Cairns Whale Watching Cruises

Tucked between lush rainforest and the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is more than a tropical paradise—it’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: the annual whale migration. Each winter, from June to September, the warm waters off Cairns welcome humpback whales on their journey north to breed and give birth. Cairns is also known for its connection to the elusive dwarf minke whales. The calm, protected reef waters make this region an ideal nursery for mothers and calves—offering some of the best, most consistent whale sightings in Australia. 
 

Beyond the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers unparalleled whale-watching tours. With close up encounters, witness the whales breach, spyhop and tail-slap. On these cruises,  you’ll glide through the turquoise expanse of the Coral Sea, against a backdrop of reef-fringed islands and towering cloudscapes, making it one picturesque experience. 
 

The cruises from Cairns operate seasonally, from June to August, giving visitors a limited-time opportunity to witness this natural wonder at its peak.
 

A Cairns whale watching tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings you face to face with the wild, gentle giants of the sea.