Intimate Whale Watching Adventure on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels as the trip involves mostly seated viewing aboard a stable vessel.
Overview
Escape the crowds for a personal whale watching trip aboard Crusader 1 in Mooloolaba, Queensland. See humpbacks, dolphins, and turtles with expert guides on this exclusive 3-hour tour along Australia’s Sunshine Coast.
Whale Watching Without the Crowds
3 Hours • All Ages • Your personal day out on the water
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About This Adventure
Experience an unforgettable 3-hour whale watching adventure aboard Crusader 1, limited to just 22 passengers for an intimate atmosphere. Enjoy unobstructed views of majestic Humpback Whales, playful dolphins, and turtles. With a full walk-around deck, you'll capture perfect photos while savoring light refreshments in a family-owned setting.
Whale Watching experience you will remember
Duration
3 Hours
Whale Watching without all the crowds highlights
- Low passenger numbers
- Full walk-around deck
- Intimate atmosphere
About
Looking for a Whale Watching experience you will remember and want to talk about for a long time? Crusader 1 is limited to 22 passengers, therefore, offering you a personal day out on the water with unobstructed views of these inquisitive majestic animals. Be in awe of the spectacular breaching, close encounters, magical songs and tail slapping of the Humpback Whales. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants of the sea and encounter pods of dolphins and turtles that are usually regular sightings.
The biggest advantage of whale watching on Crusader 1 is that you will always have that rail side position, ready for that perfect photo. Crusader 1 is an open deck vessel which allows full walk-around access even to the bow of the boat where you can watch the dolphins play and follow our path.
We are a family-owned and operated business and whilst we would love to be able to accommodate every inquiry, we do need to have our running costs covered, therefore all cruises are subject to minimum numbers to guarantee departure.
What's Included
Refreshments: - Light refreshments, soft Drinks & Water. You may also BYO food on board. Drinks can be purchased from our fully licensed bar on board.
What to Wear
We always recommend bringing a jacket as we are an open deck boat and it can get cool on the ocean. A camera and comfortable shoes.
What's Next
You will receive an email from us the evening prior to your trip. It is important to check your booking as we are governed by minimum passenger numbers as appropriate weather conditions.
Terms & Conditions
Full payment is required prior to your cruise. Pre-booking only, group discounts are not available. No refunds will be given for cancellations and no shows.
Adventure Tips
Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing
Binoculars help spot distant whales and dolphins before they come close, maximizing your observation experience.
Wear sun protection including a hat and sunscreen
The open deck offers minimal shade, so protect yourself from sun exposure during the tour.
Dress in layers for changing sea breeze conditions
Mornings and evenings can be cool on the water, so bring a light jacket or windbreaker.
Charge your camera or smartphone fully before boarding
With fascinating wildlife and stunning ocean views, you’ll want plenty of battery life for photos and videos.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Humpback Whales
- Bottlenose Dolphins
History
The Sunshine Coast has a rich Indigenous heritage with the traditional custodians being the Gubbi Gubbi people, who have a deep connection to marine and coastal environments.
Conservation
Boat operators adhere to strict codes of conduct to protect marine wildlife, emphasizing minimal impact and educating visitors about ocean conservation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mooloolaba
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars
Essential for spotting distant whales and marine life early from the boat.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during exposure to strong sun on the open deck.
summer specific
Wide-brimmed hat
Provides shade and reduces glare while watching marine wildlife.
summer specific
Light windbreaker
Keeps you warm against cool ocean breezes during the trip.
spring specific