Only place in the world to see Dwarf Minke Whales
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With World Oceans Day coming up (June 8), Tropical North Queensland is reminding travelers that the annual dwarf minke whale migration is soon, and there are only a few ways to take part in this incredible experience!
The Great Barrier Reef, specifically the Ribbon Reefs, is the only place in the world where you can swim with dwarf minke whales: an experience so exclusive it only happens for two months of the year and only in Tropical North Queensland.
Only a few tour boats operate under a special license that offers divers and snorkelers the rare privilege of interacting with the little whales. Interactions are purely dictated by the minkes, with boat engines cut and set adrift when a pod is spotted. Swimmers entering the water must maintain contact with a rope trailing from the boat and await the inquisitive whales, who seem to enjoy showing off and typically come to investigate.
Much is still unknown about these beautiful creatures, however, their name is a bit misleading: dwarf minke whales can grow to over 26 feet long and weigh up to six tons (that's 12,000 pounds)! What is known is that the Ribbon Reefs are the only predictable location for aggregation of these creatures, and only for a short time each year. Dwarf minke whales are sometimes compared to dolphins, due to their curious, playful nature.
Witnessing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Here’s how you can do it:
Liveaboard expeditions leave from Cairns to the Ribbon Reefs in June and July, typically for 3 to 7 days, with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, Divers Den or Pro Dive. The expeditions provide a dedicated itinerary for minke whale interactions and offer an exclusive in-water experience unlike any other. While you can scuba dive, most interactions occur with snorkelers, making this incredible opportunity accessible for all.
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