by Jenna Rumney

Swimming with minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef has just been voted one of the most “Incredible Travel Secrets in Australia” taking out first place in Queensland and third in the nation, as well as "Australia's Most Profound Wildlife Secret" by Australian Traveller Magazine. 

This extraordinary event happens in only one place in the world - here in our own backyard. So maybe it’s time we find out what all the fuss is about.

DWARF MINKE WHALES

Dwarf minke whales visit the northern Great Barrier Reef during the winter months. It is believed they come to our warm, tropical waters to mate and give birth and throughout this time they show an insatiable curiosity in people and boats. 

Human interactions with these whales can involve from one to 30 animals and can last for hours on end. In fact, the longest encounter on record lasted for over 11 hours! (see video)

SWIM WITH WHALE EXPEDITIONS

John Rumney, formerly of Undersea Explorer and now owner/operator of Eye to Eye Marine Encounters, helped pioneer the swim with minke whale industry in Australia and, together with scientists from James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical QLD, developed a Code of Practice for sustainable whale encounters. 

Fast-forward almost 17 years and these guidelines are now considered “World’s Best Practice” by the International Whaling Commission and have won numerous awards for sustainable and ethical wildlife interactions.

Watch Channel 7s incredible 'Sunday' story (2010) about the best Dwarf Minke experience ever - above.

In Port Douglas there are also two day-boats permitted to swim with minke whales, one of which is Poseidon who have had reported some fantastic encounters over the years. 

In addition, all day boats out of Port Douglas provide regular ‘whale watching’ opportunities from mid-July to September as humpback whales finish their northern migration. What a great way to end a diving and snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef!

For those of you looking for a unique multi-day experience, Eye to Eye Marine Encounters run trips for between 4-6 days.