Anita F.
Google review
Described the cruise as a family holiday highlight, with large groups of whales and surprisingly close breaches.
Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise
Head offshore from Main Beach for extraordinary encounters with migrating humpback whales. Our purpose-built vessels offer indoor comfort, open-air viewing and marine expert commentary throughout your approximately 2.5-hour cruise.
From$89AUD
2.5 hour experience
Gold Coast
2.5-hour whale watching cruise
Journey along the Gold Coast’s Humpback Highway during migration season.
Purpose-built vessels
Enjoy comfortable indoor spaces and open-air viewing decks.
Marine expert commentary
Learn about humpback behaviour and the annual migration from the crew.
Whale sighting guarantee
Receive a complimentary return-tour voucher if no whales are seen.
Whale song and underwater views
Hydrophones and underwater viewing bring the ocean closer when conditions allow.
Free parking at Main Beach
Depart from Sea World Cruises Terminal; theme park admission is not required.
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Need help booking? Contact our team or call 07 5539 9299.
What to expect
- Approximately 2.5-hour Gold Coast whale watching cruise
- Purpose-built vessel with indoor and outdoor viewing areas
- Live commentary from experienced marine experts
- Hydrophone whale-song listening, subject to wildlife and conditions
- Underwater viewing, subject to vessel, wildlife and conditions
- Whale sighting guarantee: complimentary return-tour voucher if no whales are seen
Check in at Sea World Cruises Terminal in Main Beach, where free parking is available. You do not need Sea World theme park admission to join the cruise. After boarding, travel through the Broadwater and out to the Gold Coast’s Humpback Highway.
Our marine experts share insights into humpback whales as you scan for blows, tails and splashes. Indoor spaces and outdoor viewing decks let you enjoy the approximately 2.5-hour experience your way. Hydrophone listening and underwater viewing depend on the vessel, wildlife and conditions.
Whales are wild animals and every encounter is different. If no whales are sighted, the whale sighting guarantee offers a complimentary return-tour voucher valid for 12 months.
Take a closer look
What our guests loved
A few hand-picked reviews sharing what our guests loved about their experience.
Janet R.
Google review
Called the experience a dream come true, praising Captain Wayne and the crew for finding whales and answering questions enthusiastically.
Ian A.
Google review
Enjoyed friendly staff, a safety briefing and the family’s first encounter with a mother and baby humpback.
Jenny M.
Google review
Praised the crew, whale sightings and coastal journey, and felt the VIP upgrade offered good value.
Leanne K.
Google review
Enjoyed a smooth first visit with the kids, from parking and coffee to seeing whales within 40 minutes.
James T.
Google review
Felt the Captain’s Lounge upgrade was worthwhile, particularly watching for whales beside the captain.
Location
Good to know
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Captain's Club upgrade
Add VIP comfort to the same whale watching adventure. Captain’s Club includes exclusive Captain’s Lounge seating, priority boarding and a personal host, complimentary snacks, a glass of bubbles, non-alcoholic drinks and a boarding photo.
Book Captain's ClubWildlife & viewing conditions
Whale watching runs from late May to early November, following the annual humpback migration along the Gold Coast. Whales choose how they move and behave, so no particular behaviour, proximity or breach is promised.
Hydrophone listening and underwater viewing depend on the vessel, wildlife and conditions. If no whales are sighted, our whale sighting guarantee provides a complimentary return-tour voucher valid for 12 months; it is not a cash refund.