Of all the exotic and beautiful marine life in Far North Queensland, some of the most breathtaking is the humpback whale – and with whale season in full swing, you could be lucky enough to spot them from onboard Atlantic Princess! More humpback whales are migrating through the Great Barrier Reef this year than in the last 60 years, which presents an amazing opportunity to spot them when you’re out on the water.
Over 50,000 humpback whales are expected to pass through Far North Queensland waters, which is a testament to conservation efforts in recent years. Far North Queensland, including the waters off Cairns and Port Douglas, offers a front-row seat to this rare moment, and onboard Atlantic Princess you may be able to spot these beauties from the privacy of your own superyacht. But it is important to respect these gentle giants by adhering to regulations and laws around megafauna. Boats including Atlantic Princess must stay at least 100 metres away from whales in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and 300m away from whale calves.
One reason this year’s whale season is so exciting is that the humpback population has surged in the past few decades, with numbers previously sitting at around 500. Now, the east coast population is approximately ten times that size. Scientists are describing this recovery as one of the greatest conservation success stories ever, and we are so lucky to be able to see it happening in real time in the waters of Far North Queensland.
From May to September, humpbacks migrate north from Antarctica to court, mate and birth their offspring in our warmer waters. Whale watching can take place from June to November as these giant mammals stay off the east coast for the earliest part of their calves’ lives. However, humpbacks are not the only whales you can see up here. In June-July if you head to the outer Coral Sea, you may spot dwarf minke whales, a mysterious and elusive species not often seen outside of the tropical winter. Some whale behaviours you might be lucky enough to see from the deck of Atlantic Princess include: tail slapping and pectoral fin slapping, spy hopping (raising their heads above the surface), mothers nesting with newborn calves, and most spectacularly, breaching, which is leaping clear of the water. Whales are playful creatures and love to put on a show!
The Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of species of marine life, and it is truly special to visit and observe as they flourish. With Far North Queensland as the Atlantic Princess home base, we are uniquely positioned to occasionally spot sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, reef sharks, and almost 2,000 species of fish. You may also see seabirds such as white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, crested terns, and more, as they nest and feed across the coral cays and reef islands. When you visit the Great Barrier Reef with an Atlantic Princess private yacht charter, you will take only photos and memories, and what incredible memories they will be!
The difference in spotting wildlife on board Atlantic Princess is that you will enjoy the ocean views and whale watching opportunities from the privacy of your own luxurious deck. No crowded pontoons, photobombing or jostling for a view at the railing. Our expert crew are passionate about the reef and sea creatures, and will be just as thrilled to spot any marine life alongside you. They may even know the best areas for recent sightings!
Combine whale watching with relaxing on deck, or dip below the surface with snorkelling, diving, and island visits, all of which offer further opportunities to potentially see some of the Far North’s most beautiful animals. Enjoy the reef from a premium private yacht with your family and friends. The Atlantic Princess is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, family reunions, and even luxe corporate retreats.
Ask about current sightings or plan ahead for the next whale season when booking your private charter aboard Atlantic Princess.
Remember: humpback whales are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. With record numbers on the move, though, the chances are stronger now than they have been in years.
Contact the Atlantic Princess team to check availability and tailor your private charter. Book early to secure your preferred dates for the next whale season.
Humpback whales have returned to the Great Barrier Reef in record numbers. Join us aboard Atlantic Princess and see if you get a chance to see them for yourself!
