On the Water
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$74
per adult
Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching
Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching
Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
This is your opportunity to marvel at the majestic Humpback Whales in their natural environment with the stunning Gold Coast skyline glistening in the background. Take home unique memories that only Mother Nature can provide. You’ll have a whale of a time as the crew demystifies mating and migration, baleen and blowholes, flukes and fins. Oh my, what mighty pectorals they have!
Main Beach, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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from
AU$79
AU$72
per adult
Romantic Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
AU$79
AU$72
per adult
Sightseeing Cruises
2 hours
Free cancellation
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from
AU$49
per adult
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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.
Popular mentions
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4.5
995 reviews
Excellent
759
Very good
153
Average
38
Poor
21
Terrible
24
maryk647
Sydney, Australia26 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We had a great time on the Spirit. From the time we were checked off before we boarded to the finish. The team were great. Morning tea was available. The team informed us all the time on the cruise about dolphins we saw on the way to when we spotted whales. The team are quiet experienced.
Written 2 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.
Thank you Maryk647 for your review. We really appreciate it and are so happy that you enjoyed your
experience with your daughter on board Spirit!
Whale Blessings from Spirit Family!
Written 4 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ashevillefab5
Asheville, NC113 contributions
Oct 2022
best whale watch I have ever been on! so many whales, mothers and babies, lots of tails spotted and even a few breaches. Wonderful staff. easy, free parking for the morning trip. nice indoor and outdoor seating options, easy to move around the boat and find shade. I would recommend the anti-nausea medicine, one of our group felt pretty queasy.
Written 7 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.
Thank you, for your review. We are glad you had a magical encounter with the Humpback Whales, seeing all this activity in one cruise. We must agree, they are amazing creatures and that is the reason we are passionate about them. Thank you again for your feedback and hope to see you on board Spirit soon!
Whale Blessings from the Spirit Family!
Written 9 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kinga A
2 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
As a local this wasnt the first time we went whale watching with Spirit of Gold Coast. Always friendly and helpful crew. First time we saw the most number of whales and first time they were so playful.
Had a 4 and 1 year old with us.
Will be back next year for sure.
Had a 4 and 1 year old with us.
Will be back next year for sure.
Written 21 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 so much for your kind review. It is great to hear you enjoyed your time on board Spirit watching the Humpback Whales in their natural environment. It is also great to hear your compliments towards our staff. They are amazing and caring towards all our passengers. Hope to see you next year again!
Whale Blessings,
The Spirit Family.
Written 22 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bianca
7 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We booked a whale watching tour in October 2023 departing Main Beach, but unfortunately couldn't drive out to the ocean as there have been too many waves. So we just drove about one hour on the river. As it was close to the end of our stay we didn't make it to try again another day, and it took some time as well to get our money back. So all in all a bit disappointing and don't understand why we started at all, there have been lots of wind and waves the whole day already. Probably not the best spot for whale watching at all, would recommend Moreton Bay or Byron Bay.
Written 30 November 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.
Go01668987028
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Not recommended!!!
The day was not suitable for the excursion as there was a lot of swell.
We saw some whales at a very far distance but not at all what we were sold. More than 100 metres.
At the end of the trip many families were dissatisfied but the crew said they could not refund the money.
I would not book with them again even if they were the only option on the Gold Coast.
The day was not suitable for the excursion as there was a lot of swell.
We saw some whales at a very far distance but not at all what we were sold. More than 100 metres.
At the end of the trip many families were dissatisfied but the crew said they could not refund the money.
I would not book with them again even if they were the only option on the Gold Coast.
Written 23 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.
<<>>
This review is by a person who is also in connection with Begona Rodriguez Mendez and Cynthia.
They were offered heavily discounted tickets to go on board our vessel to experience and see the whales and capture the experience and provide us with social media content.
Instead they provided no content, effectively got a free whale watching experience for the 5 of them and instead requested a refund using the excuse of not seeing anything as their excuse.
Extremely sad that people are like this but unfortunately that's the way it is sometimes. One can only hope they don't do this to businesses in the future.
Written 10 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul A
Brisbane, Australia16 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
An amazing afternoon spent onboard yesterday 26/9/2020. Great crew, well worth it and a must during Whale season. Loved the baby whale breaching. And the leatherback turtle was a massive bonus.
Written 26 September 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.
Thank you for reviewing your experience. We are so happy to hear that you had fantastic day on board Spirit, and we must agree, our crew are fabulous. We hope to see you on board Spirit again. Whale Blessings from Spirit Family!
Written 27 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hutchy12
Queensland, Australia6 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
No whales ! I know nature cannot guarantee, however if to you know they are not there then why run the tour ? Staff could have been more interactive. It was difficult to hear what was being said over poor quality speakers .
The weather was great … that was the only positive as the beer was hot. We were so excited about this trip and very disappointed.
The weather was great … that was the only positive as the beer was hot. We were so excited about this trip and very disappointed.
Written 27 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.
Hi,
Thank you for your review, and for taking the time to share your opinion.
