Gold Coast: Swim with Whales

If you’re dreaming of a close-up encounter with the gentle giants of the ocean, the Gold Coast: Swim with Whales tour offers a unique opportunity. While it’s not your typical whale-watching cruise, this experience promises an in-water adventure with humpback whales, guided by marine biologists who understand whale behavior better than most.

We love the small-group setting which increases the chance for a personal, memorable experience, and the professional, knowledgeable guides who prioritize respectful interactions. The speedy rigid inflatable boat (RIB) allows you to cover more water in less time — so, more chances to find whales. Plus, the wetsuits and quality snorkeling gear make the experience comfortable even in cooler weather.

A key consideration is that swimming with whales isn’t guaranteed — they’re wild animals with free will. This could be frustrating if your hope is a guaranteed dolphin or whale encounter. Also, the tour is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or those over 60, mainly for safety reasons.

This experience is perfect for adventurous spirits, nature lovers, and those seeking a more active, immersive whale encounter. If you’re looking for a traditional, scenic whale-watching cruise, this might not be your best fit. However, for a chance at a true in-water interaction, it’s a compelling option.

Key Points

• Authentic in-water experience with humpback whales, not just observing from a boat
• Small-group tours limit to 7 participants for more personal encounters
• Guided by marine biologists who understand whale behavior and prioritize respectful interactions
• Fast RIB boats enable more time and mobility in searching for whales
• Wetsuits and snorkeling gear included for comfort in cooler weather
• Whale sightings guaranteed, but swimming with whales depends on whale behavior

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The tour begins with a straightforward meeting at the designated boat ramp parking lot, marked clearly with a Blue Seafaris flag. Once there, you’ll hop aboard a military-grade rigid inflatable boat, known for their stability and speed, ensuring you spend more time with the whales rather than fighting choppy waters.

The total duration is about 3.5 hours, typically scheduled for morning or afternoon departures. From the get-go, the focus is on being active, with a marine biologist guide onboard providing insights into whale behavior and the ecosystem, as well as explaining the safety protocols.

Traveling offshore, your guide will navigate to areas with the highest likelihood of whale sightings — since Australia’s east coast sees over 35,000 humpbacks annually, sightings are nearly guaranteed. The guide’s experience, especially in identifying curious and friendly whale behavior, means your chances of a memorable encounter are high.

The Search for Whales

The thrill lies in the journey. The guide’s expertise is apparent in how they spot whale activity, often using binoculars and their understanding of whale patterns. As one reviewer noted, the guide’s local knowledge and experience are quite helpful, especially in discerning moments when whales are open to interaction.

When a whale shows signs of curiosity or friendliness, the boat will slow down, and you’ll get the chance to slip into the water. Swimming with whales is the main event, but it’s all about mutual respect: the whales decide how close they want to get. They often approach the boat for a ‘hello,’ which is a rare and magical sight — a gentle, curious humpback swimming near humans.

Snorkeling and Safety Equipment

To ensure comfort, everyone is provided with a premium 5mm wetsuit with a hood, which keeps you warm in the cooler ocean waters. You’ll also receive quality masks and fins, which are crucial for clear, comfortable snorkeling. The gear is well-maintained, and the wetsuits are suitable for winter conditions, allowing for a longer, more enjoyable in-water period.

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Small-Group Advantage

With a cap of 7 participants, this tour emphasizes intimacy. As one review highlighted, smaller groups mean less noise and disturbance, which is better for the whales and more personal for you. It’s often the difference between a fleeting glimpse and an in-depth, engaging experience.

The Reality of Whale Encounters

Despite the excitement, it’s important to remember that whales are wild animals. The tour has a whale sighting guarantee, meaning you can go again if you don’t see whales, but swimming with whales doesn’t come with a 100% guarantee. One reviewer mentioned feeling disappointed, as they didn’t get close to the whales, underscoring the unpredictability of wildlife encounters.

Transportation and Safety

The RIB boats used are also employed by police and military, emphasizing their safety and stability. Each passenger has an individual seat, and the boat is equipped with all safety gear, making this a secure adventure even in rougher waters.

Price and Value

At $231 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest whale adventure in Australia, but considering the small-group size, expert guiding, high-quality gear, and the chance for an in-water whale swim, it offers solid value. Unlike larger whale-watching cruises that mostly offer scenery from a distance, this experience provides the thrill of getting into the water with one of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures.

It’s worth noting that if your main goal is to see whales from a boat, there are other options, but if you’re after a more immersive, active experience, this tour justifies the price.

What the Reviews Tell Us

The overall rating of 3.7 from 11 reviews suggests mixed feelings, but many mention the knowledge of guides and beautiful views as highlights. One reviewer said, “It was amazing,” emphasizing the emotional impact of the experience.

Conversely, some have expressed frustration — mainly that swimming with whales is not guaranteed and the tour can feel rushed or underwhelming if whales aren’t obliging. One person called it a “money trap”, feeling the experience did not meet expectations.

This disparity underscores the importance of understanding what the tour offers: an adventure with a high chance of whale sighting, but wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience caters best to adventurous travelers willing to engage in active, water-based activities. It’s perfect for those who value expert guidance, are interested in learning about whales, and are comfortable in a small-group setting.

It’s not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or seniors over 60, mainly due to safety protocols with the speedboat and water activities. Also, if your priority is a guaranteed whale sighting without the in-water component, a traditional cruise might be a better choice.

Final Thoughts

The Gold Coast: Swim with Whales tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with humpback whales in a way that many traditional whale-watching trips can’t match. Its focus on small groups, expert guides, and active participation makes it stand out for thrill-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

While the experience depends on whale behavior — which can be unpredictable — those who love a bit of adventure and are eager for a more personal, in-the-water encounter will find this tour worth considering. The combination of stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to swim with whales creates a memorable outing, especially if you’re prepared for the inherent unpredictability of wildlife encounters.

In the end, this tour is about making the most of your time on the water, respecting the animals, and embracing the unexpected — a true adventure for those who seek more than just a scenic cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the whale swimming activity guaranteed?
No, swimming with whales depends on whale behavior on the day. The tour guarantees whale sightings but not the in-water swim.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes RIB transportation, snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins), a marine biologist guide, and a warm wetsuit.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 3.5 hours, usually scheduled for mornings and afternoons.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat and a reusable water bottle. All snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or those over 60, mainly for safety reasons.

What kind of boat is used?
A fast, stable rigid inflatable boat, similar to those used by police and military, ensuring safety and quick movement.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are subject to weather and ocean conditions. If canceled for safety, you’ll be rescheduled or offered a refund.

Will I see whales every time?
Whale sightings are highly likely due to their large numbers, but the whales decide if they want to approach or swim with you.

How many people are in each tour?
Tours are limited to a maximum of 7 participants, providing a more personalized experience.

Whether you’re chasing a once-in-a-lifetime whale encounter or simply want a more active way to experience the ocean’s giants, this tour offers a compelling blend of adventure, education, and respect for wildlife. Prepare for a day of excitement and awe on the waters off the Gold Coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: