Wildlife & Nature Experiences in Broadwater

Dolphin Swims, Animal Encounters and Eco Tours

See what's on offer for wildlife & nature experiences, then reach out – free, direct.

Category: Wildlife & Nature ExperiencesLocation: BroadwaterListings: 2

Compare Broadwater Wildlife Experiences

Sea the Gold Coast - wildlife experiences on the Gold Coast

ProView

Sea the Gold Coast (Southport)4.9 (79)

From $65pp

Private trips can be shaped around your group, using either a nimble semi-inflatable or a catamaran seating 40.

Spirit of Gold Coast - wildlife experiences on the Gold Coast

ProView

Spirit of Gold Coast (Southport)4.7 (1169)

From $109pp

Open decks on two levels give a group room to spread out and watch breaching whales off the Gold Coast.

Choosing an Animal Encounter

Marine Parade in Southport is the launch point for wildlife trips in this area, and what you see depends on the month. Whale season drives both operators, while the off-season shifts attention to Broadwater snorkelling and staff cruises. Season and group purpose are the two questions to answer first.

Plan around the calendar and your crew:

June to November: Sea the Gold Coast's small-boat whale watching runs.
Late May until October ends: Spirit of Gold Coast's whale cruises leave at 9.30am and 1.30pm.
October to April: the Spirit of Gold Coast weekend cruises for staff and Christmas parties.
Off-season activity: Sea the Gold Coast snorkelling and beginner scuba at Wave Break Island.
Dolphins are often seen on the way, according to Spirit of Gold Coast.

Broadwater Wildlife & Nature Experiences

Whale trips head out with the migration, so ask about conditions, as small-boat trips may be rescheduled in strong winds.
Snorkelling at Wave Break Island stays in calm, protected water.
Party cruises circle Wave Break Island and Crab Island before crossing towards South Stradbroke Island.
Whole-vessel charters on the Broadwater start at two hours.

Corporate use of Southport's wildlife boats

Corporate clients regularly book Sea the Gold Coast for team bonding, with room for up to 40 on the catamaran.
Spirit of Gold Coast hosts conferences and office functions, for up to 160 guests.
A marine biologist on board gives a work group something to learn along the way.
Spirit of Gold Coast and the small Sea the Gold Coast boat aren't wheelchair friendly, so raise access needs early.

Common Questions About Meeting the Animals

When is whale season for Broadwater groups?

Spirit of Gold Coast sails from late May until October ends, and Sea the Gold Coast runs between June and November.

What wildlife trips can a team do outside whale season?

Sea the Gold Coast offers snorkelling at Wave Break Island and beginner scuba, and it books private boat tours.

Where do the Broadwater wildlife boats depart?

Both operators are based on Marine Parade in Southport, with Spirit of Gold Coast at the Aqua Adventure Centre marina.

Which boat copes with a group of 100?

Spirit of Gold Coast, which takes up to 160 when you hire the whole vessel.