The 5 Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 884 reviews · from $53Our pick

Join Spirit of Gold Coast at Southport for a 2-hour-50-minute whale cruise aboard a 24-meter catamaran. Marine biologists and captains such as Dean and Gavin explain humpback behavior as you watch from two decks. Morning tea, toilets, a licensed bar, and a whale guarantee are included.

“The whales don’t always perform with the classic breach behaviour. Mostly they just cruise on by the coast and you get a glimpse as they surface for air.”

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2.Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 703 reviews · 2h 30m · from $52Best value

Join Spirit of Gold Coast from Southport’s Broadwater for a 150-minute humpback whale cruise from June to October. Captain Dean and the marine guide share clear, lively commentary while you watch for breaching whales, tail slaps, dolphins, and calves from the boat’s 360-degree viewing areas.

“Amazing trip, saw lots of whale activity with a mother and calf, the crew really knew their stuff and I would thoroughly recommend a trip with them”

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3.Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $63Top rated

Join Kokomo Cruises from Main Beach for a 2.5-hour humpback whale watching trip along the Gold Coast’s Whale Highway. The fast, limited-capacity boat reaches the open sea quickly, with 360-degree views, onboard commentary, and a free return ticket if no whales are seen.

“Whale watching with them has been the best experience ever. The crew Nic and Fran were very friendly. They explained about the life of whales and their activities as we were cruising in the ocean. We had lots of fun. I highly recommend Kokomo Cruise for everyone.”

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4.Whale Watching by Sea World Cruises

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 316 reviews · from $63

Cruise from Main Beach aboard the purpose-built Spirit of Migaloo II for up to 2.5 hours in the Australian Whale Sanctuary. Captains and marine naturalist guides explain the whales, while onboard cameras and hydrophones may add another view. Humpback season runs from late May to early November.

“You never know what to expect with these beautiful mammals they definately have a mind of there own and are full of surprises”

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5.Swim with Whales in Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 71 reviews · from $80

From Southport, you’ll board Game Changer for a two-and-a-half-hour search for humpback whales. You can swim or watch from the deck. Wetsuit, life jacket, and snorkel gear are supplied, but the whales decide if and when they come close.

“was such an amazing experience, don’t they if you they don’t come straight away! they do end up coming and it is such and amazing experience we even saw some dolphins! just be prepared if the waves are choppy !”

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