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Mooloolaba Tours
Mooloolaba Whale Watching Cruise
4.5

Mooloolaba Whale Watching Cruise

By Sunreef
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Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 120 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines


  • Whale watching tour
  • Educational Commentary
What's not included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • USB Photos of your trip (available to purchase)


Start:
  • 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557, Australia
    Our meeting point is inside The Wharf Complex.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 60653P5

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Whale sightings guaranteed - if whales are not sighted by the vess you can cruise again for free during the same season
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • Most travellers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 120 travellers

    • If you cancel at least 4 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
    • If you cancel within 3 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 60653P5

    From
    AU$85.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Sunreef
      630
      Australia
      Joined in September 2012
    • richardwY2861HS
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing seeing turtles up close!
      Snorkeling with turtles with the bonus of dolphins and whales on a warm sunny day. Great staff on the boat full of energy which was great to see. Thoughts might see “a” turtle but I think in the end it was about 8 and they were up close! The guides in the water were super helpful and everyone on out trip had a blast, on the way back we saw dolphins from a distance and then a whale and her calf! Awesome day. We told some friends also over from NZ and they are now booked this weekend
      Written 11 October 2024
    • josih698
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best day ever
      my friend and I did the swimming with whales adventure and I just want to express my immense gratitude. The day was fantastic, from checking in until we docked in at the end. The team (we had Benny, Paul, Josh and Annika) were superb, and really guided us and encouraged us for a magical day. Thank you thank you I'll definitely be recommending Sunreef to my friends and will be back for another adventure.
      Written 1 October 2024
    • drScottWatkins
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Cancelled due to weather but well handled
      We went to the Sunshine Cosst for 3 days specifically to do the swim with whales tour. Unfortunately bad weather meant we missed out entirely. We’d made the booking for our first day, in case there was a cancellation. When day 1 was cancelled, the company happily moved us onto a similar tour for the next day. Unfortunately the weather was again terrible and day 2 was cancelled as well. They had no spare seats on our 3rd day (and I’m not sure the weather was better anyway). As such, they immediately gave us a full refund. On shore, the weather on day 1 was actually beautiful with only a very slight breeze. However, the company told us that where they go offshore is unprotected and very susceptible to high winds. They handled it well, just be prepared that they can’t control the weather and I’d recommend booking with some spare days in hand. I’m sure they don’t cancel tours unless they really have to.
      Written 29 September 2024
    • Melvyn T
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful morning to go swimming.
      Where do I staff, Have to say all the staff that on the day were fantastic, friendly and so much fun got us all excited. But then too be in the water with the whales we got up so close to them Mother and Calf just beautiful. Then too finish the morning off a chance to swim with the Dolphins thanks guys for giving us the opportunity. A BIG THANKYOU.
      Written 18 August 2024
    • Angelfish918
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommend swimming with the whales
      Had an amazing day out whale watching and swimming with the whales. The skipper (Paul) did the most incredible job of keeping in front of them so we could swim with a whale, the sound they make is so loud when you are in the water with them. The water wasn’t very clear due to heavy rain so keep this in mind when thinking about booking. But from the boat we saw turtles and dolphins and around 10 whales showing off, it was a spectacular show. It was an incredible experience and would highly recommend. Thanks to the crew for making it such a great day.
      Written 17 August 2024
    • Lee H
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      We’d happily dive with Sunreef anytime.
      Very impressed all around, well organised, seamless booking processes, happy friendly energetic staff, excellent boats, professional dive guides ( instructor level) nothing was too much trouble. Safety standards were high and applied well. Patrick our guide was a standout - certainly one of the best we’ve dived with, even taking the time after the dive to assist us to sort out an issue with our own gear that was of our own making. We would happily and confidently dive with Sunreef again.
      Written 7 August 2024
    • dczhw
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous ExHMAS Brisbane dive with Sunreef
      I have wanted to dive the Ex HMAS Brisbane for a long while - and it did not disappoint! Two fabulous dives with a great guide finding lots of stuff on the wreck - and briefing us in detail beforehand - and checking what we had seen afterwards in case we had questions. It was quite chilly water for us, but Sunreef made sure we were kitted out with the appropriate wetsuits (my son had two!!😂) and we were actually toasty warm in the end - though needed a bit more weight to sink! Felt very safe in the water and on the boat with the Sunreef staff who are very professional, and really know their stuff about the marine life (we also did whale watching with them) and the wreck. Paul was an expert skipper. Was a joy to be on the boat - a busy boat - but you would never know it the way the staff manage things. A brilliant morning out and a must do for divers visiting the Sunshine Coast.
