Gold Coast Whale Watching Guide (2024)

by Admin

Situated towards the eastern coastline of Australia, Gold Coast is a perfect place from where you can watch the whales. Although the city is famous for its sandy beaches and surfing spots, it is also widely known as one of the best cities for whale-watching in Australia. From this city, you get a chance to watch whales in their natural habitat. At Gold Coast, humpback whales are the only species of whale that can be commonly seen. The average size of humpback whales found in this city is approximately 16 metres long, weighs over 30 tonnes (which is equal to almost 11 elephants), and lives up to 90 years. 

These whales migrate every year in thousands of numbers from the southern ocean in the north to the Great Barrier Reef. On average, it is estimated that there are approximately 35,000 whales that migrate every year. This number of migrating whales is increasing every year, giving everyone a marvellous whale-watching experience. The city offers a lot of destinations for whale watching that you can enjoy with your friends and family. For safety purposes, the boats are not allowed to come closer than 100 metres to whales, which ensures a safe and memorable experience for all. So, here is a guide through which you can know the best time, cost, and top places to enjoy whale watching.

Best Season To Find Whales

watch humpback whales

The best time to watch humpback whales is from May to November, since at this time the whales migrate to warmer regions. Although the peak time for migration is between July and October, it’s the time when you will see the largest number of whales crossing through the city, and there it is known as the “Humpback Highway.” If you are planning a day trip with your family and friends, then the best time to go and experience whale watching is during the mornings and early afternoons. Since it’s the time when the sun is overhead and whales move across.

Top Places To Watch Whales

The city offers a lot of places where you can experience whale watching with your loved ones. Here is a list of places that you can explore for the best whale watching experience.

1. Boattime Yacht Charters

Boattime Yacht Charters

Boattime Yacht Charters is a great company that offers you a whale-watching experience on one of the most luxurious superyachts. If you are planning a luxurious whale-watching trip, then you should definitely visit this yacht. This is a 110-foot superyacht where you also get snacks and bar facilities. There will be a guide on the yacht who will tell you about the whales and their habitat in detail with commentary. This yacht runs twice a day, and it departs from Mariner’s Cove. The ticket price at this yacht is $99 per adult, and it runs for two and a half hours. The yacht gives you stunning views of the whale from a heightened distance.

Name Boattime Yacht Charters
Address 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD 4217, Australia
Distance from Gold Coast CBD 8.9 Km
How to Reach By Car: If you travel via Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2, you will reach this place in around 20 minutes from the Perth CBD.
By Bus: To reach Crown Towers, you can take the following bus lines 704, 705, and 700.
Directions maps.app.goo.gl/4cUfC8etsK
Website boattimeyachtcharters.com.au/
Phone Number +61477667644
Ticket Price luxury-whale-watching-experience
Opening Hours Monday: 9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm
Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Nearby Eateries Glass Dining & Lounge Bar | Il Barocco Restaurant | Senza Nome Italian Restaurant
Google Review: “Awesome experience, saw few humpback whales. They took their time to find whales them followed them for 1.5 hours. Good quality boat, better them all others. Free tea coffee and biscuits.” – H SINGH

2. Sea World Cruises

Sea World Whale Watching Cruise
Sea World Cruises is the longest-running cruise company on the Gold Coast and gives you some of the best views of whales. This cruise is one of the most famous places where people come and enjoy themselves. Here you will find a wide range of cruise options, modern vessels, and excellent service offered by staff. This cruise departs from the Spirit of Migaloo II, and it provides you with beautiful views of the Surfers Paradise skyline. You will also witness the humpback whales that come along the way. On this cruise, you will find an expert who will tell you all about the whales and other creatures that you might witness. This is a two and a half-hour tour through which you will get some of the best whale-watching experience with your loved ones.
Name Sea World Cruises
Address Sea World Cruises Terminal, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD 4217, Australia
Distance from Gold Coast CBD 9.6 Km
How to Reach By Car: If you travel via Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2, you will reach this place in around 17 minutes from the Perth CBD.
By Bus: To reach Crown Towers, you can take the following bus lines: 704 and 705.
Directions maps.app.goo.gl/P866kT6
Website seaworldcruises.com.au/gold-coast-whale-watching/
Phone Number +61755916061
Ticket Price gold-coast/whale-watch-cruise-only
Opening Hours Monday: 8 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday: 8 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 8 am – 6 pm
Friday: 8 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 8 am – 6 pm
Nearby Eateries Terraces Restaurant | Ladybird Restaurant & Bar | Sunset Waterfront Grill
Google Review: “An amazing trip. The boat is very comfortable. There is ample space for everyone. The trip was very smooth. We managed to watch two whales and the entire trip was so amazing, very educational and professionally conducted.” – Loh Family

3. Spirit Of Gold Coast

Spirit Of Gold Coast Whale Watching

Spirit Of Gold Coast is a tour in which you will be guided by a professional crew. These crew members will give a detailed guide to the whales’ migration journey. On this cruise, you will be offered complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits upon arrival. You can also buy some snacks on the cruise. It is a two and a half-hour journey from where you can experience stunning views of the whale. On the cruise, you will get premium facilities and the best whale-watching experience. The cruise runs from late May to early November each year, and it departs from Mariner’s Cove Marina. On this tour, if you did not witness any whales, they will offer you a return trip because they guarantee you a 99% chance to experience whales.

