Duration:
Operated By:
Set sail on the stunning waters of the Gold Coast on this exclusive, two hour lunch and sightseeing cruise, departing from a convenient spot in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Step aboard our luxurious vessel Spirit of Elston, and enjoy one of the best sightseeing and dining experiences on the Gold Coast. Panoramic views from the spacious upper deck showcase some of the city’s most famous landmarks – such as the glittering waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater, Sea World, HOTA (Home of the Arts) and the glamorous Palazzo Versace. Satisfy your appetite with an irresistible buffet lunch, including locally sourced king prawns, succulent roast chicken, freshly baked ham off the bone and delicious salads. Pair lunch with wine, craft beer or treat yourself to a tasty cocktail. Head upstairs to the open-air top deck and soak in the sunshine with a drink in hand while listening to entertaining commentary from our expert crew about the iconic Gold Coast.
Highlights
2 hour sightseeing lunch cruise
Tropical buffet lunch
Fully-licensed onboard bar
Spacious sundeck with 360-degree views
Experience the best of the Gold Coast from the iconic waterways
Departs from the convenient location of Surfers Paradise
Inclusions
2 hour Gold Coast waterways cruise
Comfortable air-conditioned lower deck with full amenities
2-course Tropical Buffet Lunch
Fully stocked onboard bar for optional beverage purchases
Take in the spectacular skyline views of the famous Surfers Paradise
Cruise past local landmarks, including Marina Mirage, HOTA Home of the Arts, Sea World, Palazzo Versace, and lavish waterfront homes
Entertaining and informative onboard commentary
Menu
Cold Selection
Gold Coast ocean king prawns (GF, LF)
Natural New Zealand mussels (GF, LF)
Maple-glazed baked ham off the bone (GF, LF)
Lightly seasoned roast chicken pieces (GF, LF)
Summer garden salad (V, VE, GF, LF)
Mediterranean pasta salad (V, VE, LF, N)
Classic coleslaw salad (V, GF, E)
Damper-style bread rolls (V, VE)
Desserts
Sliced seasonal melons and tropical fruits (V, VE, GF, LF)
Pavlova served with mango, passionfruit and cream (V, E)
(V) – Vegetarian (VE) – Vegan (GF) – Gluten Free (LF) – Lactose-Free (N) – May Contain Nuts (E) – May Contain Egg
Allergen information is a guide only.
Departure time and location
Cruises depart at 12 PM and return at 2:00 PM
Checkin at 11:30 AM, and boarding commences at 11:45 AM
Setting sail up to 7 days a week
Cruises depart from Tiki Reserve pontoon, 73 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Your Captain and Crew will check you in on the vessel at the Nerang River end of Cavill Ave.
Paid parking is available nearby at Bruce Bishop, Circle on Cavill, Chevron Renaissance, and Cypress Avenue car parks
Alternative departures are at 11:00 AM (returning 1:00 PM) and 1:30 PM (returning 3:30 PM) during peak periods.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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I didn't like the part before getting aboard when the staff insisted on taking a photo for all guests that they will try to sell you after the trip.
I really enjoyed the cruise (apart from hearing people vomiting around me!). We only saw a few whales but it was still a great morning out. Staff were lovely and very helpful to the unwell.
We were lucky enough to see a baby whale with its mother, truly a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Highly recommend
A special mention to the photographer, Nicole, who was absolutely amazing! They captured beautiful moments and were so patient and professional, ensuring everyone had a chance to get great photos without feeling rushed.
Thank you to the whole crew for making the experience so memorable. I’ll definitely recommend this cruise to others looking for an exciting and well-organised whale watching adventure!
I also don’t get why a company like SeaWorld that advocates for less waste / sustainability etc would print out everyone’s photos prior to asking people if they’re wanting to buy them.. over half of the people didn’t buy their photos - it’s not like anyone else can buy photos of other people meaning they’d be going straight into the bin
Really enjoyed and was looked after very well and informative running commentary, would recommend everyone trying this, and we will love to come back and do again earlier in the year.
The boat, crew and Captain were great. We did take the option for the Captain’s Lounge Seating which was an extra $30. Not sure if I think thats value but it was very pleasant.
I have been on a few whale watch tours now and one of the best pluses this one has is such easy close access out and in on the boat to view them.
The captain and crew were excellent on the day- very helpful, polite and professional. It was a longer wait to find the whales- when the whales appeared the captain did his best to follow/find them for the passengers. We didn't really see that many whales. Just as we were due to return to base, a pod was spotted a fair distance from us, but he turned and followed them to allow us a lasting experience - it was magical to see the pod together... Although no breaching ones.
Our cruise was extended due to this manoeuvre which is most appreciated by all on the cruise.
Thank you Captain Wayne and crew!
We got up close to a number of humpback whales.
Crew were very knowledgeable and helpful.
Highly recommended!
Staff in the whale watch and cruise are nice also, great job
I don’t get sea sick but did still feel a bit iffy just due to the rocking of the boat. the staff are proactive and do offer sea sickness tablets at a very reasonable price, I would recommend taking them!
Overall, 10/10 experience.
Unfortunately no whales could be found, after which we got the option to come back another time for free. As we were leaving Australia, the tour operator was so kind to refund our money.
