Home > Gold Coast > Half-Day Whale Watching and Canal Cruise from the Gold Coast
USD $75.00
Half-Day Whale Watching and Canal Cruise from the Gold Coast
Gold Coast, Australia
See magnificent humpback whales at play on this half-day cruise from the Gold Coast. You'll enjoy unobstructed 360 degree views from all three decks of your purpose built vessel and the experienced crew, including a marine naturalist guide, will provide the closest whale encounters possible. Small group sizes, guaranteeing rail side position which makes it one of Gold Coast's most intimate whale watching experiences.
Board your state of the art vessel in Surfers Paradise. After a brief safety introduction, your tour starts with a scenic canal cruise down the Nerang River while your knowledgeable crew point out the spectacular homes of the rich and famous.
Your cruise continues past the beautiful South Stradbroke Island to the nearby waters of the Australian Whale Sanctuary. Each year between the months of May and October, humpbacks whales migrate to these subtropical waters to mate and give birth. With three departures per day you'll have the opportunity to see the whales at play, often performing spectacular aerial leaps. There will be plenty of photo opportunities as bottle-nose dolphins, giant loggerhead turtles, killer whales and various sea birds also call these waters home. Your marine naturalist guide will also provide informative and unique commentary and the experienced crew are dedicated to providing you with the ultimate whale watching experience.
it was not value to money at all to spend 100 USD for an unlucky trip rarely to see clearly the Whale
Review by: Rudrapriya R, July 2017
A wonderfully organised trip. The crew made all efforts to track the ever elusive humpback whales. We had a fair share of viewing. At. the end returned quite satisfied. Posting a couple of photos
Review by: Eddy, July 2017
Luckily, I can see 8-10 whales swimming across the sea. Though, it is far away from the whales, but it is considerate !
Review by: Peter D, July 2017
This tour was well organised and very professional. Weather was kind to us and we were able to come across a number of whales. They were not very active bit it was great to be up close and in their environment. Wayne and his team did all to find the whales and spent extra time seeking out different ones to get the opportunity for some action.
Review by: Shirin B, June 2017
Disappointed.
Review by: KATHARINE K, June 2017
It was awesome!! The crew are very experienced and informative. I had seen around at least 10 humpback whales that day!!
Review by: Yukixue K, April 2017
dizzy sea but good experience cos we saw a dancing whale infront of us
Review by: Jo P, November 2016
Fantastic. _br/_ Saw a whale and her calf immediately and stayed with them for the duration of the trip. The driver was excellent- really informative. Top tip: sit on the top deck on the right- best views and least choppy feels.
Review by: Sabyasachi D, October 2016
It was a rainy day, however, I saw several whales and dolphins. Its amazing.
Review by: Geof W, October 2016
We enjoyed this adventure very much spotting whales within minutes of setting out of the heads. We encountered significant sightings with very good views of the city from off shore. We only had about mid 30 on our tour with boat able to carry around 60. Just a word of warning regarding parking to allow enough time to find a carpark at one of the many off street carparks. We thought we had plenty of time but became confused in traffic due to the school holidays. There is no parking on site and the sight is upon you very quickly even with navigation aids. the view of the river and points of interest pointed out were quite interesting as well.
Review by: Michelle H, September 2016
We only saw one whale however it was a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours. The vessel was very comfortable, everything ran like clockwork. Would highly recommend.
Review by: Seema B, July 2016
Good tour._br/_ Well informed young people._br/_ Don and #39;t mind doing it again.
Review by: Teresa K, July 2016
The cruise was wonderful! The guides were experienced in looking for the whales. We had a wonderful and enjoyable trip! Highly recommend and must see!
Review by: karyn_lau, November 2015
My first whale watching, is awesome, we get to see a mother and calf, Hammerhead shark and dolphins...highly recommend!
Review by: roshada i, September 2014
the trip arrangement was good but not full fill our objective of seeing the whale. None of our group member would be able to see the whale._br/_
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Review by: Marion L, August 2014
We both loved it. Excellent value for money and would not hesitate to do it again.
Review by: Michelle N, July 2014
The experience we had was amazing. We saw a whale breaching and a pod of about 30 - 40 dolphins which followed the boat. The crew were just as excited to see the large number of dolphins. They were also very informative regarding the habits of the whales and dolphins.
Review by: Phyllis H, October 2013
This was an amazing trip. We were lucky enough to see 3 pods of whales including mother and performing baby. Out of this world.. Maybe not for the feint hearted re sailing. It was quite a journey, but we expected that so weren't bothered. Wouldn't have missed it for anything. tried to see the whales off South island new Zealand on my last trip "Down Under" but boats weren't going out as it was too rough! Heaven only knows what that might have been like had we gone! this trip was well worth the money.
