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As the 2015 annual whale migration season commences, renowned Gold Coast whale watching company Whales in Paradise will reach 10 years as pioneers in the sector.

A decade ago, Anthony Ardern was the youngest in the world to establish a formal whale watching venture at 23, with the enterprise now known as Whales in Paradise,  launching and establishing the industry on the Gold Coast.

An industry leader in the field, the owner of Whales in Paradise is also an outspoken whale advocate, conservationist and Federal Government marine environment consultant.

Ardern is immensely proud of the company reaching double digits and was now focussed on the season ahead.

He explains “we’ve been doing what we love since 2005 and have always had pride in providing not just tours, but real experiences to every person that steps foot on our vessel.

“We have survived a long arduous decade and have ridden the ups and downs of what can be a complex and challenging tourism industry.

“So far this year the whales are steadily tracking north and our expectations are very high for some amazing experiences with them when they reach our warm waters with approximately 20,000 whales making the long journey every year.”

The very first 45-passenger Whales in Paradise vessel took the first whale watching group out on June 4 2005, where they witnessed magnificent humpback whales frolicking in the shores off the Coast.

The Sea Watch was upgraded to the Mahi Mahi, a 48 passenger luxury catamaran that immediately provided a more intimate whale encounters due to quieter engines and a more acoustically absorbent fibreglass hull.

In 2008 the vessel was upgraded again to the current 69 passenger capacity with full 360 degree view, walk around decks and water level viewing.

Ardern has participated in tours and research trips throughout the world including Canada, Hawaii, and New Zealand exploring the latest research technologies and refining international best practice methods for the business and custodianship of the whales and marine environment.

He added “we take our responsibility as conservationists and carers for our marine life very seriously so we will continue to be vigilant in our monitoring of unsafe sea practices and standards this season as well as lobbying for the improvement of any initiatives that may be harmful to whales.

“We know that the design of Mahi Mahi provides the ultimate whale watching experience with an exclusive number of passengers on board allowing the closest encounters that are exciting to be a part of while still safe for the whales.”

To celebrate its 10th birthday Whales in Paradise is running an ‘adults at kids prices’ promotion from 1st to 14th June for tours booked via the website using the online code – Birthday.

To be part of 10th birthday celebrations and for more information go to www.whalesinparadise.com.au

29th May 2015 - SEA WORLD WHALE WATCH LAUNCHES 2015 SEASON 

7th September 2013 - SIGHTSEEING BOATS ENDANGER WHALES

12th November 2011 - VISITOR STATISTICS SHOW WHALE SHARK TOURISM ON THE RISE

7th June 2011 - SEA WORLD LAUNCHES 2011 WHALE WATCHING SEASON

6th June 2011 - SEA WORLD MANAGER FEATURES IN WHALE DOCUMENTARY

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