Gold Coast’s Best Whale Watching Experience
DURATION
2.5 hours
DEPARTURE LOCATION
Sea World Cruise Terminal
2025 OPERATING SEASON
May 31st - Late October
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
From $89 Adult | $79 Child
CAPTAIN'S LOUNGE TICKETS
$149 Adult | $109 Child
Experience unforgettable Gold Coast whale watching aboard modern purpose-built vessels with expert marine guides
Experience unforgettable Gold Coast whale watching and discover why Sea World Cruises is recognised as one of the best whale watching tours in Australia.
Step aboard for an unforgettable Gold Coast whale watching experience and witness the incredible humpback whale migration along the famous Humpback Highway. Sea World Cruises operates modern, purpose-built whale watching vessels designed for comfort, stability, and exceptional viewing opportunities.
Our experienced captains, marine researchers, and expert naturalist guides provide fascinating insights into whale behaviour, migration, and marine conservation. Watch in awe as humpback whales breach, tail slap, and surface beside the vessel — often coming remarkably close in unforgettable encounters.
With spacious indoor and outdoor viewing decks and advanced onboard technology, this whale watching Gold Coast tour offers one of the most immersive and reliable whale watching experiences available. Perfect for families, visitors, and locals, whale watching is widely considered one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast during whale season.
Gold Coast's best whale watching experience
Join us for an unforgettable Gold Coast whale watching experience and see why we’re voted Gold Coast’s Number 1 Whale Watching Tour! 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.
What to Expect
Highlights
Join the Whale Watch Fun
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General Admission Tickets
WHALE SEASON OVER
Join us again from May 30th, 2026!
Adult
Ages 14+
From
$89.00
Child
$79.00
Family
$396.00
$317.00
Your Ticket Helps Protect Australian Wildlife
Thanks to your experience, you are helping us make real change in safeguarding marine life and ensuring a sustainable future for our oceans.
Captain's Lounge
Enhance your whale watching experience with a behind-the-scenes look from the Captain’s Lounge.
This unforgettable VIP experience will see you take a grandstand position alongside the Captain in the vessel’s command centre. Scan the horizon with our expert crew in search of the famous “blow” of the humpback whales. Enjoy informative commentary as you witness these gentle giants showcase their curiosity and acrobatic skills.
Seats are exclusive to the vessel ‘Spirit of Migaloo II’ and have limited availability.
What to Expect
Whale Watch in Style
100% whale sighting guarantee
All standard whale watching inclusions, plus:
Luxurious, private, spacious seating in the Captain’s lounge
Priority boarding with a personal host
Complimentary onboard snacks
Non-alcoholic drinks included
Captain’s Lounge Luxury
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Why Choose Sea World Cruises for Gold Coast Whale Watching
– Modern purpose-built whale watching vessels for superior comfort and stability
– Marine researchers and expert guides onboard every whale watching tour
– 100% whale sighting guarantee
– Dedicated whale watching terminal with convenient access and free parking
– Supporting marine conservation through the Sea World Foundation
Departure Information
Departure Schedule
Departure
Return
Vessel
8:00 AM
10:15 AM
Kaiala
9:00 AM
11:15 AM
Spirit of Migaloo II
11:00 AM
1:15 PM
Kaiala
12:00 PM
2:15 PM
Spirit of Migaloo II
2:00 PM
4:15 PM
Kaiala
3:00 PM
5:15 PM
Spirit of Migaloo II
Check-In
Please check-in at least 20 minutes prior to your cruise departure time, at the Sea World Cruises Terminal in Main Beach. Follow directional signage when entering the Sea World car park. Entry to Sea World Marine Park is not required.
The Deck Café
The Sea World Cruises chefs prepare daily light refreshments at our stunning waterfront Deck Café, 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
Our Vessels
Our fleet of vessels was designed and built here in South-East Queensland, drawing on a deep understanding of local sea conditions to ensure smoother cruising and maximum passenger comfort.
