QLD WHALE SWIM POISED FOR SUCCESS
QUEENSLAND tour operators have expanded their product offering with whale swim experiences enabling guests to swim alongside migrating humpback whales. Among the first operators to introduce the product in Queensland, Sunshine Coast company Sunreef Mooloolaba is working with selected charter operators in Hervey Bay to trial the experience. Fraser Coast Opportunities tourism manager Robbie Cornelius has been a strong supporter of the program and is working alongside operators and the state government to advance it to trial stage. “Obviously the welfare of the whales is paramount, as well as the safety of participants, so we want to ensure all the checks and balances are in place before we can officially welcome our first customers,” he said. With all operators set to abide by existing regulations under the Nature Conservation Act, Fraser Coast Opportunities general manager David Spear is optimistic the whale experience will become a permanent feature for the region following a successful trial period. “We have this safe sanctuary [for the whales] and the perfect platform of calm waters for people to engage and interact with these incredible creatures,” he said. On the Sunshine Coast, where whale swims have been operating for some time, operators are bound by a strict code of conduct to protect both the whales and participants. Clients can expect a three-hour round trip with a group size of no more than 20 participants. A full briefing is included and all wetsuits and snorkelling equipment is provided. Once a whale is sighted, the boat pulls up around 100 metres from the animal and swimmers are permitted to enter the water, secured to a floating line attached to the boat. The winter months – when humpback whales migrate – are prime season for the experience. Water temperatures also range from 17 to 23 degrees and visibility spans up to 30 metres. Sunreef Mooloolaba offers whale swim experiences for $114 per person. If no whales are sighted, guests are able to re-book at a 50% discount.