By Margaret Maccoll
The first whales of the migration season which runs from June to November were spotted last week off Noosa beaches with one new Noosa company, Noosa Wave Whale Watching, ready this week to take guests over the Noosa River bar to see and even swim with the giant marine mammals.
Andrew Burt grew up in Noosa in the 1970s and after 10 years running whale watching trips in Port Macquarie has returned to Noosa to fulfil a dream to set up a business here.
In a purpose built boat with swim ladders and capable of speeds up to 50 miles per hour and beach landings, Andrew plans to take small groups up to about 18 people out from his mooring at The Jetty on Gympie Terrace to see the whales and learn more about them along the way.
Andrew said the group would have spotters looking out for whales from vantage points along the shore and the fast boat would be able to move toward them within legal limits.
“I’ve been swimming with whales since the 90s,” he said. “I had a lot of experience with the whales in Part Macquarie.
“Sometimes the whales will swim right over to the boat.”
For more information phone 0458 997 188 or visit www.noosawave.com.au
