22 AUGUST 2026
A beautiful sunny morning on the water! Our AM cruise started with two humpback whales located not too far offshore, steadily travelling northbound. These two were in a relaxed mood, with not too much surface activity as they continued their migration along the coastline.
As we made our way home, we stopped by Cabbage Tree Island, where several Australian fur seals were spotted sunbaking on the rocks. It was a lovely opportunity to enjoy these laid-back locals soaking up the sunshine.
The dolphin activity was also fantastic throughout the morning, with lots of common dolphins spotted offshore. We were also treated to an incredible sighting of approximately 40 local bottlenose dolphins around Yacaaba Headland, adding another wonderful wildlife encounter to the trip.
The afternoon cruise was a completely different story! Conditions offshore were absolutely beautiful, with sunshine and smooth waters providing the perfect backdrop for an afternoon on the water.
Just off Fingal Lighthouse, we located several groups of humpback whales. Then the action really began when four whales kicked off a mega heat run! The whales were incredibly fast and energetic, racing back and forth beneath the surface and creating huge amounts of movement in the water.
The four humpbacks were zipping north and south around the boat, with the surface of the ocean constantly disturbed as they powered beneath us. Their speed, aggression and unpredictable movements made for an incredibly exciting encounter, with passengers never quite knowing where the whales would appear next!
We also spotted common dolphins jumping in the far distance, adding even more wildlife to an already action-packed afternoon.
As we returned towards the marina, the wildlife show continued, with heaps of local bottlenose dolphins spotted in the bay on our way back to the dock.
From a peaceful morning of migrating humpbacks, sunbaking fur seals and dozens of dolphins, to an afternoon mega heat run involving four powerful humpbacks, today perfectly demonstrated the unpredictable and exciting nature of whale watching.
Photo Credit: Lee Matthews Photography