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Book Gold Coast Whale Watching Luxury Cruise
See whales up close, listen live with hydrophones, & learn fun facts from an expert guide.
- Starting point: Check in at Sea World Cruises Terminal, munch on some snacks (at your own expense) and enjoy the broadwater views before boarding your vessel for your whale watching adventure.
- Everything you get: 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise, live commentary by marine naturalist guide, access to hydrophones & underwater cameras, interactive displays, sighting guarantee (Get a free return cruise, if no whales spotted)
- Sights covered: Humpback whales on the Whale Highway, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, hammerhead sharks, and turtles.
- Why choose this: Not your average whale watching cruise—live sounds, underwater views, and expert insights that bring you closer to the action.
See whales up close, listen live with hydrophones, & learn fun facts from an expert guide.
- Starting point: Check in at Sea World Cruises Terminal, munch on some snacks (at your own expense) and enjoy the broadwater views before boarding your vessel for your whale watching adventure.
- Everything you get: 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise, live commentary by marine naturalist guide, access to hydrophones & underwater cameras, interactive displays, sighting guarantee (Get a free return cruise, if no whales spotted)
- Sights covered: Humpback whales on the Whale Highway, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, hammerhead sharks, and turtles.
- Why choose this: Not your average whale watching cruise—live sounds, underwater views, and expert insights that bring you closer to the action.
Inclusions
- 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
- Live commentary by marine naturalist guide
- Access to hydrophones & underwater cameras
- Interactive displays
- Sighting guarantee (Get a free return cruise, if no whales spotted)
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- This experience is not pram/stroller accessible.
- Ramps are available at the venue for easy access
- Pregnant women and guests with a pre-existing medical condition or those who have been to a hospital recently must consult a doctor before booking.
- Your guide dog is welcome onboard..
- In the event that no whales are sighted during your cruise, you’ll get a free return cruise valid for 12 months.
- The cruise departs from Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo (Save 5%): Premium Whale Watching Cruise + Premium Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
from AU$218
AU$207.10
5% off
Double the views—spot whales by day and dine on the water by night with this Gold Coast combo.
- Everything you get on the Premium Whale Watching Cruise: 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise, live commentary by marine naturalist guide, access to hydrophones & underwater cameras, interactive displays, sighting guarantee (Get a free return cruise, if no whales spotted).
- Everything you get on the Premium Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: 2.5-hour dinner cruise, live commentary, access to AC lower deck & open-air top deck, chef-prepared buffet dinner (menu here), seasonal fruit platter & desserts, live onboard entertainment.
- Why choose this combo: Make the most of your day on the Gold Coast with whale watching in the morning and a dinner cruise in the evening. No planning needed, just show up and enjoy the views, the wildlife, and the waterfront.
Double the views—spot whales by day and dine on the water by night with this Gold Coast combo.
- Everything you get on the Premium Whale Watching Cruise: 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise, live commentary by marine naturalist guide, access to hydrophones & underwater cameras, interactive displays, sighting guarantee (Get a free return cruise, if no whales spotted).
- Everything you get on the Premium Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: 2.5-hour dinner cruise, live commentary, access to AC lower deck & open-air top deck, chef-prepared buffet dinner (menu here), seasonal fruit platter & desserts, live onboard entertainment.
- Why choose this combo: Make the most of your day on the Gold Coast with whale watching in the morning and a dinner cruise in the evening. No planning needed, just show up and enjoy the views, the wildlife, and the waterfront.
Inclusions
Premium Whale Watching Cruise
- 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
- Live commentary by marine naturalist guide
- Access to hydrophones & underwater cameras
- Interactive displays
- Sighting guarantee (Get a free return cruise, if no whales spotted)
Premium Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
- 2.5-hour dinner cruise
- Live commentary
- Access to AC lower deck & open-air top deck
- Chef-prepared buffet dinner
- Seasonal fruit platter & desserts
- Live onboard entertainment
What to bring
Premium Whale Watching Cruise
- Bring your jacket, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, seasickness medicines, and light snacks for this experience.
- It's recommended to wear fully covered footwear with suitable grip, such as sneakers or deck shoes.
Premium Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
- Bring your jacket, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, seasickness medicines, and light snacks for this experience.
- It's recommended to wear fully covered footwear with suitable grip, such as sneakers or deck shoes.
Accessibility
Premium Whale Watching Cruise
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- This experience is not pram/stroller accessible.
- Ramps are available at the venue for easy access
- Pregnant women and guests with a pre-existing medical condition or those who have been to a hospital recently must consult a doctor before booking.
- Your guide dog is welcome onboard.
Premium Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- This experience is not pram/stroller accessible.
