Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch - 4 Hours
Highlights & inclusions
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September 2026
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Highlighted reviews
Fabulous whale watching cruise
We had a wonderful day whale watching. The cruise was amazing. Definitely 5 stars.
Amazing experience - totally relaxing
Got this as a birthday gift for my hubby. Life has been pretty stressful lately and it is unlikely that we'll be going on an actual cruise holiday anytime soon. Thoroughly enjoyed this experience from start to finish. The crew (Zach and Brandon) were awesome. Food was plentiful and delicious. Music was great and the whole atmosphere top notch. On the day we went, the weather was beautiful and we even managed to spot a small pod of dolphins. I highly recommend this to everyone looking for a bit of time-out that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Keep up the great work Aria Cruises!!
What you can expect
Set sail on a relaxing four-hour whale watching cruise through the Gold Coast's Broadwater. Step aboard a comfortable sailing catamaran and feel the gentle sea breeze as you take in panoramic views of the coastline. Continue, heading into the open ocean and keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins, sea turtles, and the majestic Humpback Whales making their annual migration to Queensland’s warm waters. With plenty of deck space, you’ll have front-row views as these gentle giants breach, tail-slap, and glide gracefully through the waves.
Between sightings, sit back and enjoy morning tea, a delicious lunch freshly prepared on board, and hot drinks, plus access to the fully licensed bar. Throughout the journey, you'll learn fascinating facts about marine life from your expert crew, who share their knowledge and passion for the ocean. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned whale watcher, this sailing adventure perfectly combines relaxation, discovery, and excitement.
Location
What you need to know
- Four-hour whale watching cruise
- Morning tea and lunch with hot drinks
- Fully licensed bar
- Whale watching season is between May and November.
- Departs at 9am
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time
- This experience is approximately five hours in duration.
- This experience departs from Aqua Adventures, 95 Marine Parade, Gold Coast Hwy, Southport, QLD 4215.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Phone/camera
- Participants must be 18 years or over to consume alcohol; Photo ID may be required
- In the unlikely event that no whales are spotted, you will be offered a free return trip
- Please do not bring your own drinks; only drinks purchased onboard are permitted
- In the event of inclement weather, the supplier will contact you to reschedule
- Maximum of 28 participants
- Change your booking up to 72 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 72 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
Extraordinary Whale Watching.
My wife and I went out on a whale watching cruise recently with Aria Cruises. It was extraordinary. The skipper ROB and his deckhand knew just exactly where to go to see WHALES. In addition, he contacted his opposition Cruise Companies, to let the other opposition skippers know where he was viewing WHALES at the time. How good was that? ROB was prepared to help others enjoy seeing the WHALES. That was so generous of him. The morning tea and lunch which was provided by Aria Cruises was also lovely. I recommend ROB and Aria Cruises to those who want a great WHALE watching experience. In future, I believe, the 5hour cruise is going to be reduced to 3 hours. I believe that will be a move in the right direction. Five hours was good, but three hours will be better. Regards, Maury Shea.
4 hours of close encounters with the whales
This was an amazing day out & the whales came so close & gave us so many wonderful displays. The company was so professional & passionate about what they do. Great value, fabulous lunch & would highly recommend. The catamaran was just the right size & the whales were inquisitive to come up close
An unforgettable first-class experience, don't over think it!
What an unforgettable experience to share with my 13-year-old daughter—she’ll always remember our whale watching adventure on the Gold Coast with Captain Rob and First Mate Michelle. They are knowledgeable, fun, and caring, making everyone feel welcome with plenty of laughs. It was a small-group experience; the boat was immaculate and comfortable, and we saw plenty of whales. Choosing Aria over the big commercial operators was the best decision—this is a first-class experience worth every dollar!
