Guests access the pontoon via a declining ramp that is 1.5 metres at its narrowest point. The ramp to the pontoon can shift in steepness with the tide. It may be difficult to get onto the ramp during shifting tides and individuals may need assistance to get onto it. Our friendly crew are available to assist as required.

Access to Kaiala is via a ramp that is 0.8 metres wide, and 1.6 metres long. Handrails are available on both sides of the ramp at a height of 0.92 metres. Guests with disabilities are offered priority boarding. The crew are able to provide assistance if required.

The lower deck has six tables that are 0.85 metres high with fixed bench seats that are 0.55 metres high, featuring backrests at the height of 0.9 metres. There is also couch-like seating that is 0.55 metres high. There are large windows which can be opened to allow airflow. There are 1 metre high handrails around the vessel. The bar counter is 1 metre high.

There is a flight of 12 stairs, each 1.1 metres wide and 0.2 metres high, with handrails at a height of 0.8 metres, providing access to the top level. Bench-style seats are available for passenger comfort, measuring 0.45 metres in height with backrests 0.9 metres high. The benches are 1.5 metres wide and 0.25 metres deep. Safety handrails, 1 metre in height, are installed around the perimeter of the top deck.

Due to natural swell and open-ocean conditions, descending Kaiala’s stairs can often be challenging. We recommend using both hands on the handrails at all times.

The door to the bow is 0.7 metres wide. The bow of the boat can be accessed by a flight of stairs, comprising three steps measuring 0.85 metres wide, 0.2 metres high, and 1.38 deep. There is couch-style seating on at the bow that is 0.5 metres high. There is a 1 metre high safety rail around the bow. We ask all guests to place one hand on the rail at all times when standing on the bow of the boat.

The lower deck is partially wheelchair accessible. There is space for a wheelchair at the back of the vessel. However, due to the location and size of the space, we encourage passengers with wheelchairs to book on our other whale watching vessel, Spirit of Migaloo II.

Wheelchair users are welcome aboard and may move around the vessel, subject to the skipper’s assessment of safety based on current weather and sea conditions. While ocean conditions can affect stability, we aim to support each individual’s autonomy and comfort. Our crew will provide relevant information and advice, but the final decision remains with the wheelchair user.

There are two standard unisex bathrooms on the lower deck. Accessible restrooms can be found before and after the tour at the Sea World Cruises Terminal.

A collapsible infant change table is available on request. It is suitable for newborns up to 12 months of age, with a weight capacity of 11 kilograms. Please note that height-adjustable, adult-sized change benches and ceiling-mounted hoists are not available onboard.

Due to limited space, we kindly ask that strollers and prams not be brought onboard. If departing from our Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach, we can store your strollers or prams for the duration of your cruise.

Handrails are installed around the edges of the vessel to support safe movement while walking onboard. Our experienced skippers always aim to provide the best possible views of the whales.

For guests with visual impairments, we recommend bringing binoculars to enhance the viewing experience. Our crew are available to assist if needed. Assistance animals are welcome onboard – for more information, please refer to our Assistance Animals guide.

While transiting to and from the Humpback Highway, engine noise may make conversation difficult for some guests who are hard of hearing. Once whales are located, the engines are slowed significantly and become much quieter. During whale watching, live commentary is provided through speakers positioned throughout the vessel. Subject to whale behaviour, live whale song may also be played through the vessel’s sound system using our specialised hydrophone.

The amount of vessel movement depends on weather conditions. If rough weather is expected to impact the cruise, passengers will be notified in advance.

A dedicated sensory or quiet space is not available onboard. However, sensory kits – including pop bubble fidget toys and earplugs – are available upon request. Complimentary children’s activity packs are also provided. For more information, please refer to our Sensory Guide.

Kaiala whale watching tours venture out to the Humpback Highway, in the open ocean. There is a risk of seasickness. If you would like to take precautions, please refer to our Sea Sickness Advice.

Once the vessel has passed through the Gold Coast Seaway, we recommend all passengers maintain three points of contact for safety at all times.