Whale Watching Ticket FAQs
What is the best Gold Coast whale watching tour?
Sea World Cruises offers one of the best Gold Coast whale watching experiences, operating modern purpose-built vessels with expert marine researchers and naturalist guides onboard. With a 100% whale sighting guarantee and decades of experience, Sea World Cruises provides one of the most reliable and memorable whale watching tours on the Gold Coast.
How likely am I to see whales on a whale watching Gold Coast tour?
Whale sightings are extremely common during the Gold Coast whale watching season, with thousands of humpback whales migrating along the coastline. Sea World Cruises offers a 100% whale sighting guarantee, ensuring you will see whales or receive a free return cruise.
When is whale watching season on the Gold Coast?
Gold Coast whale watching season runs from late May to October each year, when humpback whales migrate along the east coast of Australia. This period offers excellent opportunities to see whales up close.
How long is the whale watching tour?
The whale watching cruise runs for approximately 2.5 hours, allowing plenty of time to locate whales and enjoy incredible viewing opportunities in comfort.
How close do whales come to the boat?
Whales often approach the vessel naturally, sometimes coming remarkably close. These encounters allow guests to witness whales breaching, tail slapping, and swimming alongside the boat while maintaining safe and responsible wildlife viewing practices.
What makes Sea World Cruises different from other whale watching tours?
Sea World Cruises operates modern purpose-built whale watching vessels designed for superior comfort, stability, and viewing. Marine researchers and expert naturalist guides onboard provide deeper insight into whale behaviour, migration, and conservation.
What will I see during Gold Coast whale watching?
You’ll witness humpback whales in their natural environment, including breaching, tail slapping, and surfacing alongside the vessel. Guests may also see dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life during the cruise.
Is whale watching worth it on the Gold Coast?
Gold Coast whale watching is widely considered one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Australia, offering rare close encounters with humpback whales during their annual migration.
Where does whale watching depart from?
Whale watching departs from the Sea World Cruises terminal at Main Beach, just minutes from Surfers Paradise, with convenient free parking available onsite.
What should I wear for whale watching?
Comfortable casual clothing is recommended, along with a light jacket or windbreaker, as conditions can be cooler on the water. Flat, comfortable shoes are also recommended.
Can children go whale watching?
Yes, whale watching is suitable for all ages and is a fantastic experience for families, offering an exciting and educational opportunity to see whales in the wild.
Is the vessel comfortable and stable?
Sea World Cruises operates modern vessels specifically designed for whale watching, providing excellent stability, spacious viewing areas, and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.
What is the best whale watching Gold Coast experience?
The best whale watching Gold Coast experiences combine modern vessels, experienced guides, and reliable whale sightings. Sea World Cruises offers all of these, providing one of the most advanced and comfortable whale watching tours available.
Why is Gold Coast whale watching so popular?
The Gold Coast sits along the famous Humpback Highway, where thousands of whales migrate each year. This makes it one of the best locations in Australia to observe humpback whales up close.
What are the chances of seeing humpback whales on the Gold Coast?
Chances of seeing whales during the season are extremely high, as thousands migrate past the Gold Coast coastline. Sea World Cruises’ whale sighting guarantee ensures a reliable experience.
Is whale watching one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast?
Yes, whale watching is one of the top experiences on the Gold Coast, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters and a unique opportunity to see humpback whales in their natural environment.
What is the best time of day for whale watching?
Whale sightings occur throughout the day, and Sea World Cruises schedules departures at optimal times based on whale activity and conditions to maximise viewing opportunities.
Why choose Sea World Cruises for whale watching Gold Coast?
Sea World Cruises offers one of the most modern and reliable whale watching experiences on the Gold Coast, with purpose-built vessels, marine researchers onboard, and a whale sighting guarantee.
What is the best wildlife experience on the Gold Coast?
Gold Coast whale watching is widely regarded as one of the best wildlife experiences available, offering unforgettable close encounters with humpback whales during their annual migration.
