Whale Watching by Sea World Cruises
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Gold Coast, Australia
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise off shore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from on board your comfortable boat. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.
- Enjoy wildlife viewing without traveling far from the city
- A great tour for the whole family
- Depart from the conveniently located Main Beach terminal
- Humpback season is from late May to early November
What's Included
- Up to 2.5 hour Whale Watching Cruise
- 100% Whale Sighting Guarantee
- Expert commentary from experienced captains and marine naturalist guides
- Purpose-built luxury whale watching vessel
- Complimentary parking
- Onboard hydrophones and underwater cameras (subject to daily conditions)
- Look for dolphins, sea turtles, sea birds and more
- Food and beverages
- Hotel transfers
- Photos. Available for purchase on the day of the cruise
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Sea World Whale WatchSea World Cruises Terminal, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia
Cruises depart from the Sea World Cruises Terminal (Main Beach). Entry to Sea World Marine Park is not required. Free car parking is available.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- If you travel with wheelchair, please contact the supplier in advance due to the limited seats.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kian_Y
This was an amazing experience. We loved every moment of it. Staff were very helpful and friendly. The coordinator was very knowledgeable. I recommend this tour to everyone.🙂
Reviews
4.8
based on 316 reviews
Mamta_C, Oct 2025
It was an amazing experience. It was quite a dull day, but everyone at Sea World cruises tried for over 3 hrs. to give us the experience. Ultimately we experienced one of the best viewing of a bunch of whales. Thanks a lot for the experience
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your 5 star review of Sea World Whale Watch! We're happy to hear that the extra time paid off and you got to see a wonderful pod of whales.
Patience_S, Oct 2025
The captain and team amazing, the boat amazing, the service, second to none and the 'icing on the cake' the spectacular encounter with the biggest and heaviest mammal on the planet - breath taking. Would I buy another ticket to have the same experience? I definately will, many times over in the future. The time for the cruise, just perfect.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for such a glowing review! Hearing you'd come back many times over means the world to us. Looking forward to welcoming you aboard again soon! - Sea World Whale Watching Team.
Craig_C, Oct 2025
You're going to see whales. They may only be swimming along peacefully minding their own business, but you will see them. We saw moms and their calves. The crew was courteous and helpful. Lots of good information. Always responded when a whale was spotted.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the great review and we appreciate that you enjoyed the whale watching tour. We hope to see you on board again. - Sea World Whale watching team.
Karen_J, Oct 2025
A cruise along the Gold Coast watching whales. What more could you want??? It was the perfect day for it. Mother’s and their babies swimming along not far from the boat. The commentary was excellent and it was very enjoyable all around.
Jeffrey_S, Oct 2025
It was an unbelievable time was able to see 3 whales. tThe crew was awesome they took great care of everything.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We definitely appreciate your feedback and we are glad that you have enjoyed the whale watching and saw a whales. We hope to see you soon again! - Sea World Whale Watching Team.
John_R, Oct 2025
The crew on the SeaWorld Whale Watching were courteous, friendly and knowledgeable. They knew where to go for us to see the whales
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you John for your 5-star review. We are delighted you enjoyed your time on board Sea World Whale Watching with our crew, we hope to see you next season!
Nadia_B, Oct 2025
The tour was flawless. Ran to time, crew were friendly, helpful and had great knowledge. Whale watching was exceptional. The whales really put on an amazing show.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Nadia, we are glad that you enjoyed the whale watching tour with us! We hope to see you soon again. - Sea World Whale watching team.
Kian_Y, Oct 2025
This was an amazing experience. We loved every moment of it. Staff were very helpful and friendly. The coordinator was very knowledgeable. I recommend this tour to everyone.🙂
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the lovely review! We're so happy to hear you had an amazing experience and felt well taken care of. Your recommendation means a lot. Hope to see you again soon! 🙂 - Sea World Cruises Team.
Ben_F, Sep 2025
Rubbish go 200m offshore an see more from shore the best part was going through the bar an the sunset
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We’re sorry to hear the trip didn’t meet your expectations. Sightings can vary as the whales are wild and unpredictable, but we do our best to give guests the chance to see them in their natural environment. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us on 07 55399299. Warm regards - Alana, Customer Experience Manager
David_H, Sep 2025
Amazing wonderful staff. Great adventure. Magnificent whale watch. Worth every cent. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for the great review and we're glad that you have enjoyed the whale watching with us. We hope to see you soon again! - Sea World Whale Watching Team.
Sheree_B, Sep 2025
Best experience ever thanks
Would recommended to others
And let people know about this I would RATE IT AS PEFECT
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the amazing review! We're thrilled to hear you had the best experience and truly appreciate you recommending us. Hope to see you again for another perfect day! - Sea World Cruises Team.
Lorraine_B, Sep 2025
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.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hi Lorraine, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time aboard Sea World Whale Watch. Our team works hard to provide informative and enjoyable trips, and it's wonderful to know that you found our captain and crew to be helpful and knowledgeable. We appreciate your kind words and hope to see you aboard again soon!! - Sea world whale Tours.
Chris_B, Aug 2025
Seeing whales in the natural environment is a total privilege. Sea World staff are so knowledgeable. Great trip
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Chris, thank you for your 5-star review of your experience with Sea World Whale Watch. We are delighted to hear you had a great trip and that you found our crew so knowledgeable.
