Whale Watching Gold Coast Australia

Whale Watching Gold Coast Questions (Season From June To November Each Year)

Humpbacks off the Gold Coast

Humpback whales are the most amazing creatures to watch.There is no better way to see them, than right there on the water alongside them.

The Gold Coast has many options to see these beautiful mammals with several reputable tour operators who are careful in their approach to these graceful giants.

There are very specific guidelines for whale watch tour operators to make sure that the whales and the passengers are safe.

Whale Watching Gold Coast Australia Questions and Answers

• When is the Whale Watching Season?
• What time do the whale watching tours leave?
• Where do the Whale Watching Tours leave from?
• Who are the Whale Watching Tour Operators in the Gold Coast?
• What will I see?
• Whale Watching Hints and Tips

When Is Gold Coast Whale Watching Season?

Whale watching season in the Gold Coast is during our winter and spring months.  Usually from late May to November each year.

Most whale watching tours run from late May or early June to the end of October. This will depend upon a few factors including the whales themselves.

In recent years the season has been really ramping up with whales by mid May and some stragglers still passing by way into November. The best time to be virtually guaranteed of seeing whales is during June to late October.

The whale watching season is not uniform, you will see different things at different times.

What Time Do Whale Watching Tours on Gold Coast Leave?

The earliest tour departure time is 8.30am with the latest being at 2pm, but most are around 9am.

Click here for more information on whale watching tour departure times.

Where Do Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours Leave From?

The main whale watching cruises and tours in Gold Coast depart from Main Beach, Surfers Paradise or Tweed Heads.

There are also tours from other locations in South East Queensland and Northern NSW such as Byron Bay (NSW), North Stradbroke Island, Tangalooma and Brisbane.

Click here for more information on whale watch tour departure locations.

Who Are The Whale Watching Tour Operators In The Gold Coast?

Tour operators for whale watching Gold Coast include:

• 1300 Whales (Tall Ships Cruises) – From Marina Mirage, Main Beach
• Spirit of Gold Coast – From Marina Mirage, Main Beach
• Whales in Paradise – From Surfers Paradise
• Australian Whale Watching – Passengers go on Whales in Paradise Boat from Surfers Paradise
• Sea World Whale Watching Tours – From Sea World Theme Park Main Beach
• Aquatic Blue Charters - Coolangatta Whale Watch - From Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Course Jetty, Tweed Heads

What Will I See?

Humpback whales are the main targets for whale watching in Australia. They are considered to be one of the best whales for whale watching.

In addition to humpback whales you may see some calves during the later part of the season. You may also at time see orcas or killer whales and minke whales.

Most tours you may be able to spot other marine or coastal wildlife including birds, dolphins, sharks and maybe a turtle.

Whale Watching Hints and Tips

In response to some questions I have received I have written a couple of articles giving hints and tips for a great whale watching in Australia experience.

• What to wear on a whale watching trip
• Whale Watching Cruise - Tips for a comfortable day
• Land Based Whale Watching Tips
• Whale Watching Cruises At A Glance

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