Where to go swimming with whales in Queensland

GUIDE

By Taneil Thornberry

Published 2 months ago

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to go swimming with whales than Queensland.

This is the only place in the world where you can take a dip in a certified Whale Heritage Site – hello, Hervey Bay! Every year, humpback whales pop in for a chill session in the calm, shallow waters of the Fraser Coast on their annual migration from Antarctica to the tropics. Think of it as their holiday layover – and you’re invited.

And while Hervey Bay is the headline act, Queensland’s entire east coast offers front-row seats to the whale show.

Sure, you can stay dry on a boat or watch from the shore. But if you're feeling brave (and ready for goosebumps), Australia is one of the few places where you can safely and ethically swim with these gentle giants. Just you, a snorkel, and a whole lotta awe.

So… where can you go swimming with whales in Queensland?

Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay)

Swim with whales Hervey Bay Fraser Coast | Where to swim with whales Queensland — Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast

Home to the world’s first Whale Heritage Site, Hervey Bay is a big deal in the whale world. From July to October, humpbacks don’t just cruise past – they hang out. Mothers and calves take a breather in the bay’s calm, shallow waters, giving you a rare chance to swim alongside them.

A handful of local operators are licensed to offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience:

Hervey Bay Dive Centre (main image) – Groups of up to 34 with big encounters. A great option for an up-close and personal experience.
Tasman Venture – Combines whale swims with a day exploring the wild side of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). Bonus: underwater viewing windows if you’d rather stay dry(ish).
Blue Dolphin – Not your classic swim, but you’ll get eye-to-eye with curious whales at their in-water platform. Hydrophone onboard = underwater whale songs in real time.

Sunshine Coast

A little further south, the Sunshine Coast serves up some seriously memorable swim-with-whales adventures from July to October.

Operators to watch out for:

The Pressure Project – These ocean lovers offer intimate swim-with-whale adventures focused on connection, conservation and education. Think small group tours, big heart, and plenty of wow moments.
Sunreef Mooloolaba – This 4-hour, catered trip offers a natural, no-touch whale swim. The boat stops 100m from the whales, and it’s up to them if they come closer. Pro tip: Seasickness medication is a smart move for open water.
Noosa Wave Boating Adventures – For confident swimmers and snorkellers aged 16+, these adventures serve up salt spray, excitement, and the chance to swim alongside humpbacks in their playground.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Got June or July free? Head north to meet the elusive dwarf minke whales – the only known gathering of this species happens right here, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.

Operators to consider:

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions – Offers immersive liveaboard trips to swim with dwarf minke whales while exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s stunning marine life.
Spirit of Freedom – Combines luxury liveaboard comfort with expert-led snorkelling tours to meet the elusive dwarf minkes.
Divers Den – Provides guided snorkel tours focused on whale encounters alongside their rich reef diving experiences.
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters – Specialises in intimate, educational tours that bring you face-to-face with dwarf minke whales in their natural habitat.

Minke whales may be the second-smallest whale species, but don’t let that fool you – at up to eight metres long, they’re still a seriously impressive swimming buddy.

What do you need to know about swimming with whales in Queensland?

Guided day tour to watch and swim with humpback whales, Hervey Bay Dive Centre | Where to swim with whales Queensland — Hervey Bay Dive Centre

Not all whale swims are the same. Some tours have you hanging onto a guide rope behind the boat, while others bring you eye-to-eye on a floating platform. All follow strict rules—to keep you (and the whales) safe.

Only a few people can enter the water at a time, and keeping a respectful distance is key. Whether a whale gets closer? That’s totally up to them.

You’re heading into the wild, so sightings aren’t guaranteed, but Hervey Bay is a hotspot, with multiple whale encounters often in a single trip.

You’ll only be in the water for short bursts, but you’ll need to be a confident swimmer. Weather can also call the shots — if it’s too rough, the skipper might call off the swim.

For the best chance to swim with humpbacks, go early in the season (July to mid-September). Once calves arrive, swims are off to give them space.

What about scuba diving?

If you're a diver, leave the tank at home—scuba gear’s a no-go on whale swims. Those bubbly exhalations? They spook the whales.

Instead, you'll be rocking the classic snorkel setup: mask, fins, and a sense of adventure. It's all you need to glide through the water and lock eyes with a curious humpback.

Before you dive in, get to know your swimming buddies—check out some fun facts about our humpback whales.