Whale Watch
About Sea World Whale Watch
The Sea World Whale Watch vessel is operated by Whale Watch Australia, which in turn is owned by the legendary Whale Watch Kaikoura in New Zealand.
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Whale Watch Kaikoura is a multiple award winning nature tourism company owned and operated by the indigenous Kati Kuri people of Kaikoura, a Maori sub-tribe of the South Island's larger Ngai Tahu Tribe.
Whale Watch was formed in 1987 at a time when Maori were casualties of Kaikoura's declining economy. At this time of difficulty, Kati Kuri leaders like Bill Solomon believed the local Sperm Whales held the answer to the unemployment problems of the Maori community. They knew their ancestor Paikea the Whale Rider had journeyed to a new life in New Zealand on the back of the whale Tohora. It seemed appropriate for Paikea's descendants to again ride on the back of the whale to a new life.
Due to the phenomenal success of Whale Watch, Kaikoura is now one of New Zealand's leading tourism experiences offering a diverse range of exciting marine wildlife encounters. The company has stimulated investment in new accommodation, restaurants and an impressive array of cafes and galleries filled with the work of local artists.
Sea World
Sea World is a world renowned tourist destination which has been operating since 1971 and include a foundation to aid marine wildlife. The Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation Inc (SWRRFI) has been a major benefactor of marine research in Australia since incorporation in 1991.
The Foundation seeks to encourage and assist marine sciences and to date has supported over 120 research projects relating to aspects of the biology of marine vertebrates and considers applications from both the private and public sectors.
Sea World, through its Research and Rescue Foundation, has made a meaningful contribution to marine conservation by conducting internationally recognised research studies, promoting marine education and rescuing Humpback Whales which have become stranded or entangled in nets.
The Sea World Whale Watch Experience
Every Sea World Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Humpback Whales are the stars of the show and hundreds of these magnificent mammals frequent the Gold Coast from late May until November during their seasonal migration to the warm waters of tropical North Queensland to give birth before returning to the Antarctic. A typical Sea World Whale Watch tour may encounter Humpback Whales, pods of Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, majestic Pelicans, feeding Gannets or estuarine birds of prey such as Brahminy Kites and Ospreys.
Sea World Whale Watch Tour Vessel
Sea World Whale Watch’s state of the art whale watching vessel is the newest on the Gold Coast and the only vessel currently operating that is custom designed for environmentally friendly whale watching. Three levels of open viewing platforms offering great photo opportunities, ample deck space and restricted passenger numbers means there is plenty of room to move and the tour remains a personal one – you will never have to look over someone’s shoulder to see a whale! Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with a superior level of seating comfort while large LCD screens display our amazing marine wildlife 3D animation presentations,
Sea World Whale Watch Crew
Sea World Whale Watch vessels are crewed by a friendly team of Skippers and Guides very experienced in interacting with the local Humpback Whales. They have expert knowledge of the Gold Coast’s sea conditions and are fully trained in all aspects of safety. Sea World Whale Watch staff constantly monitor the weather and respond professionally to any changes. This may mean a tour is cancelled or safety restrictions placed on children or passengers with medical problems. Passenger comfort and safety are always our priority.
Sea World Whale Watch Animation
Three giant screens onboard our whale watch vessel display a virtual animated whale watching tour while the tour is actually taking place! You will experience a birds eye view of your own tour in real-time. As our vessel travels offshore the ocean will be 'removed' to reveal the ocean floor and the pathway of the whales along the Australian Continental Shelf.
Sea World Whale Watch have also created a stunning series of 3D animation sequences designed to reveal the secrets of the epic 5,000 km annual whale migration between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Discover how Humpback Whales have been shaped by 50 million years of oceanic evolution or how dolphins sleep while keeping an eye open for predators.
Sea World Whale Watch Philosophy
Sea World Whale Watch is committed to providing a unique whale watching experience while carefully managing the use of a rare natural resource. We are visitors to the world of the whales and respect it as such at all times. Sea World Whale Watch places enormous value on providing hospitality to our guests while ensuring the ocean environment is protected.
Sea World, through its Research and Rescue Foundation, has made a meaningful contribution to marine conservation by conducting internationally recognised research studies, promoting marine education and rescuing Humpback Whales which have become stranded or entangled in nets.
About Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales are one of the world’s largest mammals. Characterised by very long pectoral fins (flippers) they are found normally on the Gold Coast during winter months when they undertake a 10,000km round trip between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Numbers are gradually recovering following severe depletion from whaling along the Australian coast in the 1950s..
The Humpback Whale takes its name from the shape of its back when breaking the water surface. They are the fifth largest animal on the planet, growing up to 18 metres in length and weighing as much as 45,000kg (99,000lbs) - equivalent to 11 elephants or 500 people!
Of all the great whales Humpbacks are the most popular species with whale watchers due to their amazing acrobatic displays. They often leap clear of the ocean or slap the surface with giant fins and tail flukes in awesome demonstrations of grace and power.
Male Humpback Whales are also well known for their complex underwater vocalisations or whale songs. These songs change every season and are believed to play a role in attracting mates.
