• Intimate whale watching experience with limited passenger numbers onboard.
• Scenic cruise from Marina Mirage along the famous Whale Highway.
• Guaranteed humpback whale sightings during the Gold Coast migration season.

Cruise the Gold Coast Whale Highway and see humpback whales up close on an intimate whale watching tour with guaranteed sightings, live commentary and stunning coastal scenery.

What to Expect

Your Gold Coast whale watching tour departs from Marina Mirage before cruising through the Gold Coast Seaway and into the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Within approximately 20 minutes, the vessel reaches the migration route known as the Whale Highway, one of Australia’s busiest whale corridors during winter.

From June through to late October, humpback whales travel north along the Queensland coastline before returning south later in the season with newborn calves. The Gold Coast provides excellent viewing opportunities due to its close proximity to the migration route.

Guests may witness whales breaching clear of the water, slapping their tails against the surface, rolling beside the vessel or travelling in pods close to the coastline. Mothers with calves are commonly sighted later in the season, while curious whales often approach the boat for incredible close-up encounters.

The surrounding waters are also home to dolphins, turtles, rays and seabirds, making every cruise unique.

Throughout the experience, the professional crew provide informative live commentary covering humpback whale behaviour, migration patterns, local marine life and conservation efforts along the east coast of Australia.

The vessel offers spacious viewing areas and a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to move freely around the boat for uninterrupted whale sightings and photography opportunities.

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard during the cruise.

Features And Highlights

• Gold Coast whale watching cruise departing from Marina Mirage
• Guaranteed humpback whale sightings or complimentary return cruise
• Cruise the famous Whale Highway migration route
• Whale watching season operates from June to late October
• Smaller passenger numbers for a more intimate experience
• Opportunities to see breaching whales, tail slaps and mother whales with calves
• Live onboard commentary from experienced crew
• Scenic cruise through the Gold Coast Seaway
• Possible sightings of dolphins, turtles, rays and seabirds
• Comfortable vessel with excellent viewing areas
• Great photography opportunities throughout the tour
• Snacks and beverages available for purchase onboard

Whale Watching On The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of the best whale watching destinations in Queensland due to the migration route passing close to shore. Each year, more than 30,000 humpback whales migrate along Australia’s east coast, creating exceptional viewing opportunities for visitors travelling during winter and spring.

The calm subtropical climate and quick access to offshore waters allow whale watching vessels to reach the migration zone efficiently, giving guests more time observing whales in their natural habitat.

Early season departures often showcase active adult whales travelling north, while later months regularly feature mothers and calves resting and socialising closer to the coastline.

Looking for more ways to experience the annual humpback whale migration? Explore our full range of whale watching tours departing from the Gold Coast and other popular Queensland whale watching destinations.

Departs From

Gold Coast

Departure Time

• 8:30am – 11:00am
• 11:30am – 2:00pm
• 2:30pm – 5:00pm (weekend only)

Departure Instructions

Meet at the Marina Gate 10 mins prior to boarding.

Months of Operation

May - October

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

2.5 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Low

Additional Information

Vessel access does have small steps

Infants must sit on parents laps, small foldable strollers welcome dependant on vessel capacity (cannot obstruct walkways)