You have travelled with Spirit on the last days of the season, which means the whales are leaving the Gold Coast, as I am sure you are aware, each day out on the Humpback Highway is incredibly different. When we head out through the seaway each day, there are certain factors that are completely out of our control. This includes how long it takes us to find whales, how many whales we encounter, as well as the sea conditions we face. That is why, in great regard for our customers, we offer the “WHALE GUARANTEE” policy (a free return trip if there are no whales sighted on the cruise).
Thank you again for sharing your opinion, and wishing you Whale Blessings.
Written 12 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jodie Guerrero
Brisbane, Australia7 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
We had a great time & experience!! Get the whole family together and take the kids!! Everyone will love it. We have a suggestion to the cruise - it was advertised that we would have morning tea - but, this was just a basic cuppa & biscuits. It would have been lovely to have Devonshire tea & scones with jam & creme!! Let’s go for it!!
It may also be a good suggestion to let your patron’s know (for disability purposes) that the walk from your car park to jetty boat area is quite long and patron’s may need walking or disability assistance.
It may also be a good suggestion to let your patron’s know (for disability purposes) that the walk from your car park to jetty boat area is quite long and patron’s may need walking or disability assistance.
Written 9 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.
Thank you for reviewing your Whale Watching experience. We are happy to hear that you had a great time watching the Humpback Whales as they navigate past the Gold Coast.
Hope to see you next year again!
Whale Blessings,
The Spirit Family.
Written 12 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pamela g
2 contributions
June 2024 • Family
have stage 4 cancer and this was on top of my bucket list. so i took my children and grandchildren on this adventure. i was not disappointed and nor was my family. great crew very knowledgeable and helpful. highly recommended for any age. my advise don't leave it to late to take this adventure.
Written 14 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.
Melanie M
69 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Fantastic experience seeing humpback whales with their calves breaching. Our little grandsons were so excited to see so many whales.
Great commentary and friendly staff. Thanks for a spectacular morning on the seas.
Great commentary and friendly staff. Thanks for a spectacular morning on the seas.
Written 26 September 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 there,
Thanks for sharing your fantastic experience with us. We're so happy to hear you and your grandsons had an exciting time out there, and we hope to see you back on board in the future!
Whale Blessings from Spirit Family!
Written 2 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I mention "Hello Gold Coast" when booking my whale watching cruise on September 30,2019 to get the price down from $99 to $59 but there is not any price change.Anyone know about this special offer? Thanks.
Written 25 August 2019
We got our VERY cheap tickets on "KLOOK" - $10 if you get in quick!!
Written 28 December 2019
We are planning to GC by end of Dec. Do we still have a chance to watch whales?
Written 1 March 2019
This is such an important question! Thank you so much to our community for answering this as well.
You are exactly right - by the end of December, all of the Humpback Whales will be back in Antarctica. As a general rule, the Whale Watching season on the Gold Coast operates from late May to early November.
An insider tip - August and September are our favourite months to go Whale Watching. This is because you will find the Humpback’s travelling both north and south at this time, putting on their most acrobatic displays, all with their captivating calves in tow. Definitely an experience to remember!
Written 26 April 2019
boa tarde! Estarei na Australia soment apos dia 20 de novembro. Meu sonho eh ver uma baleia ... consigo em algum luga da Australia?
Written 21 August 2018
Hello! The Whale Season finish on the 28th of October. The Whales normally are past the Gold Coast at around that time. I'm not sure about other places in Australia but try to do a search I hope you can see some! Whale Blessings.
Written 22 August 2018
I find day time to be the best, the low levels of daylight after 7pm make it difficult! Hahah no really, no time is better or worse, these beautiful mammals come and go as they please - sometimes morning sometimes afternoon just the luck of the draw.
Written 4 September 2016
Hi we are visiting the Gold Coast in September for ten days from England . To see whales is my number one thing to do when there . What would u advice we do?? Should we wait till we get to Oz to book - thinking of jet lag etc or should we book soon to avoid disappointment ?
We have been told by my bro who resides in sunny Miami that the whales will be hanging about then .
We arrive on the 7th September staying in Burleigh heads .
Look forward to hearing from you
Regards
Monique
Written 7 August 2016
Sorry just read your question but was watching breaching whales just off shore at Miami headland
Definitely go for a burl on the Spirit of GC
Written 25 September 2016
The best time would be around the months of August and September as during this time the whales are starting to return to the Antarctica with their calves. Whale blessings.
Written 25 January 2016
Manasi R
Brisbane, Australia
Can kids ( 4 yr old) take sea sickness tablets or anything else?
Written 15 July 2015
Hi Manasi, thanks for contacting us. You should check with your local pharmacist the best option for your little one! :) We'll be waiting for you in September! Whale Blessings!
Written 15 July 2015
We have a shop a docket n was wondering what time n if u r booked up for next Sunday
Written 11 July 2015
Hi there! Next Sunday 19th July Whale Watching Cruise departs at 1.30 pm. Boarding commences at 1.00 from Mariners Cove Marina on Sea World Drive Main Beach. Ample parking at the Marina, and it's free of charge! The morning cruise is booked out. Whale Blessings, the Spirit Team.
Written 11 July 2015
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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.