Our 15 Best Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours

1.Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

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

Meet at Aqua Adventures in Southport for a roughly 2.5-hour cruise aboard the Spirit of Gold Coast. A marine biologist explains humpback behavior while the crew searches for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. You can watch from enclosed lower areas or open upper decks, with morning tea, toilets, and a licensed bar on board.

“Nice friendly staff and good commentary about the whales. Would recommend this tour to any travellers. as a solo traveller, the staff made me feel welcome. got to see a few dolphins as well.”

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

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

Cruise from Southport’s Broadwater between June and October to watch migrating humpback whales in open water. A marine biologist and captain Dean provide commentary, while the Spirit of Gold Coast offers 360-degree viewing decks, tea, coffee, biscuits, and a free return trip if whales do not appear.

“The best activity we did on our trip to Gold Coast. The sea was very rough, however the Captain made sure to show us as many whales as possible. Unfortunately some of us got wet in the bargain but it was all worth it.”

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3.Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise

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

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard Kokomo Cruises’ fast, compact vessel from Main Beach, heading through the seaway to the Gold Coast’s Whale Highway. You get 360-degree views, crew commentary, limited seating, and a whale sighting guarantee with a free return ticket if no whales appear.

“Very comfortable boat. Richard Marni were great and quite knowledgable. Overall a great experience. Definitely worth it !”

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4.Whale Watching by Sea World Cruises

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

Join Sea World Cruises at Main Beach for a 2.5-hour trip aboard the purpose-built Spirit of Migaloo II. You reach the Australian Whale Sanctuary in about 20 minutes, with captains and marine naturalist guides helping you look for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. The cruise runs from late May to early November.

“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!”

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5.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-watching cruise. A marine biologist explains whale migration, while rotating viewing decks help you spot humpbacks from different angles. You get light refreshments, kids’ activity sheets, and access to a licensed bar, with morning and afternoon departures from Marina Mirage.

“great staff who made the trip amazing for my friends birthday!!!!!”

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6.Gold Coast Whale Experience

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

Join Kokomo Cruises from Main Beach for a 150-minute trip along the Gold Coast Whale Highway. You will reach the whale area in about 20 minutes, then watch migrating humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and more from a purpose-designed boat. Crew members including Nick and Fran provide live English commentary. Whale sightings are usually guaranteed, with a free return trip if none appear.

“Amazing experience. We spotted 7 whales during our tour. Very recommended!”

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7.Swim with Whales in Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 71 reviews · from $80

Meet at Mug & Beans Cafe in Southport for a 2.5-hour trip aboard Game Changer, a small boat limited to 12 people. You can join the water as a whale swimmer or stay on deck as an observer. Wetsuits are supplied in winter, along with life jackets and snorkel gear. The whales decide what happens next.

“was such an amazing experience, don’t they if you they don’t come straight away! they do end up coming and it is such and amazing experience we even saw some dolphins! just be prepared if the waves are choppy !”

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8.Small Boat Whale Watching Tour in Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · from $73

Meet at 95 Marine Parade in Southport for a three-hour whale-watching trip aboard a quiet, low-sided boat. With a small group, you sit close to the water and may see humpbacks at eye level, sometimes with calves or dolphins nearby. Spray jackets and inflatable life vests are supplied. Children must be at least five.

“My husband and I had a great time, loved the small boat and saw many whales. We want to do it again next year :)”

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9.Whale Watching Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $63

Set out from Chinderah at 6:30 am on a small, open-ocean vessel limited to 12 people. Your skipper and marine naturalist search the waters near Coolangatta, the Gold Coast, and the Tweed River, with low-level views of migrating whales and live commentary. The 2.5-hour trip returns to the same meeting point.

“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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10.Swim with Whales Gold Coast

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

Set out from Chinderah at 6:30 am for a four-hour search for humpback whales near Coolangatta, the Gold Coast, and Tweed Heads. Your small group, capped at nine, gets wetsuits, snorkel gear, and spray jackets. A sighting is guaranteed, but a swim depends entirely on whale behavior, weather, and sea conditions.

“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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11.Tweed Heads: Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 30 reviews · from $92

Join Cooly Tweed Cruises at 8:00am from Ivory Waterside Marina for a three-hour whale watch aboard a stable 50-foot boat. An English-speaking guide and skipper help locate whales, while three viewing levels, indoor and outdoor seats, and two toilets make it easy to settle in. Bring your own snacks and drinks.

“Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the whales seemed to have been waiting for us and entertained all aboard. Crew were very helpful and weather was superb....a great way to spend a morning.”

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12.Swim with Whales

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 13 reviews · 4 hours · from $268

Join Cooly Eco Adventures for a four-hour whale swim from Chinderah Bay. An experienced skipper, in-water guide, and crew take you offshore in a small group, usually limited to eight people, for soft in-water encounters with humpback whales. You must swim independently and have previous snorkeling experience.

“Excellent! Wouldn’t change anything! Will repeat in no time 😻”

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13.Swim with Whales

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 11 reviews · from $231

Join Blue Seafaris for a 3.5-hour whale swim from the Gold Coast. A marine biologist guides up to seven people aboard a fast rigid inflatable boat, using whale behavior to seek a safe in-water encounter. Sightings are guaranteed, but swimming depends on the whales. Premium 5mm wetsuits, masks, and fins are included.

“Not good experience with limited time see the whales The tours guys are nice and informative, helpful for different situations However, the activity is not worth to spend that much in my experience.”

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14.Gold Coast/Coolangatta: Whale Watching with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 8 reviews · from $85

Join Jill and the Blue Seafaris crew aboard Big Blue, a fast, stable rigid inflatable boat carrying up to 21 people. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll search for migrating humpback whales, hear their song through a hydrophone, and learn about their behavior. Dolphins, turtles, and seabirds may also appear.

“Excellent. Loved it..very professional. A sign at jetty would help. Several people were concerned if we were at the right place.”

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15.Whale Watching Cruise & Sea World Entry

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 5 reviews · 10 days · from $133

Cruise the Gold Coast’s Humpback Highway for up to 2.5 hours with marine guides, then visit Sea World for dolphins, penguins, polar bears, shows, and rides. Your Sea World ticket is issued at whale cruise check-in and can be used the same day or the next. Cruises run daily from late May through October.

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