Swim with Whales - Gold Coast

• Get up to $20 cash back per person when you book with us

• Swim as close as 30 metres to the humpbacks

• Spend time alongside your qualified, experienced and professional skipper and crew

• Small groups of eight meaning a more personal experience 

• All swim and snorkel gear provided including masks, fins and snorkel

• Use of the super warm Patagonia Yulex wetsuits, Sharkbanz2 and Reef Safe Sunscreen

• In-water support from crew and use of floatation devices

• Snorkel training offered and provided

• Captivating commentary throughout the tour

• Complimentary tea, coffee, light snacks and fresh fruit provided throughout 

• Departure times can vary depending on weather conditions - please reconfirm you tour at least 24hrs prior 

Are you ready to take a dive into the experience of a lifetime?

Take part in the Gold Coast's only swim with the whales adventure and snorkel alongside the gentle giants of the ocean.

Each year between May and November, the subtropical waters of Australia’s east coast host 30,000 humpback whales on migration from Antarctica. They follow the path of the continental shelf which runs closest to the shoreline between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, making this the prime location for us to witness the whales in their natural environment.

Take a swim with these gentle giants on what is undoubtedly a remarkable, intimate experience you won’t soon forget. The first experience of its kind on the Gold Coast to offer swimming with the whales, the prime objective of this adventure is to give you the most incredible experience in a safe and environmentally conscious way.

Using a ‘soft in-water encounters’ approach which is a proven method to achieve a successful and sustainable whale swim, The Operator does everything they can to maximise your chance of swimming with whales but do remind guests; "we don’t swim with whales, the whales swim with us".

While whale sightings are guaranteed, The Operator cannot guarantee your swim with them; the time they spend with us or the proximity they will come - which is what makes every whale swim so unique!

With your highly experienced skipper and crew on hand throughout the tour, enjoy them sharing their knowledge and passion for whales and the stunning Gold Coast region that they so eagerly look forward to sharing with you.

What to expect
 

On arrival, you will be greeted by one of the friendly crew who will check you in and assist you with your gear, including wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins, while you enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee.

Following the introduction and safety briefing from your skipper, your lifejackets will be fitted and the group will board the vessel for your adventure!

There is a lot of information in the Swim with Whales briefing in the morning, and it will be split into two segments. The pre-departure briefing will help you understand how we are going to attempt to swim with whales, rules and regulations associated with this activity and the do’s and don’ts that will help the group have a successful swim out on the Pacific Ocean. There will be time also to answer any questions, to make sure you feel comfortable and know the plan.

The second briefing will take place making way down the river. The crew will take time to show you your gear and how to use it correctly. They will run through the procedure of entering and exiting the water and correct technique involved, as you will need to enter the water softly, quietly and as safely as you can. Remember, this is a natural experience, the whales swim with us if they choose, and not the other way around!

Departure info

Meet at: 151 Chinderah Bay Dr, Chinderah, NSW

Look for the white trailer, your friendly crew will be brewing the tea and coffee!

• Participants must be able to swim

• 15 years+ minimum age

• Any children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

• Not suitable for pregnant woman or anyone with a back injury

• Snorkelling experience necessary

• You may change the date of your tour provided you give The Supplier notice at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour date and time (“Original Tour Date”), to a date within 3 months of the Original Tour Date.

• In the unlikely event you do not see any whales on our swimming with whales tour, you may rebook your tour to a date within 12 months of your Original Tour Date free of charge. Any bookings after this date will be treated as a new booking and The Supplier's payment terms apply.

• All tours are subject to change or cancellation depending on the tide, wind, weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

• In the event The Supplier have cancelled or rescheduled a tour, The Supplier will offer to you an alternative tour date and time.

• If The Supplier are unable to operate a tour for any reason, they will notify you by telephone or email as soon as possible.