Nevertheless we had a great experience, with a beautiful sunset over Gold Coast!
Their enthusiasm made all the difference! This cruise was truly unforgettable! Already planning our return!
What really made the experience even better was how caring the crew was. My wife got seasick during the cruise, and the staff were super kind and attentive. They really looked after her, and we’re so grateful for that.
Amazing cruise, awesome wildlife, and a fantastic team — highly recommend!
The complete process, from booking to disembarking the boat was pleasant, informative, comfortable, exciting, thrilling and highly memorable. So good, went back the next day, even better. The whale sightings, awesome, complimented by the very knowledgeable and extremely friendly staff. Way too many businesses today talk about service these days, far too few are capable of delivering it. 5 Stars to this organization, they really deliver.
It took around some 30mins to get where the sightings usually are, but once there, you get to see... one of the greatest views of Gold Coast! Not joking.
Then after some more minutes, the whales just came out, two or three of them, on either sides, the rear and on the front of the boat. Even if it was still early in the season, as the captain said, they put on a show.
There were dolphins too, though they were a bit spotlight huggers, hahaha.
The whales surfaced every 5-8mins and there were a few times we saw real Whale Tails (I knew what you were thinking...) and it looked gracious how they do the dive and not make any splashes. Always intrigued about the mark they leave on the water, as it does not get disturbed by the waves outright. Upon heading back, I think the whales knew it and gave us a spectacular send-off, those jump-ups and dives you see in videos, very cool. This was one of those experiences you can't just pass up.
As mentioned, they appear wherever, so no seat in the boat is a bad seat, you just try to pick where you'd sit during the journey and take it form there
On the dock, there are facilities to cater persons with mobility issues, but upon boarding the boat, persons on wheelchairs will need assistance. (it is a bit of a steep and narrow push on the boarding plank)
During the journey, if you are sea sick, inform the crew and they will gladly make the trip more comfortable for you.
2nd part was the Gift Shop, it had light snacks and some souvenirs. Though are eyes caught one souvenir item that almost all of the staff did not know it was for sale and they were surprised it had a price tag. They kind of assumed that it was just there hanging on the door of the employee's only room as decoration. If you guys miss it, I've shared a photo of the item here with my review.
The message of the souvenir really fits the experience of the Whale Watching Trip.
To hear the whales breathe through their air hole it was so strong.
Loved every minute of the tour
Thank you 😊
Kaylee our marine biologist was very informative and answered our questions without hesitation.
We would highly recommend anyone to sail with the Sea World Whale watching tour.
Awesome job crew.????????????
The service aboard the cruise was impeccable and exceptionally well-organized. The staff went above and beyond in explaining the scenic route and providing insights about the places we passed by. All in all, it was a memorable and truly enjoyable experience.
Vessel and Amenities: Sea World Cruises operates state-of-the-art vessels equipped with multiple viewing platforms, ensuring that everyone gets a front-row seat to the action. Comfortable seating and indoor cabins guarantee that you can experience nature's grandeur without compromising on comfort. The on-board café offering light snacks and refreshments is a pleasant touch.
Educative Experience: Not just a visual feast, the tour is an educational journey too. The crew, some of whom are marine biologists, are eager to share their knowledge about these magnificent creatures. Their insightful commentary adds layers of understanding to what you’re witnessing, transforming the excursion into a rich learning experience.
The Whales: Of course, the stars of the show are the whales themselves. From playful humpbacks performing their acrobatic breaches to the serene sight of a mother and her calf gliding side by side, the experience is simply awe-inspiring. The best part? Sea World Cruises has an impressive sighting record, ensuring that your chances of spotting these gentle giants are high.
Responsible Tourism: The crew's dedication to marine conservation is evident throughout the tour. The vessel maintains a respectful distance from the animals, ensuring their natural behaviors aren’t disturbed. It's clear that Sea World Cruises values and prioritizes the well-being of the marine ecosystem.
Duration and Cost: The tour lasts around 2.5, striking the right balance between offering a fulfilling experience and ensuring guests aren’t fatigued. The pricing is competitive, especially considering the top-notch amenities and the expert crew.
Extras: The cruise company often captures the day's highlights on camera, offering guests the opportunity to take home a tangible memory of their experience.
Room for Improvement: As with any experience, there's always room for betterment. Some might find the vessel's engine a tad noisy. While this is somewhat unavoidable, perhaps future renovations could look into noise-reducing measures. Additionally, while the provided refreshments are tasty, a few more diverse dietary options would be appreciated.
Conclusion: The Sea World Cruises Whale Watching Tour is a mesmerizing journey into the world of whales. From the comfort of the vessel to the expertise of the crew, it’s evident that every detail has been meticulously planned to ensure a magical experience for visitors. Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable outing, this tour is not to be missed.
When people go on these kinds of tours what I've found and experienced is EVERYTHING should be included in the ticket price. Otherwise you feel like there's something being missed out on.
Up your prices a bit and include free brekky or morning tea and have photos as complimentary.
Then again what do I know
The ship was so comfortable and roomy and it was nothing short of such a great experience.
We’re locals, but will definitely be back again soon.
Thanks so much to the whale watching team for providing such a memorable time. ????????



























