Welcome to our FAQ Page! Scroll down the page and find the most frequently asked questions about the whales, our cruises and wildlife. We hope that you find this information useful. However, if your questions are not answered here, feel free to call or email us! You can also find extra information in our terms and conditions page.
Yes. Our gift vouchers are ideal to give to someone for their Birthday, Engagement and Wedding, or to reward a staff member for their efforts. The gift voucher is valid for the whole season and can be used on any day. To utilize the voucher the recipient person calls the office direct, quotes the unique voucher number to book. Then brings the voucher with them on the day of their cruise.
Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours departs from Mariners Cove Marina, Berth 95, Arm D, next to the Helicopter Pad, located on 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach.
To assist you locating the vessel on the day turn left into Mariners Cove Carpark (60-70 Seaworld Drive Main Beach).
*Free Parking is available at Mariners Cove car park.
Spirit of Gold Coast is a 24metre Catamaran built to International Marine Standards (Bureau Veritas) designed for maximum stability and comfort, surveyed for 120 passengers + five crew in open waters. Our vessel has excellent 360º viewing from upper and lower decks, and a fully licensed bar. This boat was designed for your comfort.
If it is overcast or lightly raining we still venture out to see the whales; we tend to find the whales still active. We have plenty of under covered areas (including indoors) so you can stay warm without missing out on seeing the whales if you wish.
We base our decision on the tides and the winds. If it is too rough and unpleasant we will contact you the day before to reschedule your trip.
Motion sickness affects us all in different ways causing many people to get sea sick. If you know or are unsure how the boat's journey will affect you, sea sickness tables can be purchased from a pharmacist. As our tours venture out to the ocean it is always better to come prepared. If you are still concerned, we recommend you speak with a pharmacist and eat lightly before embarking.
No, should you wish to join us on another cruise you are welcome to come back on separate days if you like. However, you need to organize it this change by calling the office in advance.
Yes, the Spirit of Gold Coast is fully licensed with a bar providing a range of beer, wine and mixers for sale.
Yes you can. When you make the booking please let us know so that we can ensure our crew is ready to help you with your boarding.
Yes, we have 4 marine toilets aboard the Spirit.
Yes, we certainly do have life jackets. There are both adult and child life jackets.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a pick up and drop off service. But there are a number of forms of transport available. Public transport from Brisbane/North: Take the Gold Coast Train, stop at Helensvale Station and take SeaWorld Bus (704/705). Stop at Mariner’s Cove Marina. Walk through the car park towards the higher jetty and find Spirit at Berth 95/Arm D – next to the helicopter pad. Public transport from Surfers Paradise/South: Take SeaWorld Bus (705) at the Gold Coast Highway. Stop at Mariner’s Cove Marina. Walk through the car park towards the higher jetty and find Spirit at Berth 95/Arm D – next to the helicopter pad.
Spirit welcomes Pregnant passengers on board, however we require they seek medical approval before joining one of our cruises. If this is not possible, we can provide a waiver for Pregnant passengers to sign, stating that they have not obtained medical approval and are aware of the risks. It is usually the first few months of pregnancy that made cruising out on the open ocean a little uncomfortable. However, every pregnancy is different, and we always recommend checking with a doctor first
The Spirit Vessel is wheelchair accessible; however, all guests MUST follow the below guidelines:
Our Gold Coast location allows Spirit of Gold Coast to enjoy the longest Whale Watching season in Australia from June to early November each year. No two whale watching journeys are the same, with an unforgettable experience occurring during the whole whale watching season.
At the beginning of the season you are likely to watch these amazing creatures as they migrate north to warmer waters to mate and give birth, whereas later in the season you are likely to catch them as they return south with their newborn calves.
Each year Humpback Whales (otherwise know as Megaptera novaeangliae) travel past the Gold Coast during their migration. On the rare occasion you may be fortunate to also see Orcas (killer whales).
Yes, there are a large variety of other marine life to keep an eye out for including but not limited to dolphins, flying fish, turtles, sharks and birds.
As responsible whale watchers, we don’t approach closer than 100m of the whales. Though that doesn’t mean the whales can’t come to us and they do. Whales are curious mammals – at times they will dive for a few minutes and come up where you least expect them, sometimes close to the boat!
No. Everyone, and that includes recreational boaters, follow the same regulations – 100m from the whales is as close as the rules allow any boat to approach.
No. A smaller boat means you are closer to the water, not closer to the whales. The higher up you are the better vantage points to see and capture the whales.
If you are very lucky! Each whale swims by on their northern and southern migration, this sometimes occurs at night.
In 2009 the Majestic White Whale ‘Migaloo’ (White Fella’ in the Aboriginal language) passed our shores on Wednesday the 1st of July which passengers and crew aboard Spirit were fortunate to see.
We are the only Whale Watching Boat to have sighted ‘MIGALOO’ the White Whale three years consecutively: 10/7/2003, 22/6/2004, 16/7/2005. In 2006, 2007 and 2008 Migaloo was elusive as he passed the Gold Coast, with no confirmed sightings. Migaloo was once again sighted in 2009 and 2012.
Spirit Vessel last sighted MIGALOO on 10th August 2015. What a day!
We highly recommend enclosed flat comfortable shoes as well as a jacket or jumper as it can tend to get a little chilly in the sea breeze.
And remember to bring your camera to take pictures of the beautiful gentle giants of the sea.
By seeing whales we mean that we find and approach at least one whale during our trip. This guarantee is at the discretion of the Captain.
In the unlikely event that happens, then we will provide you with another voucher to come back FREE of Charge another day that is convenient for you.
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