Gold Coast Whale Watching: Close Encounters Guaranteed

Experience thrilling whale watching with Sea World Cruises. Witness majestic whales up close and enjoy live underwater footage. 100% Whale Sighting Guarantee.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Sea World Whale Watch - Experience the thrill of being in the presence of majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat on this 2.5hr whale watching cruise! Departing from the Sea World Cruise Terminal in Main Beach, soak up the iconic views of the Gold Coast as you embark on a whale-watching cruise aboard our luxurious purpose-built vessel, the ‘Spirit of Migaloo II’.
What's Included
  • Complimentary parking
  • Purpose-built luxury whale watching vessel
  • Look for dolphins, sea turtles, sea birds and more
  • Onboard hydrophones and underwater cameras (subject to daily conditions)
  • 100% Whale Sighting Guarantee
  • Expert commentary from experienced captains and marine naturalist guides
  • Up to 2.5 hour Whale Watching Cruise
What's Not Included
  • Food and beverages
  • Hotel transfers
  • Photos. Available for purchase on the day of the cruise
Additional Information

Enjoy more time with the humpback whales as Sea World Whale Watch is conveniently the nearest operator on the Gold Coast to the Humpback Highway! Witness the awe-inspiring exhibits of whales gracefully leaping out of the water, smacking their colossal flukes on the sea surface, and plunging deep into the underwater world. Expect a unique experience as…

Location
Sea World Whale Watch
Seaworld Drive
Cruises depart from the Sea World Cruises Terminal (Main Beach). Entry to Sea World Marine Park is not required. Free car parking is available.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(266 Ratings)
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1 star
Malcolm
Sep 13, 2025
Friendly and warm people from reception to boat - A warm friendly welcome from Belle when checking in. She informed the trip that day was sailing, but would likely be quite choppy and uncomfortable so she offered -and I took up - the option of the next day. I arrived the next day early and Belle offered the earlier trip. All crew were excellent and the commentary on the whales we saw was engaging and educational for both kids and adults. Will do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gkforrest
Sep 12, 2025
Whale of a time - Awesome experience so many whales right next to our boat and only 500 metres off shore. Skipper and staff were great ensuring everyone had a great view. These enormous mammals are majestic and certainly put on a show for all of us on this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grandtour40188909368
Sep 12, 2025
Great experience - Captain Wayne and his crew were amazing and it was an incredible experience. Thank you for a wonderful time with a magnificent sea creature
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O9703btdebc
Sep 11, 2025
Amazing Whale Watching with Captain Wayne – VIP Lounge Worth It! - We had an incredible time on the whale watching cruise. The Captain’s VIP lounge was definitely worth it – comfortable, with fantastic views of the whales. Captain Wayne was outstanding, sharing his deep knowledge and keeping us engaged for the full 2 ½ hours. The only downside was a family without VIP tickets entering the lounge, with their child unfortunately being sick. Thankfully, the crew managed the situation quickly and kindly, moving the family and cleaning up straight away. It’s a shame when some try to take more than they’ve paid for, but it didn’t spoil what was an unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorraine_b
Sep 9, 2025
An absolutely... - An absolutely unforgettable experience. The commentary was very informative. Seeing the whales in their own natural habitat, rising up to the surface, jumping up and rolling in the waters making the beautiful song noises. Fantastic, best 2.5 hours of the day.
Review provided by Viator
X3049ymmariar
Sep 7, 2025
Amazing experience - Such a good day, amazing experience! I really recommend cruise whale watching tour. And customize service couldn’t be better! ✨🥰
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellencf9407pp
Sep 5, 2025
A must do experience! - Captain Wayne and the beautiful crew ensured a truly memorable experience! Their knowledge and passion for marine life was very evident and we were thrilled with how interactive the whales were with the boat. A great family friendly activity and the attentive crew went out of their way to cater to our curious 5 year old!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliesi7474vr
Sep 4, 2025
The best time whale watching with my sisters! Thank you Nicole and crew! - I attended with my four sisters as a special Gold Coast trip, and Sea World Cruises Whale Watching made it an unforgettable experience! From the moment we boarded, the crew were friendly and welcoming, and Nicole stood out with her warm, bubbly, and funny personality. She kept us well-informed about the whales’ locations, making the whole journey engaging and exciting. We were fortunate enough to see a mother and baby up close, along with four other adults—an incredible sight we’ll never forget. Nicole also has a fantastic eye for photography, capturing not only the whales in action but also a beautiful keepsake photo of us as a family, which we truly treasure. Spending time in the Captain’s cabin was a unique highlight, and the light refreshments on board added to the comfort of the day. Superb service, wonderful memories—highly recommend Sea World Cruises!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lajji
Sep 4, 2025
Once in a lifetime experience 🐋 - Captain Wayne, Georgia and the crew didn’t give up until we found whales and boy oh boy did we find them. Two magnificent, inquisitive and very playful whales decided to swim, play and splash around us for at least 45 minutes, they sprayed and splashed us. A once in a lifetime experience we’ll never forget. We also helped ourselves to drinks, savouries and a fruit platter during the cruise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ianrr255060
Sep 3, 2025
Wouldn’t have missed this for quids. - The operators must go to a lot of trouble selecting and employing staff. You’ll be thankful when the sea’s a little rough. They saved me on many occasions. Our trip started so calmly. Then we crossed the bar. It was rough. Too late to turn back by then, you’re committed. It took about half an hour to see the first whale. I looked down to see one travelling right beside the boat. Then they were waving their fins and finally breaching close to the boat. The first passenger threw up at that moment. Then another, then another. Staff rushed to offer whatever comfort they could. They were brilliant. The 'kecking' (my theory) may actually be the sound that attracted the whales because then they were everywhere. And close. They enjoy rough conditions apparently. I wouldn’t have missed this for quids.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $59
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).