Half-Day Whale Watching and Canal Cruise from Surfers Paradise
4.3
61 Ratings
Surfers Paradise
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
What's Included
  • River Cruise between the Spit and Surfers Paradise
  • Commentary by a marine naturalist
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

The only whale watching cruise departs from Surfers Paradise. See magnificent humpback whales at play on this half-day cruise from the Gold Coast. You’ll enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views from all three decks of your purpose-built vessel and the experienced crew, including a marine naturalist guide, will provide the closest whale encounters possible. Small group sizes, guaranteeing rail side position which makes it one of Gold Coast’s most intimate whale watching experiences.

  • 100% guarantee of whale sightings or receive a free return cruise
Location
Appel Park
Ferny Avenue
Check-in time: 30 min prior to the departure times. Cruises depart from the river end of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise at the Hopo Ferry Kiosk. It is only a short walk from every major Surfers Paradise hotel and the Cavill Avenue Light Rail Station Best parking is at the Bruce Bishop Car Park.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(61 Ratings)
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Shivnis
Oct 22, 2022
Good way to spend the morning - Was a good day out, had to change over to the seaworld cruise from main Beach. Got the hopo tickets for the day as compensation so was overall a good day. Saw a couple of whales and a fantastic whale breech. Great commentary from the researcher.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
54shellyg
Aug 27, 2022
Whale day out. - What a wonderful morning! Our crew where amazing. A smaller group compared to other boats out there which was great. Could see from every part of the boat. We got pretty close to the whales who put on a show for us. Thank you so much. We will be back with the family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I779qwjackyw
Jul 15, 2022
Best Whale-Watching trip I have been on! - I have been on many whale-watching tours and this topped them all off! Not only did we have the best close encounters and marvellous displays but the commentary was fun and extremely informative. Kelly and Simon know how to keep your interest but also how to explain the wealth of information they have, in a clear manner that guests of all ages could understand.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cheryll
Jul 11, 2022
Excellent captain, crew and amazing whales - Whale watching. Half day. It was a pretty nasty forecast out of rough weather out on the ocean. We were informed right from the start that if it was too rough or dangerous the trip wouldn't take place as our safety was paramount. If the decision to not go ahead was taken the choice of a full refund or book another day was given to us immediately. As we hot yo the edge of the breakwater, the captain stayed for a short while where he was able to make the decision, safety first, for us to go ahead It was a fantastic experience, we saw at least 4 whales. 2 of whom kept us entertained for a good while. Captain was very informative 👏 thank you. His crew were amazing dealing with quite a few of the guests who were extremely sea sick. (Lots of small children) Sea sickness tablets were available to buy on board. Sick bags readily available too. I would recommend. If you have small children, that you think long and hard before you choose to take this trip when the seas are rough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
615garthm
Jul 5, 2022
Great info and plenty of whale action - Friendly staff who make everyone feel welcome. Good commentary on whale activity where we learned a lot about surface activity and courtship of whales as it happening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurenhy1044rg
Feb 9, 2022
Lovely day out with the whales. - We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Captain Kim. Plenty of whales to be seen. Even saw a pod of bottlenose dolphins.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephencl74
Sep 12, 2021
Awesome morning whale watching - We had a fantastic morning whale watching. The skipper and crew were great. Lovely cruise out the river and then out to the open water where found 2 whales that put on a great show for the boat. We loved that it’s a smaller boat that is not crowded and you sit close water level. Our 9 year old could easily move around the boat no matter where the whales popped up. Allowing the kids to have a drive of the boat back in the river at the end of the cruise was a really nice touch as well. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U779vomaryg
Jul 24, 2021
A Great morning in Paradise - A lovely boat trip out on the Gold Coast, with very friendly staff. Captain Michael piloted the ship with skill and informative, witty comments. Jason and Pat were very friendly and happy to have a chat. The tea and muffins were tasty 😊👏🐳
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maki_o
Jul 5, 2022
Having a trouble but a wonderful experience - I don’t know who’s fault it was, but my booking wasn't recognized by the organizer. When we went to the departure point in Surfers Paradise, no one was there. The lady at the ticket booth (handling all the cruises) kindly phoned to the organizer (at Sea World), who arranged an Uber for us to get to another departure point at Sea World. They also arranged an Uber to go back to Surfers Paradise. We didn’t have a Canal cruise but had a wonderful experience. We spotted more than 10 whales.
Review provided by Viator
14katheriner
Jul 7, 2022
Switched to another cruise - Was switched to SeaWorld boat last minute, very informative guide. However, was shorter cruise and would have been cheaper if I’d booked on that one and no discount was offered
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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