Whale Watching - Sea World Cruises | Gold Coast

Sea World offers tours that are accessible for individuals with different physical, intellectual, and sensory abilities. Both vessels used for the tours are equipped with ramp access, providing easy boarding and disembarking for wheelchair or mobility-restricted users. More details on accessibility can be found on the Sea World website. 

For guests planning to cruise with a wheelchair, please note that bookings must be made with a minimum of 24 hours notice. However, please be aware that there is only one wheelchair space available on the Sea World Whale Watch Cruise and power wheelchairs are not able to be accommodated.

Ramp access is provided from the Sea World Cruise reception area to the boat, ensuring ease of boarding for guests with mobility needs. Sea World strives to provide accessible options for all guests and is committed to making the cruise experience enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.

Upon request, additional assistance can be provided by the crew during boarding and disembarking. Accessible parking and bathrooms are available at the Sea World Cruises Terminal, as well as offsite accessible public toilets near the Surfers Paradise Departure location. National Companion cardholders who purchase a full-priced ticket can receive a ticket for their companion at no extra cost, with bookings made over the phone or in person and presentation of the companion card at check-in.

The boat used for the tours is designed to be fun, safe, and accessible for everyone. It features a ramp for easy onboarding and disembarking, as well as priority seating at the back of the vessel for wheelchair and mobility aid users. If you require assistance accessing and traveling onboard the ferry, you can call (07) 5655 3528 or visit the Sea World Cruises terminal prior to your trip.

Discounted tickets are also offered to carers, making the tours inclusive and accommodating for individuals with different accessibility needs. Enjoy a memorable experience with Sea World tours, where accessibility is a priority.

We suggest wearing flat enclosed shoes and bringing a warm jacket, sunglasses, camera and seasickness remedy (if required).

With a little advance preparation everyone can experience a magical day out with the whales.

Seasickness, also known as motion sickness, travel sickness, airsickness or carsickness, may occur in response to certain types of movement such as the rocking of a vessel on the ocean. Seasickness is treatable in the vast majority of individuals.

If you are susceptible to seasickness, we strongly advise that you take seasickness medication. Sea World Cruises holds a pharmacological license for seasickness tablets and our preferred remedy, Travacalm H.O. is available to purchase onboard our vessels. 

We recommend that you visit a pharmacist and take the pills 30-minutes prior to your scheduled departure. It is not recommended that children under the age of two years take seasickness medication.

Whale watching tours operate in the rain. Rain does not affect the whale’s behaviour, and the vessels have large covered decks for passenger comfort. On rainy days bringing a raincoat is recommended. Ponchos are available to purchase at check-in, subject to demand.

If the sea conditions are expected to be rough, we will notify you at check-in. You will be given the option to proceed with the tour, reschedule for another day, or receive a full refund.

In the unlikely event that your tour is cancelled, you will be notified by SMS at least 2-hours before your departure time. You will be given the option to reschedule to another day

As a responsible whale watching operator, we follow the Rules for Watching Marine Mammals as established by the Queensland Government. This means that the closest we will approach a whale is 100 metres. However, the whales can come as close to the vessel as they wish and frequently choose to do so. This type of behaviour is known as mugging.

Infants and children of all ages are welcome with responsible adult supervision. We recommend that children not travel during rough sea conditions. We kindly ask that you store prams at the check-in terminal.

In the unlikely event your tour doesn’t see a whale, you will be provided with a free return tour valid for 12 months.

A dedicated photographer will capture your group’s boarding photo and the whales from your tour. These can be purchased as prints with complimentary digital files onboard on your return journey, with the proceeding helping to support our marine conservation programs.

We welcome guests who are pregnant to join us whale watching. We suggest speaking with your doctor prior to booking your cruise to discuss any concerns you may have including motion sickness.