The vessel used is designed for environmentally-friendly watching. A special keel design protects whales from harm, and its engines exceed international emission standards while producing minimal underwater noise. Toilet and grey water from the vessel do not pollute the ocean.
Three levels of open viewing platforms, ample deck space and restricted passenger numbers ensure plenty of room to move. The interiors are spacious, air-conditioned and have plenty of seats. Three large LCD screens display amazing marine wildlife 3-D animation presentations.
The screens show a virtual animated whale watching tour while the tour is actually taking place. Passengers have a bird's-eye view of their own tour in real-time. As the vessel travels offshore into the ocean, the animation shows the ocean floor and the pathway of the whales along the Australian Continental Shelf.
A series of 3-D animation sequences show the 5000km annual whale migration between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. It shows how humpback whales have been shaped by 50 million years of oceanic evolution and how dolphins sleep while staying alert for predators.
Sea World entry is $69 for adults and $45 for children. Combination tickets with one-day Sea World entry and Sea World Whale Watch are $139 for adults and $89 for children.
Virgin Blue has flights to the Gold Coast.
One-way fares from:
There are limited seats which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are one-way on the Internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at July 10, 2008 and are subject to change.
Prices correct at July 10, 2008.
Virgin Blue Ph: 136 789 www.virginblue.com.au
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