If you are planning your next weekend with your kids here is our list of all the amazing places for whale watching on the Gold Coast. With over 50 whale-watching tour operators in the Gold Coast region, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and watch these majestic creatures. And not just during peak whale season, which runs from November to March. Local operators are working to make a lasting impact on the whales and the environment so that you can enjoy these trips year-round. With the whales so close to the coast, they are an easy sight to see from the shoreline. The best way to see them is by getting out on the water and viewing them from a unique perspective. And while the water is always a little rough, the best whale watching tours give you the chance to be on the water without the dangers of the open sea.
AIRLIE BEACH: GREAT SPOT FOR WHALE WATCHING ON THE GOLD COAST
The best tours for whale watching on the Gold Coast is in Airlie Beach which starts with the magnificent humpbacks that visit the area year-round. According to the Gold Coast Association for Whale Watching, this is one of the best places in Australia to see humpbacks year-round. And with the right conditions and timing, you can also expect to see southern right whales, orcas, a.k.a. killer whales. The best time to visit is when the whales migrate north to warmer water during the winter. This period runs from November through March, but you can book trips around this time all year round. Airlie Beach is the safest way to see the whales and is home to the Gold Coast’s only whale watching centre. Whether you want the best chance of spotting whales or want to relax on the white sands, Airlie Beach is a hot option.
JUPITERS CASINO
The best whale watching tours on the Gold Coast region starts with the chance to visit humpbacks in the area year-round during the winter when they migrate north to warmer waters. Blue whales are a rare sight in the southern hemisphere, and you can book trips to see them during a 10-day trip in July and August.
MISSION BEACH
Another great spot for whale watching on the Gold Coast is Mission Beach. It starts with the chance to visit humpbacks in the area year-round. Mission Beach is a great place to visit all year round, with the chance to see humpbacks, blue whales, and even sperm whales.
NOBBYS HEAD
For the best whale watching tours on the Gold Coast, Nobbys Head is the top choice. Heading north from the city, Nobbys Head is a popular getaway for locals, who come to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The headland is also a popular spot for whale watching tours due to its sheltered waters and close proximity to the whales.
CROYDON
Croydon is situated on the northern coast of the Gold Coast, just a 30 minute drive from Brisbane. Croydon is one of the best places on the coast to see whales, thanks to its sheltered and clear waters. Croydon Boat Tours offers three daily whale watching tours. The tour departs from Croydon Wharf and lets you get up close and personal with the whales as you paddle along on a paddleboard.
SOUTHPORT
Located in Southport, close to Surfer’s Paradise, Party Boat Hire offers you the chance to book your own private boat hire, with a seasoned captain at the wheel, to take you on your bespoke and personal whale watching tour. Click on the hyperlink for further information and bookings.
SAFEST WAY TO SEE WHALES IN THE GOLD COAST REGION
If you’re not ready to travel to Antarctica to see the whales, there are plenty of reasons to book a trip to the Gold Coast. The best way to see these whales is from a hire boat or from the shoreline at elevation. With over 50 operators in the Gold Coast region, there is a lot of variety and competition when it comes to whale watching tours. The tours are all very different, ranging from full-day excursions to 2-night experiences. If you are looking for a more local experience, take a picnic to Rainbow Bay and climb up the hill for the perfect lookout, or Burleigh Heads Hill will give an equal amount of awe and impress you for the cash strapped or those without sea legs. Many different operators offer this service catering to all budgets with different itineraries and experiences.
TAKE THE KIDS FOR AN EXCITING WHALE WATCHING TOUR
If you’re looking for something exciting for the whole family, a whale watching tour is a great option. The best whale watching on the Gold Coast tour caters to all ages, with plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. Some tour boats have swimming pools with underwater lights. Others offer different activities, like a cooking class or dolphin encounter. Whichever whale watching tour you book, your kids will have an exciting time.
IN CONCLUSION
Whale watching on the Gold Coast is not only spectacular, but they are also great for families and children. There is something for everyone on these tours, whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the water or something a little more adventurous. Whichever tour you choose, you are guaranteed to have a memorable and exciting time. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are part of our marine environment, so seeing them up close is a wonderful experience. The best place to spot them is on a whale watching tour, where you’ll have the chance to see them in their natural habitat. With so many options, you’re bound to find a whale watching tour that you and your friends or family will enjoy. Now you only need to decide which tour to go on first. From the mild waters and clear skies of Airlie Beach to the warm waters and clear skies of Croydon, the Gold Coast is the perfect place to see whales. And with so many options, you’re bound to find a whale watching tour that you and your friends or family will enjoy.