Every winter the humpbacks cruise past the Sunshine Coast on their migration, and there's no better front row seat than a boat out of Mooloolaba or Noosa. From June to October, keep an eye out for breaches, tail slaps and the occasional curious calf. Here's where to book your family's whale watching adventure.
Whale Watching Cruise from Mooloolaba
The Whale Watching Cruise from Mooloolaba spends 2.5 to 3 hours aboard the luxury catamaran Whale One, and it comes with a 100% whale sighting guarantee or you get a free return cruise. Child tickets apply for ages 4 to 14, and infants under 4 travel free, though little ones prone to seasickness may do better on a shorter trip.
Mooloolaba 2 Hour Whale Watching Experience
For a smaller, more intimate option, the Mooloolaba 2 Hour Whale Watching Experience caps numbers at just 20 guests, with an underwater microphone so you can hear the whales as well as see them. Minimum age is 5, making it a great fit for families with primary school aged kids.
Noosa Humpback Whale Watching Cruise
Departing from Noosa Marina, the Noosa Humpback Whale Watching Cruise is a 2 hour small group trip for just 12 guests aboard a nimble navy grade vessel, tracing the coast past Noosa National Park and around Hells Gates. Minimum age is 7, and dolphins and turtles are often spotted along the way too.
Frequently asked questions
What age can kids go whale watching on the Sunshine Coast?
The Mooloolaba 2 Hour Whale Watching Experience accepts kids from age 5, the Noosa Humpback cruise has a minimum age of 7, and the Whale Watching Cruise from Mooloolaba offers child tickets from age 4.
When is whale watching season on the Sunshine Coast?
The humpback whale migration runs from around June to October, with the Mooloolaba and Noosa cruises both operating seasonally across these months.
Which cruise guarantees a whale sighting?
The Whale Watching Cruise from Mooloolaba comes with a 100% whale sighting guarantee, and you'll receive a free return cruise if no whales are spotted on the day.
Should we choose Mooloolaba or Noosa for whale watching?
Mooloolaba offers larger vessels with more frequent departures, while the Noosa cruise is a small group experience limited to 12 guests exploring the coastline around Hells Gates.
What should we bring on a whale watching cruise?
Pack sunscreen, a hat, a warm jacket and a camera, and consider seasickness tablets if anyone in the family is prone to motion sickness on the water.
Local tip: book an earlier departure if anyone gets seasick, the water is usually calmer before the afternoon breeze picks up.
All good days are waiting. Book your family's Sunshine Coast whale watching cruise above, from Mooloolaba or Noosa.
