faq
Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast
When it comes to marine adventures in Australia, Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast with Sea the Gold Coast is unique. The Gold Coast is a seasonal home for many humpback whales, dolphins, and lots of marine life. This makes it one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
From June to November, these gentle giants move along the east coast. This gives visitors a great chance to see them breaching, tail-slapping, and gliding smoothly through the water. With Sea the Gold Coast, you get a great view of the action. You also enjoy professionalism and experience. This makes every trip safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
general info
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:
- Select number of people
- Select date and time
- Click ‘book now’
- Select extras such as hotel transfers
- Enter promo code if you have one
- 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.
Whale watching
Is your whale watching tour suitable for me?
We have a series of amazing blog posts on Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast for you to explore, giving you insights about our majestic humpback whales.
What tours are available tomorrow? Can I still book last minute?
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.
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.
Why Choose Sea the Gold Coast for Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast?
With years of experience running Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast tours, Sea the Gold Coast has built a reputation for excellence. The crew is made up of passionate marine professionals who know the local waters and wildlife like the back of their hand. They combine marine biology knowledge with exceptional customer service, ensuring every passenger leaves with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for the ocean.
Small group tours mean more space, more comfort, and a more personalised experience. The team wants to help everyone see and learn about whales. This is true for both first-time visitors and experienced whale watchers.
The Gold Coast Whale Migration – Nature’s Greatest Show
Every winter, the humpback whale migration transforms the region into a marine spectacle. The Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast season starts in early June. This is when whales travel north to the warmer waters of Queensland to breed and give birth. Later in the year, they return south with their calves, often swimming close to shore and engaging in nurturing behaviours.
On a tour with Sea the Gold Coast, you can see not only whales but also dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds. They all share the same ecosystem. Each trip is unique, as the behaviour and location of marine life can change daily.
Understanding the Marine Ecosystem
One of the best parts of Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast tours is learning about the marine ecosystem. This ecosystem supports these amazing creatures. The Gold Coast waters are part of a lively and connected environment. This includes coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and open ocean areas.
These ecosystems provide feeding grounds for whales, breeding areas for fish, and shelter for countless species. By understanding the importance of each component, passengers gain a deeper respect for the need to protect them. Sea the Gold Coast is dedicated to teaching guests about how human actions affect marine environments. We also show how sustainable practices can help protect these areas for future generations.
Sea the Gold Coast operates its Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast tours with a strong focus on sustainability. The crew follows strict wildlife viewing guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to the animals. Boats maintain a respectful distance, limit interaction times, and operate at slow speeds around marine life.
This commitment to responsible tourism protects the whales. It also helps keep the wider marine ecosystem balanced. Passengers are encouraged to join this mission. They can do this by learning about ocean conservation. They should also work on reducing their environmental impact.
What to Expect on a Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast Tour
When you join a Sea the Gold Coast, Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast, the crew will greet you warmly. Then, they will give a safety briefing and introduce you to the local marine environment. The boat then heads offshore, where sightings often occur within minutes.
As you look at the horizon, you may see a whale’s blow. You might also spot a large tail fluke going under the water. Or you could witness a lively breach that sends water flying into the air. The commentary from your experienced guides will enhance the experience, explaining whale behaviours and answering your questions.
More Than Just Whales
Whale Watching QLD Gold Coast is the main attraction. The tours also let you see many other types of wildlife. Pods of dolphins often join the boat, leaping and playing in the wake. Sea turtles can sometimes be seen resting near the surface, and birdlife such as gannets and terns swoop overhead hunting for fish.
Every encounter adds to the magic of the day. It reminds you of the diversity and richness of the Gold Coast’s marine life.