Duration:
Operated By:
Join Australia’s highest-award-winning whale-watching operator, Sea World Whale Watch, for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience and witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat!
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’.
Setting sail up to six times daily from late May until early November, we journey to the famous Humpback Highway, where 40,000 whales pass close to Gold Coast shores on their annual migration from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef.
Observe the breathtaking display of whales launching into the air, slapping their mighty tails on the water, and diving deep into the ocean. During close encounters, gain a unique perspective by watching live underwater footage streamed directly to your mobile device. You may even hear the iconic whale song through our advanced underwater microphones.
Enjoy expert commentary from our knowledgeable crew as you witness these playful and curious gentle giants showcase their acrobatic skills. Look for other fascinating wildlife, including dolphins, turtles, and sea birds.
While you anticipate your cruise , indulge in eating on the waterfront deck cafe, enrich your knowledge with informative exhibits, and visit the gift shop at our stunning terminal.
Sea World Whale Watch are the ultimate experts in Gold Coast Whale Watching, offering a 100% Whale Sighting Guarantee that ensures a free return cruise if no whales are spotted. With this guarantee, you can be confident that you’ll witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Highlights
Gold Coast’s Closest Operator to the Humpback Highway, spend less time in transit and more time with the whales!
Watch our live underwater video feed broadcast direct to your phone
Listen to the whales singing live via the underwater hydrophones
Learn from our experienced captains and marine naturalist guides
Look out for three species of dolphins, sea turtles, sea birds and more
Share in the excitement of an ocean adventure with the whole family
Inclusions
2.5 hour whale watching cruise
100% Whale Sighting Guarantee
Ample deck space and rail side viewing
Guided commentary
Live underwater video stream (coming soon)
Live underwater microphones
Audio-visual presentations
Fully stocked onboard bar
Professional photographer
Free kids ocean activity booklet
Informative exhibits and displays
Waterfront Cafe and Gift Shop
Departure time and location
Tours depart daily from early June to early November
Allow up to 2.5hrs for this experience
Please check in 30 mins before your boarding time
9 AM, 12 PM and 3 PM tours with vessel Spirit of Migaloo II
Additional departure times run at 8 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM with vessel Kaiala
Our departures are subject to seasonal changes and may be adjusted in response to weather conditions to ensure your safety and comfort.
Tours depart from the Sea World Cruises Main Beach Terminal, located in the car park outside of Sea World Theme Park, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach.
Share:
She is, undoubtedly, a gem within your staff. I want to trust that Nicole in is fairly rewarded for her effort to make your business shine in the midst of any competition!
I didn't like the part before getting aboard when the staff insisted on taking a photo for all guests that they will try to sell you after the trip.
I really enjoyed the cruise (apart from hearing people vomiting around me!). We only saw a few whales but it was still a great morning out. Staff were lovely and very helpful to the unwell.
We were lucky enough to see a baby whale with its mother, truly a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Highly recommend
A special mention to the photographer, Nicole, who was absolutely amazing! They captured beautiful moments and were so patient and professional, ensuring everyone had a chance to get great photos without feeling rushed.
Thank you to the whole crew for making the experience so memorable. I’ll definitely recommend this cruise to others looking for an exciting and well-organised whale watching adventure!
I also don’t get why a company like SeaWorld that advocates for less waste / sustainability etc would print out everyone’s photos prior to asking people if they’re wanting to buy them.. over half of the people didn’t buy their photos - it’s not like anyone else can buy photos of other people meaning they’d be going straight into the bin
Really enjoyed and was looked after very well and informative running commentary, would recommend everyone trying this, and we will love to come back and do again earlier in the year.
The boat, crew and Captain were great. We did take the option for the Captain’s Lounge Seating which was an extra $30. Not sure if I think thats value but it was very pleasant.
I have been on a few whale watch tours now and one of the best pluses this one has is such easy close access out and in on the boat to view them.
The captain and crew were excellent on the day- very helpful, polite and professional. It was a longer wait to find the whales- when the whales appeared the captain did his best to follow/find them for the passengers. We didn't really see that many whales. Just as we were due to return to base, a pod was spotted a fair distance from us, but he turned and followed them to allow us a lasting experience - it was magical to see the pod together... Although no breaching ones.
Our cruise was extended due to this manoeuvre which is most appreciated by all on the cruise.
Thank you Captain Wayne and crew!
We got up close to a number of humpback whales.
Crew were very knowledgeable and helpful.
Highly recommended!
Staff in the whale watch and cruise are nice also, great job
I don’t get sea sick but did still feel a bit iffy just due to the rocking of the boat. the staff are proactive and do offer sea sickness tablets at a very reasonable price, I would recommend taking them!
Overall, 10/10 experience.
Unfortunately no whales could be found, after which we got the option to come back another time for free. As we were leaving Australia, the tour operator was so kind to refund our money.
Nevertheless we had a great experience, with a beautiful sunset over Gold Coast!
Their enthusiasm made all the difference! This cruise was truly unforgettable! Already planning our return!
