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Accessibility Guide

Kaiala

Purpose-built whale watching vessel

Kaiala is a two-level whale watching vessel set low to the water. This purpose-built whale watching vessel is designed to get you up close and personal with the whales.

Boarding

Guests access the pontoon via a declining ramp that is 1.5 metres at its narrowest point. The ramp to the pontoon can shift in steepness with the tide. It may be difficult to get onto the ramp when shifting tides and individuals may need assistance to get onto it. Our friendly crew are available to assist if required.

Access to Kaiala is via a ramp that is 0.8 metres wide, and 1.6 metres long with a maximum slope of [INSERT] degrees. Handrails are available on both sides of the ramp at a height of 0.92 metres. Guests with disabilities are offered priority boarding. The crew are able to provide assistance if required.

Lower Deck Navigation

The lower deck has six tables that are 0.85 metres high with fixed bench seats that are 0.55 metres high with backrests at the height of 0.9 metres. There is also couch-like seating that is 0.55 metres high. There are large windows which can be opened to allow airflow. There are 1 metre high handrails around the vessel. The bar counter is 1 metre high.

Top Deck Navigation

There is a flight of stairs with 12 steps that are 1.1 metres wide and 0.2 metres high with handrails 0.8 metres high to access the top level. There is a number of bench-style seats for passenger comfort that are 0.45 metres high with a backrest height of 0.9 metres. The benches are 1.5 metres wide with a depth of 0.25 metres. There are safety handrails all around the top deck that are 1 metre high.

Due to the motion of the ocean, it can often be difficult to descend Kaialas stairs. We recommend using both hands on the rails at all times.

Bow Navigation

The door to the bow is 0.7 metres wide. The bow of the boat can be accessed by a flight of stairs with three steps 0.85 metres wide and 0.2 metres high and 1.38 deep. There is couch space to sit on at the bow that is 0.5 metres high. There is a 1 metre high safety rail around the bow. We ask all guests to place one hand on the rail at all times when standing on the bow of the boat.

Wheelchair Access

The lower deck is partially wheelchair accessible. There is space for a wheelchair at the back of the vessel. However, due to the location and size of the space, we encourage passengers with wheelchairs to book on our other whale watching vessel, Spirit of Migaloo II.

Wheelchairs are permitted to move around the vessel on skipper discretion. Weather and ocean conditions can impact the safety and stability of wheelchair users. However, these are advisers and it is up to the wheelchair user to choose what they would like to do.

Restrooms

There are two standard unisex bathrooms on the lower deck. Accessible restrooms can be found before and after the tour at the Sea World Cruises Terminal.

Weather Considerations

The amount of boat movement is dependent on the weather. If there is a risk of rough weather impacting the cruise, passengers will be advised of rough weather prior to the cruise.

Sensory Considerations

There is no sensory room/chill-out space available. Sensory kits in the form of pop bubble fidget toys and earplugs are available onboard. Complimentary children’s activity packs are also available. If you would like more information, you can see Sensory Guide

Strollers

Due to limited space, we prefer you not bring strollers or prams on board. If departing from our Sea World, Main Beach location, we can accommodate your stroller’s storage for the duration of your cruise.

Environmental Considerations

Whale Watching tours on Kaiala operate on the open ocean. As such, there is a risk of seasickness. However, if you want to take precautions, you can find more information at Sea Sickness Advice

Visual Considerations

There are handrails around the edges of the boat to hold onto when walking around the vessel. Our experienced skippers will always try and get the best views of the whales. For guests with visual impairments, we recommend brining a pair of binoculars to help see the whales. The crew can help if needed. Assistance animals are welcome aboard. If you would like more information, you can see Assistance Animals.

Auditory Considerations

On transit to the whales, the sound of the engines of the vessel may make it difficult to make conversation for some guests who are hard of hearing. Once we have found whales, the engines slow down and are much quieter. During whale watching time, there is onboard commentary that can be heard from speakers throughout the vessel.

Change places

A collapsible infant change table is available on request. This is suitable for newborns up to 12 months of age and up to 11 kilograms in weight. There are no adult height adjustable adult-sized change benches or ceiling-tracking hoists available.

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