Swim With Humpback Whales on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland
A once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate along Australia’s east coast — and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland is one of the best places to swim with whales in the world. With calm waters, clear visibility, and an abundance of marine life, it’s the perfect place to encounter these gentle giants up close.
Our whale swims are small, personal, and deeply respectful. We keep group sizes to a minimum, giving you the best chance of a meaningful interaction — and giving the whales space to approach on their own terms. Guided by expert freedivers and marine educators, these tours go far beyond wildlife watching — they’re a rare opportunity to swim with humpback whales in their natural habitat.
What Makes Our Humpback Whale Swims Different
-
Smallest group whale swims on the Sunshine Coast
-
Led by experienced freedivers trained in ocean safety and marine behaviour
-
Snorkelling techniques & breathwork guidance included to help you move calmly and confidently in the water
-
Whale body language education so you can understand and respond to their cues respectfully
-
No rushing, no pressure — we let the whales choose to come to us
We don’t just jump in. Every decision is made with care — for your safety and for the whales’ wellbeing. This approach creates more authentic and unforgettable encounters. It’s not just freediving and snorkelling with whales, it’s connecting with nature on its own terms.
Whale Season on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast offers some of the most reliable and rewarding humpback whale swims in Queensland. In 2024, we had a 100% whale sighting rate, and a 93% success rate swimming with them. These numbers reflect not only the abundance of whales — but also the patience, knowledge, and respect our crew brings to every trip.
The season runs from June to October, during the peak of the east coast migration. During this time, humpbacks travel north to breed and birth in warmer waters before returning south with their young — often lingering and resting in our calm bays.
Who It’s For
Whether you’re a confident swimmer or new to the ocean, our team is here to support you. You’ll receive full guidance before entering the water, and we tailor the experience to suit all comfort levels. Our goal is simple: to help you feel safe, present, and ready for the moment when it happens.
The Details
Before Your Trip
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the key info for your whale swim experience. Then, the day before your tour, we’ll send a final update via email and SMS with the latest weather check, confirmation that we’re good to go, and any last-minute details you will need.*
When You Arrive
On the day of your swim, you’ll meet our crew at The Wharf in Mooloolaba. They will get you checked in, make sure your waiver is signed, confirm your booking details, and fit you with any gear you need (or you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer). From there, we’ll get ready to head out.
Heading Out
We begin with a short cruise about Ocean Rose, our Oceanus 24 vst vessel, as we leave the river and enter open ocean — the starting point of your adventure. During the journey, our experienced team will brief you on safety, what to expect, and how to make the most of your chances for a meaningful encounter.
Using both our eyes and a bit of ocean intuition, we’ll search for whales from the boat. When we spot them, we’ll slowly and respectfully approach, following the Australian National Guidelines and our own code of ethical interaction.
The Whale Swim Experience
If the whales are relaxed, curious, and open to interaction, our crew will give the go-ahead to slowly and quietly, slip into the water. If they aren’t in the mood or if it is not safe for a whale swim, we respect that and enjoy watching them from the boat instead. This experience is always on the whales’ terms — it’s their
world, and we’re just visitors.
In The Water
When the moment is right, we’ll quietly slide into the ocean with your guide. You may find yourself floating above a whale as it glides beneath you, or sharing space with one nearby. Sometimes, they’ll engage and come and check us out. Sometimes, they’ll simply pass by. That unpredictability is part of what makes the experience so special.
We never chase, touch, or interfere with the animals. We float, we observe, and we remain open to whatever the encounter becomes — because a true whale swim is never about performance. It’s about presence.
A Note About Nature
Every whale swim is shaped by the ocean and the whales themselves. While we do everything we can to create the opportunity, we can’t guarantee in-water encounters. Refunds are not provided if whales choose not to engage on the day — but even from the boat, being in their presence is something extraordinary.
Book Your Whale Swim Experience
If you’re looking to swim with whales in Queensland Australia, and want a more personal, uncrowded, respectful alternative — this is it. We invite you to join us for a humpback swim experience that puts connection before crowds and presence before pressure.
Let the ocean show you something unforgettable. Step into an intimate realm of wonder as you immerse yourself in the world of majestic Humpback Whales off the breathtaking Sunshine Coast. This isn’t just a journey; it’s a deeply personal encounter with nature’s most magnificent creatures.
Looking For A Full Week of Whales?
Join us for Australia’s first Whale Week — a unique, week-long immersion on the Sunshine Coast that combines daily humpback whale swims, snorkelling and freediving, and time to truly settle into the rhythm of the ocean. It’s the perfect way to deepen you connection with these gentle giants and experience more encounters, more learning, and more magic. Limited spots available each week. Click here for more information about Whale Week.
*As we work with nature, all trips are subject to sea and weather conditions. We keep a close eye on the forecast and will get in touch if conditions aren’t suitable for heading out. You’ll receive an email and SMS the afternoon before your tour — usually by 4 pm — with an update on whether the trip is going ahead and your confirmed departure time.
@Jonoallenphotography
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the minimum age to join our whale swims is 10 years old. There’s no upper age limit—as long as you’re in good health and comfortable in the water, you’re welcome. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
No, you don’t. As long as you’re a confident swimmer, comfortable in open water, and in good health, you’re welcome to join us. Our experienced crew will guide you every step of the way to help you feel safe and supported in the water.
For safety reasons, we’re unable to accommodate pregnant guests on our whale swim tours. While we understand this may be disappointing, the ocean environment can be unpredictable and physically demanding, and your wellbeing is our top priority.
We’d love to welcome you on board for a different experience in the future when the time is right.
We keep a close eye on weather and ocean conditions leading up to your tour to ensure it’s safe and enjoyable. You’ll receive a confirmation email when you book with all the key details. The day before your tour, we’ll send you a final update via email and/or text message before 4 pm, confirming whether the tour is going ahead and sharing your check-in time and final details.
