Small Boat Whale Watching Tour in Gold Coast
Overview
Our Small Boat Whale Watching tour is an absolutely personalised experience. This 2-3h Gold Coast Whale Watching adventure tour is on a smaller vessel with a maximum of 8 participants. Spectators can look forward to closer and longer encounters as humpback whales do not feel intimated by a smaller vessel. The outer tubes of our semi-inflatable vessel are only 50cm above the water surface. This even allows you to submerge your waterproof camera on passing whales for some great underwater shots for those lucky enough.
Whilst no vessel is allowed to approach whales closer than 100m, our experience shows that the whales are usually approaching us whilst our engines are turned off and the vessel drifts through the water. For this very reason, our vessel is frequently chartered by research groups to conduct field surveys and sampling.
What's Included
- Spray Jacket
- Life Jacket
Meeting Location
Marine Parade
Southport QLD 4215, Australia
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
We utilise a small vessel in small groups of upto 12 guests, providing an unparalleled, personal, and boutique whale watching experience. We closely work with researchers and encourage all our guests to become inspired by what we do.
Why a small vessel?
You can literally touch the ocean and feel the spray of whales blows in your face! That is how close you are to the water surface on our boat. When we say to get at eye level with our humpback whales, we really mean it. You can look forward to closer and longer encounters as humpback whales do not feel intimated by a smaller vessel! Due to its small size and quiet engine, whales love to check out our boat up close.
For your convenience, we provide courtesy spray jackets and inflatable life vests to keep you safe and dry.
We look forward to welcoming you on our small boat.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Children MUST be a minimum of 5years to join this experience and will require their own seat
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children MUST be minimum of 5years and require a booking/reservation
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(15)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
A: Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage. Read more Jan 2022
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 62 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (15)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
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Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All City Boat Tours snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on City Boat Tours tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Small Boat Whale Watching Tour in Gold Coast. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022Participants in the Small Boat Whale Watching Tour in Gold Coast cannot fly in an airplane within 24 hours of their dive.
The main concern with scuba diving and flying is decompression sickness (DCS). Your body needs adequate time during an ascent to off-gas excess nitrogen, or you can form bubbles in your bloodstream, possibly leading to DCS.
Jun 2024First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Spray Jacket.
- Life Jacket.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Small Boat Whale Watching Tour in Gold Coast is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Children MUST be a minimum of 5years to join this experience and will require their own seat
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Small Boat Whale Watching Tour in Gold Coast will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Spray Jacket
- Life Jacket
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Children MUST be a minimum of 5years to join this experience and will require their own seat
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children MUST be minimum of 5years and require a booking/reservation
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
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