[In Gold Coast] Whale watching with Sea World Cruises
A photo diary of a Gold Coast whale-watching trip with Sea World Cruises, from the boarding pontoon to whales surfacing beside the coastal skyline.
I joined Sea World Whale Watch on the Gold Coast on 11 September 2026, at 3 pm.
We got to see both a mother whale and her calf! I felt a little seasick, but the photos and video below capture what we saw out on the water.
Whale watching with the city still in view. Photos and video supplied by Charlie.
Finding the boat
The blue Sea World Cruises sign makes the terminal easy to recognise. In the photo below, the entrance is beside the Sea World ferry-stop sign.
The terminal entrance.
The blue-and-white boat is tied up alongside the pontoon. There are open viewing areas on the upper decks, and you can see passengers already waiting on board.
The boat at the pontoon before heading out.
A closer look at the boarding area and upper decks.
Whales above the waves
Out at sea, the photos show choppy water and whitecaps.
One catches a whale almost upright above the surface, surrounded by a patch of white water. The beachfront towers are visible behind the whale in the other photo.
A whale above the surface, with spray hanging over the water.
The short video catches a different moment: a tail lifts above the surface and disappears, followed later by a whale’s back coming into view. The coastline stays in the background throughout the clip.
Watch the 15-second whale-watching video. Opens as a video with playback controls and the original sound.
A little seasickness, and a jacket helps
I felt a little seasick during the trip.
Before departure, seasickness tablets were being sold on board for A$4. That was the price on my visit. Check with the operator for current availability and pricing.
It can feel a little cold out at sea, so bring a warm layer even if you feel comfortable on shore.
Before you book
These are moments from this trip. The photos aren’t a promise of what another sailing will see.
Check the departure point and arrival instructions on your own booking, and leave room in your plans for any changes the operator announces.
Sea World Cruises asks guests to arrive about 30 minutes before departure and allow up to 2.5 hours for whale watching.
Its packing advice includes enclosed flat shoes and a warm jacket. Check the operator’s FAQ when planning your visit.
The whale-watching departure point is Sea World Cruises Terminal, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, beside the theme park’s main entrance.
Use the official directions to plan your journey, and check the terminal guide if you need access information.
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