Whale Watching Tour Operators
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Suggested Whale Cruise Operators
Gold Coast whale watching tour operators share a common bond. The majestic humpback whales! Each tour operator has their own unique attributes, whether it be where they leave from, the times of cruises or their onboard facilities.
On this page you will find more information about the different tour operators and what they have to offer visitors.
If you are 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.
Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour Operators
There are several established whale watching cruise operators on and around the Gold Coast.
We don't cover every single whale watch operation in the Gold Coast, only the ones we think offer something different or unique.
That might be more technology, a hydrophone, smaller boat, larger boat, good viewing options, good customer service, departure points or departure times.
One thing is totally undisputed. They share a common bond and seem to work together to ensure that you, the paying customer, gets to have a great whale watching experience.
The whales have it, for sure! Just get out there and enjoy them on one of these operators.
For a full round up and more information to help you select the right one for you check out:
Whale Watching Cruise Comparison
Suggested Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour Operators
Here's a quick run down of our suggested tour operators in the Gold Coast shown by location.
Whale Watching Cruises leaving from Surfers Paradise and Main Beach include:
- Sea
World Whale Watching
Tours
From Sea World Theme Park, Main Beach
- Whales
in Paradise - Whale Watching from Surfers Paradise
and Australian Whale Watching from Surfers Paradise Marina at the end of Cavill Avenue
For the southern end of the Gold Coast the main departure point is in Coolangatta/Tweed Heads.
- Coolangatta Whale Watch - Coolangatta Whale Watch From Tweed Heads South (just over the border in NSW)
Whale watching tour operators also depart from Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
Departure Time for Gold Coast Whale Tours
The earliest tour departure time is 8.30am* with the latest being at 2.30pm.
Be sure that you get the time you need to be there for boarding, not the times the boats depart, you will need to be there at least 30 minutes prior to the departure times and bookings are essential.
Please note: each year the boat times change, I try to update them at the beginning of each season. These are updated for 2017 with the information to hand in early May. Please check when booking, that information should be correct! Some cruise operators create additional tours from time to time, but they may not be for the whole season.
8.30am Cruise (8.10am Boarding)
Whales in Paradise - Whale Watching from Surfers - Surfers Paradise
9.00am Departure (8.30am Boarding)
10.00am Departure (9.30am Boarding)
10.30am Departure (10.10am Boarding)
12.30pm Departure (12.10pm Boarding)
Whales in Paradise - Whale Watching from Surfers - Surfers Paradise
2.00pm Departure (1.30pm Boarding)
Sea World Whale Watch - Sea World
2.30pm Departure (2.10pm Boarding)
Whales in Paradise - Whale Watching from Surfers - Surfers Paradise
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Where do the Whale Watching Tours leave from?
The main tours and cruises on the Gold Coast depart from Main Beach or Surfers Paradise. There are also tours from other locations.Main Beach
Marina Mirage/Fisherman's Wharf
Sea World Terminal in Sea World Car Park
Surfers Paradise
- Whales in Paradise - behind Vibe Hotel and Appel Park.
Brisbane
- Brisbane Whale Watching Tours - Departing from Redcliffe Jetty Brisbane
Sunshine Coast
Gold Coast Local Information
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.