyable time on the water. Morning tea or afternoon tea is provided, making it the perfect way to sit back, take in the scenery, and enjoy one of North Queensland’s most spectacular seasonal wildlife experiences.
Whether you’re a wildlife lover, nature enthusiast or simply looking for a special experience on the water, this tour is the perfect chance to see humpback whales up close in the wild while enjoying the natural beauty of Townsville and Magnetic Island.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Depart from Townsville or Magnetic Island
- Morning tea or afternoon tea provided
- Enjoy a 3-hour seasonal whale watching cruise
- Look for migrating humpback whales in the waters around Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island
- Learn about whale behaviour, migration and the local marine environment from experienced crew
- Experience a scenic cruise through one of North Queensland’s most beautiful coastal regions
- Keep an eye out for other marine life including dolphins, turtles and seabirds
- Enjoy a flexible itinerary designed around the safest and best conditions on the day
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Whale Watching Tour is a dynamic, open-water boating experience. As this tour operates in an open marine environment, sea and weather conditions can vary from calm and glassy to lively and choppy depending on the day.
Guests can expect a scenic and enjoyable ride, however in moderate or choppier conditions the experience may be faster-paced, more energetic, and at times wet. This is part of the adventure nature of the tour.
Important note: whale watching locations, route and ride conditions may vary depending on wind, swell, tide, whale activity and general safety conditions on the day. Management reserves the right to adjust the itinerary, route or timing of the tour to provide the safest and best possible experience.
This tour is centred around observing whales in their natural environment. Whale sightings are common during the migration season, however as these are wild animals, sightings and behaviours cannot be guaranteed. Guests should be prepared for a fun and active day on the water. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Marine and wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed.
If you’re looking for a scenic, memorable wildlife experience with a bit of adventure on the water, this tour is for you. Conditions on some days may feel more adventurous depending on the weather and sea state.
Included
- 3-hour guided whale watching tour
Departure from Townsville or Magnetic Island - Morning tea or afternoon tea
- Commentary from experienced crew
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
- Safety briefing and all essential safety equipment
Duration and departure time
3 hours approx. Please refer to booking widget for departure time.
Meeting Point
Townsville – 108 Flinders Street, Townsville City
Magnetic Island – Nelly Bay Marina
Please read your confirmation email carefully for the correct departure location and check-in instructions and to sign online waiver.
What to Bring
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Light jacket or jumper depending on weather
- Comfortable footwear
- Camera / phone
- A sense of adventure
Additional Information
Tour Pricing:
Infants (0–23 months): Free
Children (2–14 years): $109
Adults (15+ years): $139
- Important Note: Infants under 12 months are not recommended for this tour due to the nature of the vessel and varying sea conditions.
- Departure Locations: Tours depart from Townsville or Magnetic Island, depending on the booking selected.
- Language Requirement: Participants must understand English.
Age Requirements:
- Infants aged 0–23 months may travel free of charge
- Not recommended for babies under 12 months
- Child pricing applies for ages 2–14 years
- Adult pricing applies for ages 15 years and over
Fitness Level: This tour is suitable for most guests, however passengers should be comfortable on a vessel operating in open water conditions.
Medical Conditions: Guests must advise staff prior to departure of any relevant medical conditions, injuries, mobility concerns, pregnancy, or other conditions that may affect their participation.
Daily Operations: Poseidon Adventure operates tours in a range of weather conditions, subject to safety and operational requirements.
Safety Briefing: A thorough safety briefing and tour overview will be provided by qualified crew prior to departure.
Wildlife Viewing: This tour is centred around spotting whales in their natural environment. Whale sightings are common during the migration season, however as these are wild animals, sightings and behaviours cannot be guaranteed.
Tour Style: This is a dynamic, adventure-style whale watching boat tour. Conditions may range from calm and scenic to more lively, fast-paced and wet depending on the day’s weather and sea state.
Morning / Afternoon Tea: Morning tea or afternoon tea is included, depending on the departure selected.
Gift Vouchers: Available for purchase.
Itinerary Changes: Management reserves the right to change the itinerary, departure points, route, timing or inclusions due to weather, tides, swell, whale activity, operational requirements or other varying conditions.
Disclaimer: This tour operates in an open marine environment. Guests should be aware that conditions can change on the day and the ride may at times be bumpy, wet or more energetic depending on the weather and sea state. Wildlife encounters are not guaranteed.
Cancellation Policy
Customer-Initiated Cancellations:
Up to 48 hours before start: Cancel for a refund minus a 1.9% processing fee
Up to 24 hours before start: Reschedule or convert to a gift voucher valid for 12 months
Within 24 hours of start: Non-refundable and non-reschedulable
Weather-Related Cancellations:
- If Poseidon Adventure must cancel within 24 hours of your booking due to weather or safety reasons, we will first attempt to reschedule your booking or provide a gift voucher
- If neither option is feasible, a full refund will be provided
Tour Times
Refer to booking widget for tour times
(Private charters by request)
*We are incredibly fortunate to operate in a region teeming with abundant marine life. While we do our utmost to provide unforgettable experiences, we cannot guarantee that you will encounter marine life on every tour. The ocean is a vast and dynamic environment, and the presence of wildlife can vary day by day
