Australia's East & West Coast Waters – The Whale Highway
Every year around June and July, the ocean's very own "curious little wanderers" — dwarf minke whales — make their way north from Antarctica all the way to Ribbon Reef, off the northern end of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Hop aboard the luxurious Ocean Spirit vessel to explore the stunning Ribbon Reef coral system and witness the Great Barrier Reef's annual dwarf minke whale migration.
Swimming with dolphins is old news — how about a game of hide-and-seek with a whale? Located on Australia's Sunshine Coast, a swim-with-humpback-whale experience lets guests come face to face with these magnificent creatures in a truly unforgettable encounter. The experience runs from July through to the end of whale season. Each outing lasts approximately 3 hours and is capped at 20 participants. Once a whale is spotted, the vessel stops around 100 metres away, and after a safety assessment, the engine is switched off and guests are invited to hold onto a floating line tethered to the boat and slip into the water alongside the whales.
This is a 100% whale-led natural experience. Whales are extraordinarily curious creatures — they may swim right up to you, or they may simply glide past. Based on experience, the whales seem to regard us as part of their world, and they will often come in very close.
Whale-watching tours are available off Taiwan's east coast too, but you can only admire the whales from the deck of a boat. Who would have thought that down in the South Pacific, Australia would let you jump into the water and swim alongside wild whales? It's the kind of experience that's almost impossible to imagine! Whale oil was once an essential commodity, and this drove a dramatic decline in wild whale populations beginning in the 19th century. With the rise of the petroleum industry and growing conservation awareness, these beloved animals have found their way back into our lives — in a very different way. Are you tempted? Check out the activity information below for more details!
Recommended diving + whale swimming packages:
