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

All Fees and Taxes

Snacks

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Sea World Whale Watch
Sea 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 travellers 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 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

Featured review

Lisa_K

Crew were outstanding Bucket list experience safe and exhilarating. Highly recommend excellent value

Reviews

5.0

117 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 117 reviews

Life time experience

Lisa_K, Sept 2023

Crew were outstanding Bucket list experience safe and exhilarating. Highly recommend excellent value

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Hi Lisa, Thank you for taking the time to leave a wonderful 5-star review of your experience with Sea World Whale Watch. We're happy to hear that you had a memorable time on our cruise, and we appreciate your kind words about our outstanding crew. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable moments in the future.

Great trip despite rough seas!

Caro_W, Aug 2023

It was a very rough sea but the crew were so at ease it made me confident that we would survive! And it was all worth it - it was beyond thrilling to see the whales and dolphins. We had such an incredible time. I had the sea sick pills early as recommended and they did the trick as did my daughter. We sat on the top deck too which i recommend as the fresh air made a big difference. Great info by the marine biologist too. Thank you!

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Hi Caro, thank you for sharing your adventurous experience with us! We're happy to hear that our crew's expertise and composure reassured you, making your whale and dolphin sighting all the better. It's great that you and your daughter found the sea sick pills effective, and the top deck was the perfect choice for fresh air. We can't wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments at sea

So great

Sandy_G, Aug 2023

My family and I absolutely loved it. So relaxing and the crew were brilliant We will defiantly visit again

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hi Sandy, thank you for this great 5-star review of your experience with Sea World Whale Watch!

Really enjoyable...

Kim_M, Aug 2023

Really enjoyable experience, I chose them because they offered a guarantee for another visit if we didn't see whales.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hi Kim, thank you for choosing Sea World Whale Watch for your Gold Coast Whale Watching Experience!

Sunset & Whales

Ghassan_H, Aug 2023

It was a great moments to finally watch the whales live not on YouTube, also exciting Seeing 5 whales surfacing for air all at the same time, but unfortunately I wasn’t quick enough to take the picture.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hi there, we're delighted you could join us for the thrill of seeing whales live, beyond YouTube! Witnessing five whales surfacing together must have been truly exciting. While capturing the moment can sometimes be a challenge, we have our professional onboard photographers capturing what you might miss. These photos are available to be purchased exclusively on the vessel. A great tip for next time!

Showtime !

VENUGOPAL_B, July 2023

The Whales put up a great show for us !! Was a brilliant sunny day too ! Very well organised by Sea World !

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hi there, what a fabulous review. We love it when the whales decide to really show off for our guests. That is fantastic you had a great day out.

Just watching them shoot...

Nicole_G, July 2023

Just watching them shoot out of the water and back flipping into the water. Seeing dolphins too for my first time and such a huge pod 😍

Response from Host, July 2023

Hi Nicole, that sounds like the most amazing time out on the Humpback Highway! The whales most definitely put on a show for you.

Amazing

Matthew_S, Nov 2022

Amazingly beautiful experience made possible by vastly experienced and caring crew. A not to be missed adventure

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Hi Matthew, thank you for taking the time to write a review of your Whale Watching Cruise. We are happy to hear that you had a beautiful experience with our crew on the Humpback Highway.

RIP OFF MERCHANTS

Debbie_L, Aug 2022

《WARNING》Do not use this site (COMPANY)if you are a Australian and live in Australia This company is a rip off they charge the exchange rate on your money so iff the cruise is $400.00 they will charge you $600.00 THEY DO NOT LET YOU KNOW WHEN YOU BOOK THEY ARE NO A AUSTRALIAN COMPANY

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Hi Debbie, We are Sea World Cruises and are Gold Coast owned and operated. We are unsure what you mean by the exchange rate information, as this is not at all what we are about. Please contact our office on (07) 5539 9299 or email us at info@seaworldcruises.com.au so we can discuss this matter further and help you with this issue. Thank you,

A great trip out for all

Maurice_K, Aug 2022

Seeing these magnificent creatures close up in real life was an unforgettable experience for me and definitely for my grandchildren

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Hi Maurice, thank you for leaving a 5-star review of your Whale Watching Cruise experience. We are happy to hear that you had an unforgettable experience on the waterways with your Grandchildren.

Amazing experience!

Emi_Y, Aug 2022

It was so amazing to see a jumping whale in front us!! We saw lots of whales this time. My kids was very excited. All crews were used to take care of passengers. Thank you very much!

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Hi Emi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are happy to hear that you had a wonderful time with us and that your children had a fantastic time. We look forward to having you again in the future.

Excellent Booking easy.

Cynthia_H, Aug 2022

Unfortunately I got sea sickness!! We could not praise the crew enough for their attention & care. I was monitored constantly, encouraged and advised in a caring manner. BUT ... I still got to see the whales, a new calf & a large pod of dolphins. The Captain’s narrative was excellent. Just a shame I was unwell. Should have taken the tablets earlier !!!

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Hi Cynthia, Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review. Oh no, we are sorry to hear that the motion of the ocean got you, but are happy to hear our awesome crew took great care of you. What a fantastic experience seeing a newborn calf! We look forward to having you again another time.

Great event

shaneferry01, Aug 2022

Trip was great, saw plenty of whales and them breaching the surface. Recommend . Great for individuals and family.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Hi Shane, Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review of your Whale Watching Cruise. We are happy to hear that you got to see some amazing whale action.

Nice morning on water

Deborah_R, July 2022

Whales surfacing around boat and researcher’s commentary were highlights. Poking a min 100 characters annoying!

How caring the staff were...

Jan_S, July 2022

How caring the staff were as it was a rough trip, which we were advised it would be, and seeing a mum and her calf!

Response from Host, July 2022

Hi Jan, thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review of your Whale Watching Cruise. Seeing a mum and her calf is definitely a special experience. We are glad we could share that moment with you.

Wonderful whales

Scott_S, July 2022

Even though weather wasn’t good it was still a fabulous experience and all crew where very helpful and nice..a perfect way to spend a few hours watching these majestic creature’s.

Response from Host, July 2022

Hi Scott, thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the whales and our crew were there to assist you.

Absolutely amazing

Elizabeth_B, July 2022

We got to see the new baby whale named Humphrey , only one week old with mum, and splashing around playing

Response from Host, July 2022

Hi Elizabeth, thank you for leaving a review. Humphrey the humpback has to be the cutest baby name ever! We are delighted to hear you got to experience that special moment. We look forward to having with you again in the future, Warm regards,

Magnificent

Kerie_S, July 2022

Seeing the whales they are such awesome creatures. That was my third trip on sea world cruises. I love it how the whales come and entertain us.

Response from Host, July 2022

Hi Kerie, thank you for this magnificent review! The whales sure do love putting on a show for our guests. We are glad they were just as amazing on your third trip!

Great experience seeing...

Shukla_C, June 2022

Great experience seeing so many whales close up. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

Response from Host, July 2022

Hi Shulka, thank you for taking the time to leave a great review. We are happy to hear that the whales were curious and came close to the boat!

Amazing experience

Stephanie_B, June 2022

What an amazing experience. The staff were so professional and friendly. Jill was so knowledgeable and lovely and gave the kids a blanket when they were cold. We were lucky to see a whale breach several times and nearly the whole time out there got sightings of a whale. The kids (2 and 8) loved it. Just make sure you rug up even during the day as it can get chilly

Response from Host, June 2022

Hi Stephan, thank you for leaving a great review. Jill is so knowledgeable and we are happy to hear you enjoyed her commentary. It sounds like an amazing whale watching experience. We look forward to having you with us again next season.