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Whale Watch Cruises

DURATION
2.5 hours
DEPARTURE LOCATION
Sea World Cruise Terminal
2024 OPERATING SEASON
May 25th - November 3rd
DAILY SPECIAL
Check Availability for Daily Specials!
ADULTS FROM
$89.00
KIDS
$79.00

Cruise with the Experts

Join us for an unforgettable Gold Coast whale watching experience with Sea World Cruises! Your adventure begins at our Sea World Cruises Terminal with complimentary parking and a seamless check-in process. Enjoy house-made treats and a selection of beverages at the terminal café while taking in stunning views of the Gold Coast Broadwater. Before boarding your spacious whale watching vessel, explore our informative humpback whale history exhibit.

Our experienced Captain ensures comfort and safety while searching for whales along the iconic Humpback Highway, right here on the Gold Coast. Learn about whale behaviour from our knowledgeable crew and marine researchers. Witness breathtaking displays of whale action while also watching for playful dolphins and sea turtles. In addition to the experience, your ticket purchase directly contributes to marine conservation efforts through our partnership with the Sea World Foundation.

Upon return to the Sea World Cruises Terminal, browse our ocean-inspired gift shop for keepsakes of your day, with a portion of proceeds furthering the research, rescue, and conservation efforts of the Sea World Foundation. Sea World Cruises can’t wait to have you onboard for the whale watching adventure of a lifetime!

Whale Watch Highlights

100% Whale Sighting Guarantee
Experience the thrill of being in the presence of humpback whales
Choice of two purpose-built luxury whale watching vessels
Learn from our experienced captains and marine naturalist guides
Look for dolphins, sea turtles, sea birds and more
Share in the excitement of an ocean adventure with the whole family

Whale Watching, with added perks

Upgrade to VIP Captain's Lounge!

Upgrade Now

Whale Watching Tickets

DAILY SPECIALS

Check Availability for Daily Specials!

Adult

Ages 14+

From

$89.00

Child

Ages 3-13

$79.00

Family

2 Adults + 1 Child + 1 Child FREE

$396.00

$317.00

* Web offer only. Not available on all dates and times. Excludes Captain's Lounge, Gift Voucher and Family tickets. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
** One child travels free on family tickets. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Experience more with Sea World Whale Watch

Hit the humpback highway with us and enjoy a tour overflowing with features that ensure your Gold Coast whale watch experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

Experience more with Sea World Whale Watch

Hit the humpback highway with us and enjoy a tour overflowing with features that ensure your Gold Coast whale watch experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

Interactive whale information wall

Interpretive
Displays

Inside cabin

Superior Whale
Watch Vessel

Whale Watching App

Live Underwater
Mobile Viewing

Underwater Hydrophone

Underwater
Hydrophone

Whale cafe Gold Coast

Waterfront Cafe
& Gift Shop

Whale Photographers

Professional
Photographers

Whale watching check-in counter

Indoor Heated
Check-In Terminal

Whale tail

100% Whale
Sighting Guarantee

Whale watching crew

Marine Naturalist
Guides

Spot The Marine Life

See majestic whales, playful dolphins, cruising turtles & soaring seabirds – a stunning display of marine life. More than just a Whale Watching adventure!

Our Vessels

Our fleet of vessels were designed and built here in South-East Queensland based on a thorough understanding of sea conditions typical of the region, allowing for smoother sailing conditions and passenger comfort.

Kaiala

Whale Watching Vessel

Spirit of Migaloo II

Whale Watching Vessel

About your Gold Coast whale adventure

Check-In

Check-in time is at least 20 minutes prior to tour departure time from the Sea World Cruises Main Beach Terminal in the car park outside Sea World at Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Entry to Sea World Marine Park is not required.

Departure Schedule

Departure Time
Return Time
Vessel

8:00 AM

10:15 AM

9:00 AM

11:15 AM

11:00 AM

1:15 PM

12:00 PM

2:15 PM

2:00 PM

4:15 PM

3:00 PM

5:15 PM

The Deck Cafe

The Sea World Cruises chefs prepare daily light refreshments at our stunning waterfront Deck Cafe, perfect for starting or concluding your whale watching adventure.

100% Whale Guarantee

In the unlikely event that your tour fails to sight a whale you will be provided with a FREE return Gold Coast whale watching cruise valid for 12-months.

Getting Here:

Sea World Cruises Terminal, Sea World, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, 4217

Directions

Save up to $45

Whale Watching Combo

Sea World Combo

Tick off a weekend with a fantastic Whale Watching Cruise and Sea World Entry Combo.

Buffet Lunch Cruise

Buffet Lunch Cruise

Cruise the Gold Coast waterways with a leisurely 2-hour lunch cruise with the best views in the city.

Best Seller

Buffet Dinner

Buffet Dinner Cruise

Indulge in a 2.5-hour dinner cruise on the Gold Coast Broadwater with stunning night skyline views.

Gold Coast Whale Watching FAQ

When is the Whale watching season on the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast Whale watching season commences late May and finishes early November.

What months are best to see the whales?

With over 45,000 Whales expected to pass by the Gold Coast this year, any month during the migration season is excellent for whale watching.

What weather conditions are best for whale watching?

Whales continue their migration journey regardless of the weather, allowing you to witness them in all conditions!

Is Whale watching better in the morning or afternoon?

There is no difference in Whale activity between dawn and dusk.

What will I see on my Whale watching tour?

In addition to the majestic Humpback Whales, look for our resident bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, green sea turtles, and pelagic bird species.

How close will we get to the whales?

As a responsible whale-watching operator, we adhere to the Queensland Government’s Rules for Watching Marine Mammals. We maintain a distance of at least 100 metres from whales, ensuring their safety and comfort. However, if the whales choose to approach us, they can come as close as they like, a behaviour known as “mugging.”

Do you operate in rough conditions?

If the sea conditions are expected to be rough, we will notify you at check-in. You will be given the option to proceed with the tour, reschedule for another day, or receive a full refund.

Plan Your Adventure

FAQs

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

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