Review by: Patrick H, August 2013
Extremely friendly well informed a happy staff, great morning out, saw lots of whales and had a wonderful morning on the high seas !!!
Review by: Susan B, August 2013
My parents really enjoyed the trip thanks, will do it again for sure, thanks again
Review by: Eugene T, August 2013
It started with a slow leisurely cruise down the river and then into the adventurous choppy waters of the pacific ocean. We were lucky to see 2 breaches. At one point of time the whales came very close to our boat. Simply breathtaking and an adventure not to be missed.
Review by: danielle c, August 2013
Fantastic day out! We saw many whales and other marine life.
Review by: Su C, August 2013
A great 3 1/2 hour tour in the sea. Simply Amazing! So many whales were dancing around us.
Review by: Matthew B, August 2012
Extremely informative. Although the whales weren't doing particularly photogenic stuff, we did get some good sights and it was rather impressive. The guide was knowledgeable and the free tea was nice._br/_
The departure point was easy to find and we enjoyed learning about the owners of the expensive houses on the waterfront as we passed them._br/_
The tour offered good value for money; after all, I booked it because it was the cheapest one I could find, and upon booking, the US-based call centre operator (we did a next-day booking) was really friendly, great to deal with. The option to pay in either AUD and GBP was a nice touch too._br/_
Literally, the only negative thing I can think of is that the skipper opined that global warming was a myth. Overall, an extremely good experience and I would recommend to friends and family and readers here.
Review by: AARON, August 2012
Informative and entertaining!
Review by: AARON, August 2012
Informative and entertaining!
Review by: Roycelyn C, July 2012
Rough weather and seas, but the trip was okay. Saw plenty of whale activity, a couple of breaches, tails, awesome. I'd do it again at the $76 price, wouldn't do it again for $90 odd.
Review by: Daria, June 2012
super relaxing looking at the deep blue seas and blue bodies of the humpbacks. on the previous day, the orator-on-board mentioned 7 sightings. we had endless sightings you would never believe whales are facing extinction, plus, 2 breach (whale jumped COMPLETELY) out of the water.
Review by: Maciej D, June 2012
OK!
Review by: Malcolm D, October 2011
THe trip was good but we didnt spend enough time where we actually found whales.
Review by: James M, October 2011
Absolutely fantasic trip. The skipper had everything very well organized. The skipper and co gave fantastic commentary and even a tour guide of the local waterfront houses on the way out of the river. My family enjoyed the experienc and would do it again.
Review by: Karen S, October 2010
I've been wanting to go whale watching for as long as I can remember. Finally had an opportunity to do it this year. One of the best experiences I've had. Cruising down the Nerang river the Skipper had some very entertaining and informative commentary. Wasn't quite sure what to expect once we hit the open water.. Once we got out there all eyes were peeled to spot our first whale. We were less than 15 minutes in the open water before we spotted our first whale.. unbelievable!! There were cheers all round. There were 2 whales not from our boat, One was a juvenile, both breaching and carrying on it was almost as if they were showing off for us. They seemed to enjoy the attention. Swimming up to our boat, so close it felt like you could almost reach out and touch them. Loved it, loved it, loved it!! Would definitely recommend it to anyone. Very professional and friendly crew which made the experience even more enjoyable, will be sure to book a whale watching trip with you guys again next year :)
Review by: Andrew G, February 2010
Friendly staff. The whales were hit-and-miss. Overall, there was about 15 minutes of true excitement within the 3.5 hr trip.
Review by: Gay R, December 2009
Indescribable! I had a marvelous time! I have been recommending your tour to everyone. Thank you so much for a lovely time.
Review by: Jamie M, December 2009
Didn't see much whale action at all. Don't think it was value for money.
Review by: Raymond H, December 2009
My parents were elderly & I had requested that some help may be needed in getting on & off the boat, but none was offered. Whales were not seen this day, very disappointing. Morning tea was only a dry biscuit.
Review by: Andrew G, United States of America, September 2009
Friendly staff. The whales were hit-and-miss. Overall, there was about 15 minutes of true excitement within the 3.5 hr trip.
Review by: Gay R, Australia, July 2009
Indescribable! I had a marvelous time! I have been recommending your tour to everyone. Thank you so much for a lovely time.
Review by: Jamie M, Australia, July 2009
Didn't see much whale action at all. Don't think it was value for money.
Review by: Raymond H, Australia, June 2009
My parents were elderly & I had requested that some help may be needed in getting on & off the boat, but none was offered. Whales were not seen this day, very disappointing. Morning tea was only a dry biscuit.
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