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Brisbane Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Brisbane Dolphin & whale watching

Moreton Island: Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

1. Moreton Island: Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

Discover Moreton Bay Marine Park and learn about marine life from an onboard marine naturalist on this cruise. Go on a guided snorkeling tour of the Tangalooma wrecks and keep an eye our for the dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles that call this glamour area home. Choose from a tour where you meet the boat at the Rivergate Marina or with pickup from the Gold Coast or Brisbane. Throw your swimwear into a bag and set sail to uncover miles of unspoiled white sand beaches. Departing daily from Brisbane, cruise in luxury to Moreton Bay Marine Park aboard the modern, air-conditioned catamaran Spirit of Migaloo II. Here enjoy the freedom to do as much or as little as you please with all activities included and no local fees. Dive in and snorkel the fifteen shipwrecks that have been deliberately sunk just off the coastline with an abundance of spectacular coral formations and colorful marine life that needs to be seen to be believed. No experience is required and all equipment and water safety items are provided. Afterwards, join our naturalist guides in a fish-feeding session with the 200 species that frequent the area. Satisfy your appetite with a gourmet tropical buffet featuring ocean king prawns, and quench your thirst with a glass of local wine, craft beer or frozen cocktail. Take the time to relax, enjoy free island time on the pristine white-sand beach. Kayak on sheltered crystal-clear waters, join a game with complimentary beach sporting equipment, or simply kick back and soak in the serenity. Watch out for some of Queensland’s best marine wildlife in this area that is home to one of the largest populations of bottlenose dolphins in Australia. Feel the joy of seeing them jump and play in turquoise waters. Search for six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles and herds of shy and gentle dugongs in one of the world’s remaining strongholds for this species. Get help from the onboard marine naturalists that have been working with these incredible animals for over a decade and have the experience to give you the closest wildlife encounters possible.

Moreton Island: Wreck Snorkeling & Dolphin Feeding Day Trip

2. Moreton Island: Wreck Snorkeling & Dolphin Feeding Day Trip

Join a day trip from Brisbane and visit the Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island. Enjoy everything the resort has to offer, including a guided snorkeling experience and the opportunity to hand-feed wild dolphins. When you check in at the wharf, the staff will communicate all tour times of the day to guests. Then, travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic ferry ride. Enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride over to Moreton, or on the return journey.  Arrive at this beautiful island after an approximately 75-minute journey and spend some time exploring at your own leisure. Enjoy full access to the various pools, cafes, restaurants, bars, and, of course, the beach. Included in your day trip is a snorkeling tour. The snorkeling experience takes you to one of Australia's best snorkeling locations, The Wrecks, which is home to a large variety of reef fish, coral formations, and marine life. Learn about dolphin marine life with the optional 'Discover the World of Dolphins' presentation at the Eco Centre at 3:15 PM. Watch this informative demonstration, or simply explore the island at your leisure until sunset.  Then, make your way to the jetty for the wild dolphin feeding program. Witness a majestic pod of dolphins visiting the shallow shore, and see them play together until it’s time to be fed. Follow an expert into the shallow water and hand-feed fish to a wild bottlenose dolphin.  You will be assisted by the Dolphin Care Team, consisting of Eco Rangers and dedicated staff who operate under strict guidelines to ensure the protection of the dolphins. At approximately 7:00 PM, leave the island and travel back to Brisbane, arriving at 8:15 PM.

From Brisbane: Stradbroke Island Day Tour

3. From Brisbane: Stradbroke Island Day Tour

Take a day trip from Brisbane to Stradbroke Island and discover Queensland's most popular island and its National Park. The park is almost completely controlled by the aboriginal Quandamooka people. At almost 40 kilometers long, Stradbroke Island is the second-largest sand island in the world. Located just off the coast from Brisbane, it has beautiful beaches, a rugged coastline and forests that are home to large numbers of kangaroos and koala bears. Following your transfer from Brisbane, enjoy a memorable experience where the waters teem with large schools of dolphins, manta rays and turtles. All of these creatures can be seen from Point Lookout, Australia’s best land-based point to spot migrating humpback whales in the winter. During the tour, you will enjoy a 45-minute cruise across Moreton Bay before exploring the main destinations of the Island. Visit Cylinder Beach. Stroll along the beach and have the option to walk up to the Headland. Enjoy the beautiful white sands and get your feet wet in the crystal clear waters. Walk the North Gorge with your guide and admire the rugged views. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and sea birds. Also, you may even see some many kangaroos that call the area home. Explore the area around Amity Point where you may have the opportunity to see dolphins, sea birds and koala. Admire excellent views of Moreton Bay and the city of Brisbane. Experience Myora Springs by walking the boardwalk. Your guide will explain the significance of this peaceful and beautiful "oasis."

