3 Hours • All Ages • Your personal day out on the water
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.
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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.
Wildlife
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.
Cavalier Cruises
3 Hours • All Ages • Your personal day out on the water
Cavalier Cruises is a family-owned charter operator based in Mooloolaba, Queensland. The company operates Crusader 1, a spacious open-deck vessel used for river and canal cruises, whale watching, holiday lights tours and private charters.
Cavalier Cruises offers a range of scheduled and private trips including 1‑hour, 2‑hour and 3‑hour River & Canal Cruises, a champagne river cruise, a limited-capacity whale watching trip, seasonal Christmas lights and boat parade cruises, a Christmas Eve lights cruise and a Family New Year’s Eve cruise with a pre-cruise four-course meal. The 1‑hour River & Canal Cruise accommodates groups of 15–45 and allows guests to bring their own food and music. The 3‑hour Whale Watching Without the Crowds experience is limited to 22 passengers for closer, less-crowded viewing of humpback whales, dolphins and local marine life. Cavalier Cruises also lists ashes scattering as a respectful service option. Trips depart from Mooloolaba and navigate the local river and canal system as well as nearby coastal waters when applicable. The operator emphasizes comfortable seating, open deck viewing, and small-group experiences aboard Crusader 1. Guests seeking festive outings can choose Christmas Lights and Boat Parade departures, while those after a relaxed celebration may select a Champagne River Cruise with complimentary Chandon on board. With a history of operating seasonal and private charters in Mooloolaba, Cavalier Cruises provides focused, locally based experiences tailored to groups, families and ceremonies. Bookings are available for private events and corporate functions year-round, with flexible departure times and tailored itineraries on request by arrangement.
Location
Mooloolaba, QLD
Explore local river and canals
Group Capacity
15–45 (varies by cruise)
Small to medium groups welcome
Vessel
Crusader 1
Spacious open-deck vessel
Special Events
Christmas & NYE Cruises
Festive seasonal departures
Select a river, canal, whale watching or festive cruise and secure a booking for small-group comfort and scenic views.
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.
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
Wide-brimmed hat
Provides shade and reduces glare while watching marine wildlife.
summer
Light windbreaker
Keeps you warm against cool ocean breezes during the trip.
spring