Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ.
FAQ – General Information
How do I check availability of your tours?
We run an online booking system with live availability displayed at all times, 24h a day. Simply visit the product page of the tour that you are interested in and refer to the trip calendar. From there you can browse dates, available spots and book online. There is no need to call to reconfirm availability.
What tours are available tomorrow? Can I still book last minute?
If you are not sure what Sea Experience is right for you, click here to see an overall calendar of all our tours. From there you can book online if you wish. Our cut-off for bookings is usually 1 hour before the trip so you can still book online late at night for tomorrow’s tours.
How do I book a tour?
We live and breath the online booking process, hence we do not accept bookings over the phone. Simply visit the product page e.g. whale watching, South Stradbroke Island tour or our bus tour and refer to the trip calendar. From there:
o Select number of people
o Select date and time
o Click ‘book now’
o Select extras such as hotel transfers
o Complete details as prompted
o Enter promo code if you have one
o Complete booking
A conformation email will be sent followed by reminder emails as you come closer the booking date.
Do you offer hotel transfers?
Since the rising popularity of UBER, we stopped this service.
Where is your office? Can I come and see you?
We don’t have a shop front that is open every day. We run a very streamlined business overhead by trying to provide you all information online on our website and via email. Most of the time, you will find us at Runaway Bay Marina within the boat compound of Gold Coast Coast Dive Adventures. Our head office is located on Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise. If you need to see us in person please email us in the first instance via our contact page.
Do you offer private charters?
Yes, we do. Email us with what you have in ind and we will make it happen. We often have cooperate clients that use our tours as team bonding sessions but also families choose to book our entire boat or bus.
Gold Coast Tourist Information - Can you recommend things to do?
Check out our Explore Blog, a library of tourist information written by us locals. Get insights and ideas about the best things to do on the Gold Coast.
FAQ – Whale Watching Tour
What to expect on a whale watching tour?
We have a series of amazing blog posts for you to explore, giving you insights about our majestic humpback whales.
Is your whale watching tour suitable for me?
Boarding and disembarking our vessel requires a certain level of mobility. Our boat is not wheel chair friendly however, we are happy to assist you should you nevertheless prefer to join our tour on a smaller vessel. We love to help. The minimum age for our guests is 12 years for legal reasons in regards to life jackets. Families with small children may be better suited to use one of the bigger whale watching boats such as Whales in Paradise or Spirit of the Gold Coast. Email us beforehand if you are unsure.
Do I get wet on the boat?
It is rare but it does happen that customers get a little splashed if seas are rough. It’s all part of the adventure. We provide courtesy spray jackets to everyone just in case and also recommend to not bring unnecessary items onto the boat that could get water damaged.
How small is your whale watching boat?
Our point of difference is that we run our tours on a smaller vessel to provide a more unique experience with a private tour feel. Our boat is a 6m rigid hull, sms-inflatable vessel with a shade canopy and seating for 8people. It is large enough to be seagoing and to feel safe on. It handles exceptionally well and is very fast and powerful. Once on board you will also get a jet boat like feel during the ride.
Do you have a toilet on the boat?
No but we have toilets at the marina so you will be able to visit the bathrooms just before we depart.
How should I dress for the tour and what to bring?
Be sun-smart. Wear long sleeved clothes, a hat and sunglasses. Thongs are fine as well as closed shoes. Feel free to bring a rain jacket but we have some as well for your convenience.
Just bring your happy self. We have drinking water, hot tea and some snacks but feel free to bring your own drinking bottle but we do ask to avoid glass.
Where do we meet?
RUNAWAY BAY MARINA
Check your booking confirmation and the tour description for the correct departure location. We will meet in the car park of Runaway Bay Marine, right next to the boat ramp. Look out for a sign that has our logo on it and the writing ‘MEETING POINT’. Another landmark nearby is the Marina Office but please do not report to the marina office staff. We meet outside. If you arrive early please wait near the meeting point sign. Visit our websites contact page for directions and maps.
MAIN BEACH, PROUD PARK PUBLIC BOAT RAMP & PONTOON
Check your booking confirmation and the tour description for the correct departure location. We will meet you at the public toilet block at Waterways Drive, Main Beach, right at the public boat ramp. The tram stop is in walking distance and there is free parking in the surrounding area. Visit our websites contact page for directions and maps.
FAQ – Other Boating Tours
What makes South Stradbroke Island special?
We have a series of amazing blog posts for you to explore, giving you insights about our amazing Eco Tours.
Is your Straddie tour suitable for me? How much walking is there?
Boarding and disembarking our vessel requires a certain level of mobility. The tour involves walking along sandy tracks and along the beach however, you could stay on the boat whilst the group explores nature. The total distance to be walked is probably around 1-2km so really not that much.
Our boat is not wheel chair friendly. The minimum age for our guests is 12 years for legal reasons in regards to life jackets. Email us beforehand if you are unsure.
How big is your boat?
Our boat is a 6m rigid hull, sms-inflatable vessel with a shade canopy and seating for 8 people. It is large enough to be seagoing and to feel safe on. It handles exceptionally well and is very fast and powerful. Once on board you will also get a jet boat like feel during the ride. The small boat with little draft also allows us to berth at the shallow Currigee Inlet.
Do I get wet on the boat?
It is very rare as we are within the calm Broadwater and not the open ocean. We do provide courtesy spray jackets just in case.
Do you have a toilet on the boat?
No but we have toilets at the marina so you will be able to visit the bathrooms just before we depart. There are also toilets on South Stradbroke Island (Tipplers).
How should I dress for the tour and what to bring?
Wear comfortable clothes that you would wear for a relaxing beach walk and don’t forget sunscreen, hat, sun glasses and drinking water.
Where do we meet?
RUNAWAY BAY MARINA
Check your booking confirmation and the tour description for the correct departure location. We will meet in the car park of Runaway Bay Marine, right next to the boat ramp. Look out for a sign that has our logo on it and the writing ‘MEETING POINT’. Another landmark nearby is the Marina Office but please do not report to the marina office staff. We meet outside. If you arrive early please wait near the meeting point sign. Visit our websites contact page for directions and maps.
MAIN BEACH, PROUD PARK PUBLIC BOAT RAMP & PONTOON
Check your booking confirmation and the tour description for the correct departure location. We will meet you at the public toilet block at Waterways Drive, Main Beach, right at the public boat ramp. The tram stop is in walking distance and there is free parking in the surrounding area. Visit our websites contact page for directions and maps.