Aqua Cruise. Whale Tours.
Swim With Whales Gold Coast Cruise 2024.
Swim With Whales Gold Coast. At Sea the Gold Coast we explore, we educate and we protect the natural treasures nature has given to us. Sea the Gold Coast is brought to you by Aqua Adventures, a diverse diving operator that loves and lives for the ocean and plays an active role in protecting it for our future generations. So come and join us on this unforgettable experience and swim with whales on the Gold Coast!
Join us for a 2 to 3h Gold Coast whale adventure unlike any other cruise. At 15+ meters and 30+ tonnes, humpback whales are so much bigger than anything else you’ve swum with and they have undeniable personalities and moods. Humpback Whales have an incredible sense for their surroundings and never touch a person or vessel hence they are nicknamed ‘gentle giants’.
On this whale tour, you are presented with the unique opportunity of humpbacks choosing to swim with you. Everything we do during this experience is at the whales discretion and what ever happens simply happens. You may also experience close encounters with a number of marine animals including dolphins!
Our swimming with whales on gold coast experience is guaranteed to stay with you for a lifetime. You can join this adventure tour as a whale swimmer or observer and watch from the deck of our vessel “Salty Kiss” or “Big Blue”.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Up to 3h* return whale swim / whale watching watching cruise
- Departing ex 95 Marine Pde, Southport
- Join as whale swimmer or observer
- Great for photographers
- Closer whale encounters possible
- Whale sightings guaranteed*
- Knowledgeable staff
- In-water guides provided
- All snorkel gear and wetsuits included
DEPARTURE TIMES
So, our swim with whales tours depart once per day on selected days. Also, check our website calendar for live availability and times. Daily departure times may vary due to tides and other factors.
PRICING
Also, our pricing depends on whether you are participating in a swim experience or are joining us as an observer.
- Whale Swimmer Price – $249pp (all ages)
- Oberserver Price – $119pp
- A small booking fee is charged on check-out by the booking system provider.
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
- Good and strong swimming ability
- Generally fit and healthy
- WHALE SWIM – Minimum age is 10 years for boating safety reasons e.g. life jacket sizes etc. One adult must accompany each child aged 10 to 16 at all times in and out of the water. If there are two children aged 10-16, there must be two paying adults to accompany them in the water and on the boat.
- WHALE WATCHING – Minimum age is 5 years for boating safety reasons e.g. life jacket sizes etc. Adult supervision is required at all times during the trip. If there are two or more children aged 5 to 12, there must be the same number of adults as children in your booking. All adults and accompanying children will be required to wear a lifejacket during the tour.
BASIC ITINERARY (9:00 AM CRUISE*)
- 8:30am – Meet us at Southport use the toilets and get ready.
- 8:50am – Safety brief, put on wetsuits
- 9:00am – Depart marina and cruise through the Broadwater.
- 9:15am – Enter the open ocean to find and watch the whales.
- 11:00am – Commence return cruise to the Marina whilst watching whales.
- 11:30am – Arrive back at our Southport Jetty.
OUR VESSEL
Our primary whale watching vessel is an 8m long, semi-inflatable, rigid hull adventure boat with a capacity of 12 guests. Whilst spectators are more exposed to the elements, the vessel provides an incredibly intimate feel of closeness to the water. Due to its small size and quiet engine, whales love to check out our boat up close. Should the weather be against us on the day we will arrange a voucher for a return visit on a future date.
BOOKINGS & PAYMENT
- Select cruise date and time
- Click the book now button
- Enter your personal details
- Check-out and receive our booking confirmation via email
- A small booking fee is charged by the system provider on check-out
- All of our tours must reach a minimum of 4 participants to depart
WHAT TO BRING
- SunSmart clothes (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen etc.)
- Swimmers and towels
- Warm clothes as it can get cold
- Drinking water (no glass)
- Waterproof bag for phones etc.
- Camera (splash-proof cameras recommended)
- Seasickness medication if needed (take well before departure)
MEETING POINT
- Meet us at 95 Marine Parade, Southport inside Aqua Adventures and Southport Fish and Dive Centre.
- Your confirmation email and reminder emails will include a map and a hyperlink for directions.
- Please be on time as we have to depart on time.
*WHALE SIGHTING GUARANTEE AND TRIP DURATION
Our minimum return trip duration is 2 hours however, if we don’t find whales initially, we will extend the tour duration to up to 3 hours. If whales are not spotted on a designated whale watch tour between the months of June to September, each passenger will be entitled to a ’stand-by ticket’ enabling them to return on another subsequent tour date subject to availability as per our online calendar. Refer to our terms and conditions to read the full details about our sighting guarantee.
Swim With Whales Gold Coast for $299
Duration: 2 to 3 Hours
8.30am Session (Most Popular)
12noon Session (Saturday and Sunday)
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Product code: SWW
Dive Into the Experience: Swimming with Whales on the Gold Coast
Swimming with Whales on the Gold Coast
One of the most awe-inspiring experiences is swimming alongside humpback whales as they migrate along the Gold Coast. These gentle giants, often measuring up to 16 metres long, are known for their playful behaviour and breathtaking acrobatics. If you want to go swimming with whales on the Gold Coast, the migration season is your best chance to encounter these magnificent creatures up close.
Our swim with whales Gold Coast Tours offers a heart-pounding, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Feel the thrill of being near these awe-inspiring animals as they glide through the water.
Snorkelling with Whales: A Gentle Adventure
For a more relaxed yet equally exhilarating experience, snorkelling with whales offers an up-close and personal view of these majestic creatures. As you float on the surface, you’ll have the chance to observe humpback whales as they swim beneath you. It’s a magical, serene experience that allows for a deeper connection with the ocean and its inhabitants.
We provide all the necessary equipment, including fins, masks, and snorkels. We also conduct a comprehensive safety briefing to ensure everyone feels confident and secure in the water. No prior experience is needed. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or trying it for the first time, the opportunity to snorkel with whales is an adventure you’ll never forget.
Swimming with Dolphins on the Gold Coast
The waters of the Gold Coast are home to bottlenose dolphins, frequently spotted year-round. Swimming with dolphins on the Gold Coast is a popular activity among visitors of all ages. Known for their playful nature and curiosity, dolphins are often eager to interact with swimmers, creating a joyful and memorable encounter. You’ll get to swim alongside dolphins, witnessing their acrobatic leaps and curious behaviour up close.
Book Your Tour Today
Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to go swimming with whales on the Gold Coast. Book your adventure with Aqua Adventures today and experience the magic of the ocean up close.
FAQs
Yes, safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides follow strict protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both participants and the marine life we encounter.
The best time for swimming with whales on the Gold Coast is during the whale migration season, which typically runs from June to November.
No prior experience is required to snorkel with whales. Our tours are suitable for beginners, and we provide all the necessary equipment and a safety briefing before entering the water.
Yes, children are welcome on our tours, although there may be age restrictions for safety reasons. Please contact us for specific age requirements.
We recommend bringing swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and an underwater camera to capture your experience. We provide all necessary snorkelling or diving equipment.
While it’s possible to encounter both whales and dolphins on the same tour, we cannot guarantee sightings of both species on a single trip.
You can easily book your tour through our website or by contacting our team via phone or email.
