Australia’s first to offer Swim with Humpback Whales Experience, Sunreef Mooloolaba are officially launching their fourth season with a massive Whale Welcome Party on Friday 7th July.
Sunreef Mooloolaba’s Dan Hart said Swimming with Humpback Whales is a real privilege so we are celebrating with a huge party from including Swim with Whales races, free try dives in our dive tank, heaps of huge prizes to win including Swim with Whale Experiences, an outdoor broadcast with Mix FM’s Todd and Sami, the famous Mix FM sausage sizzle and lolly bar, a huge winter sale on dive gear and heaps more.
“Swimming with Whales has been great not only for our business but for the Sunshine Coast community, attracting tourists from Brisbane, interstate and from all over the world which contributes to the economy and the community has really embraced the new activity so we want to invite everyone down to celebrate with us.”
“This year’s Whale Welcome will be at Sunreef Mooloolaba at the Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba on Friday 7th July from 3pm to 6pm.”
Dan Hart said Friday 7th July marks the start of Sunreef’s Swim with Whales season which would run through until 22nd October and if last year’s season was any indication this year’s season was going to be even better.
“Each year we have seen more and more whales and more guests have had in-water encounters with them. You just have to check out some of the videos on our Facebook page to see just how curious the whales are about us.
“We are so excited to have the whales back – Nothing can describe the feeling when you are just metres away from these animals and they look you straight in the eye,” Dan said.
“It is such a unique experience that every time it’s just like my first all over again. It’s almost indescribable but it gives you a rare insight into their world – it gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.
“I also love seeing and hearing everyone’s reactions when we have a great encounter – everyone is so awestruck. We see the whales from the surface and then you will hear the swimmers squealing excitedly through their snorkels as the whale swims past – its takes your breath away every time!”
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Dan said for those who are curious about swimming with humpback whales, the Whale Welcome Party was a great opportunity to come in and chat to staff and check out everything else Sunreef have to offer.
Sunreef’s Swim with Whales experience are about four hours, with just 20 guests aboard each boat, with some tours operating on Australia Zoo’s research vessel Croc One, but with a limited season from July to October, everyone is encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
This year, more than 28,000 humpbacks are expected to make the migration north from Antarctica. After eating up to four ton of krill and small fish a day each in the Antarctic over summer, the Humpbacks migrate to the warmer northern waters which provide perfect temperatures to give birth to their calves in the sheltered waters of Queensland’s coastline.
As part of the Swim with Whale Experiences Sunreef Mooloolaba is working closely with researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast to find out more about the humpback whale species and their environment to help ensure their preservation into the future.
Dan said Sunreef’s Swimming with Whales Experience was operated under a strict Code of Conduct to protect both the whales and the participants.
Sunreef provide a full briefing on what to expect and safety procedures as well as providing all required equipment.
Once a whale is sighted, the boat will be put into neutral 100m or more away from the whale, and if the conditions are determined safe by our trained crew, swimmers will be allowed into the water with a guide and a floating line attached to the boat for safety.
“Then it’s all up to the whale – it is a natural experience and it is 100% on the whale’s own terms,” Dan said.
“In our experience, the whales seem as intrigued by us as we are of by them and often come close to swimmers, gliding effortlessly around us, with such a gentleness that its like they recognise our fragility in comparison and know we are there out of wonder and respect,” Dan said.
The trips include wetsuit and snorkelling gear hire. It takes about 15 minutes from the Sunreef dock to get out to the beautiful waters off Mooloolaba, which are at their best during the winter months when the whales migrate. Water temperatures during this time range from 17 to 23 degrees C and visibility is regularly up to 25 metres.
The 2017 Sunreef Swim with Whales season will start on July 7th and run through until October 22, 2017 and costs $149 per person.
Sunreef Mooloolaba, based in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is the longest established dive centre on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia) with roots starting back in 1976.
Sunreef Mooloolaba is a 5 Star PADI Training Centre and offers accredited dive courses for all levels of divers as well as local reef dives, snorkelling trips and diving on the ex-HMAS Brisbane. Sunreef also plans and guides international dive trips and travel as well as dive equipment sales and servicing.
To find out more visit www.sunreef.com.au or call 07 5444 5656. We look forward to seeing you at the opening.
EVENT DETAILS
EVENT: Sunreef Mooloolaba Official Whale Welcome Party
DATE: Friday, 7th July 2016
TIME: 3pm to 6pm
Location: Sunreef Mooloolaba, THE WHARF Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
