Watch humpback Whales on Gold Coast cruise
Gold Coast, Australia • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jun, Jul, Aug
11°C – 29°C, cooler temperatures with moderate precipitation, medium crowds, peak season
11°C – 29°C, cooler temperatures with moderate precipitation, medium crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Wheelchairs not accommodated; walking and stairs required.
Wheelchairs not accommodated; walking and stairs required.
Value for money
Medium
Sightings are guaranteed, but prices are a bit high.
Sightings are guaranteed, but prices are a bit high.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Setting
Couples found the whale watching cruise perfect for a romantic getaway, amazing views!
Whale Encounters
Witnessing whales breach together was an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended for couples!
Expert Commentary
The crew's insights enhanced the experience. Couples loved learning about the whales together!
Overcrowded Vessels
Some couples felt the boat was too crowded, making it hard to enjoy the views together.
Seasickness Concerns
Several couples reported seasickness. Pack precautions to avoid ruining the experience.
Booking Issues
A few couples experienced communication problems with booking changes. Annoying!
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A duo embarks on Whale Watching Cruise adventure in Gold Coast.
Join an adventurer as she takes part in Whale Watching experience.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
21-30°C
Hot temperatures with a higher chance of rain.
Hot temperatures with a higher chance of rain.
Closed
Whale watching season has ended; tours not available.
Whale watching season has ended; tours not available.
Not recommended
December is outside the whale watching season. The weather is hot with a higher chance of rain. Crowds are high due to summer holidays, and prices for other activities may be higher. Whale watching tours are not available during this month.
December is outside the whale watching season. The weather is hot with a higher chance of rain. Crowds are high due to summer holidays, and prices for other activities may be higher. Whale watching tours are not available during this month.
January
HIGH
22-29°C
Warm and humid with frequent rainfall.
Warm and humid with frequent rainfall.
Closed
Whale watching cruises are not available as humpback whales are not present during this period.
Whale watching cruises are not available as humpback whales are not present during this period.
Not recommended
January is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, with frequent rainfall. It coincides with the peak tourist season, leading to higher crowd levels and increased prices. Whale watching cruises are not available during this month as humpback whales are not present in the region.
January is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, with frequent rainfall. It coincides with the peak tourist season, leading to higher crowd levels and increased prices. Whale watching cruises are not available during this month as humpback whales are not present in the region.
February
MEDIUM
22-29°C
Warm and humid with frequent rainfall.
Warm and humid with frequent rainfall.
Closed
Whale watching cruises are not available as humpback whales are not present during this period.
Whale watching cruises are not available as humpback whales are not present during this period.
Not recommended
February continues to experience warm temperatures and high humidity, with frequent rainfall. Tourist numbers decrease after the summer holidays, leading to moderate crowd levels and more stable prices. Whale watching cruises are not available during this month as humpback whales are not present in the region.
February continues to experience warm temperatures and high humidity, with frequent rainfall. Tourist numbers decrease after the summer holidays, leading to moderate crowd levels and more stable prices. Whale watching cruises are not available during this month as humpback whales are not present in the region.
March
LOW
21-28°C
Warm with decreasing humidity and rainfall.
Warm with decreasing humidity and rainfall.
Closed
Whale watching cruises are not available as humpback whales are not present during this period.
Whale watching cruises are not available as humpback whales are not present during this period.
Not recommended
March sees a gradual decrease in temperature and humidity, with rainfall still present but less frequent. Tourist numbers are lower as the summer season ends, resulting in low crowd levels and stable prices. Whale watching cruises are not available during this month as humpback whales are not present in the region.
March sees a gradual decrease in temperature and humidity, with rainfall still present but less frequent. Tourist numbers are lower as the summer season ends, resulting in low crowd levels and stable prices. Whale watching cruises are not available during this month as humpback whales are not present in the region.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Buses 704 and 705 provide direct access to Mariners Cove Marina, with the 705 stopping right at the marina on Seaworld Drive. The 704 also stops near Sea World, a short walk away.
Metro
Recommended
Take the G:link light rail to Main Beach station, then walk approximately 25 minutes to Mariners Cove Marina, or connect with a bus.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and rideshares offer direct access to Mariners Cove Marina.
Car
Mariners Cove Marina is easily reached by car via the Gold Coast Highway and Seaworld Drive. Paid parking is available at the marina and nearby Marina Mirage.
Train
The Gold Coast train line connects to the public transport network at stations like Helensvale. From Helensvale, transfer to the 704 bus towards Sea World.
Walking
Walking is a viable option for those staying in nearby accommodation in Main Beach.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required