Whale Watching On Gold Coast
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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!
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You probably will not visit the Gold Coast JUST for whale watching.
If you are here during the season: JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, then I highly recommend considering going on a tour to see these incredible animals. Not only that, you can often get a great combination deal to save you money too!
This page is the hub for all things whales on the site. Read on to find out about all different aspects and things to consider when choosing to check out the whales whilst on the Gold Coast.
Oh! And if you still planning your holiday to the Gold Coast Click Here to find out about my planning cheat sheets, tips & tools to step you through the process and make sure you don't miss anything!
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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 In Gold Coast
As I mentioned above, you probably will not visit the Gold Coast JUST for whale watching.
However, if you are visiting during the season: JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER...
Getting out on the water SEEING the WHALES IS A MUST DO!
Reviews of previous whale watching visitors, usually rate the experience as one of the best of their life. You'll see words like magnificent and incredible.
And whilst some people aren't too good on boats and get seasick, you will still find them saying wonderful things about the whales.
Let's get this clear - it's ALL ABOUT THE WHALES!
My purpose in writing about this here, is to get you to add seeing the whales to your itinerary. I firmly believe you will thank me for making the point ;-)
First things first, it's really important to book ahead as tours get busy especially during peak times.
When you book, you'll need to select your date, and I suggest you schedule it early in your stay just in case it has to be rescheduled due to poor weather conditions for watching the whales and going out on a boat.
I am getting a little ahead of myself, you probably need to know more about whale watching, what the options are, and how to select the right cruise for you or combination of cruise and other activities.
If you need any more convincing to put whale watching on your itinerary whilst on the Gold Coast... read on, I have answers to many of your questions*, stories, pictures, videos and lots of hints and tips.
Whilst there are other operators, we only suggest a few on the Gold Coast otherwise the choice can become overwhelming!
* If you read all the information or you get lost in it, you can always ask me directly anything I haven't covered. The easiest way is to email me through my contact form.
The Gold Coast is a top spot to watch the whales during the Australian whale watching season. The Gold Coast has the longest season with whales migrating north during June, July and August and returning home from August, September and October
Choosing Your Whale Watch Cruise
- How to select a tour that suits you? Discover what to look for plus our suggestions
- Make your holiday dollars go further by combining whale tours with other activities.
- Sea World Whale Watch Cruises and combinations with other activities to save you money
- Whales in Paradise cruises from Surfers Paradise
- Other cruise options include Tangalooma, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast (including Swim With The Whales Option) and Byron Bay options.
Preparing For Whale Watching & Other Questions
- Hints and Tips - a must read BEFORE you go on your whale watching tour includes general tips as well as ones about photography and other things you might not think about.
- What should I wear? - suggestions for what to wear depending on the weather conditions - and this one is NOT just for the ladies!
- What if I get seasick? - some tips about what to look out for in choosing your cruise and in preparation for going on your trip.
Whale Watching Questions And Information
- What Will I See - as well as learning more about the whales we see on the Gold Coast, check out photos, videos and read stories and reviews.
- When is the best time to go whale watching? Learn about the different parts of the season and see how the different stages of migration bring opportunities to see different aspects of the whales.
- Can I see whales without going on a boat? Suggestions for those who don't want to go on a boat including where to spot whales from land plus other tips!
Whale watching season runs through June, July, August , September and October. Check out those links to find out more about visiting the Gold Coast during these months.
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.
You'll find lots of photographs, descriptions and information to help you dream up your perfect Gold Coast Holiday.
Why not start with all that the Gold Coast has to offer.
After many years of planning trips with my family both locally and overseas, I've created many resources to help you through creating an itinerary and plan that will have you seeing, doing and experiencing the best the Gold Coast has to offer you.
You can do it yourself using the resources on this website by starting here.
Or you can cut some corners and get my travel planning sheets and extra resources.
When you are ready to book your Gold Coast travel arrangements I've hand picked the best resources for all aspects of your travel itinerary. You can feel confident that you are accessing the best local and global travel providers for your holiday.