Whale Watching Tour

Set off on a memorable whale watching boat adventure through Cleveland Bay and the surrounding waters of Magnetic Island, where seasonal whale migration, island scenery, marine discovery and a fun boat ride come together in one exciting on-water experience. Available upon request or on scheduled morning or afternoon departures, this tour is designed to showcase one of North Queensland’s most special seasonal wildlife experiences.

Cruise through the scenic waters of Cleveland Bay and around Magnetic Island’s surrounding areas as your crew searches for migrating whales during the season. Guests will have the opportunity to watch these incredible animals from the boat while learning about their behaviour, migration patterns and the important role they play in the marine ecosystem.

Throughout the tour, your guide will provide educational talks about whales, marine life and the local environment, helping guests better understand the wildlife and ecosystems found around Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef region. A hydrophone will also be available on board, giving guests the unique opportunity to listen to whale sounds beneath the surface when conditions and whale activity allow.

Along the way, enjoy a relaxed morning or afternoon tea-style snack while taking in views of Cleveland Bay, Magnetic Island’s coastline and the open-water surroundings. Guests may also spot dolphins, turtles, seabirds and other marine life during the tour, adding to the overall wildlife experience.

This tour combines whale watching, marine education, scenic cruising and a fun boat ride adventure, offering a meaningful seasonal experience for families, visitors and nature lovers.

• Depart from Townsville or Magnetic Island, subject to scheduled departure location

• Guided whale watching boat adventure through Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island surrounding areas: approximately 3 hours from Townsville or 2.5 hours from Magnetic Island

• Scheduled Townsville departures at 9:00am and 1:00pm for 2027, subject to availability

• Search for migrating whales during the seasonal migration period

• Educational talks about whales, migration and marine ecosystems

• Hydrophone on board to listen to whale sounds when conditions allow

• Enjoy morning or afternoon tea, depending on your departure

• Take in scenic views of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island

• Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, seabirds and other marine life

• Relaxed, nature-focused tour suitable for families, visitors and wildlife lovers

The Whale Watching Tour is a seasonal wildlife and sightseeing experience operating in an open marine environment. Sea and weather conditions can vary depending on the day, from calm and glassy to more active and choppy.

Guests can expect a scenic, fun and relaxed boat adventure focused on searching for whales and learning about the marine environment. As whales are wild animals moving naturally through the region, sightings are common during migration season but cannot be guaranteed.

The route may vary depending on wind, tide, swell, whale activity and general safety conditions on the day. Management reserves the right to adjust the route, timing or viewing areas to provide the safest and best possible experience.

During the tour, guests will learn about whale behaviour, migration, communication and the surrounding marine ecosystem. When suitable, the crew may use a hydrophone so guests can listen to underwater whale sounds, adding an extra educational and memorable element to the experience.

This tour is ideal for guests looking for a relaxed wildlife experience with scenic views, marine education, a fun boat ride and the possibility of seeing whales and other marine life in their natural environment.

• Guided whale watching boat tour: approximately 3 hours from Townsville or 2.5 hours from Magnetic Island

• Whale watching in Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island surrounding areas

• Educational talks about whales and marine ecosystems

• Hydrophone experience, subject to conditions and whale activity

• Morning or afternoon tea-style snack

• Wildlife spotting opportunities

• Scenic cruise around Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island waters

Scheduled Townsville departures: 9:00am and 1:00pm for 2027. Follow the selected session on your booking confirmation.

Tour time – Approximately 3 hours from Townsville or 2.5 hours from Magnetic Island.

Available upon request during whale migration season.

Townsville – The Docks, 108 Flinders Street, Townsville City. Check in 30 minutes before your selected departure.

Magnetic Island – Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal. Check in 15 minutes before your confirmed island pickup.

Please read your confirmation email carefully for the correct departure location, check-in instructions and online waiver.