Bundaberg Whale Watching Cruise Review: Is it Worth it?

So, you’re thinking about taking a whale watching tour in Bundaberg, eh? That is a pretty terrific idea! Each year, right around June to November, these gentle giants swim on by the coast of Queensland. Bundaberg just happens to be an awesome spot to witness their annual migration. One choice that usually pops up is the Bundaberg Whale Watching Sightseeing Cruise that comes with lunch. Is it good? Is it worth your hard-earned cash? Let’s get into what makes this trip something pretty special and maybe something you would be in to.

Setting Sail: What to Anticipate From the Get-Go

The adventure often starts in Burnett Heads, right outside Bundaberg. The tour operators typically supply transport from specific spots in Bundaberg itself, which is actually convenient. You will have to confirm this when booking because things may be different. Right from the start, things like being greeted by the friendly staff will stand out. They have a passion for these beautiful animals, too. This sort of caring spirit is, actually, totally obvious the whole day.

The boat itself tends to be rather spacious and usually includes both inside and outside areas. If you are someone that gets seasick somewhat easily, you might choose to position yourself somewhere amidships and maybe a bit closer to the open air. The early morning sea air feels good and tends to keep anyone from getting motion sickness, in some respects. It’s always useful to double-check if there will be any refreshments for the start of the tour before you arrive.

Up Close and Personal: Witnessing the Whales

Of course, the most significant factor is seeing those whales! Humpback whales are usually the celebrities of this show, and seeing them leap from the water is amazing. That first sighting of a whale’s breach is something that just always amazes me! The tour guides will always offer insight into whale behaviour, so it tends to be more than just an excellent sightseeing opportunity. The skippers and crew will do pretty much everything they can to be respectful to the whales while still making sure they put the passengers in the perfect spot for snapshots, I am told.

There are just no promises, of course, seeing whales in the wild is somewhat unpredictable. That being said, because of the migrating patterns of the whales off the coast, many people end up pretty happy with the whale sightings during these cruises.

Lunch Onboard: Fueling the Adventure

Right in the middle of all of that exhilaration, that is whale watching, the cruise typically serves lunch. Usually, it is some sort of buffet style or a served meal. The choices tend to be pretty basic, that is to say there might be things like salads, sandwiches, and fruit. You will have to adjust your expectations. This portion is about enjoying a simple, delicious meal as opposed to fine cuisine, so that is what they are going for in some respects. Always make sure to check the menu choices and whether or not there are options for any diet requirements ahead of time, actually.

Sometimes, the operators have some surprises to offer when it comes to lunch. I remember hearing about some that feature regional seafood that day, but that depends. Things like that could seriously make your tour more unforgettable.

Additional Activities and Comforts Onboard

Frequently, to keep people busy and entertained out on the water, that is during any down time between whale viewings, tour operators provide all types of supplementary things to do. As a matter of fact, I remember hearing some tours have included little educational talks about the local aquatic life or maybe interactive stuff for little kids. The objective often is to ensure people have a good time out on the sea regardless of whether the whales are in sight, of course.

You might be someone who cares a lot about little things like available bathrooms, if there is plenty of seating and shade. Actually, you need to consider such comforts, mostly if you are headed out on the sea with children or maybe senior citizens. Take some time to ask questions regarding accessibility before scheduling a trip. It means the difference between enjoying a pleasurable experience versus having a difficult time.

Making the Booking: Points to Take Into Account

Okay, before you actually book that tour, consider some useful points to think about! Above all, try to book far in advance. The whale watching season draws quite a crowd. Also, look around to compare costs, packages, and discounts. Is the “lunch included” tour much better, for instance, when compared to the tour in which you carry your picnic basket?

See what other people have said concerning different tour companies. People on Tripadvisor and other review websites provide plenty of info. Make sure you understand their cancellation policies as well; you never really know just what might take place. Should they call off a tour as a result of bad weather, most respectable operators can offer a complete refund or let you rebook at a later date.

Is the Bundaberg Whale Watching Cruise Really Worth It?

So, is the Bundaberg Whale Watching Sightseeing Cruise worth the time, effort, and cost? Very likely, that is “yes”! I believe for pretty much anybody, there really is nothing quite like encountering humpback whales within their natural environment. Throw in the simple pleasure of getting to eat lunch while bobbing along gently on the sea and you have all of the ingredients for a wonderful day. Despite the fact lunch might be, sort of, standard fare and the ocean’s behaviour unpredictable, the entire experience could produce memories for a lifetime. I suspect the amazing experience of seeing such beautiful creatures from such a near vantage point, I can confidently say you are bound to be delighted you went! Get those binoculars primed, sunscreen on, as well as a spirit of excitement ready! So now that you have had an insight into such boat tours, and now all that’s left for you to do is decide if it’s for you or not!