      Written 29 July 2024
    • Anthony R
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      PADI Dive Training with Sunreef
      Great experience with the Sunreef team for the whole family getting the PADI OW certification. Well organised , great selection of rental gear and great attitude from the whole team over the three days. Special thanks to our instructors Mark , in the pool, and Sheridan for the 2 days in the ocean. Been back to dive with them since certification and same experience each time , super beginner friendly and always feel well looked after. Surprising how much there is to see just 10-15 mins from Mooloolaba. Highly recommended. Give the Nurse Shark dive a try for sure in season a definite highlight ( not listed on trip advisor but it is a standard dive from their website). Saw 6-7 large sharks each dive often within very close (arms length)distance in pretty good 15-18m visibility. 10/10 will dive with them again.
      Written 20 July 2024
    • HilIngram
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A great days diving with the Sun Reef crew
      The Sun Dive crew were welcomming and fun from the initial contact, we were 7 divers and keen for a dive at the last minute. Gypsy at reception made it all happen found the crew and confirmed good to go. We had a great days diving under the guidance of Josh and Heidi, with Zane manning the boat. First dive around the wreck, lots of life the second dive was straight through the bowels of the boat, great trip and many thanks we had a magnificent day.
      Written 4 March 2024
    • karenthevn
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good safe crew
      Good crew really friendly and competent. Felt very safe doing my first wreck dive. Great abundance of marine life including Eagle Ray, Barracuda, stone fish, puffer fish etc… visibility outside the wreck reduced due to choppy seas but once inside was clearer.
      Written 24 October 2023
    • M2165ZAdand
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great crew and whale watching experience but was an expensive whale watching trip
      Got some great views of whales from the boat and the knowledge of the staff was excellent. However our trip turned into a very expensive whale watching trip. We booked in just before covid with redballoon and the next opportunity we had to complete the trip was just this past month, during that time the price increased by 60% (offtt). While I appreciate as a zoologist that working with animals is not recommended and is variable and difficult, I do think a token 10-20% off your next trip would be appreciated if you do not get to swim with whales on the day, because without the swimming with whales it is an expensive whale watching trip.
      Written 15 October 2023
    • omenf_13
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome Open Water Dive Course
      We completed our PADI open water dive course at Sunreef Mooloolaba. The crew at Sunreef could not be more amazing! Sheridan, Matt, Angelica, Annika, and Paul all took such good care of us and made the whole experience feel really safe and exciting. They even arranged a special charter so that we could complete our final dives in time for travel. Added bonus - we heard whales singing to us under water off Mudjimba Island. Highly recommend.
      Written 16 September 2023
    • Mike L
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great boat, crew and lots of whales
      Great day, excellent knowledgeable staff, perfect boat and lots of whales, perfect day really. We went on the 7.30 trip which I would recommend as I have been out previously on later trips and not seen whales. Was pretty rough on the way back in but that’s nature.
      Written 11 September 2023
    • xtacie
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      humpback whale swim
      I was in Brisbane for a couple of days and I traveled to Moolaboola to fulfill a lifelong dream to swim with humpbacks. Check in was easy, all required equipment was provided and in good shape and we were soon on our way. The crew (Anika, Johnny, Heidi and Jacob) were enthusiastic and worked extremely hard in every respect to give us all the best most exhilarating experience while keeping safety as their biggest priority. They recognized the most favorable times to get in the water and how to behave to get the most from our experiences. We had several opportunities to get in the water and swam with countless whales. An incredible day from start to finish. Highly recommend!!!
      Written 4 September 2023
    • OnAir43932959090
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Swim with whales!!!!
      Did a swim with whales trip the other afternoon! Unfortunately the whales were a bit shy and swam off every time we got in the water with them, but on the plus side we got the chance to swim with dolphins which was so cool! Definitely a great way to end the trip. Overall the experience was really great! Staff were super friendly and everything flowed nicely. They did everything they could so we could get the chance to swim with the whales. Very very grateful. Special thanks to Heidi, Josh, abi, Casie and paul for being so patient and keeping up that high energy the whole trip, definitely made it a memorable one. Hopefully next time the whales will come out!
      Written 3 September 2023
    See all 630 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles51 reviews
    Excellent
    42
    Very good
    3
    Average
    2
    Poor
    1
    Terrible
    3

