The experience of a lifetime

The humpback whale migration is one of the most magnificent natural encounters we can have. You can feel the excitement all around as we look along the horizon for the  first blow or splash from these gentle giants. These amazing animals can sense us near them and curiously swim up to see our excitement. Get up close to experience their breathtaking breaches, loud tail and pec slaps, tail lobs, spy hops and performing their classic peduncle throws! Join our friendly crew on board Whale One for an unforgettable adventure on the sea! 

Important - please read

• We give these whale watching tours a 100% guarantee on whale sightings, so if there are no whales at all that day you will have the chance to go again on a free return trip. 

Our responsibility

All encounters are conducted in accordance with the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2017) as well as our own strict Code of Practice which has been developed with whale researchers and experts to ensure the protection of the whales. We are also working with the University of the Sunshine Coast on a coordinated research project to increase the knowledge around these amazing creatures. Our commitment includes recording information about every whale sighting and offering spots on every boat for the researchers to get out into the field to collect their own data.
See below for more details on cruising with us and about the humpback whale migration!

The Experience

The opportunity to swim with a humpback whale is a rare and very special one – something that people who have experienced it have described as “life changing”. “It's truly incredible that one of the largest mammals in our oceans is so graceful and gentle – they are just so trusting of human beings. They seem as intrigued by us as we are of them and glide effortlessly around us, with such a gentleness that it’s like they recognise our fragility in comparison and know we are there out of wonder and respect.”

Every day is different on the water, and every encounter is unique. Our Swim with Whales trip is approximately 4 hours in duration, with each trip catering for up to 15 participants. Sunreef provides all participants with wetsuits and snorkelling equipment required for the adventure. Participants are also fully briefed on the boat about what to expect from the experience.

Unfortunately if you are pregnant we cannot take you on this tour. Also if you are bringing children between 8 and 15 yrs old they must have an adult/guardian on board and in the water at all times with them. If you are bringing kids between 8 and 15 please be aware that they need to be strong swimmers for this activity; they must not be holding onto you as the adult. If this is seen to be happening they will not be allowed in the water again. Children under 8 are not permitted on board. 

Once a whale is sighted, the boat will be put into neutral 100m or more away from the whale, and if the conditions are determined as safe by our trained crew, the boat will be turned off and swimmers will be allowed into the water. There will be a floating line attached to and trailing off the back of the boat. 
Then it’s all up to the whale – it is a natural experience and it is 100% on the whale’s own terms. Whales are known as curious creatures so they may come over towards us or they may just swim past or away. Either way it’s an experience you will never forget. It is also a case of looking but not touching these wondrous creatures.
While Sunreef will do everything in its power, to ensure whale encounters, we can’t guarantee that our guests will get to swim with these magnificent sea mammals but if on the day the boat doesn’t sight a whale at all, you will be eligible for 50% off your next trip. 

This is also in open water and we suggest that you look into Seasickness medication to minimize the chance of it effecting your trip.

The Location

Sunreef's Swim with Whales operates out of Mooloolaba in the heart of Queensland’s Naturally Refreshing Sunshine Coast. It takes about 10 minutes from the Sunreef dock to get out on the beautiful waters off the Coast, which are at their best during the winter months when the whales migrate. Water temperatures during this time range from 17 to 23 degrees C and visibility ranges from 10-30m. 

Our Responsibility

At Sunreef, we take your safety and that of the whales very seriously. It is our number 1 priority so all participants must follow the directions of staff at all times. Sunreef is experienced in guiding in-water activities and adhere to all relevant safety guidelines. All encounters are conducted in accordance with the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2005) as well as our own strict Code of Practice which has been developed with whale researchers and experts to ensure the protection of the whales. We are also working with the University of the Sunshine Coast on a coordinated research project to increase the knowledge around these amazing creatures. Our commitment includes recording information about every whale sighting and offering spots on every boat for the researchers to get out into the field to collect their own data. Our guests can also participate, if they wish, using our whale spotting sheets. Whilst we will do everything in our power to ensure a great experience, this is 100% on the whale’s terms so we cannot guarantee that everyone will get to swim with the whales. However, if our boat does not see any whales during your trip, you will have the opportunity to rebook at a 50% discount. In the event poor weather conditions cause cancellation, any guests not able to be booked on another tour will receive a refund. Please note that while the weather can look great on the beach, this doesn't mean that the conditions off-shore are safe enough for swimming. Sunreef will confirm your trip via email and text message the afternoon before you are scheduled to head out. 

