Whale Watching Reviews For Gold Coast
Hello! Welcome to the Gold Coast Australia and the sunshine state of Queensland!
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I guarantee you will find real information on this website and I promise no endless lists of accommodation!
You'll find hints and tips from my own experiences and those of my family and friends who visit or live here. I've lived in and around Gold Coast since 2004. I'm here to help.
Use this website to get all the information you need to plan your perfect Gold Coast holiday, or simply click here to get planning cheat sheets, tips & tools to make it easier!
AND, to make it super easy here are our main booking partners for hotels and for tours, tickets, theme parks and activities with all the latest deals & up-to-date information.
What Will I See During Whale Watching Season On Gold Coast?
Once you have seen one whale you have seen them all? Absolutely not! I could go out day after day watching the whales!
You just need to hear how passionate the Gold Coast whale crews are to know you just don't get bored of them. Every day with the whales is different. But each cruise and operator is different too.
On this page you will find links to reviews and information about each of the local whale watching tours.
If you still planning your holiday Click Here for my planning cheat sheets, tips & tools to step you through the process and make sure you don't miss anything, or check out the combos and itineraries page to get an idea of some great money saving ready made holiday packages and plans.
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Gold Coast Whale Watching Season is CLOSED FOR 2022!
2022 Whale Watching season is now CLOSED on Gold Coast.
Whale Watching Season from usually from late May and runs through to early November.
Check out the booking options for Whale Watching including current deals as they become available, often with huge savings.
Whale Watching Reviews of Gold Coast Whale Watch Cruises
These reviews of whale watching on the Gold Coast Australia relate to boat based whale watching.
You can watch
whales from land or by air! I haven't quite managed
whale watching by air, but it's on my bucket list!
You really cannot beat being up close with the whales and that is where boat tours are really the best option.
Probably the most important thing is to just get out there!
This is one of those activities or experiences that I think are well worth it.
I defy anyone to come back from spending time with the whales and not be moved by it.
Over time I will fill out these reviews with tours from different
parts of the season and from different
tour operators.
Gold Coast Whale Watch Reviews & Stories
Here are the main Gold Coast whale watching tours:
There are general reviews on each of the web pages about these operators, and full reviews on the pages marked as Review.
Whale Watching Hints and Tips
In response to some questions I have received I have written a couple of articles giving hints and tips for a great whale watching experience.
Current Top Options Whale Watching In Gold Coast
Here's a selection of the best current deals at the moment for the whale watching in Gold Coast. Please check here for all whale watching options including Coolangatta option for those staying in southern Gold Coast.
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Sea World Whale Watching
POPULAR OPTIONThis cruise is ALWAYS POPULAR with a well respected cruise operator.
Morning cruise goes every day during season. Lots of parking close by and easy to get to using shuttle buses, or public transport.Sea World Whale Watch
Great Value for Visitors- Adult
- $99.00
- Child (3-13)
- $79.00
- Family (2A 2C)
- $300.00
Sea World Whale Watch
Sea World Whale Watching Cruise
This popular cruise is often fully booked, so it is worth booking ahead, especially during school holidays.
Sea World Whale Watch is a popular option, because it is easily recognisable, it has a large boat and is backed by the professionalism of Sea World.
Sea World Whale Watch Cruises are available in the morning from 10am to 12.30pm and sometimes in the afternoon from 2pm to 4pm (though you will need to check for dates and availability on the links provided).
You will need to arrange transfers to get to the Sea World Cruise Terminal - which is in the car park of Sea World. You can use the standard Sea World theme park transfer for the morning cruise.
This season there are two cruises daily. The morning cruise departs around 10am returning around 12.30pm. The afternoon cruise (not always available) departs around 2pm returning around 4.30pm. All cruises are dependent upon weather conditions, which is why I always recommend you plan your itinerary for your holiday beforehand and book in your cruise early in the vacation, in case it has to be rescheduled. It would be terrible to miss out on seeing the whales.
Sea World offers the following guarantee: 'Guaranteed sightings or full refund will be provided except during the months of May and November'
Sea World Whale Watching Cruise
Adult $99
Child (3-13 years) $79
Family (2A+2Ch) $300
Sea World Whale WatchOutstanding Value - no credit card or booking fees. Print your own vouchers. Mobile Vouchers Accepted.
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Surfers Paradise Whale Watching
EASY ACCESS - GREAT VALUEThese cruises go from the heart of Surfers Paradise, so you don't need transfers! Departs 4 times per day - two in the morning morning, a midday and an afternoon departure.
BE QUICK. Click for more info or BOOK NOW...Surfers Paradise Whale Watching
3½ hours inc. Canal Cruise
Great Value & Options for Visitors- Adult
- $99
- Child (0-14)
- $69
- Family (2A 2C)
- $267
Surfers Paradise Whale Watch
Surfers Paradise Whale Watching Cruises
4 Cruises Per Day For Great FlexibilityThis is the only whale watching cruise that leaves from the centre of Surfers Paradise.
If you are staying in Surfers, Broadbeach, Main Beach or even Southport, you can either walk (Surfers Paradise only) or take the new G:Link or a bus to this cruise. No need to use an attraction transfer for this one!
If you need to drive, you can easily park across the road, under Circle on Cavill or Chevron Renaissance. Parking charges will apply.
There are a couple of great advantages for this whale watch including the convenience of the departure location, a bonus canal cruise to see the houses of the rich and famous from the Gold Coast before you head out to see the whales and the flexibility to choose one of 4 daily cruises to see the whales.
Cruises are just over 3 hours and depart at 8.30am, 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm daily. You need to be checked in at least 20 minutes before departure.
This whale watching company offers the following guarantee: 'Guaranteed whale sightings or free return cruise.'
All cruises are dependent upon weather conditions, which is why I always recommend you plan your itinerary for your holiday beforehand.
Book your cruise before you arrive in Gold Coast and make sure it is early in the vacation.
This is in case it has to be rescheduled due to weather conditions - it would be terrible to miss out on seeing the whales.BE QUICK. Click for more info or BOOK NOW.
Whale Watching from Surfers Paradise
Adult $99
Child (0-14 years) $69
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) $267
BOOK NOWOutstanding Value - no credit card or booking fees. Print your own or use mobile vouchers.