Gold Coast Whale Watching Guide

Hanging out with humpbacks is a must-do when you're on the Gold Coast. Hop aboard a whale watching tour for incredible encounters with these massive marine mammals in the open ocean. To see them frolicking, breaching and blowing is an experience that will stay with you long after you set foot on land again. 

The Humpback Highway

The Gold Coast is a popular stop along the annual migration route for thousands of humpback whales on their way to warmer northern waters for winter. They follow the path of the continental shelf which runs along the east coast of Australia, also known as The Humpback Highway.

 

Way More Whales

An estimated 35,000 whales embark on their migration through the Gold Coast each year. These incredible creatures have made their way back from the brink of extinction to become a global conservation success story. Good news for our oceans - they are no longer considered a threatened species. With humpback population numbers increasing each year, there’s a lot of traffic along the Humpback Highway, which makes for marvellous whale watching. (Image: Spirit of Gold Coast)

100% Whale Guarantee

Humpback numbers are so plentiful that Gold Coast whale watching tours have a 100% whale guarantee. If you don’t spot any whales on your tour (which very rarely happens), you can return free of charge on another day that suits your schedule. While boats aren’t permitted to get closer than 100m from a whale, that doesn’t mean the whales won’t come to the boat. They are curious creatures and some seem to enjoy observing humans, as much as humans enjoy observing them! (Image: Sea World Cruises)

Super Sized Marine Mammals

It’s hard to comprehend the size of these massive mammals until you see them up close. Some of the largest humpbacks reach sizes of up to 16m long and weigh over 30 tonnes (that’s the same as 11 elephants!). They can live up to 90 years old, which means some of the whales you see have been making this journey every year for decades.

A Natural Nursery for Whale Calves

On their migration back down south with newborn young, mother Humpbacks use the protected Gold Coast waters as a nursery to rest and play in. The calves (baby whales) are still learning to swim and breach and watching them flop and frolick about as they practice is an adorable sight. An up close encounter with these sentient aquatic mammals on a whale watching tour is awe-inspiring, humbling and deeply moving – an experience you’ll never forget. (Image: Spirit of Gold Coast)

 

Fast Commute

During whale watching season, humpbacks come in so close to the coast it's common to see spouts of whale pods from the shore.  Tours depart from numerous locations (Main Beach, Surfers Paradise Runaway Bay and Coolangatta) and you can be watching whales play within 20-30 minutes. This is great news for parents with little people impatient to see all the action (and anyone who gets seasick). It also means you can go for an early morning whale watching tour and be back on land before lunch with the rest of your day to spend at your leisure, relaxing, shopping or exploring Gold Coast’s other attractions.

Take Your Pick of Whale Watching Tours

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a whale watching tour. There are a number of Gold Coast operators who offer a huge range of experiences in various sized vessels for different-sized groups. You can go for a few hours or a whole day, enjoy a bacon and egg roll and a cuppa on a breakfast cruise, or join a half-day research expedition where your observations will assist with whale conservation. You can take a tour on a chartered yacht for an intimate experience, or step aboard a custom-built vessel with multiple viewing platforms and underwater microphones that let you hear the whales singing as they pass by your boat.

Each of these Gold Coast whale watching tours offers an exciting experience with their own unique touch.

Sea World Whale Watching Cruises

Sea World Whale Watching Cruises have two large and luxurious vessels that feature three levels of viewing decks, underwater cameras that are streamed to your mobile device and hydraphones that allow you to hear the whale sounds. Plus a portion of every ticket goes towards marine conservation.

Departs from: Sea World Cruise Terminal, Sea World Dr, Main Beach

Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching

‘Spirit’ is a 24-metre catamaran custom-designed for whale watching with 360º viewing from upper and lower decks. There’s a marine biologist on board Spririt of Gold Coast Whale Watching tours to tell you all about the whales, plus a professional photographer to capture the action and best moments. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are a bonus too.
Departs from: Mariners Cove Marina, Sea World Dr, Main Beach

Kokomo Cruises

Enjoy an intimate experience aboard Gold Coast’s newest whale watching vessel with Kokomo Cruises - a family owned and run business. With just 40 seats on board, you can enjoy  an intimate experience without the crowds and learn a lot from live commentary about humpbacks and the marine environment.
Departs from: Marina Mirage, Sea World Dr, Main Beach

Whale Watch Queensland

Immerse yourself in the world of whales with comfortable, water level viewing. With Whale Watch Queensland, you’ll get incredible access to see and hear the whales via underwater cameras and sound recorders, plus marine biologists provide insightful and interesting commentary on every tour.

Departs from: The Spit, Main Beach and Sanctuary Cove

Whales in Paradise

With a purpose built catamaran specifically selected for whale watching, Whales in Paradise offer a unique experience with a full, walk around deck at water level giving you unparalleled access to see the whales. Enjoy expert commentary from an onboard marine biologist who will guide you through the wonders of the ocean, sharing fascinating facts about whale behaviour and local marine life. Tours are limited to 65 people for an uncrowded whale watching experience. 

Cooly Eco Adventures

Enjoy a very personalised safari-style whale watching tour with a maximum of 12 passengers. Experienced crew and a knowledgeable naturalist onboard will keep you entertained with information and insights on the whales. Cooly Eco Adventures also offers a Swim with the Whales experience - the only one of its kind on the Gold Coast.

Departs from: 139 Chinderah Bay Dr, Chinderah

 

Boattime Yacht Charters

Get up close with the gentle giants of the sea while enjoying the comfort of a luxurious 34-metre super yacht. Enjoy complimentary snacks, barista made coffee (hot chocolate for the kids) let the sensational staff on Boattime Yacht Charters take care of you on this boutique tour. A marine biologist will share knowledge and stories about the humpbacks on your journey.
Departs from: Marina Mirage, Sea World Dr, Main Beach

Extended Season

Humpback whales undertake the longest migration of any animal on the planet. They embark on a 5000km trip, leaving the icy waters of the Antarctic to head north up the East Coast of Australia to tropical Queensland to mate and birth their young before making the return trip. The Gold Coast has the longest continuous whale watching season in Australia, stretching from roughly late May to early Novermber.

At different times during the season, you’ll see different behaviours from the whales.

- Early in June, it’s mainly females with their calves from the previous year – these youngsters are exuberant and playful and love to show off with impressive surface displays.

- July and August is the busiest time on the Humpback Highway when the migration peaks. Large pods pass through and the sight of their spray and splashing out to sea are a common sight from Gold Coast beaches. Pregnant females slowly swim north and many adult males are around at this time, competing for attention from the lady whales (cue acrobatics!).

- September is when they start heading south again and towards the end of the season over October, there are lots of mothers with newborns – a truly magical sight to see.

If you're lucky enough to be on the  Gold Coast during whale watching season, don't miss your chance for an unforgettable experience of seeing the humpbacks in their natural habitat.

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