Reef Unlimited, the only dedicated whale watching operator in Cairns, has launched their 2026 whale watching tour season. Commencing on 15 July and operating until 06 September, the tours offer guests the chance to witness the spectacular migration of the majestic humpback whales off the coast of Cairns.
In addition to the whale watching, a highlight will be the two-and-a-half hours of free time on Fitzroy Island – a popular spot for Cairns locals, with Nudey Beach consistently ranked in Australia’s Top 10 beaches.
“There are few more engaging experiences in nature than witnessing majestic humpback whales,” said Dr. Eric Fisher, Manager, GBR Biology, the company’s marine science division. Last year, our tours had a sighting success rate of over 90% with an amazing 100 Humpback Whales and 30 calves spotted by our guests.”
Whale activity in Cairns peaks between mid-July and early September and forms part of an annual 10,000km migration from the freezing, food-rich waters of Antarctica to the warm breeding grounds of Australia’s east coast.
Led by qualified marine biologists, the tours will provide fascinating insights into whale migratory patterns, communication, anatomy, diet and population status.
There are two departures to choose from providing flexibility for guests booking on the tours.
The first tour departs Cairns at 8.30am with a 45-minute catamaran transfer. Upon arrival at Fitzroy Island, guests have the luxury of two-and-a-half hours of free time to explore before they join the 90-minute whale watching tour. The tour departs Fitzroy Island at midday on board Aquarius II, with the return transfer to Cairns at 2pm. Guests can choose to extend their time on Fitzroy Island and stay for a 4pm departure arriving back in Cairns at 4.50pm. The extension is subject to availability and will only be advised on the tour day.
The second tour option departs Cairns at 10.45am. Guests will arrive at Fitzroy Island in time for the midday whale watching departure. They will then be able to enjoy two-and-a-half hours of free time on the island, taking the 4pm transfer back to Cairns.
The Whale Watching tours are run onboard the company’s luxury Aquarius II vessel which offers three levels of spacious comfort for guests with a large sundeck and shaded areas as well as a fully air-conditioned saloon and bar area.
Aquarius II is the ideal vessel for whale watching – her expansive open-air viewing decks provide the perfect vantage point for whale sightings meaning no jostling for position. The deck layout is also designed for maximum ease of movement making it accessible for guests of varying ages and mobility. The vessel’s stable purpose-built hull delivers maximum stability making for a comfortable ride and importantly, a steadier platform for photography.
A small range of drinks and snacks are available to purchase on the vessel, or guests can enjoy a picnic lunch which can be pre-purchased at the time of booking.
Fitzroy Island is an idyllic island paradise covered in tropical rainforest and surrounded by fringing coral reefs. Guests will be able to hire snorkelling gear, join a glass bottom boat tour, immerse themselves in a guided snorkel tour, take a rainforest walk to the world-famous Nudey Beach or test their fitness with a hike on the summit or lighthouse trails.
Nudey Beach is consistently ranked among Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Accessible by a scenic hike from the island’s main area, getting to the beach is part of the experience itself. Granite boulders scattered along the shore add a unique twist, while the shallow reef provides magical snorkelling opportunities.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland, CEO, Mark Olsen stated the annual whale season coincided with the migration of southerners escaping the cold for the warmth of Tropical North Queensland.
“The dedicated Reef Unlimited whale watching tour adds yet another way for our interstate and international visitors to experience the region’s key attractions with time to enjoy the reef and rainforest at Fitzroy Island,” Olsen said.
“Guests can be snorkelling with turtles in the morning and whale watching in the afternoon – the perfect way to soak up the warm tropical weather.”
Tickets for the whale watching tour start at $159 per adult, $89 per child (age four to 14 years) or $407 per family (two adults and two children).