Join us for a Sunreef Experience like no other, where you’ll embark on a magical dusk ocean journey aboard Sunreef’s Whale One. This extraordinary experience invites you to listen underwater and hear the mesmerizing soundscapes of humpback whale songs as they echo through the depths of the ocean. 

Our journey begins in Mooloolaba, a key location where humpback whales migrate annually to rear their calves before their return to the Antarctic waters. As we cruise towards the iconic Mudjimba Island, you’ll be treated to an original, immersive experience of “Tallo-Billa,” a unique performance that combines live streaming of humpback whale song from underwater hydrophones with innovative soundscapes mixed live on Whale One. The experience will begin with a Welcome to Sea Country from Kabi Kabi artist Lyndon Davis where Lyndon’s stories and knowledge will connect with the underwater soundscapes, the sounds of Lyndon playing didgeridoo on the boat will merge with live whale song for a once in a lifetime listening experience.   

 This experience is more than just a cruise; it’s a call to action, inspiring a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between humans, wildlife, and our changing ecosystems. Through the art of sound and visual storytelling, we hope to foster connections that encourage care for one another and our shared future on this planet. This is a once in a lifetime experience!

About Tallo-Billa 

“Tallo-Billa,” meaning ‘Humpback Whale’ in Kabi Kabi language, is at the heart of this Sunreef Experience. The audience will also receive a unique augmented reality print of Lyndon’s Tallo Billa painting, that will come to life with cymatic visualisations of humpback whale song and Lyndon’s voice. Developed by the Beeyali team, this project uses original visualizing techniques to create distinct audio-visual portraits through underwater soundscapes and activated by hydrophones. The Beeyali project, conceived by Kabi Kabi artist Lyndon Davis, in collaboration with sound artist Dr Leah Barclay and photographer Dr Tricia King from the University of the Sunshine Coast, combines Indigenous knowledge, emerging science, and innovative technology to connect people with the environment. 

Creative Team

• Lyndon Davis (Kabi Kabi)
• Leah Barclay
• Tricia King

Join us for our exclusive offering as part of Sunshine Coast Marine Bioblitz 2024 and collaboration with University of the Sunshine Coast!

Our on-water training workshop will teach you about our current dolphin research projects and train you to become a dolphin spotter citizen scientist. We’ll set out to find our local dolphin populations – identify the species, determine group size, and collect behavioural, environmental, and anthropogenic data to advance our knowledge on these charismatic marine megafauna. With your new skills, you can collect data anytime you spot a dolphin from the headlands, on a boat, or simply walking the beach that will contribute to advancing our understanding of and our ability to protect these iconic coastal animals. 

Expedition Highlights

 

The Researcher

Dr Alexis Levengood is a research fellow at UniSC. Her work focuses on understanding the behaviour, ecology, genetics, and health of marine megafauna, with a focus in marine mammals. Dr Levengood has over 15 years of experience studying coastal dolphins and has worked with five dolphin species across 6 countries. She recently developed the Dolphin Research Project Southeast Queensland and was just awarded a grant to commence a Dolphin Spotter Citizen Science Project along our SEQ coast. We are incredibly honoured to have her facilitating this research expedition as part of the Sunshine Coast Marine Bioblitz 2024! 

 

The Charter

Once departing The Wharf, researchers will be given information booklets and data collection sheets to record sightings. Dr Levengood will explain the crucial elements of data collection once dolphins are spotted- after enjoying the interaction of course! Binoculars and cameras are encouraged, and all levels of research experience is welcomed! After exiting the Mooloolah rivermouth, all participants can begin looking out for signs of dolphins while we comfortably cruise through the water on our fast rigid-rib vessel called Tsunami. We will spend around 2.5 hours out at sea, travelling anywhere from Mudjimba Island to Caloundra! 

