Brisbane Whale Watching Captain Kerry Lopez is hopefully of opening in time for peak season

A leading whale watching operator is planning for restrictions to ease in time for peak season – and the captain says she will get out on the water even if it means taking a hit financially.

Captain Kerry Lopez with her boat Eye Spy at Redcliffe Jetty. Picture: Chris Higgins

Pandemic or no pandemic the whales will still make their journey along our coastline this winter and spring – and Brisbane Whale Watching hope to be able to launch just in time for peak season.

Captain Kerry Lopez, who runs the tourism operation from Redcliffe, said the COVID-19 restrictions had, had a terrible impact on their business, even though it is their off-season.

“Normally we would have a lot of pre-bookings by now but we have had nowhere near as many as we normally would,” Captain Lopez said.

“I think people are just unsure and frightened.”

Whales spotted breaching off Eye Spy. Picture: Sandra Hoffman

Captain Lopez said she hopes to be able operate when Stage 3 is put in to place by the Federal Government in July.

During this time Captain Lopez said guests could see between 30-40 whales a day.

“Because of the space we have on Eye Spy we will be able to social distance 100 people over three decks,” she said.

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“People will feel like they have the whole boat to themselves, so the experience will be just as good, if not better.

“It will also be during school holidays, so a perfect activity to do with the family.”

Captain Lopez said they would usually take 280 people per day tour.

“It is going to have a financial impact but we are in the same situation as every other tourism operator,” she said.

She said it is still unsure if they will be able to serve their usual buffet lunch on board, but said either way guests would still be fed.

Captain Lopez said her business relied heavily on the domestic market as well as travellers from the UK and New Zealand.

She said if the borders between Australia and New Zealand were reopened it would provide a big boost.

“Hopefully people will come and visit family and friends when the borders reopen and come and see the whales,” Captain Lopez said.

She said the boat would be equipped with hand sanitising stations and comply with all COVID-19 regulations.

“If everybody complies with the rules and understands it is a safe environment and that the operators do care about what they are doing the trust will come back and people will feel safe again,” she said.

Bookings can be made online 24 hours, seven days a week via the Brisbane Whale Watching website.