Please keep in mind that even if the weather looks calm onshore, conditions offshore can be very different. If we need to cancel due to ocean or weather conditions, it’s always with your safety in mind. In that case, you’ll have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Nature operates on its own terms, and while we strive for the best experience, we cannot guarantee whale sightings. If fortune smiles upon us, we’ll have the privilege of encountering these magnificent creatures. However, it’s important to note that every interaction is dictated by the whales themselves. With their remarkable memory and intelligence, we aim to ensure that our encounters are mutually enjoyable experiences for both our guests and the whales.
Our experienced skipper and crew will assess the whale’s behaviour before deciding if we can get in the water with them. Entering the water is only possible when the whales are calm, curious, and showing behaviour that allows for safe and respectful interaction. We follow Australian National Guidelines and our own ethical code—so if the whales aren’t open to engagement, we observe from the boat instead. Every encounter is on their terms, as it should be.
Rest assured, all our operations adhere strictly to the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2017 and the Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2017 Act. Your safety and the well-being of marine life are our top priorities, and we ensure that our practices align with these regulations to provide a responsible and sustainable experience
Disclaimer 1: we do not guarantee whales or getting in the water with whales. The crew reserve the right to decide which whales are suitable and which are not. This is an organic experience and every interaction is on the whales behalf. The crew also reserve the right to cancel the trip at any given time in case of adverse weather conditions. Lastly if you pose a threat to yourself, others or the whale by not listening to crew instructions this could als result in a termination of the trip or in water activities.
Disclaimer 2: By booking this experience, participants acknowledge and understand that they will be interacting with large animals. While we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and controlled environment, it is important to recognise that there is always an inherent risk associated with such activities. By booking this experience, participants hereby release The Pressure Project from any liability arising from their participation in this retreat, understanding that they are assuming any and all risks involved.
We do everything we can to deliver an incredible experience from start to finish—but it’s important to remember that humpback whales are wild animals, and their movements are beyond our control. While we have a great track record of sightings during the 2024 season, there may be rare occasions when no whales are seen, even from the boat.
If this happens, and conditions allow, we’ll make the most of your time on the water by taking you to one of our favourite snorkelling spots near Mudjimba Island. Here, you’ll have the chance to swim with turtles. In this case, you’ll only be charged the rate for our Snorkelling at Mudjimba tour instead of a full whale swim. The remaining credit from your booking can be put toward any of our other tours or experiences.
Our team is deeply committed to giving you a meaningful ocean experience, even when nature doesn’t follow the desired script.
Not every whale sighting leads to a swim. We only enter the water if the whales are calm, curious, and showing behaviour that allows for a safe and respectful interaction for both you and the whales. If the conditions or whale behaviour aren’t right for a swim, we stay on the boat and observe from a respectful distance. Unfortunately, in-water encounters can never be guaranteed.
While we always do our best to run the full experience, the ocean can be unpredictable. If conditions shift once we’re already out on the water, our skipper may decide to adjust the tour or return to shore early for your safety and comfort.
These decisions are never taken lightly and are always made with your wellbeing in mind. If we do need to cut the tour short due to weather, safety, or technical reasons, we’ll offer you the option to reschedule, receive a credit, or be refunded—depending on how much of the tour was completed.
Because our whale swim experiences are guided by nature and the behaviour of wild animals, we’re unable to offer refunds in the following situations:
- If you see whales but don’t get the chance to swim with them
- If we enter the water but the whales choose not to engage
- If no whales are seen during the tour
However, if no whales are sighted at all—neither from the boat nor in the water—you’ll be eligible for 50% off another whale swim trip with us.
Please note:
– Spotting whales from the boat is still considered a sighting, even if we don’t enter the water.
– If you decide not to swim when the opportunity is offered, we respect that choice, though it won’t make you eligible for the return trip discount.
– There may be times when we get in the water, but the whales choose not to interact. While that can be humbling, it’s also part of the beauty of being in their world—and doesn’t quality for the 50% off offer.
Ocean conditions can affect people differently, and seasickness is always a possibility—even on calmer days. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we strongly recommend taking sea sickness medication before the tour to help you feel your best.
Our crew will always do what they can to support you, but once guests are in the water, their focus needs to be on safety and guiding the experience. Because seasickness is beyond our control, we’re unable to offer refunds or rebooking options if it prevents you from entering the water or completing the tour.
Please also note that this is an active experience that requires a moderate level of physical ability. We are unable to provide refunds if you’re unable to participate fully due to fitness, confidence in the water, or other personal factors.
We meet at The Wharf Mooloolaba. Details regarding time will be sent out the day before for your trip but generally the morning trip will meet at 7:00 am and the afternoon trip at 12:00 pm. Please find all day parking with Penny Lane being a great option. (Meeting place is between The Booking Box and Rice Boi once you arrive at The Wharf).
Only bring the essentials:
-A water bottle
-A light snack
-Towel
-Your swimsuit – best to wear when arriving so changing goes fast
-Dry clothes & Jacket (it can get chilly on the water)
If you have your own mask, snorkel, fins, or wetsuit, feel free to bring them—otherwise, we’ll provide gear for you.
Important: Please pack light as there is limited space on board and things can get wet. Don’t bring any large bags or unnecessary items. Our boat is designed for 10 guests, and we need to keep things streamlined for safety and comfort.
Up to your preference, however we recommend bringing a 3-5mm as it can get cold in winter. Otherwise we will supply you with a wetsuit.
Yes it is included in the price, but we do recommend bringing your own.
Yes! We do half day or full day (7-8h) charters for whale swimming, whale watching, snorkelling trips or other freediving trips. Please contact us for more information at [email protected].