Swim and Watch Whales on the Gold Coast with Aqua Adventures.

Whale Watching Gold Coast - Book NOW for 2024
Whale Watching Gold Coast. The 2024 whale migration season is off to a great start. It has been epic so far with a record numbers of whales seen along the coast. We offer two amazing options including “Swim with Whales” and “Whale Watching” both assured to provide you with an amazing experience as we get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
Book Now for 2024 and an absolute bucket-list experience Gold Coast Whale Watching and Swimming
Private Charter - Custom Whale Watching Adventure
Aqua Adventures - Gold Coast Whale Watching - Bookings now open for 2024.
The 2023 season has been spectacular with many 1000’s of sightings of Humpback Whales already. However, as the whale migration only occurs between June and October you will need to book early for 2024 so you’re not disappointed.
If you would like to secure your front row seats, then jump into the booking page and lock in a date. For as little as $119 per person we’re offering you guaranteed sightings of these amazing whales in 2024. Join us and watch the whales swimming north from early June to October 2024 or join us later in the season to watch as the whales migrate back south with their new borns.
The ultimate experience is our “Swim with Whales” adventure. The underwater experience will truly be a once in a life time experience and allows you to watch underwater as the whales swim by the boat.
- Swim With Whales Tours
- Small Boat Whale Watching Tours
- Dolphin & Marine Life Cruises
- South Stradbroke Island Adventures
- 3 Day Humpback Whale Research and Rescue Expeditions
We would love to share our insanely cool Gold Coast ocean encounters with our non-diving ocean lovers. We offer unique swim-with-whales experiences, small boat whale watching adventures as well as boating cruises to South Stradbroke Island, showcasing the magnificent surroundings. Our Aqua Cruise Adventures are a dream for every amateur and professional photographer alike and are an absolute personalised experience.
About
Aqua Cruise is a proud member of the Aqua Adventures family. We are a true Ocean Adventure Company, operating in our backyard, the beautiful Gold Coast.
Aqua Cruise’s mission is to Explore, Educate and to Protect our marine environment for us and future generations. All our eco tours facilitate unique coastal interactions by minimising impact to the environment.
Sea the Gold Coast proudly supports research projects such as Humpbacks and High-rises, Dolphin Research Australia, Sea Shepherd, and others along the Gold Coast shoreline.
Our Boats
Our two custom built adventure boats are Salty Kiss at 7.66 m and Big Blue 1 at 8m in length.
Salty Kiss, our smaller semi-inflatable vessel provides an unparalleled intimate experience with the ocean. She truly has seen it all. The compact size of this boat makes our experiences unique and special as we create a personal and private atmosphere with no more than 10 guests.
Big Blue 1 is our primary whale watching vessel. She is an 8m long, semi-inflatable, rigid hull adventure boat with a capacity of 12 guests. The vessel provides an incredibly intimate feel of closeness to the water and has optional clears that provide protection from the weather when required. Due to its small size and quiet engine, whales love to check out this boat. Multiple access points ensures easy water entry and exit, essential for getting swimmers into the water when the whales come out to play.
Book Your Tour for Whale Watching on the Gold Coast
Join us on our whale-watching tours on the Gold Coast and marvel at the beauty of these majestic creatures. Mother Nature has bestowed us with some beautiful creations, and whales are one of the most dignified and mesmerising creatures to look at. Experience the beauty of these large mammals up close. At Aqua Adventures, we run cruises and tours for some of the best whale watching on the Gold Coast.
We are now open for bookings for Gold Coast whale watching season 2023. We have been doing this for years now and have experts who can track and predict the movements of these majestic whales. Aqua Adventures gives you a 100% guarantee on whale sightings for our whale-watching tours on the Gold Coast. Make your bookings to get our Early Bird discount.
Experience the Best Whale Watching Cruise on the Gold Coast
Get onboard with us for whale watching on the Gold Coast and experience a magical time on the cerulean blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Take a cruise with us and get a chance to see the Humpback whale in its natural environment.
As you join us on the whale-watching cruise on the Gold Coast, watch a sight to behold as the whales pass through in front of you. See their spectacular fins dance in the air, watch as mothers lovingly guide their calves, and be slack-jawed as these gentle giants look at you curiously as they shyly approach the cruise vessel.
