Whale-watching season is back

With plenty of unique tour offerings and breathtaking lookouts to see the sights, you’ll find your next #SunshineMoment is just a tail splash away. Plus, as the first place in Australia to offer the humpback whale swim experience, you’ll be in trusted hands from the moment you hop in the water.

5 reasons why whale-watching is better on the Sunshine Coast

Whale watching with Sunreef, Mooloolaba

If you need any more convincing to make the Sunshine Coast your whale-watching destination of choice, let us persuade you...

Proximity: many of our whale-watching experiences are only a short boat-ride from Mooloolaba, reducing travel time and giving you more time with the whales.
Affordability: the range of experiences on offer mean you’ll be more likely to find a tour to suit your price point.
Activity: the whales are more active on the Sunshine Coast, which means they’re more enjoyable to watch.
Views: we’ve got a raft of scenic lookout points dotted across our coastline where you can spot whales splashing offshore (get some more inspiration below).
More whales to see! This year, more than 40,000 whales are expected to pass through Sunshine Coast waters.

Meet the operators (A-Z)

Adventure Rafting

Whale watching with Adventure Rafting, Sunshine Coast

Adventure Rafting’s Mooloolaba Whale Watching Tour will have you settling back in their state-of-the-art vessel in no time. With intimate group numbers (only up to 20 guests), plus knowledgeable guides at the helm adding an extra layer of education as the whales surface in the ocean beyond, this is one experience you won’t want to miss.

Epic Ocean Adventures

If you’d rather skip the boat altogether but still want a chance to see our gentle giants up close, check out Epic Ocean Adventures’ Noosa Whale Watching Ocean Kayaking experience. Set against the stunning backdrop of Double Island Point, this minimal impact, beginner-friendly tour is a must.

Noosa Ocean Adventures

Whale Watching with Noosa Ocean Adventures

Hop aboard with Noosa Ocean Adventures and head out into the sparkling waters beyond Noosa National Park for a spectacular whale-watching experience. To keep things intimate and to maximise the experience, the vessel itself only fits twelve passengers. Plus, you’ll be in for some pretty spectacular 360-degree views.

The Pressure Project

Swimming with whales, The Pressure Project, Sunshine Coast

If you’re chasing a more intimate whale swim experience, The Pressure Project has got you covered. With experienced freedivers leading the way, you’ll be treated to the smallest group swims on the Sunshine Coast—which allows for a truly unforgettable encounter. Plus, if the conditions are sparkling, you might even sneak in a bonus reef snorkel.

For serious whale fans, look no further than The Pressure Project’s ‘Whale Week Retreat’. Held across seven incredible days, the retreat boasts daily whale swims, workshops, meditation sessions, and more.

Sunreef

Swimming with whales, Sunreef Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast

The crew at Sunreef Mooloolaba were the first operators in Australia to offer humpback whale swims... so you know you’ll be in experienced hands. Rather stay above water? Not a problem. Book yourself a spot aboard Sunreef’s Whale One—the Sunshine Coast’s biggest whale-watching boat—where you’ll be in the box seat to check out all the action.

Sunshine Coast Afloat

Picture this: you’re relaxing back on lounge seating, your eyes are fixed on the splashing whales nearby, and you’ve got a glass of your favourite beverage in hand. Sound good? Sunshine Coast Afloat's whale watching experience kicks off from Mooloolaba before easing out into the ocean for some seriously VIP whale-watching fun.

Keep a 'lookout'

Point Perry Lookout, Coolum Beach

While a whale watching tour will allow you to get closer to the action, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch sight of our humpbacks from land. Some of our favourite coastal vantage points include:

Next, discover even more things to do on the Sunshine Coast this winter.