Whilst Hervey Bay is internationally recognised as the ‘Whale Watch Capital of the World’ its waters are also home to Dolphins, Turtles and Dugongs.

Dolphins are permanent residents of Hervey Bay and can be seen all year round. Both Bottlenose Dolphins and Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphins live in the area. Dolphins frequently swim alongside whales and many accompany the whales on their southerly migrations, and as such are often seen during whale watch tours. Many whale watching tour operators also offer dolphin specific cruises. On occasion the Dolphins of Hervey Bay have been known to come quite close to swimmers.

Hervey Bay is also one of the few places in the world where the Dugong can exist with relative safety. The Dugong is the only plant-eating mammal that lives its entire life in the marine environment. Known also as the ‘Sea Cow’, these shy and slow moving mammals spend most of their day feeding on seagrass. Worldwide numbers of Dugong’s have been declining. There are only 1700 left around the Great Barrier Reef and it is estimated only around 800 exist in Hervey Bay’s waters. These numbers mean the Dugong is classed as vulnerable to extinction, and so the mammal has been officially listed as such by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

Hervey Bay is a Dugong protection area and as a result Hervey Bay is one of only a handful of places in the world that offer the extremely rare opportunity to see these beautiful creatures in a natural habitat.

In addition to Dolphins and Dugongs, Turtles are a popular attraction in Hervey Bay. There are seven turtle species in the world and all are considered either rare or threatened. Hervey Bay is fortunate to call itself home to five of these: Green Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, Flatback Turtles, Hawkesdale Turtles and Leatherback Turtles. Sighting of a Turtle swimming in Hervey Bay is not as common as a dolphin, dugong or whale but is just as breathtaking.

Most whale watching tours also offer Dolphin Tours, Turtle and Dugong watching. Simply contact the tour operator of your choice to learn more.