We also offer VIP whale-watching on the Gold Coast if you have a selective group travelling with you. Book the entire cruise for your private party and watch the whales as they play around in their natural habitat.
When you book our whale-watching tours on the Gold Coast, always keep your camera ready. In addition to whale sightings, you can also expect to see other marine life, such as dolphins, sea turtles, colourful fishes, and a wide variety of sea birds. Every moment you spend on the cruise promises to be exciting and photo-worthy!
Why Choose Us?
We love and live for the ocean
Well-equipped boats
Swim with the whales
Aqua Adventures Whale Watching Tours on the Gold Coast
Whale Watching Gold Coast Tours 2025
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience on the Gold Coast, whale watching is a must-do. Every year, the majestic humpback whales migrate along the coastline, giving you the perfect opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
At Aqua Adventures, we offer whale watching tours on the Gold Coast that ensure you get the best possible view of these gentle giants. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a humpback breach or slap its tail on the water.
Gold Coast Whale Watching Season 2025: What to Expect
The whale migration season typically runs from June to November, during which thousands of humpback whales make their way from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland to mate and give birth. The Gold Coast whale watching season 2025 has been exceptional till now, with more than a hundred sightings of humpback whales seen gliding along the Coast.
Our whale watching tours on the Gold Coast are perfectly timed to coincide with their migration, giving you the best chance to see mothers with their calves, playful displays, and even the occasional acrobatic breach.
At Aqua Adventures, we provide expert commentary throughout the tour, so you’ll not only witness these awe-inspiring creatures but also learn fascinating facts about their behaviours and the challenges they face. Our whale tours on the Gold Coast are designed to provide a fun, educational experience for people of all ages.
The Best Time of Day for Whale Watching
While whales can be spotted throughout the day, the best time for a Whale Watching Cruise on the Gold Coast is usually in the early morning or late afternoon. The waters are calmer during these times, which makes for better viewing conditions. Our early morning tours are a popular choice because the lighting is perfect for photography, and the whales tend to be more active as they start their day. However, no matter which tour you choose, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience.
Family-Friendly Whale Watching Tours
Whale watching on the Gold Coast is a fantastic activity for families. Kids will be fascinated by the sheer size of the humpbacks, and our family-friendly tours ensure that everyone has a great time. With educational commentary and plenty of chances to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life, this is a tour that both kids and adults will remember for years to come.
Tips for Your Whale Watching Tour
Here are a few tips to ensure you have the best experience on our whale watching tours on the Gold Coast:
Book Your Whale Watching Cruise Gold Coast Today!
There’s no better way to experience the magic of the ocean than by joining us for a whale watching cruise on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re a seasoned whale watcher or this is your first time, our tours provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature and see some of the world’s most impressive marine animals up close.
Don’t miss out on the Gold Coast Whale Watching Season 2025—secure your spot today by booking with Aqua Adventures!
FAQ
We have a series of amazing blog posts for you to explore, giving you insights about our majestic humpback whales.
Boarding and disembarking our vessel requires a certain level of mobility.
Our boat is not wheelchair 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 regarding life jackets. Families with small children may be better suited to join our bigger vessel, Game Changer as a observer on the swim with whales tour. Email us beforehand if you are unsure.
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.
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 7.66m rigid inflatable vessel with a shade canopy and seating for 10 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.
Salty Kiss is not equipped with a toilet
But we have toilets at the marina so you will be able to visit the bathrooms just before we depart.
Game Changer is equipped with a marine toilet.
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.
AQUA MARINA, Aqua Adventure Centre, 95 Marine Parade, Southport.
Check your booking confirmation and the tour description for the correct departure location. We will meet in the Aqua Marina Reception office, Look out for a sign that has our logo on it and the writing ‘Marina Office’.. If you arrive early, please wait near the meeting point sign.
The Gold Coast whale watching season runs from June to November, with the best sightings typically occurring between July and September when the humpback migration is in full swing.
Our tours typically last between 2 and 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
We recommend bringing a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a jacket. Even on warm days, it can get cool out on the water.
Absolutely! Our whale watching tours on the Gold Coast are perfect for families, and children of all ages are welcome. We offer a fun and educational experience that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.