Brisbane Whale Watching is gearing up for a bumper season 2009, welcoming guests from near and far to share in an unforgettable up close encounter with the mighty Humpback whales.

Brisbane Whale Watching is gearing up for a bumper season 2009, welcoming guests from near and far to share in an unforgettable up close encounter with the mighty Humpback whales.

As a part of the official celebrations the Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor will be on board MV Eye-Spy at Redcliffe Jetty to officially open Brisbane Whale Watching Season 2009 this Saturday 27 June at 9.45am.

“It has been a challenging past six months for the region with major environmental issues impacting the bay. We are delighted to welcome Minister Peter Lawlor to officially open our season and join us all in conveying the important message that it is now “business as usual” for the local business community” said Kerry Lopez, captain and managing director of Brisbane Whale Watching.

“With 10,000 whales sighted in the bay last year and an estimated 10-12% growth forecast for the season ahead, this is confirmation of a healthy whale population migrating through the bay… amazing when you think back to 1964 when we had just 100!” confirmed Ms Lopez.

Brisbane Whale Watching now in its 14th year of operation is privileged to be one of only two permit holders licensed to operate commercial cruises in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

“Not only are there the countless pods of playful Humpback whales to be sighted, but also the dolphins, logger-head turtles, bird-life and also some special repeat visitors, like Stitches, the whale identified with a cross mark.”

The multi-million dollar purpose built luxury catamaran, MV Eye-Spy is skippered by the South Pacific’s only female captain of a whale watching venture, Captain Kerry Lopez.

Built to specifications for whale watching expeditions, Eye-Spy represents the ultimate in design, stability and technology. With a capacity to host up to three hundred guests, the six viewing decks and large bow allow for unobstructed viewing from all points. Floor to ceiling glass with air-conditioned comfort means staying inside will not hinder your viewing pleasure.

Enhanced seating along with excellent sea keeping qualities makes traveling to and from the whale sighting grounds both comfortable and enjoyable.

Fitted with low noise propellers to minimize noise, while electronically controlled engines reduce fuel usage and exhaust emissions all ensure MV Eye-Spy remains environmentally friendly to both the whales and all other marine life.

The Brisbane Whale Watching experience includes a delicious morning and afternoon tea, plus gourmet buffet lunch and expert marine commentary.

Tours depart daily at 10am returning at approximately 2.30pm from 27 June until November, leaving from Redcliffe Jetty, an easy 30 minute drive from downtown Brisbane. Daily coach transfers are available from Brisbane CBD, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

For further information and bookings visit www.brisbanewhalewatching.com.au