Brisbane: Whale Watching Cruise Moreton Bay with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Whale watching in Moreton Bay from Redcliffe jetty on a catamaran

You’ll board at Redcliffe Jetty or get picked up from Brisbane or Sunshine Coast for a whale watching cruise through Moreton Bay with a local guide. Watch humpbacks breach meters away, enjoy a fresh picnic lunchbox on deck, and learn about marine life from live commentary. Guaranteed sightings mean you won’t leave disappointed — just maybe changed by what you see.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped onto the Eye Spy at Redcliffe Jetty when an older local couple nudged us — “You picked a good day for it,” the man grinned, squinting at the sky. I think he meant the weather, but honestly, it was the feeling of everyone buzzing quietly that stuck with me. Our guide, Sarah, started chatting as we left the dock — she grew up around here and you could tell. She kept pointing out little things: a pelican gliding by, how the water changes color when whales are near (I didn’t know that), even which islands were hiding behind the morning haze.

The first whale sighting happened so fast I almost missed it — just this sudden whoosh and a spray off to our right. Everyone rushed over, cameras out, but then there was this hush as we watched a humpback roll on its side. You could actually hear people exhale. The air smelled salty and kind of sweet from someone’s sunscreen. Sarah told us about migration patterns and how some ticket money goes to whale charities — I liked that part, felt right somehow. Lunch was this picnic box (I got the veggie one) and we ate outside while another whale breached way off in the distance. Someone dropped their fork and nobody cared.

I tried to say “humpback” in Mandarin for Li (she laughed — apparently my pronunciation is hopeless). The boat rocked gently while kids pressed their faces to the glass downstairs. It got windier after lunch; my hair went wild but I didn’t bother fixing it. We saw three more whales before heading back toward Redcliffe. There’s something about seeing these huge animals so close — makes you feel small in a good way. I still think about that moment when everything went quiet except for the sound of water slapping against the hull.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching cruise in Moreton Bay

• Board the ‘Eye Spy’ catamaran
• Enjoy extensive whale commentary
• Watch humpback whales breaching nearby
• Have a gourmet picnic lunchbox
• Visit licensed bar and souvenir counter
• Return from whale watching cruise

Top questions

Where does the Brisbane whale watching cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Redcliffe Jetty, with optional pickup from Brisbane or Sunshine Coast.

Are whale sightings guaranteed on this tour?

Yes, whale sightings are guaranteed during the season (June-November).

Is lunch included on the whale watching cruise?

Yes, a gourmet picnic lunchbox is included with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Can I get picked up from my hotel in Brisbane?

Yes, pickup is available if you select that option during booking and provide your hotel details.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible for guests.

What months can I see whales in Moreton Bay?

The whale watching season runs from June to November each year.

How long does the cruise last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours on board including lunch and commentary.

Can children join this whale watching trip?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on laps.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Redcliffe Jetty or round-trip coach pickup from Brisbane or Sunshine Coast if you choose it when booking, live commentary from an experienced local guide throughout your time on Moreton Bay, guaranteed humpback whale sightings during migration season, and a fresh gourmet picnic lunchbox with vegetarian or vegan choices if needed before heading back ashore together.