Wildlife & Nature Experiences in Southport

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: SouthportListings: 2

Compare Southport Wildlife Experiences

Sea the Gold Coast - wildlife experiences on the Gold Coast

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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

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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

Southport's two whale boats offer opposite experiences of the same migration. Sea the Gold Coast goes small and low to the water, while Spirit of Gold Coast is a 24-metre catamaran with open decks and a marine biologist giving live commentary. Both are based on Marine Parade and take groups.

Compare them by how your group likes to travel:

Closeness: the Sea the Gold Coast semi-inflatable sits low and moves quickly, with clear views in every direction.
Comfort: Spirit of Gold Coast has an indoor cabin with seating, plus open viewing on its upper and lower decks.
Group size: Game Changer, the Sea the Gold Coast catamaran, seats up to 40; Spirit of Gold Coast takes up to 160.
Season: Sea the Gold Coast whale trips run June to November, while Spirit of Gold Coast sails late May to the end of October.
Guarantee: Spirit of Gold Coast offers a free return trip if a cruise sees no whales.

A whole boat can be reserved for your party, so no seats are shared.
The Wave Break Island snorkelling tour uses calm, protected water with equipment supplied.
Beginners can try scuba with a PADI professional alongside them.
Boarding and holding on takes moderate mobility on the small boat, and it isn't wheelchair friendly.

Staff and Christmas cruises on Spirit of Gold Coast

Between October and April, parties can take the private upper deck on a two-hour weekend Broadwater cruise.
Those cruises include dinner and grazing platters, for a minimum of 15 guests.
Whole-vessel hire starts at two hours, with music and catering added as needed.
The boat keeps moving until it returns to the marina, so nobody can leave early.

Common Questions About Meeting the Animals

Which Southport boat suits a Christmas party?

Spirit of Gold Coast runs staff and Christmas party cruises on the Broadwater, with a private upper deck for a minimum of 15 guests.

Can a team charter a small boat for whale watching?

Yes. Sea the Gold Coast lets you reserve an entire boat, on the semi-inflatable or the 12-metre catamaran.

What happens on a Spirit of Gold Coast cruise with no whales?

Guests get a free return trip.

Are these Southport tours suitable for someone with limited mobility?

Spirit of Gold Coast is not wheelchair friendly, and the small Sea the Gold Coast boat needs moderate mobility. Ask about the catamaran.