Whale watching prices and what is included

The tour runs for about 2.5 hours, with daily departures at 7:00am, 10:30am and 2:00pm (weather and tide dependent) from Chinderah, about 10 minutes drive from Coolangatta. Our terms say prices are in Australian dollars, include GST where applicable and are subject to change.

• Whale sighting guarantee or return for free
• Private, intimate experience with small groups (up to 12 passengers per tour)
• Experienced, knowledgeable and friendly crew
• Commentary from our on-board naturalist on all things whale and ocean conservation, plus Australian Aboriginal and European history and the local area
• Stunning coastline and an abundance of wildlife, including the possibility of seeing eagles, dolphins, turtles and flying fish
• Spray jackets and reef safe sunscreen available on request
• Dry bags for your belongings, and water-tight storage under every seat

Not included: we do not sell bottled water, so bring your own (you can refill it with us), and bring a few light snacks if you like. Seasickness tablets are for sale before departure.

As published on our tour page: "Whale sightings from the boat 100% Guaranteed or return for free". Our FAQ puts it this way: "We guarantee you will see whales, or we will take you out again for free."

To confirm with Lachy: how long is the whale watching free return valid for, and how do guests book it? Terms clause 5.5 only covers the swim tour (12 months).

A private charter is $1,400 for up to 12 guests, so the whole boat is yours. Private charters are available; please call us on 1300 162 326 or email [email protected] for availability.

For family whale watching on the Gold Coast, children pay the same $129 as adults. The minimum age is 6 years, our terms class children as 6 to 12 years, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone with a back injury. Each tour takes up to 12 guests, so a group of up to 12 can book a private charter.

To confirm with Lachy: is there a family price or group discount for whale watching, and how do you handle groups larger than 12?

Gift cards are available through our booking page. Our terms say gift cards are valid for 5 years from the purchase date and cannot be refunded.

Book online, or call us on 1300 1-OCEAN (1300 162 326). Our FAQ says whale watching must be paid in full 24 hours before departure, but please call if you are inside that time, as we may have spare seats on the next tour. Bookings made through our website are paid in full at the time of booking. Add a correct phone number when you book, as we may need to contact you about time changes or cancellations.

From our FAQ: "Unfortunately, Mother Nature plays a big role in whether or not we run the tour. If we cancel due to the weather, you will have the option of booking on another day! Please read our terms & Conditions in regard to refunds."

From our terms and conditions:

• 5.1: "All tours are subject to change or cancellation depending on the tide, wind, weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances."
• 5.2: "In the event we have cancelled or rescheduled a tour, we will offer to you an alternative tour date and time."
• 5.3: "If we are unable to operate a tour for any reason, we will notify you by telephone or email as soon as possible."
• 5.4: "You may change the date of your tour provided you give us notice at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled tour date and time (“Original Tour Date”), to a date within 3 months of the Original Tour Date."
• 6.1: "Refunds are not provided when you have simply changed your mind or made a wrong selection."
• 6.2: if you are unable to take the alternative date offered after we cancel, "we will provide you with a refund of your deposit within 14 days using the same payment method, less booking fee if applicable".

From our booking page: "If you wish to cancel or reschedule your tour, you must contact us by phone at least 48 hours before your tour start time. Late cancellations are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled." Booking or card fees cannot be refunded.

To confirm with Lachy: terms clause 6.2(c) reads as a deposit refund when a guest cancels with less than 48 hours notice, but the Rezdy booking page says late cancellations are non-refundable. Which applies?

Read the full terms and conditions.