WHALE watching
GOLD COAST
Look beneath the surface into the world of the majestic Humpback Whale. Enjoy an unforgettable eye-to-eye experience with these gentle giants right here on the Gold Coast.
ABOUT OUR TOUR
Experience the thrill of witnessing majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat with our Whale Watching Gold Coast tours.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Gold Coast, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close. Our intimate tours, limited to just 12 guests, ensure a personalised and immersive experience, allowing you to observe the whales at eye level. As you cruise the open ocean, our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights about whale behaviour, migration patterns, and the importance of marine conservation. You’ll not only witness the awe-inspiring sight of whales breaching and tail-slapping but also have the chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for an extraordinary experience, our Gold Coast Whale Watching tours promise an adventure you’ll never forget. Join us and create memories that will last a lifetime!
TOUR DETAILS
-
PRICE
$129 Adult or child (minimum age 6 years)
$1,400 Private charter, up to 12 guests
-
LOCATION & DURATION
Chinderah, NSW. 2.5 hours approx.
-
Daily Departure Times
7:00am, 10:30am and 2:00pm (weather and tide dependent)
-
Guarantee
Whale sightings from the boat 100% Guaranteed or return for free!
our TOUR GALLERY
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Whale sighting guarantee or return for free
- Private/intimate experience with small groups (up to 12 passengers per tour)
- Experienced, knowledgeable and friendly crew
- Unique commentary from our knowledgeable & fun on-board naturalist on all things whale & ocean conservation
- Observe stunning coastline and an abundance of wildlife, including the possibility of seeing eagles, dolphins, turtles and flying fish.
Each year between May and November the subtropical waters of Australia’s east coast host 30,000 humpback whales on migration from Antarctica.
They follow the path of the continental shelf which runs closest to the shoreline between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, making this the prime location for us to witness whales in their natural environment.
From departure to return you will enjoy stunning coastal scenery along with informative and captivating commentary from our experienced skipper and crew. We guarantee you will encounter whales and be mesmerised as you observe them in their natural habitat.
Cooly Eco Adventures provides the closest and most intimate encounters in the region due to the eye-level viewing offered by the safari-style vessel.
Every whale watch is unique, and our highly experienced skipper and crew are on hand throughout to make this experience personal as well as professional. They have a wealth of knowledge and passion for whales and the stunning Gold Coast region they look forward to sharing with you.
what to expect
On arrival you will be greeted by one of the friendly crew, they will check you in on the iPad and get you amped for an epic adventure!
Following the introduction and safety briefing from your Skipper, your lifejackets will be fitted, and we will board the vessel for your Whale watch tour!
What should you bring?
It is colder out on the water so come prepared with layers.
We recommend:- Beanie, warm jumper/ jacket
- Spray jacket/ Rain coat
- Sunglasses and hat
- Camera, Gopro etc
- Drinking water
Participation requirements
Onboard safely
HOW TO GET HERE
Our departure location is Chinderah, situated 5mins from the pacific highway.
139-151 Chinderah bay drive Nsw 2487
Usually we offer a pick up/ drop off shuttle bus service, however due to COVID-19 we are unable to provide this.
Directions
If you are driving from the south on the pacific motorway, take the Kingscliff/ Cudgen exit. and go left at the round about, follow this road.
If you are driving from the north on the Pacific Motorway, take the Kingscliff/Cudgen exit, and go right at the round about. Passing under the motor way and then follow this road.
PARKING
There is street parking available along Chinderah Bay Dr.
Please Note: Do not park in front of the Cubby Bakehouse.
OUR vessel
Cooly Eco Adventures operates with a customised commercial safari style open ocean RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) vessel, at 32ft in length and seating 12 guests plus captain and crew.
It is an efficient, fast and fun vessel offering the most intimate encounters available for Gold Coast whale watching.
The vessel provides ‘jockey’ seating, which offers a secure, comfortable and fun means of travel. Each seat opens up to provide water-tight storage for valuables.
