Tourists at Green Island agog yesterday with humpbacks breaching nearby, humpback mother and baby up close to visitors on Frankland Islands, south of Cairns.

Reef Magic out of Cairns is using one of its vessels as a designated whale watching trip, with morning and afternoon trips a day, $80pp. If no whales spotted, ticket can be re-used for another day at no extra charge. So far not necessary as there's been a 100% spotting rate, this is the only vessel providing a designated whale watching trip, and does not include reef diving and snorkelling.

Thanks for the report Pat! That's such a fantastic sight when they breach, I wish I could get on a plane...

Great to see them making a come back.

While on the Esplanade in Cairns or on Trinity Bay keep your eyes peeled for the Australin Snubfin Dolphin. They have been mistaken for Dugong in the past or, more usually, the exotic Irrawady dolphin.

I just went on this whale watching cruise with Reef Magic and had a whale of a time !!! Absolutely loved it and so did the children. I highly recommend it. Check out my blog for pics and a poem inspired by these tremendous creatures.
http://colleenincairns.wordpress.com

ColleeninCairns,
I enjoyed your poetry your self assesment of your prose is accurate but you are a gifted wordsmith so keep working at it.

did you see this link posted earlier? My old mate (he doesn't see fodors so don't tell him I said OLD) saw Migaloo! http://alanswildlife.blogspot.com/

As a local of Cairns I'd say our whales are increasing every year. i was wondering when someone would start whale watching tours, the season is still very short though, The Minke Whale season is longer and you can actually swim with them with a couple of companies try http://www.visitcairns.com.au/scuba_expedition.htm

Just had to put in that I was absolutely thrilled about three weeks ago to see a mother and calf breaching whilst I was walking along the beach near Anglesea (Great Ocean Road).

Apparently they stayed in the area for several days. The local paper had a picture of a surfer near them - which I know he shouldn't have done - just an indication of how close to shore they were.

I have seen whales off the coast further along the GOR but this was the first time I had ever seen them at Anglesea.

Hervey Bay - at the right time of year has GOT to be the best place (in the world - ??) for whale watching (Humpbacks) also killer whales, dolphins and dugongs!....and Dingos!
Beware though, the boat owners tend to s-t-r-e-t-c-h the season a little.

July to November!