Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise: A Review with Lunch

Going on a whale watching tour is almost a bucket-list thing for a lot of folks, right? A trip out onto the ocean to get a peek at these amazing marine creatures, is that something you’d be into? A day of viewing, and a nibble? Well, I did that Brisbane Whale Watching cruise with lunch, and I’m here to give you my rundown on whether it’s all worth the splash. So, if you’re thinking about experiencing this aquatic spectacle yourself, keep reading.

Setting Sail: The Anticipation Builds

First things first, getting to the departure spot is pretty simple. I went from the city center. The drive, it’s just a little trip up the coast. Parking was available, too it’s almost like a well-oiled machine. What I thought as I was approaching the boat was seeing this group all set for some serious ocean experiences. Now, getting on the boat, you kind of expect that typical cruise thing, is that what you think? What you get is a warm Aussie welcome. The crew is pretty upbeat, giving you all the info you need before setting off. Like your friendly neighbors, so they really set the tone. The vibe? It’s buzzing with people that have something that they’re excited for.

The boat itself, it’s designed so that viewing these sea creatures is the focus. Lots of space up top, comfy seats and viewing decks all around so nobody is crammed into one little spot. As the boat pulls away, the coastline fades out of view, you get this feeling of openness. The city is there but out there. The ocean air and the buzz around the deck, that feeling of hopeful anticipation really builds.

Searching for Giants: The Hunt Begins

Now comes the fun part: finding the whales! Obviously, whale watching tours can’t promise a thing because, you know, nature. What I did like, though, was how the crew were all over it. These guys are talking with other boats, tracking movements, and really giving their all to get the goods on these awesome ocean animals. It’s interesting to learn what makes these fellas tick from the guides.

The search might take a bit, so be ready to just chill, gaze out at the ocean, and get to know your fellow passengers. The water that day, it was so vast, a beautiful blue, very clear in some spots, too. That suspense before you see the first whale, is that a special thing or is that a special thing? I could just hang out all day feeling that.

The guides, though, very much what made that experience. They had story after story, whale facts, and a passion, and honestly, it was really infectious. These professionals obviously know a thing or two, as they kept everyone happy even during those times when the whales were having a slow day.

The Main Event: Whale Encounters

That’s when I saw the first spray of water and that’s when the boat erupted, right? People pointing, cameras clicking – whales ahoy! Then the whales appeared. This experience makes everything worthwhile, just those initial moments of awe and excitement as these giants of the sea just slide effortlessly through the water. Just magnificent to watch from such a small little vessel as ours.

I’m talking about huge humpbacks that are breaching, slapping their tails. So the spray is happening and I’m staring up above wondering, “how can something so big fly in the water?” You find out that a humpback weighs almost 40 tons and is that long? But you watch them jumping, like, playful spirits. These whales are doing their acrobatics, and the boat would get fairly quiet because you are processing what you’re looking at. This viewing made me understand a little bit about respecting the ecosystem.

One particular whale was just a show-off, honestly! This enormous male slapped the water and the splash just reverberated on our boat, I think that’s so great. And what you realize at that moment is that you really feel just connected to these animals.

Lunch on the Water: Food with a View

Around the midway point, they’d be serving lunch. The setup is pretty chill, buffet-style with salads, cold cuts, hot dishes, the sort of basic fare you’d want while looking at these whales. Food hits different when you’re on the sea, right? Everything tastes fresher, it’s true I guess. So I went out on the deck with my meal in tow. It had beautiful views, eating out on the water is a nice touch for this adventure. Plus, it gave everyone an opportunity to just swap whale tales. No one can quite believe they were just having these experiences.

Did that mean that food was going to win any food prizes? That’s a fair comment to be made. What did that mean? Well, it means you can get to hangry if there’s no food and go all grumpy for not seeing the whales, and then everybody loses. So that fills that purpose. A pretty straightforward eating experience.

Moreton Bay’s Marine Life: Bonus Sightings

The whales that make a stop over in Moreton Bay, that’s already something quite neat. There are other cute water creatures! The pod of dolphins were doing laps right alongside the boat, which was so nice to watch. As the boat heads back, the seabirds are flying overheard.

I got chatting to a wildlife photographer that was there too and they said Moreton Bay is one of those hotspots because it has such a mix of environments all working together. He mentioned that he’d shot dugongs, sea turtles, the works, out there before. Although we did only spot some fish.

Overall Impression: Is It Worth It?

Coming back on shore, everyone felt really thrilled about the whole experience. What I will say is that seeing whales in nature, just so magnificent. It makes for a pretty top day out of Brisbane. What I learned? What I liked. You get the sights and learn about these creatures, from a fantastic crew. Now that’s an experience. The cruise wasn’t bad and included lunch.