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Dwarf Minke Whale Encounters

In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef

Duration12 Days, 11 Nights
Destinations
Activity levelModerateSome walking on uneven ground and in-water activities. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Min. priceA$2,000 per person
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Journey overview

Each year, during the months of June and July, the Dwarf Minke Whales enter their winter playground of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef – a vast and spectacular ecosystem with one of the world’s most unique collections of biodiversity.

Discover the beauty of the ocean’s most inquisitive creatures and experience the awe of connecting with another species in one of the world’s natural wonders. Your encounter with these incredible mammals is guided by dive masters who are experts of the Dwarf Minke Whale, and strive every day for their protection. This experience is one the planet’s most captivating and memorable encounters with Mother Nature.

Superyacht cruising past a green headland

Upcoming departures

Upcoming departures 2027
14 June 202712 DaysA$2,200Available
5 July 202712 DaysA$2,200Limited
Upcoming departures 2028
12 June 202812 DaysA$2,200Available
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The only place on Earth where you can swim with Dwarf Minke Whales

Little is still known about the pocket-sized whale but the Great Barrier Reef is the only known predictable aggregation in the world and the only place where people are able to swim alongside this majestic creature.

Sometimes likened to a dolphin, Dwarf Minke Whales are highly maneuverable and acrobatic and are known to occasionally breach. If you’re lucky you may witness uncommon behaviours such as a head rise, where the whale rises vertically, exposing its snout above the surface; or the spy-hop – the same move but with its eyes above the surface creating a unique in-water experience. Imagine the goosebumps moment when a creature around four-times your size comes within mere metres of contact and look at you eye-to-eye. That mutual acknowledgement of another living creature transcends all species and language barriers – a moment so incredible that it will stick with you for ever.

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    Superyacht charter for up to 10 guests

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    Helicopter transfers

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    Diving included

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    Top-of-the-line guides

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Destinations

  1. 1Sydney
  2. 2Port Douglas
  3. 3Great Barrier Reef - Ribbon Reef #2 & #3
  4. 4Great Barrier Reef - Ribbon Reef #9 & #10
  5. 5Lizard Island
  6. 6Wolgan Valley
  7. 7Sydney
Map of the Sydney region and Blue Mountains
Destination
Destination
Destination
Destination
Wolgan Valley Deluxe VillaWolgan Valley Deluxe VillaWolgan Valley villa

What’s included

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  • Private air transfers - only where stated
  • All government land & air taxes
  • All accommodation
  • All tours and transfers
  • Dives
  • Top-of-the-line guides
  • Meals & beverage — only where stated
  • Credit card fees of 1.8% - cash discount available for wire transfers
EnquireBook a Private Consultation

Day-by-day journey itinerary

Fly independently to Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Be greeted by our staff representative at the airport who will fast track you through border controls and then onwards to your private chauffeur. Enjoy a private airport transfer to the Crown Sydney. Rest and freshen up before setting out to explore in the afternoon. The ultimate way to kick start off your adventure of a lifetime.

Jacarandas along Circular Quay with the Harbour Bridge

Accommodation

Crown Sydney

This oceanfront hotel, conveniently located near the airport, looks out to views of the South Pacific and Tahitian islands. The rooms are decorated in Polynesian style, instantly putting guests into island time.

Crown Sydney guest room overlooking the harbour

Experiences

Three hatted dining

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A plated fine dining dish

Experiences

Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk

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Climbers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Accommodation

Wolgan Valley Boutique Villa

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Villa in the Wolgan Valley at dusk

Activities and exclusive experiences on this journey

Sydney Opera House and harbour at duskEXCLUSIVETOURING TREASURES

Indulge in private after-hours dining at the Sydney Opera House

Long after the last ticket-holder has left, you're taken behind the scenes of the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House — into the wings, the workshops and the rooms the public never sees. The evening closes with a three-course dinner served in one of the House's private spaces. This is not a door that opens for money. It opens for relationships.

Lounge on the aft deck of a superyacht at sunsetEXCLUSIVETOURING TREASURES

Superyacht chartered for you alone

Everyone else reaches these reefs on a shared liveaboard berth. You reach them aboard your own chartered superyacht — ten guests, private staterooms, a dedicated crew and a chief stewardess. Sunset drinks and canapés on the aft deck, dinner served alfresco in the silence of the outer reef, and the Ribbon Reefs entirely to yourselves once the day boats have turned for home.

Turquoise water and white sand from above

Enjoy a private island to yourself

The crew lifts anchor over lunch and cruises to North East Undyne Sand Cay — a bare ribbon of sand adrift in the Coral Sea. By the time you step ashore, your beach club is already standing: shade, lounges, chilled drinks, and not another soul in any direction. The tide reclaims it. For a few hours, it is yours.

Featured stays and accommodation on this journey

Crown Sydney

This oceanfront hotel, conveniently located near the airport, looks out to views of the South Pacific and Tahitian islands. The rooms are decorated in Polynesian style, instantly putting guests into island time.

Crown Sydney guest room overlooking the harbourEXCLUSIVETOURING TREASURES

Wolgan Valley Boutique Villa

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Villa in the Wolgan Valley at duskEXCLUSIVETOURING TREASURES

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Lizard Island coastline

Frequently asked questions

When can I swim with dwarf minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef?

The season runs across June and July each year — the only reliable window, when the whales migrate into the warm winter waters of the northern Great Barrier Reef. Around 80% of sightings are recorded in these two months, and expeditions are limited, so dates are secured well in advance.

Why is this the only place in the world you can swim with dwarf minke whales?

The Ribbon Reefs of the northern Great Barrier Reef host the only known predictable aggregation of dwarf minke whales, and swimming with them is permitted only under a strict code of practice.

Do I need a scuba diving licence, or can I snorkel with the whales?

Snorkelling is all you need — encounters happen at the surface, holding a line behind the vessel while the whales approach.

How many guests travel on each departure?

Each departure is limited to ten guests aboard a privately chartered superyacht.

The tail of a private jet at sunset

Looking for something else?

Explore fully customised luxury travel with Touring Treasures. See our journeys for itineraries you can customise further or contact us if you already have an idea in mind.

View Customisable Journey ItinerariesEnquire

Client testimonials

“Your planning and attention to details could not have been more perfect”

“What an amazing and memorable vacation my family and I were fortunate to enjoy together thanks to you. Your planning and attention to details could not have been more perfect

Let me start with the personal meet and greet service just off the plane at the Sydney airport which was just exceptional, especially after a long flight, as we went through immigration and customs in record time feeling like celebrities. We particularly appreciated our guides who were so knowledgeable and friendly – the kids loved them.

Our time on our superyacht Masteka II was amazing – thank you for the suggestion. The yacht is beautiful but we would not have enjoyed it so much without Captain Matt and his amazing crew who took so great care of us during the entire charter. Thank you so much!”

The G FamilyFamily of 4
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Journey experience designer

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Suzy Mercien-Ferol

Lead Travel Advisor, Touring Treasures

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About Touring Treasures

Begin your journey today

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