Mooloolaba: Whale Watching Cruise

4.367347 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.367347 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Activity provider:Sunreef Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba: Whale Watching Cruise
4.367347 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.367347 out of 5 stars
49 reviews

Enjoy a half-day whale watching excursion. See and learn more about one of nature’s most magnificent migrations.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

M
Mikayla – Australia

Amazing experience seeing whales up close. The crew members were so informative, interactive and fun. The experience is a must.

C
Carmel – Australia

What an amazing experience. The weather was perfect, the swell a little big but thankfully we followed the great advice and stayed outside in the fresh air and finally the whales performed with a spectacular heat run and a baby whale breaching. Would do it again and again for sure.

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Highlights

  • See one of the oceans largest mammals on their great migration to breed and mate
  • Witness the best views from multiple angles on board a comfortable boat
  • Take in the beauty of Mooloolaba coastline

Full description

Arrive for check-in and wait in a designated area prior to boarding to ensure a good viewing spot from the cruise boat. Get a boat safety briefing as you depart from the Mooloolaba River.

After about 15 minutes, you will have reached the Mooloolaba river mouth and will begin your whale watching search. There is indoor, outdoor, upstairs and downstairs seating on the vessel to ensure perfect spotting opportunities from every angle.

To help sight the whales, your whale watching crew will ensure that you know what you should be looking for. Keep an eye out for minor and major surface activity from humpback whales as you cruise. It is not uncommon to also end up spotting dolphins, turtles, and other animals such as sea birds.

Being naturally curious creatures, the whales will often approach the boat and put on a show. Watch them breaching, splashing their massive tail flukes, and spy-hopping (raising their heads out of the water for a look around). This is a completely organic experience, as the operator cannot control these animals or their behavior.

They may show surface activities, swim right under or beside the vessel, or sometimes they may just swim away. Have fun playing lookout and immerse yourself in a memorable experience.

During your cruise, replenish your energy levels with snacks, soft drinks, or alcohol (served after 10:00 AM) from an onboard bar.

Includes

  • Educational commentary
  • Bathrooms on board
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your departure time and check in at the desk in Shop 11 - 12, at The Wharf Mooloolaba. From here you will be given your boarding pass and shown where to wait for your cruise.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen

Not allowed

  • Drones
  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • Your confirmation of the trip will depend on the sea conditions and weather. If the weather or sea conditions are unsuitable, you will be informed as soon as possible
  • The local partner will send an email and text message the day before your trip around 3:30 PM to inform you of the status of the trip and its departure time
  • Children under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times
  • If you would like to take your stroller, please note its wheels need to be able to be locked and that it will only be possible to take it on board if capacity allows, depending on the number of passengers
  • The local partner does everything in their power to respect the whales' boundaries and environment
  • Customers are not eligible for a refund if we do not sight any whales, they will receive a free return trip.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 49 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.5/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5
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M
Mikayla – AustraliaJune 18, 2025 – Verified booking
Amazing experience seeing whales up close. The crew members were so informative, interactive and fun. The experience is a must.
C
Carmel – AustraliaOctober 26, 2024 – Verified booking
What an amazing experience. The weather was perfect, the swell a little big but thankfully we followed the great advice and stayed outside in the fresh air and finally the whales performed with a spectacular heat run and a baby whale breaching. Would do it again and again for sure.
H
Hazel – AustraliaSeptember 27, 2024 – Verified booking
The crew created a friend jovial atmosphere which helped relax some nervous passengers. They sourced as many whales as possible and were just as excited watching their antics. This trip was amazing creating a dabulous memory for my grandkids and they learned alot of facts about these majestic mammals. Well done we will definitely come again on Sunreef

Product ID: 387585

Activity provider:Sunreef Mooloolaba

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