Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise from Sea World (May - November)

Get up close and personal with one of the world’s largest marine mammals in an awe-inspiring natural experience with Sea World Cruises. Cruise departs from Sea World in Main Beach and continues past South Stradbroke Island. Only 20 minutes to the nearby water of the Australian Whale Sanctuary. The Spirit of Migaloo II is Australia’s newest and most advanced whale watching vessel operating in the Gold Coast.

With marine naturalists on board, passengers can enjoy a front row seat to all the action from six external viewing platforms and tiered stadium seating from sea level to the sun deck. The spacious decks all around the vessel and smaller passenger numbers ensure that the experience is a personal one with the freedom to move around and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Humpback Whales wherever you are on the boat.

The state of the art vessel also features comfortable air-conditioned indoor seating, informative movies and the opportunity to listen to whale songs live via the onboard underwater hydrophone. Whale Watching Season is late May to early November.

Departure times & locations

Departing from Sea World Cruise Terminal outside Sea World. Sea World ticket entry not required. There is free all day parking directly outside the Sea World Cruise Terminal.

Sea World Whale Watch tours depart 4 times daily during whale season. 

Departing at:

• 7:30am
• 10:00am
• 12:30pm
• 3pm

Check-in time is at least 20 minutes prior to tour departure time

Your day at a glance

Get the chance to see whales migrating in Australia with this amazing three hour cruise off Gold Coast! After checking in, you can enjoy some tea, coffee and biscuits before the boat leaves the dock. Here, the crew will give safety briefings and even tell you about the history of Gold Coast and why it had become so famous.

Once you enter the humpback sighting grounds, you'll be guided by the whale watchers in spotting these magnificent sea creatures. They play, swim, breach and dive, sometimes at quite close distances, giving you the opportunity to learn what whales are like in their natural habitat. All the while, you'll learn about them, their environment, migratory habits, feeding, and more.

You will head back afterward to the calmer waters in Surfers Paradise, where your refreshments will be served again. Here, you can get photos printed as memories of your great day, and the tour ends.

Additional Info

Travelling with children
Child ticket: Age 3-13. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Infants aged 0-2 can travel for free & must sit on laps.

Family Friendly
We offer special rates for familes. Please check the booking for form for up to date family pricing.

What to bring

• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Binoculars
• Warm clothes
• Flat shoes
• Sea sickness remedy if required

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travellers

Instant Booking & Mobile Friendly Tickets

Check availability & book here to secure you spot on Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise from Sea World (May -November). Pre-booking is essential. Please do not turn up on the day without a booking.

About Sea World Cruises

Book a Gold Coast cruise with one of the city's best and longest-running boat cruise companies for a day or evening out on the beautiful waters of the Gold Coast. At Sea World Cruises, they offer a wide range of cruise options aboard their spacious, comfortable vessel including regular morning cruises, lunch cruises and afternoon cruises and their new Buffet Dinner Cruise operating Thursday, Friday and Saturday Night. Departing from an easy and convenient to reach access point in the heart of Surfers Paradise, and at Sea World, Main Beach for their evening cruises, they offer a combination of value, service and comfort that is unmatched on the Gold Coast.