Whale Watching Gold Coast: Close-Up Encounters Via Safari-Style Vessel

Experience close-up encounters with whales on the Gold Coast through a unique safari-style vessel. Our experienced crew will provide a personal and professional whale watching experience.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Coolangatta - Join us for an intimate safari style whale-watching experience on our open-ocean adventure vessel. Observe these beautiful creatures at eye level with a maximum of 12 guests, while you also soak in this rich and diverse stretch of coastline.
    From departure to return you will enjoy stunning coastal scenery along with informative and…
What's Included
  • Unique Commentary by a marine Naturalist
  • Spray Jackets provided
Additional Information

You’ll be part of a particularly close and intimate experiences in the area, thanks to the face-to-face perspective provided by the safari-like boat.
This whale watching session stands out, and our extremely skilled captain and team are there constant to ensure this experience is bespoke and proficient. They possess abundant expertise and enthusiasm for…

Location
139-151 Chinderah Bay Dr
Chinderah Bay Drive
Meet at the white trailer with CEA signage.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(58 Ratings)
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Janet
Aug 11, 2025
Unforgettable experience - This is something no one should miss! What a no experience to be able to see whales up close in the wild! Even though we didn’t see as many as we would have liked due to the weather and the nature of the animals it if something we will never forget. The tour is extremely well organised and safe. Wayne our captain kept us informed for the whole duration of the tour with information about the whales and their habitat as well as looking after us and making the journey as comfortable as possible. The term that was used was ‘moderate seas’ so we were prepared for it to be a little bit bumpy. Worth it to see and hear these amazing creatures!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robync395
Jul 12, 2025
Incredible experience. - We went out at 6.30 this morning and were totally blessed to spend quality time with a small pod of humpback whales. Lachlan and Bonnie were terrific very professional and helpful. Lachlan’s insights were terrific, we all learnt so much. Totally recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience the whales 🐳 as they migrate.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Geekgirl_11
Oct 14, 2024
Fantastic experience with knowledgeable crew - A really great experience and I loved every minute of it. Great young team and crew, professional and knowledgeable. I will do it again next year. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michaelb104
Aug 26, 2024
Amazing day, fantastic crew, and unforgettable whales. - We had an amazing day today with Cooly Eco Adventures. Lachy and his crew were professional and knowledgeable and made the experience unforgettable. We didn't expect to see the number of whales we saw or to get so close to these beautiful creatures. We could have reached out and touched the whale that's how close it was to the boat. At one time, we were surrounded by 7 whales. Unforgettable day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C5376zaalicias
Aug 18, 2024
Best boat and experienced and informative crew. - Lachy and Gemma, skipper and crew, were amazing with locating the whales, and ensuring everyone got to view lots of whales today. The boat is excellent, enabling everyone to have a close up view.Because the boat has only 12 passengers it makes the trip feel like a fantastic personalised adventure .Trip was amazing, I want to rebook, and go again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melanietj5511id
Jul 27, 2024
Epic Saturday morning - As a family, we decided to take our international student whale-watching. Well, Lachlan and the team didn't disappoint. The kids and husband loved the boat's speed, the whales were amazing, and the crew's knowledge was excellent. The best bit for me had to be the size of the party—it was tailored to 12 people and felt relaxing. We left early at 6.30 am, and it was stunning. As the sun rose, it warmed up beautifully. To top it off, the whales were on form. Thank you for a great morning team The Tuckers
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sstleon
Jul 9, 2024
Amazing morning on the water - AMAZING morning out with Joel & Cassie. Joel entertained us the right amount of whale information and eco facts. We saw lots of whales, and saw them breaching close to the boat. Would absolutely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kjameshccc
Jul 1, 2024
Whales, whales, whales! - What a great time we had whale watching on Saturday with the crew from Cooley Eco Tours. Great small tour on a fast and modern boat-we enjoyed cruising up the river then out to sea! So many whales we didn't know where to look-the boat was so flexible we could move quickly to follow multiple pods. Friendly and knowledgeable crew and great value for money. Thanks Cooley Eco for a great trip!! 😊👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
792trus
Jun 10, 2024
Best experience! Was incredible - Such an amazing experience! Georgie and Lachy were so great and Lachy had some really cool information about the whales! We saw some breach and lots of tail action. Such a great way to start the day!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julesanddarryn
Sep 26, 2023
Fantastic whale attaching experience - The tour was awesome, enjoyed the information and got to see the whales close up. Highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $84
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).