Whale Watching Cruise from Mooloolaba
Description
Aboard Crusader 1, our massive 55ft vessel, we offer a truly unique and intimate experience. Originally built as a commercial vessel, Crusader 1 was designed with exceptional safety and stability as its foundation, ensuring a smooth and secure journey even in open-ocean conditions. Unlike larger, crowded tour boats, we strictly limit our 3-hour cruises to just 22 passengers. This low-capacity approach guarantees you a "rail-side position" at all times, providing unobstructed 360-degree views and the perfect vantage point for photos without ever having to jostle for a look. Our open-deck design allows you to fully immerse yourself in the marine environment. You’ll have the chance to see whales in their natural habitat. The experience is as educational as it is breathtaking. Our informative and friendly crew are passionate about the region’s marine life and share in-depth knowledge and local insights, making your encounter both personal and profound.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please bring sunscreen and hat
- If you have not heard from us by 6.30 pm the evening prior to your trip - please phone 0412 155 814.
Reviews(123)
A small group of 20 people. A great experience seeing the hump back whales up close.
Fantastic trip Very informative and great staff
Really appreciate the 5 star review and to hear that you enjoyed your whale watching trip with us. We hope to have you back on board some time in the future.
Wow! We had the BEST time with Sunshine Coast Afloat. The boat itself is amazing with extremely comfortable seating, big enough to handle the water well yet small enough that it wasn't overwhelming and everyone was able to see all around the boat. The crew was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They made sure that we all could see and helped point out where we needed to be looking and did a great job of swinging the boat around for all to get good views. Even though in the moment you think you could stay out on the water all day watching these amazing animals, the timing was great. It wasn't a far trip out to get to where the best whale spotting would be, so you were able to spend the majority of the trip on whale watching. Highly recommend!
Wow—thank you so much for such a wonderful and detailed review Daisy! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you had the best time out on the water with us. Crusader 1 was built with comfort and stability in mind, so it’s fantastic to know you enjoyed her spacious setup and 360-degree views! Our crew takes huge pride in making sure everyone gets a great look at these magnificent creatures, so I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to them. We completely agree—it’s always hard to leave the whales when they’re putting on a show, but one of the perks of our Mooloolaba location is getting out to the action fast so you spend maximum time watching! Thank you for choosing Sunshine Coast Afloat and for recommending us. We’d love to welcome you back aboard anytime!
My wife and I had two trips out: the first was a little breezy, but we saw lots of whales breaching, fin waving and tails. The second trip was marvellous: not only were there more whales, but they were much closer, even to about 10 metres from the boat. We could see their huge size and their white bellies. The crew were excellent with very helpful commentaries. I strongly recommend going out with Cavalier Cruises: book direct.
Thanks Paul. We love your support and are so glad you got to see the whales up close on your second trip with us. It really shows you how big they are. Hopefully we see you next season.
This was amazing. Small group with an extremely comfortable large boat. Captain and crew were very polite and so engaging. Free drinks and snacks throughout the entire cruise and wow so many whales. We followed a large pod x7 males in search of the females for over an hour and they swam up to and under the boat. Dolphins were also in abundance. Best whale watching trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend this trip.
Thank you so much for putting up such a great review on your trip out with us to see the whales. We really appreciate the support and are so pleased you got to experience these amazing animals in their natural environment.
Team Carlos and Christine were on fire! Whales spotted within 20 mins of the cruise starting! Cavalier Cruises - the best cruise to go whale spotting, limited numbers on the cruise means no crowding and room to relax and enjoy the experience! Highly recommend!
Thanks for the recommendation Dana. We love taking our guests out to show them these magnificent animals and are pleased you enjoyed the experience.
We had a fabulous day on the water, surrounded by whales and other sea life. Christine, our host was very knowledgeable and attentive. The boat was a beauty, and I felt very safe.
Thank you for sharing your views on your whale watching trip with us. Safely is paramount to us and of course your enjoyment. So pleased it was everything you expected.
This was an amazing day at sea . Carlos the captain very experienced and Christine gave us a talk on the safety on board and explained what to expect regarding whale watching. All this didnt fail we saw lots just fantastic would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see these amazing creatures.
Thank you for letting us know you enjoyed your whale watching trip with us and you got to enjoy seeing these amazing creatures. Hope we get to see you back on board again some time.
well worth going on the small numbers tour as it gave you room to move about, plenty of sightings the crew maneuvered the boat around for the best viewing points, the ocean was calm but still took the kwells as advised. Christina ran a tidy ship and kept it safe as i was her problem child i was pulled into line quickly. Strongly recommend this company for a great experience.
So pleased you enjoyed your whale watching trip on Crusader 1 and yes, safety is paramount to us. We want you to have the best time on the water but keeping everything and everyone safe at all times. Respect for the whales is also a top priority for us. We want the experience to be 100% on their terms.
Perfect weather, top Captain Carlo and crew Christine who after going over safety routine, gave most informative and funny whale information. Within half hour the captain spotted whales! Soo amazing! 2 whales + a juvenile spent the next half hour breeching and playing around us. Most magical moments. Would recommend to anyone.
Thanks for the amazing review of your whale watching trip with us. It's always nice to hear when everything comes together.
