Safari-Style Whale Watching from Gold Coast offers an intimate, eye-level encounter with majestic humpback whales as they migrate along Australia’s spectacular east coast.
Price options
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Adults from 119,00 A$
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Private Tour for up to 12 guests -CALL TO BOOK from 1 299,00 A$
Departure Time
- 150 min
- Departs: 6.30, Chinderah , NSW
- Gold Coast
Introduction
Every year, around 40,000 humpbacks make the long journey from Antarctica to the warm waters off the Queensland coast. And this is one of the best places in the country to see ’em, with Australia’s east coast shelf running so close to the shore between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. Safari Style Whale Watching Gold Coast takes you right into the thick of it, through the very same stretch of water that these whales are making their way through.
On our boat, a real safari-style vessel that’s been designed with your comfort in mind, you’ll get a seat right up front with just 12 other passengers, and from the minute we set off till we get back to shore, you’ll be surrounded by stunning coastal scenery you’ve ever seen. Our skipper and crew know the area inside out and will regale you with stories about humpback whales, the amazing marine life you might spot, and the fascinating history of the region, both the Aboriginal and European sides.
Each tour is a one-off experience, with some days featuring humpback whales putting on a real show, breaching and slapping tails and at times even swimming right up to the boat. We guarantee you’ll see whales on every tour, so you can book with confidence knowing what to expect.
Details
- Season: May & November, the best time to see some wonderful wildlife
- Location: Located on the stunning Gold Coast in Queensland
- Vessel Type: Our safari-style boat lets you get up close and personal with the whales
- Group Size: We keep our groups nice & small, max 12 people, so you get the best experience
- Minimum Age: You have to be 6 or older to join us on this trip
- Guarantee: If we don’t see any whales, you get a refund, no questions asked
Highlights
- If the whales don’t show, we won’t charge you a thing
- Get up close and personal with those amazing creatures, eye to eye
- Our Captain‘s been doing this for years and has the passion to match
- The views alone will take your breath away, Gold Coast at its finest
- You’ll get to hear all about the whales, the local marine life and the history of this incredible place
- We keep our groups small for a more intimate experience, max 12 people
- Just in case, we’ll supply spray jackets and reef-safe sunscreen so you’re all set for the day
What you can actually see!
Booking
Full Itinerary
1. Check-In & Safety Briefing
First things first, you’ll meet your skipper and crew at the departure point and get a quick safety briefing before boarding the boat.
2. Coastal Departure
Get ready for some of the best views of the Gold Coast, enjoy the beaches & headlands as we cruise along the coastline. You’ll get to learn all about the humpback migration, too.
3. Whale Encounter Zone
We then head out into the prime whale territory and get our eyes on these amazing creatures. Once we spot the whales, the skipper will position the boat for you to get up close & personal with them.
Keep an eye out for:
- Tail slaps – absolute magic to see
- Pectoral fin waves – you’ll never forget this sight
- Spy hopping – it’s like they’re showing off for you
- Full body breaches – this is a show you’ll never forget
The crew will tell you all about the whales, their patterns and the conservation efforts in place to protect these incredible creatures.
4. Return Cruise
On our way back to the marina, you’ll get to see some more stunning views and maybe even some extra wildlife spotting.
- If the whales don’t show, we won’t charge you a thing
- Our qualified Captain and crew will be with you every step of the way
- You’ll be part of a group of max 12 people for a more intimate experience
- You’ll get all sorts of fascinating information about the:
- Humpback whales & marine life
- Australian Aboriginal history
- European settlement & the local heritage
- We’ll lend you a spray jacket or reef-safe sunscreen if you need it
- If we’ve got a pro photographer on board, you might get some amazing shots to show off to your mates
- We encourage you to bring your GoPro or camera to capture the memories yourself
- If you get a little peckish or thirsty, bring your own water to keep hydrated
It’s way colder out to sea, so please dress in loads of warm layers:
- A decent beanie to keep the top of your head warm
- A nice warm jumper or a proper insulated jacket to keep you nice and toasty
- A spray jacket or a waterproof raincoat to keep the rain off
- Some sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
- A camera or a GoPro to take all the great photos
- Loads of drinking water to keep you hydrated
- The minimum age is 6 years old; any younger and you’ll need a parent or guardian
- Anyone under 18 needs to be with an adult, obviously
- Not suitable for mums-to-be, sorry ladies, this one’s off limits for now
- If you’ve got a dodgy back, it’s probably wise to pick something else to do with your day
- Make sure to give us a proper phone number when you book, so we can let you know if there are any changes or cancellations
- We expect you to keep an eye on your emails for any updates; it’s your responsibility after all
- A sense of adventure is essential. Let’s get out there and have a blast
Look, we hate to say it, but this tour might not be for everyone. If you’ve got mobility issues, we’re sorry to say it might be a bit of a struggle out on the water. If you do have special needs, just give us a shout before you book, and we can have a chat about whether it’s right for you.
We welcome everyone on board, no matter where they’re from, and we want to make sure you all have a great time in a safe and respectful way.
To be honest, we don’t really cater for food on this tour, you’re welcome to bring your own water and a few snacks if you like. Just let us know if you’ve got any special medical needs before you come, and we’ll do our best to sort it out.
Cancellation Policy:
If you want to cancel or change your tour, please call us at least 48 hours before the tour is scheduled to start. Any later and we can’t do anything.
Refund Policy:
Unfortunately, we can’t issue a refund for the booking or card fees, even if you receive a full refund for the tour.
And just to throw in a few more things: if the weather is bad and we can’t do the tour, we might have to reschedule for another day. We’ll call you at the number you provide.
FAQ
When is the best time to see whales on the Gold Coast?
Honestly, the best time to see whales is from May to November, but June and October are usually the best months.
How close do you get to the whales?
Our boat lets you get really close to the whales while still being super safe and respectful. We follow all the rules to make sure everyone has a great time.
What happens if we don't see any whales?
Don’t worry, we guarantee a whale sighting. If you don’t see any, you can come back for free on another tour.
Is the tour okay for kids?
Yep, kids of 6 and above are welcome when accompanied by a grown-up, of course.
Will I get seasick?
It can happen, but most people are alright. If you’re prone to getting motion sickness, you might want to pop some tablets before you set off.