This year we used the Tangalooma Jet for our Whale Watching Cruises, which ranks among the largest whale-watching vessels in Australia. The brand-new Reef Cat temporarily took over as Tangalooma’s Whale Watching vessel in August of 2024 which offers a mix of indoor and outdoor space across its three spacious levels, including a panoramic viewing sundeck with generous seating and a fully accessible lower deck, with a disabled bathroom and baby change table.
"a synchronised display of breaching is exceedingly rare, and we were very fortunate to see it"
Our guests had the special privilege of experiencing 1,342 curious whales breaching, playing, and showing off over the course of 101 Whale Watch Cruises. In that number we had 1,109 adults, 139 juveniles (2–7-year-olds) and 94 calves! Beyond the majestic whales, the bay treated our guests to a diverse array of other marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and dugongs. The Whale Watching Cruises also provided a unique opportunity for guests to explore the lesser-known side of Moreton Island, learning about its rich history while traveling alongside the island to the North.
The Tangalooma Eco Rangers noted their highlights and favourite encounters over the season.
“As we made our way back to Tangalooma, no less than 200 metres away from the Jetty, we were treated to a simultaneous breach from a mother and calf who were resting in the shallow waters. Part of the appeal of Moreton Bay, as a resting spot for these whales, is the fact that the average depth is only 25 metres. This gives them some respite from the harsher ocean currents. However, a synchronised display of breaching is exceedingly rare, and we were very fortunate to see it.”
“One day, whilst in the water just off Yellow Patch (near Cape Moreton) we were circled by a pod of 5 adults and 1 calf. The water there is very shallow, meaning we were able to see the animals in all their immense glory. At the same time, they were turning their bodies to look up at us (with eyes roughly the same size as grapefruits) and even spy hopping to get a better view of us from out of the water. We are lucky with the vessel we use for whale watching, as the propellers are covered, minimising the risk to the animals, and allowing them to swim below and alongside the vessel. At one point, they came so close that we were sprayed in the face by the blow of an adult male. Delicious.”
“Curious humpbacks are not uncommon on our whale watches, but I had a really special moment with a pod of 4 males, who completely surrounded our boat for a whole hour. At times, they got so close, it looked like they were rubbing their bodies against the boat! That day was sunny, and the water was crystal clear and as flat as a lake – so you could see every bump and groove of the whales as they glided beneath the surface. This was the closest I felt to these animals – both physically and spiritually. You could really appreciate their size and gentle nature, and simultaneously reflect on both the devastating past during the whaling eras, and the hopeful future where we could see them in larger and larger numbers.”
“As per usual, this year’s whale watch was spectacular. Every year I’m excited for the whale watching season knowing that Tangalooma is one of only two whale watching vessels allowed out in beautiful Moreton Bay. Just being out in the bay is often enough of a highlight for me, a nice day up at Cape Moreton is hard to beat and seeing whales and dolphins is often just a bonus. One of my favourite moments this season was seeing for the first time the baleen of a humpback whale’s mouth. This curious and active male surfaced right alongside our Tangalooma Jet opening its mouth as it exhaled on the surface. A very rare display this far North as typically whales are not feeding in the warmer climates. Many of our guests took the opportunity to get a rare and unique photo from inside a whale’s mouth. The number of calves we saw this year was also very exciting.”