Our 8 Best Noosa and Sunshine Coast Whale Watching Tours

1.Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $71Our pick

Join Noosa Oceanrider for a two-hour small-group cruise from Noosa Marina. The boat carries up to 12 people and heads through the river and Noosa Heads in search of humpback whales. Skippers including Mike and Christian share facts about local wildlife, while binoculars, raincoats, life jackets, and action goggles are provided.

“Fantastic experience, great guide & made sure we saw the whales! 🐋 He had excellent knowledge of the whales, their habits & what they were up to.”

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2.Whale Watching Cruise from Mooloolaba

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $71

Set out from Wharf Mooloolaba on a refurbished vessel with space for about 21 to 22 people. Your crew, including guide Jess on some trips, explains humpback behavior as you watch for breaching whales, tail slaps, and dolphins. The 3-hour cruise includes light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, with no hotel pickup.

“Fabulous afternoon out! The whales were amazing!!! The boat was very comfortable and just the right size. The ladies were very knowledgeable and I learnt a lot about the whales. Also met some lovely people!! What more could you ask for :-)”

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3.Noosa Ocean Adventures: Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $68Best value

Set out from Noosaville aboard the Noosa Thriller for a two-hour whale watch along the Noosa coast. With a maximum of 12 passengers, skipper-guides such as Brent, Burt, or Bill can share the search for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds. Expect National Park views, safety gear, and a fast ride over the Noosa Bar when conditions allow.

“Brilliant experience. Viewed plenty of whales. Host was really knowledgeable and friendly. Bucket list thing to do. Highly recommend 👌”

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4.AAA NOOSA Whale watching experience in Noosa Whalesongsnoosa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · from $82

Set out from Noosaville with Captain Albie and first mate Peppie for a two-hour whale and dolphin trip toward Noosa Heads and Sunshine Beach. A researcher explains animal behavior while a hydrophone lets you hear whale and dolphin calls underwater. The small boat carries up to 10 people and has a sheltered deck.

“We had a fantastic morning with Captain Albie & First Mate Peppie. Peppie was very knowledgeable and extremely passionate, sharing interesting facts of whale life. We were blessed in seeing these magnificent creatures and their calf. Having only 10 people onboard is a bonus. Highly recommend and we will definitely go again next year.”

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5.Adventure Whale Watching Tour Mooloolaba

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $71

Set out from The Wharf Mooloolaba on a fast boat for about 90 minutes of humpback whale watching. You’ll pass Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright, Alexandra Headland, and Old Woman Island, with a spray jacket, glasses, and waterproof phone case provided. Guides including Brendan share whale and local coastal knowledge.

“Very friendly and welcoming couple. Knowledgable about the area as well. We were delighted to see a whale as well.”

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6.Mooloolaba Whale Watching – Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $71

Join an expert skipper at The Wharf Mooloolaba for a two-hour private cruise along the Sunshine Coast. Watch for humpback whales, listen to their calls through a hydrophone, and see Point Cartwright, Alexandra Headland, and Mudjimba Island. The fast boat carries groups of up to 20, and you may get wet.

“An absolutely wonderful experience, with some awesome sightings of frolicking whales. I wasn't quite expecting such a fast boat and for how wet we all got, but it was the most incredible fun. Friendly and knowledgeable crew to top it off.”

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7.Epic Whale Watching On Ocean Kayaks & Beach 4X4 Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $123

Meet at The J in Noosa for a six-hour guided outing to Double Island Point. Ride the Tewantin Ferry, cross Noosa North Shore by 4X4, then kayak through Great Sandy National Park waters. Look for whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds, with swimming, snacks, water, and equipment included.

“Getting to the almost deserted rainbow beach , kayaking in beautiful waters with dolphins. Seeing whales further out at sea”

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8.AAA Noosa National Park Tour and Dolphin Safari Whalesongsnoosa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $68

Join Peppie and Albie aboard a small boat from Noosaville for about 90 minutes along Noosa National Park. Look for dolphins, turtles, fish, and seasonal whales while a researcher explains the wildlife. A hydrophone lets you hear live dolphin and whale sounds through the boat speakers.

“Great 2hr experience of the Noosa coastline along the Australian National Park, the marine life around the sandbanks and topped off by a close encounter with the Noosa Dolphins !!”

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