Moreton Island: Tangalooma ATV Quad Bike & Dolphin Feeding

4. Moreton Island: Tangalooma ATV Quad Bike & Dolphin Feeding

Escape to the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches of Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island, just over an hour from Brisbane by ferry, with a day pass. Ease into the relaxed Queensland atmosphere as you soak up the sun, redeem lunch vouchers, ride an ATV quad bike, and feed dolphins. Check in at the wharf and learn about the tour times of the day from the staff. Then, travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic ferry ride. Enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride over to Moreton or on the return journey. After a 75-minute boat ride, step into the natural wonder of Moreton Island and spend some time exploring it at your own pace. Enjoy full access to the various pools, cafes, restaurants, bars, and, of course, the sandy beach of Tangalooma Island Resort. Next, experience the thrill of riding an ATV quad bike along the beach and through the bushland at Tangalooma. With professional guides by your side, get the basic bush track training to handle the best dedicated ATV quad bike tracks in Australia. Then, learn about dolphin marine life with the optional 'Discover the World of Dolphins' presentation at the Eco Centre at 3:15 PM. Watch this informative demonstration, or simply explore the island till sunset. Finally, make your way to the jetty for the wild dolphin feeding program. Witness a majestic pod of dolphins visiting the shore, and see them play together until it’s time to be fed. Follow an expert into the shallow water and hand-feed fish to a wild bottlenose dolphin with the Dolphin Care Team, consisting of eco rangers who ensure the protection of these creatures. After interacting with wild dolphins, at approximately 7:00 PM, you'll leave the island and travel back to Brisbane, arriving at 8:15 PM.

Brisbane: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

5. Brisbane: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

See the amazing humpback whale and enjoy an onboard fresh lunch on this exciting, 5-hour whale watching cruise near Brisbane. Marvel at the magnificent humpback whale in one of the world’s best whale watching destinations, Moreton Bay. Enjoy a tasty lunch aboard the Eye-Spy catamaran whilst watching the whales - an experience you're unlikely to forget in a hurry!

From Brisbane: Tangalooma Dolphin Feeding Day Cruise

6. From Brisbane: Tangalooma Dolphin Feeding Day Cruise

When you check in at the wharf, the staff will communicate all tour times of the day to guests. Then travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic ferry ride. You may choose to enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride or the return journey. Arrive at beautiful Moreton Island after approximately 75 minutes and spend some time exploring at your own leisure. Have full access to the various pools, cafes, restaurants, bars, and, of course, the beach! If you have selected the desert safari tour, travel by 4WD vehicle to the Tangalooma Desert. With this thrilling and bumpy 4WD bus tour, getting there is half the fun. When sand tobogganing, you can reach speeds of up to 40km per hour. If you have chosen the marine discovery cruise, you’ll journey along the coastline in search of dolphins, dugongs, green sea turtles, rays, and more. The purpose-built discovery boat provides unobstructed views of Moreton Bay’s intriguing marine life. Enjoy full eco commentary, provided to explain the habitats and behaviors of the local marine creatures. The "Discover the World of Dolphins" presentation at the Eco Centre at 3:15 PM is optional. Watch this or simply explore the island at your leisure until sunset. Then, make your way to the jetty for the wild dolphin feeding program. Witness a majestic pod of dolphins visiting the shallow shore and see them play together until it’s time to be fed. Follow an expert into the shallow water and hand-feed fish to a wild bottlenose dolphin. You will be assisted by the Dolphin Care Team, consisting of Eco Rangers and dedicated staff who operate under strict guidelines to ensure the protection of the dolphins. At approximately 7:00 PM, leave the island and travel back to Brisbane, arriving at 8:15 PM.

From Brisbane: Dolphin-Watching Day Cruise with Snorkeling

7. From Brisbane: Dolphin-Watching Day Cruise with Snorkeling

Experience the best of Moreton Island and Tangalooma Resort on this day trip from Brisbane. Check-in at the wharf, where the staff will advise you of the day's tour times. Travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic boat ride. Enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride to Moreton or on the return journey. Arrive at this beautiful island after an approximately 75-minute journey and spend some time exploring at your own leisure. Enjoy full access to the various pools, cafes, restaurants, bars, and the beach. The snorkeling experience takes you to one of Australia's best snorkeling locations, The Wrecks, which is home to a large variety of reef fish, coral formations, and marine life. Visit the Eco-Center for a presentation on the world of dolphins. Head to a B&B bar to enjoy a cocktail or mocktail, best paired with the sunset. Make your way to the jetty to see a family of wild dolphins as they grace the shores of Tangalooma Island Resort for their nightly feed. Then, return to the wharf to depart for Brisbane at approximately 7:00 PM. After the 75-minute return journey, you will arrive back in Brisbane at approximately 8:15 PM.

