Whale Watching Season 2025 Wrap-Up
1,212 incredible sightings and a $6,060 donation to The Kids’ Cancer Project!
Another breathtaking whale watching season has come to a close at Tangalooma Island Resort, and what a season it was. Between June and October, our guests and guides were treated to 1,212 unforgettable whale sightings, including 959 adults, 189 juveniles and 64 playful calves. Every splash, breach and tail slap reminded us why whale watching with Tangalooma remains one of Queensland’s most exciting natural experiences.
While the humpback whales were undoubtedly the stars of the season, one extraordinary day delivered an extra dose of magic. Guests witnessed a megapod of around 90 dolphins swimming playfully alongside a group of majestic humpbacks. The whales captivated everyone on board as they surfaced and breached in the sparkling waters of Moreton Bay, while the dolphins glided alongside, adding even more energy and excitement to the spectacle. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that perfectly showcased the rich diversity of marine life that makes this region so special.
Through our ongoing partnership with The Kids’ Cancer Project, Tangalooma Island Resort donates $5 for every whale spotted. Thanks to this season’s impressive 1,212 sightings, we are proud to contribute $6,060 to help fund vital childhood cancer research.
The Kids’ Cancer Project is an independent national charity dedicated to advancing scientific research to improve treatments and ultimately find a cure for childhood cancer. Their goal is 100% survival for all children, with treatments that cause minimal or no side effects. To learn more, visit www.thekidscancerproject.org.au.
This year, we were also delighted to welcome Dr Aaron Tkaczynski from the University of Queensland, who joined selected tours to conduct a research project on sustainable eco-tourism and marine conservation. His work focused on understanding guests’ thoughts around environmental awareness, responsible travel and their overall experience. The insights from this study will help us enhance the way we educate our guests about marine life and encourage sustainable habits both on and off the water.
This season also saw the launch of our new partnership with Happywhale, the citizen science platform that helps identify individual whales through photos of their tail flukes. Many of our guests took part by contributing their photos to the global Happywhale database, helping researchers track whale movements and migration patterns around the world. It has been wonderful to see so many visitors getting involved in this international effort to better understand and protect these incredible animals.
With tours departing directly from Brisbane, Tangalooma Island Resort offers the closest whale watching experience to the city. In just over an hour, guests can find themselves surrounded by pristine blue waters, spectacular island scenery and 100% whale sightings guaranteed. Whether it is your first time on the water or your tenth, every trip brings something new and unforgettable.
We are already looking ahead to 2026, eager to welcome back the whales and perhaps even a few familiar flukes spotted through Happywhale. Until then, thank you for making this season truly special: for the memories on the bay, for the impact through The Kids’ Cancer Project and for helping us protect and celebrate the incredible marine life of Moreton Bay.