- Ramps are available at the venue for easy access
- Pregnant women and guests with a pre-existing medical condition or those who have been to a hospital recently must consult a doctor before booking.
- Your guide dog is welcome onboard.
Additional information
Premium Whale Watching Cruise
- In the event that no whales are sighted during your cruise, you’ll get a free return cruise valid for 12 months.
- The cruise departs from Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach.
Premium Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
- The cruise departs from Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo (Save 5%): Gold Coast 55-Minute Jetboat Ride + Premium Whale Watching Cruise
from AU$174
AU$165.30
5% off
Fly across the Broadwater on a high-speed jetboat & see whales up close on this Gold Coast action combo.
- Everything you get on the Gold Coast 55-minute jetboat ride: 55-minute jetboat ride, expert driver, lifejacket, spray jacket.
- Everything you get on the premium whale watching cruise: 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise, live commentary by marine naturalist guide, access to hydrophones & underwater cameras, interactive displays, sighting guarantee (Get a free return cruise, if no whales spotted).
- Why choose this combo: Two epic experiences in one go. Spot humpback whales in the wild, then try a thrilling jetboat ride. It’s a fun, time-saving way to experience the best of the Gold Coast from every angle.
Fly across the Broadwater on a high-speed jetboat & see whales up close on this Gold Coast action combo.
- Everything you get on the Gold Coast 55-minute jetboat ride: 55-minute jetboat ride, expert driver, lifejacket, spray jacket.
- Everything you get on the premium whale watching cruise: 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise, live commentary by marine naturalist guide, access to hydrophones & underwater cameras, interactive displays, sighting guarantee (Get a free return cruise, if no whales spotted).
- Why choose this combo: Two epic experiences in one go. Spot humpback whales in the wild, then try a thrilling jetboat ride. It’s a fun, time-saving way to experience the best of the Gold Coast from every angle.
Inclusions
Gold Coast 55-Minute Jetboat Ride
- 55-minute jetboat ride
- Expert driver
- Lifejacket
- Spray jacket
Premium Whale Watching Cruise
- 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
- Live commentary by marine naturalist guide
- Access to hydrophones & underwater cameras
- Interactive displays
- Sighting guarantee (Get a free return cruise, if no whales spotted)
What to bring
Gold Coast 55-Minute Jetboat Ride
- Bring a towel, a change of clothes, sunscree and seasickness medicines for this experience.
Premium Whale Watching Cruise
- Bring your jacket, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, seasickness medicines, and light snacks for this experience.
- Wear fully covered footwear with suitable grip, such as sneakers or deck shoes.
What’s not allowed
Gold Coast 55-Minute Jetboat Ride
- This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.
Accessibility
Gold Coast 55-Minute Jetboat Ride
- This experience is not suitable for pregnant women.
Premium Whale Watching Cruise
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- This experience is not pram/stroller accessible.
- Ramps are available at the venue for easy access
- Pregnant women and guests with a pre-existing medical condition or those who have been to a hospital recently must consult a doctor before booking.
- Your guide dog is welcome onboard.
Additional information
Gold Coast 55-Minute Jetboat Ride
- The boat can accommodate between 14 to 18 people.
- A secure locker is available at the departure point to store your belongings safely.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
What to bring
- Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
- It is recommended to bring a light jacket or wrap, as temperatures may vary between the air-conditioned lower deck and open-air top deck.
What’s not allowed
- Prams and strollers are not permitted onboard.
- Pets are not allowed, except for registered guide dogs.
- Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
- Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on the vessel.
Accessibility
- This experience is wheelchair accessible, with ramps available at the venue for easy access.
- The cruise is not pram/stroller accessible.
- Guide dogs are welcome onboard.
Additional information
- Pregnant women and guests with medical conditions or those who have recently been to a hospital must consult a doctor before booking.
- Please arrive at the Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach, and check in 20 minutes before departure.
- The cruise includes a chef-prepared buffet dinner, seasonal fruit platter, desserts, and onboard entertainment.
- The cruise covers sights such as Surfers Paradise, Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, Home of the Arts, and Sea World.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions is not included in your ticket.
What to bring
- Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
- It is recommended to bring a light jacket or wrap, as temperatures may vary between the air-conditioned lower deck and open-air top deck.
What’s not allowed
- Prams and strollers are not permitted onboard.
- Pets are not allowed, except for registered guide dogs.
- Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
- Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on the vessel.
Accessibility
- This experience is wheelchair accessible, with ramps available at the venue for easy access.
- The cruise is not pram/stroller accessible.
- Guide dogs are welcome onboard.
Additional information
- Pregnant women and guests with medical conditions or those who have recently been to a hospital must consult a doctor before booking.
