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!
How is a BlueTrend dive trip different from a regular travel-agency dive tour?
We're a digital media company rooted in marine ecology. Every trip comes with top-tier dive-safety oversight, plus underwater-photography and marine-science insights shared by professional photo instructors or eco-guides. The precious wildlife shots you take can even be identified and logged as citizen-science records through our AI ocean-data platform — so your holiday isn't just sightseeing, it carries real meaning for ocean conservation!
Are there certification (C-card) level or logged-dive requirements to join a BlueTrend overseas dive trip?
Difficulty varies by site. 'Bali Tulamben', for example, suits AOW (OW divers, just ask us); while 'Maldives tiger shark diving' and 'Palau's high-current sites' strongly require AOW level and 50+ logged dives. If you're unsure whether your experience fits, contact us anytime and our instructors will give you a professional assessment.
Can I join as a solo diver? How is room arrangement handled?
Absolutely! Many of our travellers sign up solo and make like-minded dive buddies on the trip. For rooms, we prioritise pairing same-gender travellers; if you'd prefer a single room, you can upgrade by paying the difference.
Does the trip fee include dive insurance, gear rental, flights or instructor tips?
BlueTrend believes in transparent pricing. Our dive packages include professional underwater guiding, insurance on certain itineraries, and accommodation. Since every traveller’s departure point and gear needs differ, flights and gear rental are usually optional or self-arranged. For a detailed included/not-included list, check each trip’s itinerary or ask our LINE support.