Name Spirit Of Gold Coast
Address 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD 4217, Australia
Distance from Gold Coast CBD 8.7 Km
How to Reach By Car: If you travel via Gold Coast Hwy/State Route 2, you will reach this place in around 19 minutes from the Perth CBD.
By Bus: To reach Crown Towers, you can take the following bus lines: 704 and 705.
Directions maps.app.goo.gl/QUnmoFD7vauL
Website spiritwhalewatching.com.au/
Phone Number +61755727755
Ticket Price spiritwhalewatching.com.au/
Opening Hours Monday: 8 am – 5 pm
Tuesday: 8 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: 8 am – 5 pm
Thursday: 8 am – 5 pm
Friday: 8 am – 5 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 1:30 pm
Sunday: 8 am – 1:30 pm
Nearby Eateries Omeros Brothers Seafood Restaurant | Glass Dining & Lounge Bar | Domanis Cafe Restaurant Bar
Google Review: “We booked the 2.5 hour whale watching tour and very impressed with Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching! They knew exactly where to take us to ensure that we saw whales and their knowledge of all things whales was very impressive! Highly recommend this operator 🙌 🥳 🐳 … ” – Venessa Mann

4. Whales In Paradise

Whales In Paradise

Whales in Paradise is a family-owned business that will offer you outstanding views of the whales from the ship. It is a low-crowded ship with a lot of space and a licence bar on it. Here you can enjoy snacks and drinks and take in the marvellous views of the surfer paradise and the whales. This ship offers you an approximately 3-hour tour, and the ship departs from Surfers Paradise. When you take this whale watching tour, the experienced crew here will offer you detailed knowledge of the whales, their habitat, and their migration process. It is recommended to arrive 20 minutes before the departure time. This tour will provide you with some of the most memorable views of the humpback whales on the Gold Coast.

Name Whales In Paradise
Address 10a Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217, Australia
Distance from Gold Coast CBD 4.7 Km
How to Reach By Car: If you travel via State Route 24, you will reach this place in around 10 minutes from the Perth CBD.
By Bus: To reach Crown Towers, you can take the following bus lines 705, 731, 740, and 700.
By Light Rail: You can also catch the light rail GCR1 to reach Whales In Paradise.
Directions maps.app.goo.gl/h7SNqkjynVxdy
Website whalesinparadise.com.au/gold-coast/
Phone Number +61755382111
Ticket Price wip.experienceoz.com.au/gold-coast/
Opening Hours Monday: 8 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday: 8 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 8 am – 6 pm
Friday: 8 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 8 am – 6 pm
Nearby Eateries SURA Thai Restaurant and Bar | Sagano (Japanese Restaurant) | Love Italy Restaurant & Bar - Surfers Paradise Beach
Google Review: “Bring sunscreen and a cap. Great way to see whales in the wild. Chances to spot orcas , him back whales and dolphins. We saw dolphins and pod of whales. On the way to ocean you will see many celebrities houses. Specially loved jacky Chan’s house.” – Sy Company

What To Wear And Carry Along With You

Whenever planning a whale-watching tour, you should always keep in mind the type of dress you are wearing, as on the sea, the weather is unpredictable. So make sure you are wearing comfortable clothes with warm layers to keep you warm. You should also put on comfortable shoes. On your whale-watching tour, you will stay under the direct sun, so remember to carry your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays. Carrying a camera or smartphone is very important on your whale watching tour since, through this, you will be able to capture some of the shots of whales that you can remember throughout your life. You can also take binoculars with you since they will help you witness the humpback whale from a distance.

Tips For A Successful Whale Watching Trip

To have an enjoyable and memorable whale-watching trip, here are some tips that you can follow: 

  • Choose the right time of year: Whenever planning a whale-watching tour, timing is very important. So you can plan your tour during the annual migration time, which is typically between May and November. 
  • Book early and secure your spot: You should always check the place from where you are planning to take your tour and make an advance booking for the same so that you have a secure seat for the whale watching tour. 
  • Listen to the guide: On your tour, you should carefully listen to the guidelines that are given by the experts on the cruise, as they are fully aware of the whales and their behaviour. They can also help you spot whales easily.
  • Respect the whales and marine environment: Whale watching is an eco-friendly activity, and it should be done in such a way that it does not affect the annual migration of the whales. You should avoid making any loud or sudden movements that can scare them.

Conclusion

No matter which whale watching tour you choose, Gold Coast offers you a lot of options where you can get a unique whale watching experience. The migration of the whales offers all the citizens a unique chance to witness them along the Gold Coast. Whether you are a local who comes here every year to get a unique whale-watching experience or a tourist who has specially come to watch the whales, Gold Coast will never disappoint you. Whale watching will give you an amazing experience with your loved ones, where you can make everlasting memories that will stay with you forever. So, take your binoculars, put on your hat, and get ready to experience the whales migrating through the Gold Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you are preparing for a whale-watching trip, the first thing to keep in mind is the time during which you are planning to go. After this, you can check for the essential things that you need to carry along with you, like a windproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. You can wear warmer clothes since the temperature at sea is unpredictable.

No, whales are not aggressive towards humans; they have always been a friendly species since they have a gentle nature. In some cases, if they feel threatened or endangered, they may cause harm to humans in order to protect themselves.

Whales are usually far from the cruise, but sometimes they get very close to the cruise. Although as the whale gets closer to the cruise, you get a closer view of the whales, sometimes it can be dangerous as they may get frightened and attack. So you will usually find that the cruise always keeps a distance of 100 metres from the whale for a safe and enjoyable journey.

The best age for whale watching can be 7 or above, since by this time a child is aware of the thing and can enjoy the whale watching experience.

If it is bad weather on your whale-watching day, then you might not be able to see the whales. And if the weather goes extremely bad, then there might be a postponement or rescheduling of your whale-watching trip to a sunny day.

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