- Please arrive at the Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach, and check in 20 minutes before departure.
- The cruise includes a chef-prepared buffet dinner, seasonal fruit platter, desserts, and onboard entertainment.
- The cruise covers sights such as Surfers Paradise, Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, Home of the Arts, and Sea World.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions is not included in your ticket.
Inclusions
- 2.5-hour dinner cruise
- Chef-prepared buffet dinner (menu [here](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/pdfs/bbab9c06bbbd31f7fc4e61db4ae9b627-Sea World Cruises Buffet Dinner.pdf))
- Live onboard entertainment
- Access to AC lower deck & open-air top deck
- Seasonal fruit platter & desserts
Exclusions
- Cocktails and beverages (menu [here](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/pdfs/2c9cb361c135bfd6a50a9b0dd1deb2e9-Gold Coast Cruise Bar menu.pdf))
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Gold Coast Luxury Whale Watching experiences
Premium Whale Watching Cruise
Duration: 2.5 hours
Departure Point: Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach
Why choose this: It’s one of the most immersive whale watching tours you’ll find on the Gold Coast. The vessel is equipped with hydrophones and underwater cameras, offering an incredible peek into the marine world you can both see and hear.
What’s included:
- 2.5-hour whale watching cruise
- Marine naturalist-led commentary
- Hydrophones & underwater cameras
- Interactive marine life displays
- Whale sighting guarantee (free return cruise if none spotted)
What you’ll see: Expect to cruise along the Humpback Highway, with frequent sightings of humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, hammerhead sharks, and sea turtles.
Good to know:
- It is wheelchair accessible
- There is no pram/stroller access
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Book now
Premium Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
Duration: 2.5 hours
Departure Point: Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach
Why choose this: While not a whale-specific tour, this upscale evening cruise offers a relaxed and scenic way to take in the Gold Coast by night. It’s perfect for couples or travelers who want a luxurious, atmospheric experience on the water.
What’s included:
- 2.5-hour dinner cruise aboard Spirit of Elston
- Chef-prepared buffet dinner, seasonal fruit & desserts
- Access to air-conditioned lower deck and open-air top deck
- Live music and waterfront views
- Live commentary
What you’ll see: While cruising through the Broadwater, you’ll pass Surfers Paradise, Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, HOTA, and more.
Good to know:
- It is wheelchair accessible
- There is no pram/stroller access
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Book now
Plan your visit
Arrival time
Best time to cruise
What to bring
Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in, finding your vessel, and settling in. Most luxury whale watching cruises depart from the Sea World Cruises Terminal in Main Beach, a well-connected hub with ample parking and nearby public transport access. If you're staying in Surfers Paradise, it's just a 10-minute drive or a short G:link tram ride away.
- Morning cruises (8:30am – 11:30am): These offer calm seas, bright conditions, and ideal visibility for spotting whales in action.
- Afternoon/evening cruises (1:30 PM – sunset): Perfect if you're after golden-hour photos, warm light over the water, and in the case of dinner cruises, waterfront dining with live music and city skyline views.
- A light, windproof jacket (the breeze can pick up out on the water)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime cruises
- A fully charged phone or camera, you’ll want those tail-slap shots
- Motion sickness tablets if you're prone to seasickness (even on large, stable vessels)
- Optional: binoculars for better viewing from a distance
Frequently asked questions about luxury whale watching in Gold Coast
What makes a luxury whale watching cruise different from a regular one?
Luxury cruises offer a more refined experience with fewer passengers, premium vessels, comfortable seating, live commentary by marine experts, and features like hydrophones and underwater cameras for an immersive encounter.
Where do luxury whale watching cruises depart from?
Most premium cruises depart from the Sea World Cruises Terminal at Main Beach, which is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport from central Gold Coast areas like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
Do luxury cruises offer food and beverages onboard?
Yes. While some offer light snacks, tea, and coffee, others like dinner cruises serve a full chef-prepared buffet meal, complete with desserts and live entertainment.
How long is the cruise, and when should I arrive?
Cruises typically last 2.5 hours. You should arrive 20–30 minutes early to check in and board comfortably.
Will I see whales for sure?
While sightings are highly likely during the season (June–November), all luxury operators offer a sighting guarantee if no whales are spotted, you’ll receive a free return cruise valid for 12 months.
Are these cruises suitable for families or elderly guests?
Yes. Luxury cruises offer stable, spacious vessels with seating, shaded areas, and onboard restrooms. Some are wheelchair accessible and welcome service animals.
What should I wear or bring on a luxury cruise?
Dress in layers with a light jacket, wear non-slip shoes, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. Motion sickness tablets are recommended if you’re sensitive to movement.