Perfectly geared for off-shore Gold Coast water adventure, it is powered by two best-in-class 250HP Suzuki Engines, allowing us to cover greater distances quickly and efficiently, with less fuel burn. This ultimately means more successful whale watching and marine life encounters for you!
REDUCING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Biodegradable
We use Biodegradable and reef friendly cleaning products and provide reef safe sunscreen onboard. This helps reduce the impact of harsh chemicals on the reef and marine life.
Plastic free wherever possible
We have reduced our single use plastic waste or cut it out entirely wherever we can.
No touch, no take
All our guests are informed about the marine life they are going to see in and out of the water. A no touch, no take policy implemented on all tours, ensures minimal disturbance to marine life.
Minimal marine emissions
When only the best is good enough. The boats engines two best in-class 2025 Suzuki 250hp with ultra low emissions. They are serviced and updated regularly to ensure efficiency and minimal emissions.
A Clean, Green machine
The company Troop Carrier has been upgraded to a Hydrogen enhancing fuel system, which has increased the mileage by 40% and reduced 99% of the emissions coming out of the tail pipe!!
Composting
We compost our food scraps, leftovers and our coffee cups so that less ends up in landfill.
Uniforms
All crew uniforms are made from recycled materials and are fair trade certified.
gear
The gear we provide is purchased from reputable, high quality brands to ensure longevity. When our wetsuits reach the ends of their lives, we give them back to brands that recycle the rubber.
-
AMAZING TEAM AND A WHALE WATCHING EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!
Forget the large boats, here you will be close and agile and you have a crew who does everything to ensure you get to see, hear and feel these incredible creatures of our seas. Highly recommended!
- Quirin Schwaighofer
-
I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH HOW FANTASTIC OUR WHALE SWIM ADVENTURE WAS, FROM START TO FINISH.
What an incredible experience! Swimming with whales has always been a bucket list item for me, so this trip was amazing. Lachlan the captain and Kas the guide were amazing with how they ran the whole tour and their knowledge of whales and the area. They knew which whales to just watch and which ones to jump in the water with. He tracked down a whale that was breaching so many times, we lost count and even breached right near the boat! Easily one of the best experiences I have had so highly, highly recommend doing it!!
- Rob Barbuto
-
Thanks to Lachie and his crew for one of the best wildlife experiences we have had.
Lachie is so knowledgeable and was committed to giving us the best experience possible. The whales welfare was also paramount, as it should be. The crew were super friendly and patient and made us all feel safe with our induction and time in and out of the water. Will definitely go again! A huge thank you to the crew!
- Joanne Aldridge
-
Cooly Eco Adventures provided an unforgettable experience!
The team was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the trip so enjoyable. We were lucky to see an abundance of turtles and other incredible marine life up close - truly amazing! Highly recommend for anyone looking to connect with nature and have an amazing day out on the water!
- Travis Wakefield
-
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING MORNING!
Attentive and respectful guides, beautiful views, swam with whales twice plus so much spotting. Real once in a lifetime experience.Highly recommend!
- Meg Burns
-
WE HAD A FABULOUS DAY WITH THE COOLY ECO TEAM, SWIMMING WITH TURTLES AROUND COOK ISLAND.
The experience was magical, the guides were knowledgable, and the memories will last a lifetime! Highly recommended.
- Renee Bertolus
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
got questions?we’ve got answers.
-
When is the best time of year to see whales?
From June to November on the east coast of Australia. Behaviours change throughout the season. If you want to try see mothers and calf’s, come in late October November. The best time to swim with whales is between the months of August to October
-
Where does the tour depart from?
We are departing from:
NSW Tours: 139 Chinderah Bay Dr, Chinderah NSW 2487.
Look for the big trailer parked along the river, and your friendly crew!
-
Can I book a private charter?
Yes, Private charters are available. Please call or email us for availability.
LIVE AVAILABILITY
Book this tour
Pick a date and time below. Bookings are taken securely through Rezdy, our booking partner. Prefer to talk? Call 1300 162 326.