    brayden d
    1 contribution
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Couples
    I had high hopes for this whale-watching tour, but unfortunately, it fell short. Despite the promise of seeing these majestic creatures, the staff would get everyone excited when the whale blew water up but not even seeing their body. When we did sight them it was 100’s of feet away for a split second and just the smallest snippet of their massive body. I’ve been on previous whale watching tours elsewhere and it was incredible to be really immersed with the whales in the environment and see the beautiful mammals up close. Sunreef Mooloolaba was the opposite attempting to get as many people on a large boat.

    While I understand that certain factors in relation to whale sighting are beyond the company’s control, and the company respects the whale's space/home, I was hoping for a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience based on the description provided in the website and social media. Their photos show these beautiful mammals leaping through the air as if you’re 20-50 ft away. That isn’t the case.

    The only highlight was the scenic coastal views, but for the price we paid, I expected a lot more. I hope they improve their service in the future, but I wouldn't recommend this tour based on my experience.

    To those reading, if you’re considering whale watching with Sunreef Mooloolaba please see this review before you make a decision to use your hard earned money for the trip out to sea.
    Written 9 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Gloria R
    2 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022 • Family
    The worst experience ever. Today I paid $150 for 2 people for see a whale's but never happened. the crew told me that it's maybe for the season. they have a guarantee policy but if someone see even a tail they don't respond. I don't recommend that trip
    Written 16 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    On this day we took you, your friend, and 100 other passengers whale watching. Our whale-watching tour is 100% on the whale terms and is run as organically as possible. Whales are wild animals, that display naturally occurring behavior. Some days they are more active than others, most people understand and respect this as a natural experience. In fact, 100 other passengers and all of the crew on your trip did see whales and were even treated to some breaching, tail slapping, peck slapping, and a mother with a calf. We give whale-watching tours a 100% guarantee on whale sightings, so if there are no whales at all that day you will have the chance to go again on a free return trip. This guarantee is obviously not warranted for your trip as there were whales. It was also brought to our attention that you did not wish to move around the vessel to an appropriate vantage point to experience the whales as everyone else did despite the efforts of our crew. You've gone to the trouble of copying and pasting this "review" on our social media posts, google profile, trip advisor, and even by email because a wild animal did not perform to your liking on the day. Very unreasonable.
    Written 19 October 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kim W
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2022 • Couples
    We had the most amazing experience. The whole crew were friendly and knowledgeable, and clearly all loved their jobs.

    The boat was so spacious and comfortable, and there were so many great vantage points. The captain turned the boat to make sure everyone saw the whales and we loved our trip so much.

    We went at 7:30 am and it was fabulous!
    Written 24 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your review, hopefully we will see you out again sometime. I will pass on your comments to the crew as well they love to hear people had a great time.
    Written 27 September 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    karenthevn
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia220 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice day out friendly crew and good boat. Unfortunately we knew it was towards the end of the season but the guarantee we could see whales or rebook meant we took a risk unfortunately it didn’t pay off we didn’t see anything other than a few dolphin dorsal fins. We tried to rebook but the other trips have now been cancelled so we have vouchers to come again from the other side of the world but will unfortunately be unlikely to afford the flights again 🤣🤦‍♀️ Id say if there’s whales this would be great but late in the season as a visitor it’s an expensive gamble unfortunately
    Written 24 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    dczhw
    Puerto Aventuras, Mexico72 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2024 • Family
    This whale watching cruise was absolutely brilliant!!!! Loved loved loved it. Saw loads of whales with lots of activity - breaching, fin slaps, head pops - but most lovely was a mother and calf - and the baby calf doing all the stuff was beyond cute. Inbetween the whale action the crew were super helpful and informative. The safety briefing was impeccable - and the information and questions answered was really interesting - these guys really know their stuff! We had Rikki and Sammie on the boat on the mike - they were so enthusiastic and fun and knowledgeable - and Cassie on the bar - such a great experience. The crew make it their mission to get you a good whale watching experience - and it certainly worked for us! THANK YOU!!!!!!
    Written 30 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you leaving such a wonderful review and we are so glad you had such an amazing time!
    Written 1 August 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Gail J
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2023 • Couples
    Easy on-line booking and payment and really good directions, parking suggestions and communication throughout. Terrific boat and crew; exceptional, informative commentary from Shannon. Saw whales a-plenty and even a mother and calf. They show respect for these wonderful creatures and handled a tricky situation, with a rogue yacht getting far too close, very well; hope they reported this vessel! Had a great time.
    Written 1 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hey that's our line! lol Thanks for joining us.
    Written 3 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Ray S
    Perth, Australia16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a good trip although the crowd on the boat made it a little difficult to get a rail to see the whales. My main concern was the safety aspect of being told lifejackets were under each seat.We were upstairs.Several passengers near me looked and commented it was not there. We finally established there was a large bag of them under a front seat. My wife cannot swim and felt she would like to have quick access to her jacket in an emergency. A good trip but I feel this should be looked at.
    Written 25 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    David & Ester
    Caloundra, Australia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2020
    Beautiful weather, crew friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. Perfect except for one minor flaw. Participation by the whales very poor *actually non existent", total no shows.

    The result a beautiful cruise, a great afternoon out and at the end offers of either a full refund or a future booking at no cost.

    People who operate with this kind of integrity need to be supported Please book now so that they stay in business and we get to see the whales.
    Written 13 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    100careyc
    Nambour, Australia11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Couples
    Absolutely amazing trip whale watching. We went as a couple but plenty of people all ages on board. Clean boat, knowledgeable crew, friendly from beginning to end can’t recommend them enough
    Written 1 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    OrangutanFan
    Sydney, Australia100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2022 • Couples
    We chose to take this tour on Thursday 30th June. The last day of my family’s holiday who were visiting from the UK. It didn’t disappoint! Wow! A truly amazing time and we’ll deserving of 5 stars ⭐️
    The whales didn’t disappoint either and most definitely showed up 🐳
    I’ve added a few pictures we captured, although they never do full justice of the beauty, grace and amazement of these mammals.
    Thank you to the crew who were helpful, informative and full of enthusiasm to ensure everyone has a good time (even those at the back of boat suffering from sea sickness - it was a choppy day out there!).
    Written 3 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your review, it is great to hear that you had a great time and the crew were amazing. I will pass on your comments to the crew on that trip, they love to hear people enjoyed themselves so much. Hopefully we will see you back again.
    Written 11 July 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Mooloolaba Whale Watching Cruise provided by Sunreef

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