The 7 Noosa and Sunshine Coast Whale Watching Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $71Our pick

Set out from Noosa Marina with a skipper such as Christian or Mike for a two-hour cruise along the river, past Noosa National Park, and into open water. The small boat can make the ride lively, while binoculars, raincoats, and action goggles help you watch for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.

“Great fun, bit choppy though, so a bit hard to spot the whales. Saw whales, sharks and dolphins. Well worth it.”

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2.Whale Watching Cruise from Mooloolaba

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $71

Join Sunshine Coast Afloat at Mooloolaba Wharf for a three-hour whale watch aboard a refurbished vessel carrying about 21 to 22 people. Crew members explain humpback behavior as you search for breaching whales and dolphins. Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included, but hotel transfers are not.

“The number of whales we saw.Staff were friendly,experienced and found whales quickly.Boat clean,not too many people.”

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3.Noosa Ocean Adventures: Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $68Best value

Join Noosa Ocean Adventures for a two-hour whale watch aboard the Noosa Thriller. With a maximum of 12 passengers, guides including Brent, Min, and the experienced Burt offer commentary as you search for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and seabirds near Noosa National Park.

“Brilliant experience. Viewed plenty of whales. Host was really knowledgeable and friendly. Bucket list thing to do. Highly recommend 👌”

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4.AAA NOOSA Whale watching experience in Noosa Whalesongsnoosa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · from $82

Join Captain Albie and first mate Peppie aboard a small research charter from Noosaville. Cruise toward Noosa Heads and Sunshine Beach, watch for whales and dolphins, and hear their live calls through an onboard hydrophone. The boat carries up to 10 people and returns to the Big Pelican.

“What an amazing day out! Our hosts were super friendly, extremely knowledgeable and just as excited as us when we spotted the whales. And we were super lucky that the whales put on an unbelievable show for us. We highly recommend this tour.”

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5.Adventure Whale Watching Tour Mooloolaba

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $71

Join Adventure Rafting Mooloolaba for a fast, small-boat whale watch from The Wharf. You’ll cruise past Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright, Alexandra Headland, and Old Woman Island while your guide explains the humpback migration. Spray jackets, glasses, and a waterproof phone case are included.

“We were lucky enough to see whales breaching, with beautiful calm water . Tour guides were lovely and very informative! Thoroughly enjoyed our experience!”

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6.Mooloolaba Whale Watching – Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $71

Meet your skipper at Mooloolaba Wharf for a fast, two-hour whale-watching cruise along the Sunshine Coast. You’ll hear whale song through a hydrophone, watch for breaching humpbacks, and pass Point Cartwright, Alexandra Headland, and Mudjimba Island.

“An absolutely wonderful experience, with some awesome sightings of frolicking whales. I wasn't quite expecting such a fast boat and for how wet we all got, but it was the most incredible fun. Friendly and knowledgeable crew to top it off.”

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7.Noosa: Epic Whale Watching On Ocean Kayaks & Beach 4X4 Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $123

Meet at The J Noosa for a six-hour outing to Double Island Point. Ride the Noosa North Shore ferry, cross Great Sandy National Park by 4X4, then kayak with a guide near possible whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed.

“Getting to the almost deserted rainbow beach , kayaking in beautiful waters with dolphins. Seeing whales further out at sea”

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