Kerry_S, Aug 2025
Be prepared to be freezin cold on the new boat in August. We did see whales, out in the distance. Be prepared for three quarters of the boat to be unwell, certainly made the trip way less enjoyable. Probably wouldn't go again.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Kerry,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We’re glad you were able to see whales during your trip, however we’re sorry to hear the overall experience wasn’t as enjoyable as you had hoped. We try to inform our customers about seasickness with information on our website, in the pre-arrival guide, and motion sickness tablets for sale onboard. In saying this, we understand how uncomfortable it can be when it affects passengers. Being out in the open ocean can also be quite cold and we recommend wearing a warm jacket. We hope you’ll consider joining us again in the future. Alana - Customer Experience Manager
Cathy_B, Aug 2025
Well worth the cost, saw many whales 🐋 very special experience and super easy to book. Fantastic opportunity to see these beautiful sea creatures 💙
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you Cathy for your lovely 5-star review, we are thrilled you had such a wonderful experience on board with us and hope to see you again soon.
Riccardo_D, Aug 2025
Amazing morning experience and so many whale interactions on a great boat. We saw breaches, and around 10 whales.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your 5 star review of Sea World Whale Watch! We're thrilled to hear you got to see so many whales and that they put on a show for you. We hope to welcome you back on board in future!
Morgan_K, Jul 2025
Excellent whale watching experience!
Captain Wayne was a standout — knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about giving guests the best possible experience. He went above and beyond by taking extra time to find us a whale calf, creating a truly memorable moment for everyone on board. The entire crew was fantastic — welcoming, attentive, and happy to answer questions. The vessel was clean and comfortable, with great viewing areas. We felt safe, informed, and cared for the whole time. Highly recommend this tour — especially if you’re hoping for a close-up look at these majestic creatures. Would absolutely book again!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you Morgan for your kind 5-star review and feedback. We are thrilled Captain Wayne and crew enhanced your experience on board watching the gorgeous whales. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Nicola_P, Jul 2025
Great experience. Skipper very informative. We were lucky enough to see Whales but the whole experience of the boat was awesome and great views of Surfers Paradise. We ate at the Deck Cafe before getting on the boar which was lovely and Staff very friendly.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you Nicola for your kind 5 star review. We are so happy you enjoyed your whole experience with us and our crew.
Joy_S, Jul 2025
Was my birthday today and Nicole and other staff made my day special. Whales even came out to celebrate with me. Even when got sea sick first time staff were quickly to help out anyway they could. Best experience such a amazing morning.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your 5 star review of Sea World Whale Watch! We're so happy to hear that the crew and the whales were all on top form to make sure you had a Happy Birthday 🥳
Michelle_B, Jul 2025
Great experience, great staff and saw lots of whales.
Had informative commentary and was lucky to have reasonably calm waters.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you Michelle for your 5 stars and kind review, we are delighted you enjoyed your day with Sea World Whale Watch and hope to see you again.
Martin_S, Jun 2025
You never know what to expect with these beautiful mammals they definately have a mind of there own and are full of surprises
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you Martin for your 5 star review. We are delighted you enjoyed Whale Watching with Sea World Cruises and exploring with the whales.
Iva_B, Jun 2025
Me and my husband enjoyed the experience. We saw a lot of whale action on the surface, including multiple breachings and tail & fin slaps! We did several stops to indulge in these sights. As a bonus, we also spotted several dolphins and got a *surprising* sprint over the waves while standing at the front of the hull (very exciting!) The commentary by the captain was also good and delivered in a calm warm manner. Keep in mind that the groups are quite large though, but we managed to get good spots at the hull as many people got inside soon after the first stop. Sea sickness pills are offered on board (but could have perhaps been offered upon check-in to avoid unnecessary delay before setting off.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you Iva for your 5-star review. We are so glad you and your husband enjoyed your Sea World Whale Watch tour and that you were able to spot both dolphins and whales!
Berlinda_C, Jun 2025
This is a really well run and enjoyable tour - the team look after everyone on the boat to make sure they are ok and have the best chance to view whales.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review of your experience with Sea World Whale Watch. It's wonderful to hear our crew looked after all passengers and made sure everyone had the best chance to view whales!
Wayne_L, Jun 2025
Boat out to sea can be a bit bouncy and induce nausea. Return journey smooth. Service by staff excellent, extremely courteous.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi Wayne, thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review of your experience with Sea World Whale Watch. It is wonderful to hear you enjoyed the excellent customer service from our friendly crew and we hope to welcome you back onboard again soon!
Doug_C, Jun 2025
They charge you then cancelled and you can not get your money back. Avoid at all costs save yourselves the time and effort
Maggie_W, Sep 2024
Wonderful trip for kids! Close observe the dolphins and so many whales! Also nice view to see GC city from the sea! Definitely recommended!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hi Maggie, thank you for this 5-star review, we are glad to hear that you had the best time out with Sea World Whale Watch, enjoying the playful Dolphins & Whales in our beautiful Gold Coast waters, and the view of the city skyline!
Dianne_C, Aug 2024
Just fantastic. Captain and crew so knowledgeable about whales . So easy to board and friendly. Would recommend to my family and friends
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Hi Dianne,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a wonderful review of your experience Whale Watching with Sea World Cruises.
mcculloch1dj, Jun 2024
I recommend this to anyone visiting the Gold Coast. Wonderful boat, and welcoming staff, we thoroughly enjoyed our whale watching trip.
Geoff_P, Jun 2024
Seeing a whale with the Gold Coast as a backdrop.. the facilities at the terminal and on the boat were excellent.
Otif_M, Jun 2024
Splashing whale pair at the end of trip was very exciting . Great weather so sunny and calm waters...great crew... Fun and exciting.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Hi there,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a wonderful review of your Gold Coast Whale Watching experience.
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From $63.94
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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