A new business has entered the Sunshine Coast’s whale-watching market, offering tours aboard what is likely to be Australia’s largest commercial jet boat of its kind.
Whales Sunshine Coast, created by two local families with decades of marine tourism experience, launched on June 1 to coincide with the annual migration season.
Co-founder Darren Smith told Sunshine Coast News that customers would relish experiences aboard The Explorer, which can carry 46 passengers.
“Our tours are designed to maximise time with the whales, reduce travel time, avoid large crowds and deliver an unforgettable experience on the water,” he said.
“Guests enjoy multiple 360-degree viewing decks, a huge open bow viewing platform, experienced crew and informative live commentary throughout the tour.
“Thanks to the speed and design of The Explorer, we spend less time travelling offshore and more time where it matters most: watching whales.”
Whales Sunshine Coast is owned by Darren and Carolyn Smith, alongside Allan and Sandy Short.
The Smiths have spent more than 25 years operating marine tourism businesses in the region via Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba and the Mooloolaba Ferry. The Shorts are experienced marine and whale-watching operators.
“Whales Sunshine Coast was created by four people who share a genuine passion for the ocean, marine wildlife and creating memorable experiences for visitors,” Mr Smith said.
The company’s tours depart from Kawana Waters Hotel, while its headquarters are in Mooloolaba.
Mr Smith said The Explorer is “Australia’s largest commercial (whale watching) jet boat” and it is operated by an experienced team of local skippers and whale-watching professionals. The vessel is 19m long with a beam of 5m.
It operates during the east coast humpback whale migration season, from early June until early November each year. Tours operate six or seven days a week, with demand peaking during September and October, when there could be three daily departures.
Mr Smith said local waters were among the best for whale watching.
“The Sunshine Coast sits directly on Australia’s famous ‘Humpback Highway’, one of the world’s great whale migration routes,” he said.
“Every year over 60,000 humpback whales pass our coastline as they travel north to breed before returning south with their calves. It’s the largest animal migration on earth.
“Humpback whales are renowned for their spectacular surface behaviour including breaching, tail slapping and inquisitive interactions with vessels.
“Guests (also) encounter dolphins, turtles, seabirds and a variety of other marine life.”
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Mr Short, known as ‘Shorty’, said this year’s whale migration was shaping up to be one of the best on record.
“It’s going to be phenomenal,” he said.
“It will be, without a doubt, the best whale season we’ve had. I started whale watching in 1992 (when) there were about 4000 in the population. That increases by about 11 per cent per year.”
Whales Sunshine Coast joins a handful of other whale-watching operators in the region.
They include Sunreef, Adventure Rafting, Sunshine Coast Afloat, Noosa Oceanrider, Epic Ocean Adventures, The Pressure Project, Noosa Wave Boating Adventures and Noosa Ocean Adventures.
The latter has strengthened its offering, welcoming a new commercial vessel, Noosa Flyer, and two experienced skippers to the team.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said there was something special about whale season.
“Every winter we’re treated to one of nature’s greatest migrations right on our doorstep, and it never gets old,” he said.
“With another whale watching experience available this year, visitors have even more opportunities to get out on the water and experience these incredible animals, while supporting local tourism businesses during the winter months.”
