Sunshine Coast Whale Swim Terms & Conditions
We are thrilled to offer unforgettable encounters with humpback whales in their natural environment. As these tours are highly weather-dependent and involve interactions with wild animals, specific terms and conditions apply. Please read carefully before booking.
Requirements for Participation
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of our whale swim tours, guests must meet the following criteria:
Age & Swimming Ability
- Participants must be at least 10 years old to join whale swim tours. Any guest under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- You do not need to be a certified freediver, experienced snorkeller or have prior diving experience, but you must be a confident swimmer, comfortable in open water, and in good physical health.
- All participants should be able to swim 200 metres unaided, or 300 metres with mask, snorkel, and fins, in open ocean conditions.
Physical Fitness
This is an active experience. Guests must be physically able to swim in changing ocean conditions, and comfortably participate in guided in-water activities. No refunds will be issued if you’re unable to participate due to fitness, confidence, or other personal limitations.
Health & Medical Conditions
A medical questionnaire must be completed before participating. Depending on the responses in your medical form, you may be required to obtain a doctor’s clearance before participating.
- If you have pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant, taking prescription medications, or have suffered any recent injuries or illnesses, please contact us before booking. Certain medical conditions may prevent participation.
- You must affirm that you are not currently experiencing:
- A history of seizures, dizziness, or fainting.
- A flu or ear infection.
- Cardiovascular issues, such as heart conditions or angina.
- Respiratory issues, including asthma, emphysema, or tuberculosis.
- Pregnant guests or those on medication should contact us before booking.
- All activities are undertaken at your own risk, and by booking, you accept the physical demands and environmental unpredictability of swimming in the open ocean.
Tour Confirmation, Weather & Conditions
After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with essential details.
We closely monitor the weather and ocean conditions leading up to your tour. A final update will be sent via email and/or text message before 4 pm the day before your trip, confirming if the tour is going ahead, along with your check-in time and final instructions.
Please not that even if the weather appears calm onshore, offshore conditions can be very different. If a tour is cancelled due to weather or sea conditions, this decision is made with your safety in mind. You’ll have the option to reschedule or receive a refund.
Meeting Point & Punctuality
We depart from The Wharf, Mooloolaba, unless mentioned otherwise. Meet us between Rice Boi and The Booking Box. Our team will be there to welcome you.
To ensure a smooth start to your experience, please arrive on time. We operate on a strict schedule, and late arrivals may unfortunately miss the tour, as we are unable to delay departure for latecomers. We recommend arriving at least 20-30 minutes early and wearing your swimwear under your clothes to speed up the check-in and change process.
The faster the check-in and briefing is done, the more time we have on the ocean looking for whales!
Please note: late arrivals are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling, so punctuality is essential.
Wildlife Encounters & Whale Swims
We operate under the Australian Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2017) and our own ethical guidelines. Whale swims are never guaranteed, and all interactions are on the whales’ terms.
Our experienced skipper and crew assess the whales’ behaviour. We only enter the water if the whales are calm, curious, and open to safe interaction. If the whales are not receptive, we observe respectfully from the boat. This is essential for the well-being of the animals and for your safety.
What to Expect During the Tour
In the Water
- No freediving certification is required, but freedivers must show certification to use weight belts.
- All in-water activity is supervised, and safety briefings are conducted prior to departure.
- Alcohol or recreational drug use before the swim is strictly prohibited.
- Any guest who endangers themselves, others, or marine life by failing to follow instructions may be removed from the water or tour without refund.
Gear
- All hired equipment, including masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits must remain on board the vessel at the end of the tour.
- Any damage to hired equipment must be paid for by the guest. If the equipment is lost or returned in a damaged state, it will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of The Pressure Project. Charges will reflect the retail cost of replacement or repair cost.
- Guests are required to inspect all hired equipment before departure to ensure it is functional and in good condition.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit (ideally worn already)
- Towel & dry change of clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle & light snacks
- Seasickness medication if prone to motion sickness
- Any required medications (please inform crew beforehand)
We kindly ask you to pack light, as space on board is limited and large bags or bulky items cannot be accommodated. Any gear you bring may get wet, so plan accordingly.
If excess gear is brought, the skipper may ask you to leave some items behind to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests on board.
- Any personal equipment you bring is your responsibility. The Pressure Project accepts no liability for loss, damage, or theft of personal items.
- If personal gear is left behind, guests are responsible for picking it up or covering postage costs for its return.
Important Disclaimers
Wildlife Disclaimer
We do not guarantee whale sightings or in-water interactions. If we see whales but do not swim, or whales do not engage while you are in the water, no refund will be given. If no whales are seen at all, from both on the both and in the water, you’ll receive 50% discount off another whale swim with us.
If you choose not to swim when offered, this does not quality you for a refund or credit.
Safety Disclaimer
There are inherent risks in interacting with large marine animals and swimming in the open ocean. By booking, you accept these risks and release The Pressure Project from liability for injury or loss during participation.
Our crew will make all safety calls, including terminating in-water activity if needed. Failure to follow instructions may result in immediate removal from the activity or tour without refund.
Behaviour Disclaimer
Any behaviour that puts guests, crew, or whales at risk will result in immediate disqualification from swimming and possibly removal from the boat. This includes ignoring instructions, reckless actions, or harassment of wildlife.
Refunds, Reschedules & Cancellations
If We Cancel
If we have to cancel due to weather, technical issues, or minimum numbers not being met, you may:
- Reschedule to another date
- Receive credit toward a future product
- Request a refund (if no part of the tour is delivered)
If we need to end a tour early due to worsening conditions, a partial refund, credit, or reschedule may be offered depending on the situation.
If You Cancel or Don’t Show
- Reschedules may be possible with sufficient notice
- Bookings can be transferred to another person or product with 12-month validity
- No refunds or credits for no-shows, late arrivals, or last-minute cancellations
- We do not provide refunds if you change your mind after booking. However, you may:
- Change your booking to a different date, subject to availability.
- Transfer your payment toward another session or retreat in the future.
Seasickness
- Seasickness can occur even in calm conditions. If you are prone to seasickness, please take necessary precautions, such as anti-nausea medication.
- No refunds or rescheduling will be provided if you are unable to complete the tour or activity due to seasickness or other personal circumstances.
Please read our FAQs prior to booking to ensure you are aware of all requirements and expectations for the tour or course. By booking, you agree to these terms and conditions. Refunds will not be provided due to failure in meeting the above-referenced requirements for participation.Accessibility
At this time, our boat is not wheelchair accessible. We’re working toward improving inclusivity in the future. Please contact us in advance to discuss any mobility concerns.
Our Commitment
Our mission is to create safe, respectful, and transformative ocean experiences. Every whale swim is designed to give you the best chance at a meaningful encounter, but always on the whale’s terms.
Assumption of Risk
- By participating in this tour, you acknowledge and assume all risks, whether foreseen or unforeseen, that may arise during the program. These risks include, but are not limited to, injuries caused by heart attack, panic, hyperventilation, drowning, or marine life interactions.
- You expressly release The Pressure Project, its guides, instructors, skippers, employees, and affiliated organisations from any liability or claim resulting from injury, loss, or damage during your participation.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share these magical moments with you—and we appreciate your understanding that nature doesn’t run on a schedule.
If you have any questions before booking, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way!