Top 9 Whale Watching in Gold Coast

1.Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 884 reviews · from $53Our pick

Cruise from Southport aboard Spirit of Gold Coast, a 24-meter catamaran with upper and lower viewing decks. A marine biologist explains humpback behavior as you search for whales migrating between June and November. The trip includes tea or coffee, morning tea, live commentary, and a return cruise if no whale is seen.

“Unfortunately our scheduled trip was cancelled due to inclement weather. However, they cheerfully rescheduled our trip for another suitable day, and everything was perfect - beautiful day, lots of playful whales and dolphins, great commentary and staff. Brilliant!”

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2.Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 703 reviews · 2h 30m · from $52Best value

From Southport’s Broadwater, you’ll spend 150 minutes watching migrating humpback whales with commentary from a marine biologist and captain Dean. The boat has 360-degree viewing decks, tea, coffee, and biscuits before departure, plus a free return trip if no whales appear. Bring sun protection and prepare for open-sea motion.

“I liked it a lot! Because you got a chance to see whales”

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3.Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 444 reviews · 150 minutes - 1 day · from $63

Cruise from Sea World Cruise Terminal with an English-speaking captain and marine naturalist guides, including crew members such as Wayne and Wayno. Spend up to 2.5 hours near the Humpback Highway, listening for whale song, watching for breaches, and scanning for dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Underwater video streaming is advertised as coming soon, so confirm its status before booking.

“Excellent experience. Amazind weather on the 2pm trip. We come back close to the sunset very good time of the day for the activity. No many boats around. Very peaceful trip. We saw many whales, babies, adults and super whales! Really incredible excursion. Highly recommend. Memorable pictures”

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4.Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $63Top rated

Join Kokomo Cruises from Main Beach for a 2.5-hour humpback whale cruise aboard a fast vessel limited to 47 people. Nic, Fran, Nick, and other crew members provide commentary as you travel from the Seaway to the Whale Highway. Expect 360-degree views, a comfortable ride, and a free return trip if no whales are seen.

“What a fabulous trip we had. A super new boat with a fantastic very knowledgable skipper and a supportive lady deckhand. We were so lucky to see so many whales today and the experience was a sight to be seen.”

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5.Whale Watching by Sea World Cruises

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 316 reviews · from $63

Cruise from Main Beach aboard the purpose-built Spirit of Migaloo II for up to 2.5 hours in the Australian Whale Sanctuary. Expect captain commentary, underwater cameras when conditions allow, and chances to see humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Captain Wayne and the crew are praised for their care and persistence.

“Well worth the cost, saw many whales 🐋 very special experience and super easy to book. Fantastic opportunity to see these beautiful sea creatures 💙”

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6.Luxury Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 100 reviews · 2h 30m · from $53

Join Boattime Yacht Charters aboard Sun Goddess for a 150-minute Gold Coast whale watch. A marine biologist explains migration and marine life while rotating decks give you broad ocean views. Morning and afternoon departures include light refreshments, a kids activity sheet, and a licensed bar. Whales are guaranteed, subject to sea conditions.

“Absolutely fantastic! Wonderful time on the boat, the guides and marine biologists were all wonderful. We saw loads of whales and some amazing juvenile whales jumping and showing off. Absolutely incredible to see such gentle giants so up close and in their natural environment. The staff were all amazing and the photographer was very talented. I would highly recommend this experience! 🤩”

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7.Gold Coast Whale Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 80 reviews · 2h 30m · from $62

Join Kokomo Cruises from Main Beach for a 150-minute whale-watching trip along the Gold Coast’s Whale Highway. Captain Nick, Fran, or Nic may guide your outing, with live English commentary, limited seating, and views of humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, fish, and seabirds. Bring warm layers and prepare for a bumpy ride offshore.

“Saw many humpback whales on a very comfortable boat. Our guide was great and we learnt lots about humpback whales.”

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8.Whale Watching Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $63

Set out from Chinderah at 6:30 am aboard a custom-built open-ocean vessel limited to 12 people. Cooly Eco Adventures takes you along the Tweed and Gold Coast coast for low-level whale viewing, live commentary, and a guaranteed whale encounter, weather permitting.

“Super Trip ! Have been to several other whale watching experiences but this was by far the best. These guys really know their stuff and love what they do ! Highly recommended. Thanks !”

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9.Swim with Whales Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · from $286

Join a marine naturalist and captain for a four-hour whale trip from Chinderah, near the Gold Coast, Coolangatta, and Tweed Heads. You’ll receive a wetsuit, snorkel gear, and spray jacket before heading toward humpback whales. Sightings are guaranteed, but entering the water depends entirely on the whales.

“Changing room on the street, wareing wet Wetsuit , almost lots a direction and not sure where whales going and spent almost all our time for searching .”

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