Heron Island
Heron Island Dive Stories
Humpback Whales of Heron
Whales can often be seen passing through the channel between Wistari and Heron Reefs. However, they can also be spotted travelling along the reef edge around the whole island.
Before you see them you'll often hear their "whale blow". As the animal surfaces to breathe its blowhole opens and there's an explosive exhalation. Rising to a height of 2-3m, the single steamy blow of the humpback is surprisingly visible and distinctive.
Humpbacks can be seen travelling singly, in pairs or pods with up to 15 members.
With numbers being reduced by hunting for the commercial whaling industry, they first became protected in 1966.
Sightings have become more frequents from the Heron fishing boat and our dive boats have had numerous close encounters.
Guests and staff have been giving reports of hearing the whale songs during their dives. Even though they sound close enough to be next to you, whale calls can be heard underwater from 5-10km away.
Sightings during a dive are extremely rare but have happened in past seasons. The most recent was a Turtle Gully on Wistari Reef where divers were lucky enough to have a huge mother and calf cruise past while they were on the mooring.
Relaxing on the jetty with a cold one at sunset is usually the best way to spot whales cruising through the channel.
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