What To Expect on A Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour

What To Expect on A Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour

Gold Coast whale watching tours offer a unique opportunity to see some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat. These tours are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people want a closer look at whales and dolphins.

Some of the highlights of going on a Gold Coast whale watching tour include getting up close and personal with whales and dolphins, witnessing their playful nature, and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. And, with whale watching season in full swing, now’s the best to consider booking your own tour.

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Gold Coast whale watching tours are an unforgettable experience. To get you excited about your upcoming tour, here’s a closer look at what you can expect from Gold Coast whale watching tours:

1. You’ll see whales and dolphins up close

One of the best things about Gold Coast whale watching tours is that you’ll see these amazing creatures up close. You’ll be able to see them breaching, spy-hopping, and even playing in the waves. So keep a lookout for humpback whales which are most common along the Gold Coast, and if you’re lucky, you might also see Minke whales and bottlenose dolphins!

2. You’ll learn all about whales and dolphins

On Gold Coast whale watching tours, you’ll not only get to see these creatures in person, but you’ll also learn all about them. Your knowledgeable tour guide will share interesting facts and stories about whales and dolphins, so you can understand more about their behaviour and habits.

You’ll learn about the different types of whales you might see on your tour and what’s being done to protect them by local authorities such as the Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation.

3. You’ll enjoy the coastal scenery

Gold Coast whale watching tours take place in some of Australia’s most beautiful coastal areas. As you cruise along the coast, you’ll be able to admire the stunning scenery and maybe even spot some other marine life, such as turtles and rays.

Most whale watching tours on the Gold Coast leave from either Surfers Paradise or The Spit (Main Beach), which in itself offers plenty of things to see and do. So, whether you’re looking for an exciting activity or a relaxing day by the beach, Gold Coast whale watching tours have you covered

4. You might even see baby whales!

If you go on a Gold Coast whale watching tour during the right time of year, you might even be lucky enough to see baby whales. Humpback whale calves are born between May and November, so if you take a tour during this time, you might see a mother and calf swimming together. There’s nothing quite like seeing a baby whale breach for the first time – it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

5. You might even get to swim with dolphins!

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not sign up for a Gold Coast whale watching tour that includes swimming with dolphins? This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget!

Gold Coast whale watching tours offer a truly unique and memorable experience. So, if you’re looking for an activity that the whole family will enjoy, be sure to book your tour today!

Conclusion

Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours are an unforgettable experience for tourists and locals alike. These tours offer a chance to get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures, learn all about them, and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. With whale watching season in full swing, now is the perfect time to book your tour.

Visit our Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours page to book your tour today!

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FAQs About Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours

  • What is the best time of year to go on a whale watching tour in Gold Coast?

    The best time of year to go on a Gold Coast whale watching tour is between June and October/November. Humpback whales in Australian waters migrate north from June to August, and back towards the Southern Ocean from September to November. Groups of young males typically lead the migration while pregnant cows and cow-calf pairs bring up the rear. The whales migrate to warmer waters to mate and calve.

  • What type of whales will I see on a Gold Coast whale watching tour?

    The most common type of whale you’ll see on a Gold Coast whale watching tour is the humpback whale; however, you might also see Minke whales and bottlenose dolphins!

    Humpback whales are easily identified by their long pectoral fins and distinctive hump and are also known for their breaching behaviour, where they launch themselves out of the water.

    Minke whales are the smallest of the baleen whales and can grow up to 5.5 metres long. They are generally dark grey or black in colour with white patches on their flippers.

    Bottlenose dolphins are the most common type of dolphin in Australian waters. They are easily identified by their grey colour and their long, bulbous nose.

  • What is the best time of day to go on a whale watching tour?

    The best time of day to go on a Gold Coast whale watching tour is early morning or late afternoon. Whales are most active during these times, so you’re more likely to see them!

  • How long does a Gold Coast whale watching tour take?

    Most Gold Coast whale watching tours take between 2 and 3 hours, but it really just depends on the tour you choose to take. Tours with more inclusions, such as morning tea and refreshments and a scenic canal cruise, will be longer than those that merely take you out to see the whales.

  • What should I wear on a Gold Coast whale watching tour?

    Gold Coast whale watching tours take place all year round, so it’s important to dress for the weather. In winter, temperatures can range from 10-20 degrees Celsius, so be sure to bring a jacket or sweater. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. You might also want to bring a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and a hat.

  • What should I bring on a Gold Coast whale watching tour?

    As well as your sunglasses and hat, you might also want to bring sunscreen, binoculars, and sea sickness medicine if you are prone to motion sickness. And, most importantly, don’t forget to bring a camera or a smartphone so you can take photos and videos of the whales!

  • How much does a Gold Coast whale watching tour cost?

    The cost of Gold Coast whale watching tours vary depending on the length of the tour and the company you book with. Gold Coast whale watching tours generally start around $80 per person. However, the price will also vary depending on the tour you choose, the number of people in your group, and inclusion. As such, they can exceed $100 per person.

    Two good examples are the Sea World Whale Watching Tour, which is currently $89.00 and the Whales In Paradise Cruise, which is currently $109.00 per person. The Sea World Whale Watching Tour is a 2.5 hr cruise with no morning tea or refreshments, while the Whales In Paradise Cruise is a 3.5 hr curise with morning/afternoon tea, coffee and biscuits. So, it’s important to read the fine print to see what’s included, as it can really make a difference in the overall experience.

  • Are the tours suitable for children and elderly people too?

    Yes, Gold Coast whale watching tours are suitable for children and elderly people too! Most Gold Coast whale watching tour companies have no age restriction, so long as children are accompanied by an adult. And while Gold Coast whale watching tours are generally suitable for people of all fitness levels, those with limited mobility should check with the tour company in advance to see if the tour is suitable for them.

  • Do I need to make a reservation before going on a whale watching tour on the Gold Coast?

    Yes! It’s always a good idea to make a reservation before going on any Gold Coast whale watching tour. Gold Coast whale watching tours typically have a limited number of spots available and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season (generally between June and October). So, to avoid disappointment, booking in advance is always best.

    You can do so right here on Gold Coast Tour Desk. We offer the two whale watching tours mentioned above, which you can learn more about on our Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours page.

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