Terms & Conditions
Whale Swim Tours
Frequently Asked Questions | Terms & Conditions
Whale Swim Queensland – Terms & Conditions
Join us for an extraordinary opportunity to encounter humpback whales in their natural habitat. These experiences are heavily reliant on weather conditions and the behaviour of wild animals, so please review the following terms and conditions carefully before making your booking.
Participation Requirements
To maintain safety and ensure a positive experience for all guests, certain requirements must be met before joining one of our whale swim tours:
Age & Swimming Competency
- Participants must be at least 10 years old to join the tour. Anyone under 18 must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian.
- You do not need to be a certified diver or snorkeller, but you must be a confident swimmer, comfortable in the open ocean, and in good health.
- All swimmers should be capable of swimming 200 metres unaided, or 300 metres using snorkelling gear, in ocean conditions.
General Fitness
This is a physically active tour. Participants must be able to manage ocean conditions and participate in water-based activities without assistance. Refunds will not be provided if you are unable to complete the swim due to fitness, fear, or personal challenges.
Health Considerations
All guests are required to complete a medical questionnaire prior to participation. Depending on your answers, a doctor’s clearance may be required.
Please contact us before booking if you:
- Have pre-existing medical conditions
- Are currently taking prescribed medications
- Are recovering from recent illness or injury
- Are pregnant
You must not participate if you are currently experiencing:
- Fainting, seizures, or dizziness
- Ear infections or flu-like symptoms
- Any heart or circulation issues
- Breathing difficulties (e.g., asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema)
Engaging in this activity is at your own risk, and by booking, you confirm your awareness of the physical nature and potential unpredictability of ocean-based tours.
Confirmation & Weather Updates
Once your booking is complete, a confirmation email with key details will be sent. Weather and sea conditions are monitored continuously. A final confirmation will be sent via email or SMS by 4:00 PM the day before your tour, including check-in time and any important updates.
Please remember: Offshore conditions can differ significantly from those onshore. In the event that the trip is cancelled due to unsafe conditions, we will offer a reschedule or full refund.
Meeting Location & Timeliness
Our tours depart from The Wharf at Mooloolaba. Please check in between Rice Boi and The Booking Box. Our team will be on-site to greet you.
To avoid missing your tour, arrive 20–30 minutes early with swimwear already on. This allows us to check in and brief the group quickly—giving us more time on the water.
Late arrivals cannot be accommodated, and refunds or rescheduling will not be offered for missed tours.
Wildlife Interactions & Water Entry
We follow the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2017), in addition to our own strict ethical standards. All whale swims are dependent on the animals’ behaviour and willingness to engage.
Our professional skipper and crew will assess whether whales are calm and curious before anyone enters the water. If the whales do not exhibit safe behaviour, we will remain onboard and observe respectfully.
In-Water Expectations
- No freediving certification is required, but certified freedivers must show proof to use weights.
- All activities are supervised, and a safety briefing is conducted before departure.
- Consumption of alcohol or recreational drugs is strictly prohibited before or during the tour.
- Anyone acting unsafely or ignoring crew instructions may be removed from the water or tour without a refund.
Equipment Guidelines
Guests may hire snorkels, masks, fins, and wetsuits. All rental gear must be returned in good condition at the end of the tour.
- Lost or damaged gear must be repaired or replaced at the guest’s expense.
- Please inspect your hired gear before leaving the dock to ensure it is functional and secure.
What to Bring
- Swimwear (ideally worn under your clothes)
- Towel and change of dry clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water bottle and light snacks
- Seasickness tablets (if needed)
- Any required medications (please notify staff)
As space on board is limited, please pack light. Oversized bags or hard cases may be restricted. Any gear brought on board is your responsibility, and we do not accept liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Forgotten personal gear can be returned via post at the guest’s expense.
Important Disclaimers
Wildlife
Whale sightings and swim opportunities are not guaranteed. If whales are seen but do not interact, or you’re unable to swim with them, no refund is provided. However, if no whales are seen at all, you will receive a 50% discount on your next swim with us.
Choosing not to enter the water when invited will not result in a refund or credit.
Safety
Participation involves inherent risks, including marine life encounters and the unpredictable nature of the sea. By booking, you accept these risks and release Whale Swim Queensland and its operators from liability.
Our team will make all final safety decisions, including cancelling in-water activity if needed. Guests who ignore instructions may be removed from the activity or tour without compensation.
Behaviour
Guests displaying unsafe or disruptive behaviour—toward whales, crew, or fellow participants—will be excluded from the swim and may be asked to leave the vessel without refund.
Cancellations, Refunds & Rescheduling
If We Cancel
Should we cancel due to weather, technical difficulties, or insufficient numbers, you may:
- Move your booking to another date
- Use the credit towards another tour
- Request a full refund (if no portion of the tour was delivered)
If a tour is cut short due to sudden weather changes, partial refunds or credits may be considered depending on the circumstances.
If You Cancel or Miss the Tour
- You may reschedule with adequate notice.
- Bookings can be transferred to another person or service, valid for 12 months.
- No refunds or credits are given for no-shows, late arrivals, or last-minute cancellations.
If you change your mind after booking, you can:
- Reschedule to another available date 72 prior to your tour
- Apply your payment toward another tour or retreat
Seasickness
Even on calm days, seasickness can affect guests. Please plan ahead with seasickness medication. We do not provide refunds or alternate bookings if seasickness prevents you from completing your tour.
Please consult our FAQs before booking to ensure you’re ready and informed. By confirming your booking, you agree to the above policies. Refunds are not issued due to failure to meet the outlined participation requirements.
Accessibility
Currently, our vessel is not wheelchair accessible. We’re committed to improving accessibility and encourage you to contact us with any mobility concerns ahead of time.
Our Promise to You
Our goal is to deliver meaningful, respectful, and memorable marine encounters. While we strive to offer you the best possible chance to swim with whales, nature determines the experience—not us.
Assumption of Risk
By taking part in this experience, you acknowledge all potential risks, including unforeseen ones such as drowning, panic, or reactions to marine life.
You voluntarily release Whale Swim Queensland, its staff, and affiliates from any claims or liabilities arising from participation in this activity.
We’re so excited to have you join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you have any questions at all, reach out—we’re here to help!