How To See Whales In Cairns
Every year from the months of May to September, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the arrival of whales migrating north from Antarctica for the winter season in search of warmer waters to mate, raise and give birth to their young. All along the East Coast of Australia you’ll be greeted to sightings of whales frolicking in the protected Australian oceans, from Tasmania to Port Douglas and everywhere in between.
Here's a guide to whale watching in Cairns, including where, when and how to see these gentle giants thriving in their natural environment.
HOW TO SEE WHALES IN CAIRNS
Cairns offers locals and visitors the exciting opportunity to spot whales from land, sea and even the skies above. While there are no specialised whale watching tours in Cairns currently operating, there are plenty of other ways to get a glimpse of these majestic oceanic mammals. Jumping on a Great Barrier Reef day trip departing from Cairns and Port Douglas, staying overnight on a liveaboard snorkel and dive tour, or taking a scenic flight over the reef will all provide you with the best chances of seeing whales in Cairns.
When Can I See Whales In Cairns?
The best time to see whales in Cairns often depends on the species of whale that migrate to our warm, tropical waters. Dwarf minke whales can usually be seen from around May to June, with humpback whales gracing our waters from around July to September. That being said, you’ll most likely see them in greater numbers between July and August. It’s a luck of the draw and no sightings can ever be guaranteed. That’s the wonderful nature of wild animals and makes it all the more exciting when you do come across them!
Where To See Whales In Cairns
If you're looking for the best place to see whales from Cairns, your best bet is heading towards the protected waters of the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole, which are vibrant attractions in their own right with endless underwater treasures to explore while on a scuba diving or snorkelling trip. The minke whale has an especially inquisitive nature and is known for playfully gliding alongside visiting boats and maintaining prolonged contact. That being said, even doing a day trip to the Outer Reef from Cairns will give you the chance to see whales the further from shore you get. It's hard to predict where they'll be at any given time, but if you keep a keen lookout, you'll be sure to spot them breaching the surface or hear their whale song from beneath.
What Type Of Whales Will I See From Cairns?
The main whales making their way up to Cairns are the dwarf minke whales and humpback whales, although false killer whales, orca whales, short-finned pilot whales, sperm whales and beaked whales are sometimes known to drop by too! Obviously, each and every specimen is a wonder to behold in the wild.
Dwarf minke whales are a baleen species, considered to be the smallest of the 'great whales'. Though small in whale terms is still 10 metres long (35 feet) and up to 9,000kg. On the other end of the spectrum, humpback whales can grow up to 18 metres (60 feet) and up to 30,000kg! It's really something you have to see with your own eyes to comprehend.
Best Liveaboard Trips For Seeing Whales From Cairns
The best way to see whales in their natural habitat is to book in for an overnight liveaboard trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Mike Ball’s three day fly and dive tour offers one of the best chances to see whales above and below the water with a scenic flight to Lizard Island before jumping on an epic diving expedition. If you really take your whale watching seriously, treat yourself to Spirit of Freedom’s weeklong liveaboard to the Ribbon Reefs and world-famous Cod Hole. There's a high chance you'll see more whales in that week than most people would in their entire lifetimes!
