"We love it because you get the chance to see Humpback whales and learn more about the animals themselves! But it get better if you don't spot any whales you can come back for FREE!"
Hop aboard Spirit's purpose built catamaran and get ready for the whale watching adventure of a lifetime! With Humpback whale sightings just minutes from the seaway and the chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles and maybe even Migaloo the White Whale, this is a trip like no other.
Your cruise departs at 9.30am (9 am boarding) from Mariners Cove Marina. There's also the option of weekend afternoon cruises departing at 1:30 pm (1 pm boarding) depending on sea conditions.
Once aboard, it's time for 2 and a half hours of natural wonder and wildlife! Observe the majestic whales from different angles on the top and bottom decks and learn about ocean life as Spirit's onboard marine biologist explains whale migration! You'll be able to get as close as 100 meters from these incredible animals, the perfect position to watch as they swim beside you and even approach the boat!
As you enjoy 360-degree views of the beautiful ocean surrounds, keep your eyes out for humpbacks and Migaloo the White Whale! Spirit of Gold Coast is the only tour company who have sighted this beautiful beast three years in a row!
With refreshments provided and a fully licenced bar on board, you can relax in comfort while these magnificent animals frolic and swim around you. You'll also be able to spot dolphins, flying fish, turtles, sharks and birds from the deck.
What to bring:
When on Spirit's whale watching cruises, you'll have the chance to move around the different decks so it's best if you dress appropriately. Pack a warm jumper!
Footwear is also important! Spirit recommends fully covered footwear such as sneakers or deck shoes.
On sunny days, it's also a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen. The Spirit crew will have sunscreen on hand if you need extra. There are also travel sickness pills available onboard for $1.
Departure:
Please arrive half an hour before your scheduled departure time to allow for efficient boarding
Our prices include 2 and a half to 3-hour whale watching and marine life tour. There are tea/coffee and biscuits while on board the vessel for you to enjoy while you watch the gentle giants of the sea.
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 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 and a fully licensed bar. 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 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).
There is also 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!
If it is overcast or lightly raining we still venture out to see the whales; we tend to find the whales are 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 boats journey will affect you, sea sickness tables can be purchased from a pharmacist or alternatively on board our vessel on the day. 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.
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
· We can ONLY accept non-motorised, collapsible wheelchairs on board Spirit
· All guests who use a wheelchair MUST be able to take several steps from their wheelchair to a fixed boat seat. This is due to OH&S reasons, as all seating must be attached to the boat for passenger safety
· Please note that Spirit crew cannot carry passengers from their wheelchair to the boat seating. 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. There is a small step up to access all toilets on board
Neither Spirit of Gold Coast or its employees shall be liable for any death or personal injury or any loss or damage to property unless such injury or loss has been acclaimed as a result of the negligence of the company and its employees.
Cruises are subject to suitable weather conditions.
Minimum numbers apply.
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
· We can ONLY accept non-motorised, collapsible wheelchairs on board Spirit
· All guests who use a wheelchair MUST be able to take several steps from their wheelchair to a fixed boat seat. This is due to OH&S reasons, as all seating must be attached to the boat for passenger safety
· Please note that Spirit crew cannot carry passengers from their wheelchair to the boat seating. 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. There is a small step up to access all toilets on board
In the event that a booking is cancelled, the following fees will apply:
Got a group? Get a discount 🤑
Get in touch with our team via phone or email and we will get your crew an awesome deal.
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