How much are the Whale Watching Tours?
Our 2011 half day whale watching cruise costs $95.00 for Adults, $59.00 for Children aged 4 – 14 years, $79.00 for Seniors and Students. We also provide a family special of 2 adults and 2 children for $230.00.
Transfers to and from your Accommodation House/Resort on the Gold Coast can be arranged for an additional fee of $15 per person. Direct booking on (07) 5572 7755.
Transfers to and from your Accommodation House/Resort on the Gold Coast can be arranged for an additional fee of $15 per person. Direct booking on (07) 5572 7755.
What does that include?
Our prices include 2 1/2 to 3 hour whale watching and marine life tour. Tea/coffee and biscuits while on board the vessel whilst you enjoy the gentle giants of the sea.
Can I purchase a Gift Voucher?
Yes; our gift vouchers are ideal to give to someone for their Birthday or to reward a staff member for their efforts. The gift voucher is valid for the whole season and can be used on any day. To utilize the voucher the recipient person calls the office direct, quotes the unique voucher number to book. Then brings the voucher with them on the day of their cruise.
Where do you leave from?
Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours departs from Mariners Cove Marina, Berth 95, Arm D, next to the Helicopter Pad, located on Seaworld Drive, Main Beach.
To assist you locating the vessel on the day turn left into Mariners Cove Carpark (60-70 Seaworld Drive Main Beach).
*Free Parking is available at Mariners Cove car park.
To assist you locating the vessel on the day turn left into Mariners Cove Carpark (60-70 Seaworld Drive Main Beach).
*Free Parking is available at Mariners Cove car park.
What boat do you have & how many do you take out?
Spirit of Gold Coast is a 24metre Catamaran built to International Marine Standards (Bureau Veritas) designed for maximum stability and comfort, surveyed for 170 passengers + five crew in open waters. During the whale season we like to limit our numbers to a maximum of 145 to give all passengers space to move around and take advantage of the great viewing positions.
Our vessel has excellent 360º viewing from upper and lower decks, air-conditioned saloon, fully licensed bar and souvenir shop. This boat was designed for your comfort.
Our vessel has excellent 360º viewing from upper and lower decks, air-conditioned saloon, fully licensed bar and souvenir shop. This boat was designed for your comfort.
When is the best time to go out Whale Watching?
Our Gold Coast location allows Spirit of Gold Coast to enjoy the longest Whale Watching season in Australia from late May to early November each year. No two whale watching journeys are the same, with an unforgettable experience occurring during the whole whale watching season.
At the beginning of the season you are likely to watch these amazing creatures as they migrate north to warmer waters to mate and give birth, where as later in the season you are likely to catch them as they return south with their newborn calves.
At the beginning of the season you are likely to watch these amazing creatures as they migrate north to warmer waters to mate and give birth, where as later in the season you are likely to catch them as they return south with their newborn calves.
What types of whales will I see?
Each year Humpback whales (other wise know as Megaptera novaeangliae) travel past the Gold Coast during their migration. On the rare occasion you may be fortunate to also see Orcas (killer whales).
Is there any other marine life I will see?
Yes, there are a large variety of other marine life to keep an eye out for including but not limited to dolphins, flying fish, turtles, sharks and birds.
How close do we get to the whales?
As responsible whale watchers, we don’t approach closer than 100m of the whales. Though that doesn’t mean the whales can’t come to us and they do. Whales are curious mammals – at times they will dive for a few minutes and come up where you least expect them, sometimes close to the boat! PDF Download PDF on whale safety for more information.
Can some boats get closer to whales than others?
No. Everyone, and that includes recreational boaters, follow the same regulations – 100m from the whales is as close as the rules allow any boat to approach.
Will a smaller boat mean we are closer to the whale, and will see more?
No. A smaller boat means you are closer to the water, not closer to the whales. The higher up you are the better vantage points to see and capture the whales.
Will I see Migaloo (the white humpback whale)?
If you are very lucky. Each whale swims past on their northern and southern migration, this sometimes occurs at night. In 2009 the Majestic White Whale ‘Migaloo’ (Whie Fella’ in the Aboriginal language) pasted our shores on Wednesday the 1st of July which passengers and crew aboard Spirit were fortunate to see.
We are the only Whale Watching Boat to have sighted ‘MIGALOO’ the White Whale three years successively
10 / 7 / 2003 22 / 6 / 2004 16/7/2005 with no sightings on the Gold Coast in 2006/2007 as ‘MIGALOO’ is believed to have past through during the evening.
We are the only Whale Watching Boat to have sighted ‘MIGALOO’ the White Whale three years successively
10 / 7 / 2003 22 / 6 / 2004 16/7/2005 with no sightings on the Gold Coast in 2006/2007 as ‘MIGALOO’ is believed to have past through during the evening.
What happens if it is Bad weather?
If it is overcast or lightly raining we still venture out to see the whales; we tend to find the whales still active. We have plenty of under covered areas (including indoors) so you can stay warm without missing out on seeing the whales if you wish.
We base our decision on the tides and the winds as this causes the sea to be too rough and unpleasant to enjoy the journey. If this occurs we will contact you the day before to reschedule your trip. We prefer to arrange another day then venture out and you are to sick to enjoy the experience.
We base our decision on the tides and the winds as this causes the sea to be too rough and unpleasant to enjoy the journey. If this occurs we will contact you the day before to reschedule your trip. We prefer to arrange another day then venture out and you are to sick to enjoy the experience.
Will I get sea sick, will it be rough?
Motion sickness affects us all in different ways causing many people to get sea sick. If you know or are unsure how the boats journey will affect you, sea sickness tables can be purchased from a pharmacist or alternatively on board our vessel on the day. As our tours venture out to the ocean it is always better to come prepared. If you are still concerned, we recommend you speak with a pharmacist and eat lightly before embarking.
What Should I Wear/ Bring?
We highly recommend enclosed flat comfortable shoes as well as a jacket or jumper as it can tend to get a little chilly in the sea breeze.
Don’t forget your camera as well to take pictures of the beautiful gentle giants of the sea.
Don’t forget your camera as well to take pictures of the beautiful gentle giants of the sea.
Whale Guarantee
As our tours are conducted in the ocean we do not control these beautiful creatures; hence no two cruises are the same. We believe this is a part of the attraction of experiencing the whales on their migration path.
Due to the increase of Humpback whale population during the past few years, Our Guarantee is that if Whales are not sighted on the day of the cruise we will provide vouchers for the passengers aboard to return FREE of charge on another day.
Due to the increase of Humpback whale population during the past few years, Our Guarantee is that if Whales are not sighted on the day of the cruise we will provide vouchers for the passengers aboard to return FREE of charge on another day.
What’s the definition of seeing whales?
By seeing whales we mean that we find and approach at least one whale during our trip. This guarantee is at the discretion of the Captain.
If we are booked as a group, do we have to come back as a group?
No, should you wish to join us on another whale watching trip you are welcome to come back on separate days if you like.
What happens if I still don’t see a whale on my return trip?
In the unlikely event that happens, then we will provide you with another voucher to come back FREE of Charge another day that is convenient for you.