Whale Watching Tickets
DURATION
2.5 hours
DEPARTURE LOCATION
Sea World Cruise Terminal
2025 OPERATING SEASON
May 31st - Late October
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
$79 Adult SALE | $79 Child
CAPTAIN'S LOUNGE TICKETS
$149 Adult | $109 Child
Gold Coast's Best Whale Watching Experience
Experience an unforgettable Gold Coast whale watching adventure and discover why Sea World Cruises is voted the Gold Coast’s #1 Whale Watching Tour!
Your journey begins at the Sea World Cruises Terminal, where you’ll enjoy complimentary parking and a seamless check-in process. Treat yourself to house-made snacks and a selection of beverages at the terminal café as you take in stunning views of the Gold Coast Broadwater. Before boarding your spacious whale watching vessel, take a moment to explore the informative humpback whale history exhibit.
Once on board, your experienced Captain ensures utmost comfort and safety while navigating the iconic Humpback Highway in search of majestic whales. Learn fascinating insights about whale behaviour from knowledgeable crew members and marine researchers. Be amazed by breathtaking whale displays, and keep an eye out for playful dolphins and sea turtles along the way. Best of all, your ticket directly supports marine conservation through the Sea World Foundation.
When you return to the terminal, take time to browse the ocean-inspired gift shop for keepsakes from your day, with a portion of proceeds also going towards the research, rescue, and conservation efforts of the Sea World Foundation.
Get ready for the whale watching adventure of a lifetime — you’re going to love every moment!
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
100% whale sighting guarantee
Onboard hydrophones and underwater cameras (subject to daily conditions)
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 & more
Share in the excitement of an ocean adventure with the whole family
Join the Whale Watch Fun
#seaworldcruises
General Admission Tickets
PRE-SEASON SALE - Adults @ Kids Prices
Available for a limited time only.
Adult
Ages 14+
$119.00
$79.00
Child
Ages 3-13
$79.00
Family
2 Adults + 2 Child
$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.
Book With Confidence
- Free cancellation up to 3 hours prior to departure
- Free date change up to 3 hours prior to departure
- Free return cruise if your cruise doesn’t see a whale
*excludes group bookings of 10 or more
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
#seaworldcruises
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.
Interpretive
Displays
Superior Whale
Watch Vessel
Live Underwater
Mobile Viewing
Underwater
Hydrophone
Waterfront Café
& Gift Shop
Professional
Photographers
Indoor Heated
Check-In Terminal
100% Whale
Sighting Guarantee
Marine Naturalist
Guides
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
When is the whale watching season on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast whale watching season typically 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.
