Whale Questions
Our 2009 half day whale watching cruise costs $79.00 for Adults, $55.00 for Children aged 4 – 14 years, $65.00 for Seniors and Students. We also provide a family special of 2 adults and 2 children for $200.00. Transfers to and from your Accommodation House/Resort on the Gold Coast can be arranged for an additional fee.
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. 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. Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours departs from a private jetty at Marina Mirage. Marina Mirage is located on Sea World Drive, Main Beach. To assist you locating the vessel on the day turn left into the undercover car park* located underneath McDonalds on Seaworld Drive. Walk up the staircase to the far end of the carpark where you will be near the entrance to the pontoons. Take the LOWER wooden pontoon - Marina Mirage not the upper pontoon. Walk all the way to the end, turn right then left straight away - next to the Helicopter pad - Berth D19.
*Free Parking is available at Marina Mirage underground car park
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 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. 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). 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. 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! 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. 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. If you are very lucky. Each whale swims past on their northern and southern migration, this sometimes occurs at night. 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. 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.
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