What really made the experience even better was how caring the crew was. My wife got seasick during the cruise, and the staff were super kind and attentive. They really looked after her, and we’re so grateful for that.
Amazing cruise, awesome wildlife, and a fantastic team — highly recommend!
The complete process, from booking to disembarking the boat was pleasant, informative, comfortable, exciting, thrilling and highly memorable. So good, went back the next day, even better. The whale sightings, awesome, complimented by the very knowledgeable and extremely friendly staff. Way too many businesses today talk about service these days, far too few are capable of delivering it. 5 Stars to this organization, they really deliver.
It took around some 30mins to get where the sightings usually are, but once there, you get to see... one of the greatest views of Gold Coast! Not joking.
Then after some more minutes, the whales just came out, two or three of them, on either sides, the rear and on the front of the boat. Even if it was still early in the season, as the captain said, they put on a show.
There were dolphins too, though they were a bit spotlight huggers, hahaha.
The whales surfaced every 5-8mins and there were a few times we saw real Whale Tails (I knew what you were thinking...) and it looked gracious how they do the dive and not make any splashes. Always intrigued about the mark they leave on the water, as it does not get disturbed by the waves outright. Upon heading back, I think the whales knew it and gave us a spectacular send-off, those jump-ups and dives you see in videos, very cool. This was one of those experiences you can't just pass up.
As mentioned, they appear wherever, so no seat in the boat is a bad seat, you just try to pick where you'd sit during the journey and take it form there
On the dock, there are facilities to cater persons with mobility issues, but upon boarding the boat, persons on wheelchairs will need assistance. (it is a bit of a steep and narrow push on the boarding plank)
During the journey, if you are sea sick, inform the crew and they will gladly make the trip more comfortable for you.
2nd part was the Gift Shop, it had light snacks and some souvenirs. Though are eyes caught one souvenir item that almost all of the staff did not know it was for sale and they were surprised it had a price tag. They kind of assumed that it was just there hanging on the door of the employee's only room as decoration. If you guys miss it, I've shared a photo of the item here with my review.
The message of the souvenir really fits the experience of the Whale Watching Trip.
To hear the whales breathe through their air hole it was so strong.
Loved every minute of the tour
Thank you 😊
Kaylee our marine biologist was very informative and answered our questions without hesitation.
We would highly recommend anyone to sail with the Sea World Whale watching tour.
Awesome job crew.????????????
The service aboard the cruise was impeccable and exceptionally well-organized. The staff went above and beyond in explaining the scenic route and providing insights about the places we passed by. All in all, it was a memorable and truly enjoyable experience.
Vessel and Amenities: Sea World Cruises operates state-of-the-art vessels equipped with multiple viewing platforms, ensuring that everyone gets a front-row seat to the action. Comfortable seating and indoor cabins guarantee that you can experience nature's grandeur without compromising on comfort. The on-board café offering light snacks and refreshments is a pleasant touch.
Educative Experience: Not just a visual feast, the tour is an educational journey too. The crew, some of whom are marine biologists, are eager to share their knowledge about these magnificent creatures. Their insightful commentary adds layers of understanding to what you’re witnessing, transforming the excursion into a rich learning experience.
The Whales: Of course, the stars of the show are the whales themselves. From playful humpbacks performing their acrobatic breaches to the serene sight of a mother and her calf gliding side by side, the experience is simply awe-inspiring. The best part? Sea World Cruises has an impressive sighting record, ensuring that your chances of spotting these gentle giants are high.
Responsible Tourism: The crew's dedication to marine conservation is evident throughout the tour. The vessel maintains a respectful distance from the animals, ensuring their natural behaviors aren’t disturbed. It's clear that Sea World Cruises values and prioritizes the well-being of the marine ecosystem.
Duration and Cost: The tour lasts around 2.5, striking the right balance between offering a fulfilling experience and ensuring guests aren’t fatigued. The pricing is competitive, especially considering the top-notch amenities and the expert crew.
Extras: The cruise company often captures the day's highlights on camera, offering guests the opportunity to take home a tangible memory of their experience.
Room for Improvement: As with any experience, there's always room for betterment. Some might find the vessel's engine a tad noisy. While this is somewhat unavoidable, perhaps future renovations could look into noise-reducing measures. Additionally, while the provided refreshments are tasty, a few more diverse dietary options would be appreciated.
Conclusion: The Sea World Cruises Whale Watching Tour is a mesmerizing journey into the world of whales. From the comfort of the vessel to the expertise of the crew, it’s evident that every detail has been meticulously planned to ensure a magical experience for visitors. Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable outing, this tour is not to be missed.
When people go on these kinds of tours what I've found and experienced is EVERYTHING should be included in the ticket price. Otherwise you feel like there's something being missed out on.
Up your prices a bit and include free brekky or morning tea and have photos as complimentary.
Then again what do I know
The ship was so comfortable and roomy and it was nothing short of such a great experience.
We’re locals, but will definitely be back again soon.
Thanks so much to the whale watching team for providing such a memorable time. ????????




