Please note: while we will do our very best to spot dolphins during the charter, they are wild animals and we cannot offer any guarantee. If no dolphins are spotted, we will use our newly acquired skills and apply them to humpback whales sighted on the day instead! 

Our responsibility

All encounters are conducted in accordance with the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2005) as well as our own strict Code of Practice which has been developed with whale researchers and experts. 

The facilitator:

Dr Leah Barclay is a sound artist, designer, and researcher who works at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Leah's research and creative work investigates new methods in ecoacoustics, exploring the soundscapes of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to inform conservation, scientific research, and public engagement. She is a specialist in underwater recording and has over 15 years of experience recording marine ecosystems across the planet. 

She has been the recipient of numerous awards, and her work has been commissioned, performed, and exhibited to wide acclaim internationally by organisations including the Smithsonian Museum, UNESCO, Ear to the Earth, Streaming Museum, Al Gore’s Climate Reality, and the IUCN. Leah leads several research projects including Biosphere Soundscapes with UNESCO, which focuses on advancing the field of ecoacoustics. The design of these interdisciplinary projects is responsive to collaborating communities and involves the development of new technologies, including remote sensing devices for the rainforest canopy and hydrophone recording arrays in aquatic ecosystems. Leah is the Discipline Lead of Design at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where she is also co-leading the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster. 

The trip: 

The day will begin in the classroom at Sunreef Mooloolaba, where you will be guided by Leah through the fundamentals of ecoacoustics technology, including exploring an array of hydrophones that are used around the planet to monitor underwater soundscapes and understand marine health through sound. Participants will learn how to identify what they are hearing underwater and acquire new skills that can be used during the 2024 Sunshine Coast Marine BioBlitz. 

The adventure continues into the afternoon onboard our fast boat Wild One, where we will travel through the beautiful waters of the Sunshine Coast and apply the skills and knowledge learnt in the morning to record humpback whale song and listen to live underwater soundscapes!

This activity is in open water and we suggest that you look into seasickness medication to minimize the chance of it impacting your experience.

Although we love hosting families with children, we unfortunately cannot take children under 8 years of age on our vessel. 

The trip:

The trip will begin at Sunreef Mooloolaba, where you will check-in with our friendly admin staff before heading down to our vessel Wild One. From here, the vessel will depart The Wharf and make its way through the calm waters of Mooloolah River. The team will introduce the project and equip everyone with wireless headphones. Once we exit the rivermouth, we will cruise to a pre-determined spot and anchor our vessel, deploy the hydrophones, and look out and listen in for humpbacks whales! You’ll be treated to an original, immersive experience of “Tallo-Billa,” a unique performance that combines live streaming of humpback whale song from underwater hydrophones with innovative soundscapes mixed live. The experience will begin with a Welcome to Sea Country from Kabi Kabi artist Lyndon Davis where Lyndon’s stories and knowledge will connect with the underwater soundscapes, the sounds of Lyndon playing didgeridoo on the boat will merge with live whale song for a once in a lifetime listening experience. This deeply immersive experience will be accompanied by the sun setting over the beautiful Sunshine Coast and provides a new way to connect with the ocean and our local marine ecosystems.  

 This activity is in open water and we suggest that you look into seasickness medication to minimize the chance of it impacting your experience.

Although we love hosting families with children, we unfortunately cannot take children under 8 years of age on our vessel. 

About Tallo-Billa 

“Tallo-Billa,” meaning ‘Humpback Whale’ in Kabi Kabi language, is at the heart of this Sunreef Experience. The audience will also receive a unique augmented reality print of Lyndon’s Tallo Billa painting, that will come to life with cymatic visualisations of humpback whale song and Lyndon’s voice. Developed by the Beeyali team, this project uses original visualisation techniques to create distinct audio-visual portraits to reveal environmental interconnection. The Beeyali project, conceived by Kabi Kabi artist Lyndon Davis, in collaboration with sound artist Dr Leah Barclay and photographer Dr Tricia King from the University of the Sunshine Coast, combines Indigenous knowledge, emerging science, and innovative technology to connect people with the environment in new ways. Beeyali is a call to action, exploring creative practice to raise awareness for the numerous vulnerable species in Queensland and beyond.