From Brisbane: Tangalooma Day Trip with Whale Watch Cruise

8. From Brisbane: Tangalooma Day Trip with Whale Watch Cruise

Start your day with check-in at the wharf, and travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic ferry ride. Choose to enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride over or the return journey. Arrive at beautiful Moreton Island after approximately 75 minutes and make a short stop at the resort before heading out on the whale watch cruise at approximately 12:00 PM. Board a smooth-sailing comfortable catamaran, the perfect vantage point to spot whales in the water. Enjoy full commentary about the habitats and behaviors of these amazing creatures. Sit down for a light lunch and refreshments served on board. Then, if you choose, enjoy the Discover the World of Dolphins presentation at the Eco Centre at 3:15 PM. Throughout the day, enjoy full access to the Tangalooma resort facilities including pools, restaurants and bars. Depart from the Tangalooma jetty at 4:00 PM and return back to the Brisbane wharf at 5:15 PM.

Brisbane: ATV Quad Bike, Sunset Cocktail and Dolphin Viewing

9. Brisbane: ATV Quad Bike, Sunset Cocktail and Dolphin Viewing

Experience the best of Moreton Island and Tangalooma Resort on this day trip from Brisbane. Ride an ATV quad bike along the beach swim in the resort pool, sip a cocktail at the bar, and enjoy international cuisine at the restaurant. As the sun sets, see a family of wild dolphins feed. Travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic boat ride. Enjoy a complimentary drink either on the boat ride to Moreton or on the return journey. Upon arrival at the island, experience the thrill of riding on an ATV quad bike along the beach and through the bushland at Tangalooma. The guides will assist you and provide basic bush track training so you can tackle the dedicated ATV quad bike tracks. Throughout the day, enjoy full access to the resort facilities including pools, restaurants, and bars. Use your lunch voucher for whichever cuisine you fancy, with Chinese, Vietnamese, and other options available. Visit the Eco-Center for a presentation on the world of dolphins, then head to the bar to enjoy a cocktail or mocktail, best paired with a sunset. Make your way to the jetty to see a family of wild dolphins as they grace the shores of Tangalooma Island Resort for their nightly feed. Afterward, at approximately 7:00 PM, leave the island and travel back to Brisbane, you will arrive back in Brisbane at 8:15 PM.

Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding

10. Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding

When you check in at the wharf, the staff will communicate all tour times of the day to guests. You'll then travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic ferry ride. You may choose to enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride over or the return journey. Arrive at beautiful Moreton Island after approximately 75 minutes and spend some time exploring the island at your own leisure. You will have full access to the various pools, cafes, restaurants, bars, and of course - the beach! At approximately 12:00 PM, depart for your 3-hour whale-watching cruise. The vessel is a smooth-sailing comfortable catamaran - the perfect vantage point to spot whales in the water. Enjoy full commentary that will explain the habitats and behaviors of these amazing creatures. A light lunch, coffee, tea, and refreshments will be served on board. Then, if you choose, you can enjoy the "Discover the World of Dolphins" presentation at the Eco Centre at 3:15 PM. If not, you can explore the island at your leisure until sunset. Then, make your way to the jetty for the wild dolphin feeding program. Witness majestic pod of dolphins visiting the shallow shore and see them play together until it’s time to be fed. Each one has its own special personality and you’ll learn from the experts about their quirky ways. Now it's time to get up close and personal! Follow an expert into the shallow water and hand-feed fish to a wild bottlenose dolphin. Be assisted by the Dolphin Care Team, consisting of Eco Rangers and dedicated staff who operate under strict guidelines to ensure the protection of the dolphins. At approximately 7:00 PM, you'll leave the island and travel back to Brisbane, arriving at 8:15 PM.

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What people are saying about Brisbane

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 57 reviews

An incredibly beautiful and well-preserved island without exploitation. Fantastic views and a real animal and nature life. Circular Beach was magical with big lovely waves and clear water.

We went on the day trip with snorkelling and dolphin feeding. Truly amazing day, short boat trip from Brisbane and your in paradise!

Lots to do on Tangalooma, cruises, snorkeling, swimming in the sea, dolphin watching, 4x4 riding etc. A brilliant day out

The Island was beautiful and the dolphin feeding was a really amazing experience

Brilliantly organised, lovely staff everywhere, great experience for all ages