Whale Watching Surprise on the Great Barrier Reef: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Snorkelling Experience in the Whitsundays

Whale Watching Surprise on the Great Barrier Reef: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Snorkelling Experience in the Whitsundays
Guests on board Red Cat Adventures’ Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure recently experienced an unforgettable wildlife encounter on the Great Barrier Reef — one that left them in awe and deeply moved.
While snorkelling at Stepping Stones, Bait Reef — one of the most spectacular snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays — a pod of humpback whales appeared just metres away from the group. The whales swam calmly and gracefully past the snorkellers, offering a rare and emotional close-up encounter with one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.
Several guests emerged from the water with tears of joy, overwhelmed by the powerful experience of swimming so close to whales in their natural habitat. The encounter was captured by Red Cat Adventures crew member Kobi Curtis, and the footage is now going viral as a stunning reminder of the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Check out the video here: https://redcatadventures.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6368/2025/07/Whale-of-a-Time.mov
Why Do Humpback Whales Visit the Whitsundays?
Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the Whitsundays from Antarctica as part of their annual breeding cycle. Between June and September, the Whitsundays whale watching season peaks, as whales use the warm, sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef to give birth and raise their calves.
The region’s protected coral lagoons offer an ideal environment for young whales to grow strong before the long journey back to the Southern Ocean. This annual migration makes the Whitsundays one of the best places in Australia for whale watching — and on rare occasions, snorkellers are lucky enough to see them up close in the wild.
A Unique Marine Experience on the Outer Reef
Red Cat Adventures offers guided snorkelling tours to Bait Reef — a remote, outer reef destination known for its incredible marine biodiversity, crystal-clear visibility, and pristine coral formations.
The Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure departs aboard Reef Quest, a purpose-built vessel designed for safe and comfortable reef exploration. Every trip includes the chance to spot tropical fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and during the season — possibly whales.
What made this recent trip so special was the rare combination of timing, location, and calm sea conditions, making the whale encounter possible. Even for our experienced crew, this was a moment they will never forget.
Discover the Magic of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef
If you’re looking for the best snorkelling tour in the Whitsundays, or want to increase your chances of witnessing wildlife encounters on the Great Barrier Reef, the Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure with Red Cat Adventures is a must-do.
Whether it’s swimming alongside vibrant reef fish, spotting sea turtles, or catching a glimpse of migrating whales in Queensland, every day on the reef is filled with new possibilities.
👉 Book your Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure now and experience one of the top-rated marine tours in the Whitsundays.