Whales Sunshine Coast
ProHighlights
- Offshore humpback watching for up to two and a half hours aboard The Explorer, a jet-driven boat with no exposed propellers
- Boarding at the Kawana Waters Hotel marina in Buddina, with seats for up to 46 passengers
- Group bookings and private charters confirmed with a 25% deposit, and a free return ticket if no whales are sighted
About Whales Sunshine Coast
Whales Sunshine Coast runs one offshore experience, Whale Explorer, which heads out from the Kawana Waters Hotel marina in Buddina to follow humpbacks on their yearly migration past the coast. Tours last up to two and a half hours, and the season runs from June to October. Along with breaches, tail slaps and head lunges, guests may also spot dolphins and turtles. The boat is The Explorer, a jet-propelled vessel with no exposed propellers, which means less impact on marine life and quicker runs out to where whales are active. Its larger hull gives a steadier ride with less rolling, and it seats up to 46 passengers. There is a toilet on board, light snacks and drinks are sold during the trip, and professional photos can be bought. Guests can also bring their own food and drink. Captain Allan "Shorty" Short leads the tours, drawing on decades of commercial boating and whale watching off the Sunshine Coast. Group bookings and private charters are confirmed with a 25% non-refundable deposit, with full payment due a week before the cruise. If no whales are seen, guests receive a free return ticket. Passengers must be at least four years old, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Send an enquiry to book a group.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Price range (per person)
Setting
Ages
Pricing
Group bookings and private charters need a 25% non-refundable deposit to confirm, with the balance due one week before departure. Tickets are non-refundable but can be moved to another date with 72 hours' notice.
Food
Beverages
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Whale Explorer tour?
Adult tickets are $119 and children aged 4 to 15 are $75. Tickets are paid in full when booked and are not refundable, but the date can be moved with at least 72 hours' notice.
Where does the tour leave from?
Boarding is at the Kawana Waters Hotel jetty, on the marina off Point Cartwright Drive in Buddina, close to Point Cartwright.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes, every passenger must be at least four years old. The boat has no seatbelts or baby change facilities, so babies and toddlers cannot come aboard.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes. Light snacks and drinks are sold on board, but groups are welcome to pack their own snacks and drinks for the trip as well.
Is there a whale sighting guarantee?
Sightings are very likely, but if none are spotted you receive a free return ticket for another tour that season. The guarantee covers a return trip only, not a refund.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Trudi Raines
2 weeks ago
We won our tickets through Hot 91.1. Best prize ever. Our trip was amazing. There are only 40 seats on the boat and heaps and standing room. Sandy and Shorty and very friendly and knowledgeable and did the right amount o…
Liam Roodhouse
3 weeks ago
Absolutely incredible experience! We saw four different pods of whales, which was beyond anything I expected. We spent time following a few boys before coming across a mum and her calf, who were feeding with her tail lif…
Adam Dickens
a month ago
What a great time we were able to have on the Explorer this morning. Shorty and the crew were lovely, welcoming and completely focused on their customers seeing whales. It was fantastic seeing these amazing creatures up…
Jess Lambrianidis
2 months ago
What an experience! These guys were absolutely incredible and so passionate about whales and what they do. We were even lucky enough to see the whales right next to the boat. 11 out of 10 experience. Highly recommend!
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