2026 Season: 15 July – 6 September. Bookings are in high demand, secure your spot to avoid missing out.
Cairns' Original Whale Watching Operator - Since 2009
Watch Humpback Whales migrate along the Great Barrier Reef, then explore the paradise beaches of Fitzroy Island. Two iconic experiences, one unforgettable day.
Eco Certified – Committed to Sustainability
High Success Rate for
Whale Sightings
Australian
Owned & Operated
Owned & Operated
Activities for all ages & experience levels
One of Australia’s must do experiences
Since 2009, Cairns Whale Watching has been taking guests out to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles: the annual migration of Humpback Whales along the Great Barrier Reef. We were the first.
On our tour, we combine the whale watching experience with free time on Fitzroy Island (home to the award-winning Nudey Beach, one of Australia’s top ten beaches) you get two extraordinary experiences in a single day.
2026 season runs 15 July to 6 September, don’t miss it. Secure your spot now before it sells out.
Committed To Protecting The Gentle Giants
Every tour is led by our qualified Marine Biologists, who bring the whales to life with expert commentary on their anatomy, behaviour, migration routes, and conservation status.
Customer Reviews
Don’t just take our word for it. Over 17 years of operating whale watching tours, thousands of guests have witnessed something truly extraordinary. Here’s what a few of them had to say:
Just wonderful! We saw adult whales with calf, inquisitive, came right up to boat. The calf leapt whole body lengths out of the water. Had an amazing time with my girlfriend at Fitzroy Island too!
Jack
IT WAS AMAZING. we were only 45 min on the Reef and started to see the first couple of Humpback Whales. After a while we were surrounded by four of them. Absolute speechless
Jane L
We were on the boat on Sunday, it was amazing seeing 2 whales…we had a fabulous day….highly recommended
Lynne
Experience Co (EXP) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land and Sea on which our business operates on throughout Australia. At Cairns Whale Watching we acknowledge the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji , Mandingalbay Yidinji, Yirrganydji & Gunggandji people, Traditional Owners of the Sea Country on which our business operates. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
