Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise
Gold Coast, QLD
Prepare to take home unforgettable memories! Our vessel, Spirit of Gold Coast, will bring you within touching distance of these majestic creatures.
- 4+ years old
- Max. 120 pax
- Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
- No pickup available
- Departs from Mariners Cove Marina, Berth 95, Arm D, next to the Helicopter Pad, located on 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
- Returns to Mariners Cove Marina, Berth 95, Arm D, next to the Helicopter Pad, located on 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
You’ll be captivated by the natural beauty and awe of these Gentle Giants of the Sea, creating unique memories that will last a lifetime.
The Spirit crew are not just guides, they are passionate advocates for the conservation of these gentle giants. They are committed to promoting awareness and education about Humpback Whales, marine wildlife, and their natural environment, ensuring that your experience is not just thrilling, but also ethical and educational.
After a Spirit Whale Watching tour, you’ll find yourself with a deep respect and love for these majestic creatures. The emotional impact of being in their presence is something that will stay with you long after the tour ends.
Inclusions
- 2.5 to 3 hours of adventure
- Fully licensed bar
- Welcome tea, coffee and biscuits
- Car park at Mariner's Cove close to the departure deck
- Marine Biologist on board with full commentary
- 24 meter power catamaran purpose-built for whale watching
What to Bring
- SUN PROTECTION: Remember to wear sunscreen. Cap or hats are also recommended on sunny days.
- PHOTO DEVICES You may bring a camera, mobile phone, etc. However, since you may be splashed with ocean spray, please get these items at your own risk.
- CLOTHING: Pack a warm jumper or a windproof/waterproof jacket. Conditions at sea can be windier and cooler than on the mainland.
- FOOTWEAR Appropriate footwear is also important. We recommend wearing fully covered footwear with suitable grips, such as sneakers or deck shoes.
- FOOD: You are more than welcome to bring along some light snacks for your children and family if you would prefer. No BYO alcohol. If you feel motion sickness effects, please make sure to take precautions and try to avoid food during the cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Yes. Our gift vouchers are ideal to give to someone for their Birthday, Engagement and Wedding, 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 Mariners Cove Marina, Berth 95, Arm D, next to the Helicopter Pad, located on 60-70 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.
Spirit of Gold Coast is a 24metre Catamaran built to International Marine Standards (Bureau Veritas) designed for maximum stability and comfort, surveyed for 120 passengers + five crew in open waters. Our vessel has excellent 360º viewing from upper and lower decks, and a fully licensed bar. This boat was designed for your comfort.
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. If it is too rough and unpleasant we will contact you the day before to reschedule your trip.
Motion sickness affects us all in different ways causing many people to get sea sick. If you know or are unsure how the boat’s journey will affect you, sea sickness tables can be purchased from a pharmacist. 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.
No, should you wish to join us on another cruise you are welcome to come back on separate days if you like. However, you need to organize it this change by calling the office in advance.
Yes, the Spirit of Gold Coast is fully licensed with a bar providing a range of beer, wine and mixers for sale.
Yes you can. When you make the booking please let us know so that we can ensure our crew is ready to help you with your boarding.
Yes, we have 4 marine toilets aboard the Spirit.
Yes, we certainly do have life jackets. There are both adult and child life jackets.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a pick up and drop off service. But there are a number of forms of transport available. Public transport from Brisbane/North: Take the Gold Coast Train, stop at Helensvale Station and take SeaWorld Bus (704/705). Stop at Mariner’s Cove Marina. Walk through the car park towards the higher jetty and find Spirit at Berth 95/Arm D – next to the helicopter pad. Public transport from Surfers Paradise/South: Take SeaWorld Bus (705) at the Gold Coast Highway. Stop at Mariner’s Cove Marina. Walk through the car park towards the higher jetty and find Spirit at Berth 95/Arm D – next to the helicopter pad.
Spirit welcomes Pregnant passengers on board, however we require they seek medical approval before joining one of our cruises. If this is not possible, we can provide a waiver for Pregnant passengers to sign, stating that they have not obtained medical approval and are aware of the risks. It is usually the first few months of pregnancy that made cruising out on the open ocean a little uncomfortable. However, every pregnancy is different, and we always recommend checking with a doctor first
The Spirit Vessel is wheelchair accessible; however, all guests MUST follow the below guidelines:
- Access to the Spirit Vessel is by a ramp, which is 80 centimetres wide. The steepness of the ramp will vary depending on the tide
- Please note that the Spirit crew cannot carry passengers from their wheelchairs. All guests who use a wheelchair must be able to move themselves, or bring assistance with them
The Spirit Vessel is equipped with standard marine toilets. These toilets are narrow and may require an assistant/carer to facilitate their usage.
Whale Watching FAQs
Our Gold Coast location allows Spirit of Gold Coast to enjoy the longest Whale Watching season in Australia from June 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, whereas later in the season you are likely to catch them as they return south with their newborn calves.
Each year Humpback Whales (otherwise 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 by on their northern and southern migration, this sometimes occurs at night.
In 2009 the Majestic White Whale ‘Migaloo’ (White Fella’ in the Aboriginal language) passed 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 consecutively: 10/7/2003, 22/6/2004, 16/7/2005. In 2006, 2007 and 2008 Migaloo was elusive as he passed the Gold Coast, with no confirmed sightings. Migaloo was once again sighted in 2009 and 2012.
Spirit Vessel last sighted MIGALOO on 10th August 2015. What a day!
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.
And remember to bring your camera to take pictures of the beautiful gentle giants of the sea.
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.
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.
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Spectacular two and a half hour Whale Watching Cruise on board Spirit of Gold Coast, a 24 meter power Catamaran purpose-built for whale watching, with ’360 degree’ viewing and fully licensed bar. FREE ample parking at Mariner’s Cove Marina. Complimentary Morning Tea with tea, coffee and biscuits. Travel with a professional crew who will provide information and detailed commentary. We have a Marine Biologist on board who is passionate about the Marine Life and explains all about the Whale Migration. Guaranteed Whale Sighting – Get a free return trip if you don’t see whales on your cruise.
What to Bring: Please bring beach attire and remember to wear sunscreen and bring a hat and/or sunglasses! Life is bright, you gotta have shades! You may bring a camera, mobile phone, etc. However, since you may be splashed with ocean spray, please bring these items at your own risk.