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- Jump on a catamaran for 4 hours of whale watching with a tasty buffet and guides sharing intriguing facts about the whales you'll see splashing around.
- Don’t miss out on your hot lunch or breakfast (on weekends), featuring a variety of treats, including options for vegetarians and specific dietary needs.
- Spot humpback whales breaching the surface from multiple viewing decks and get unobstructed views of these majestic beings as they frolic and feed.
- Relax in the indoor lounge with complimentary tea or coffee, or elevate your experience by purchasing your choice of drinks from the onboard bar.
- Your expert marine guide becomes your whale whisperer, filling you in details about their lives, migration patterns, and those gravity-defying leaps!
- Jump on a catamaran for 4 hours of whale watching with a tasty buffet and guides sharing intriguing facts about the whales you'll see splashing around.
- Don’t miss out on your hot lunch or breakfast (on weekends), featuring a variety of treats, including options for vegetarians and specific dietary needs.
- Spot humpback whales breaching the surface from multiple viewing decks and get unobstructed views of these majestic beings as they frolic and feed.
- Relax in the indoor lounge with complimentary tea or coffee, or elevate your experience by purchasing your choice of drinks from the onboard bar.
- Your expert marine guide becomes your whale whisperer, filling you in details about their lives, migration patterns, and those gravity-defying leaps!
Inclusions
- 4-hour whale-watching cruise
- Fully qualified crew onboard
- Live commentary
- Buffet lunch/breakfast
- Tea, coffee & water
- Sightseeing guarantee (Get another cruise for free, if no whales spotted)
Exclusions
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase onboard)
- Tip: While capturing the classic bridge and opera house shot, seek unique angles like hidden coves, working harbors, or sailboats gliding by.
- Choose comfort and safety: This experience is not the best fit for children under the age of 5 years.
- The lunch menu can tailored to suit vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free guests with sufficient notice.
- In the unlikely event a whale is not sighted during the cruise, guests can cruise again for free, in the same season.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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What our guests say
Teresa
Oct 2024Verified booking
There were 3 of us, first time whale watching and we were amazed we saw a pod of dolphins then some humpback whales breaching and got to see a Mum and baby. The commentary was fantastic, the buffet lunch was lovely. The staff were awesome, can't wait to go again. It was 10 out of 10.
Belinda
Sep 2024Verified booking
Seeing the whales up close and hearing facts abut them.
Nitesh
Aug 2024Verified booking
Great crew, great food, and awesome tour.
Sreymom
Sep 2024Verified booking
Bridget
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
Yew
Aug 2024Verified booking
CRISTIAN
Aug 2024Verified booking
Siyao
Aug 2024Verified booking
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kar
Sep 2023Verified booking
Ticket purchase was easy. The activity was good. Very organised and food was plenty. Saw plenty of whales and dolphins too!
Natasha
Aug 2023Verified booking
Seeing the whale's and being able to watch them in their natural environment 😁
5 reasons you should go on a whale-watching cruise in Sydney
Catch majestic Humpback and Southern right whales up close
Enjoy the glorious cruise watching humpback, southern right whales, orcas, minke whales and sperm whales. On an extremely rare occasion, you might be able to spot some killer whales or even blue whales!
Your Sydney whale watching cruise options
Cruises for small groups
Average duration: 2h 30m
Average price range: AU$109
- Experience whale watching in an intimate setting, as these cruises only take up to 10 people at a time!
- With onboard live commentary, dive into the wild world of Australia’s whales! If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot dolphins and other Aussie sea animals!
Recommended experiences:
Intimate Small Boat Whale Watching Cruise in Sydney
Luxury Whale Watching Experience with Lunch & Open Bar
Luxury cruises
Average duration: 3h 30m
Average price range: AU$549
- Go on a glamorous whale-watching cruise and experience Australia’s sea life on a royally comfortable ship.
- With open-air viewing decks, an open bar, luxe cushions and lounging areas, as well as a sumptuous BBQ lunch, this cruise takes you on an opulent adventure like no other.
Recommended experience:
Luxury Whale Watching Experience with Lunch & Open Bar
Meals on cruises
Average duration: 2h 30m
Average price range: AU$109
- As you spot humpback and southern right whales on your Sydney whale-watching cruise, grab a bite on deck!
- Keep your preferences ready, as you’ll have to choose between a glorious spread of Brekkie, BBQ buffets or cheese and charcuterie during the Lunch buffet!
Recommended experiences:
Luxury Whale Watching Experience with Lunch & Open Bar
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Buffet Lunch
Adventure cruises
Average duration: 2 hours
Average price range: AU$129
- This 2-hour whale watching tour is an extreme adventure on an inflatable boat, perfect for thrill-seekers who want to see humpback whales up close.
- Cruise from Circular Quay, with the chance to spot whales breaching and frolicking, all while learning about them from your expert skipper.
Recommended experiences:
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise on Inflatable Boat
Combo tickets
Average price range: AU$109-AU$125
- Experience whale watching and get a discount on another Sydney experience, like Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Hop-On, Hop-Off bus!
- With combo tickets, get access to an additional experience after you go whale-watching and make the most of your time in Sydney.
Recommended experiences:
Combo: Whale Watching Cruise + Taronga Zoo Tickets
Find the perfect Sydney Harbour whale-watching cruise for you!
Experience name
Duration
Inclusions
Meals included
Customize your experience
Book tickets
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise by Catamaran
2 - 3 hrs
Crew commentary + Whale watching + Viewing decks + Open ocean cruise
No
Choose an Express cruise (2 hrs), Adventure cruise (2.5 hrs), or Discover cruise (3.5 hrs)
Combo: Whale Watching Cruise + Taronga Zoo Tickets
7 hrs
Crew commentary + Whale watching + Entry to Taronga zoo
No
-
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Buffet Lunch
2.30 - 4 hrs
Crew commentary in English + Whale watching + Buffet breakfast or lunch + Refreshments
Yes
Choose between breakfast buffet or lunch buffet
Luxury Whale Watching Experience with Lunch & Open Bar
3.30 hrs
Guide commentary + Whale watching + BBQ lunch + Open bar access
Yes
-
Intimate Small Boat Whale Watching Cruise in Sydney
2.30 hrs
Crew commentary + Whale watching + Small group
No
-
Know before you go on a whale-watching cruise in Sydney
Timings
Getting there
What to pack
Safety guidelines
- Best time: The timings of your whale watching cruise will depend on the time slot you pick, but we’d recommend choosing between 11am and 3pm for the best viewing conditions.
- Duration: The average duration of a Sydney Harbour whale-watching cruise is around 1.5-2.5 hours. In case you are unable to spot any whales, your vessel may stay longer on the water, but it’s highly unlikely.
- Best season: The best whale watching season in Sydney spans from May to November, but the most ideal months to visit would be June-July, as northern migration occurs then. You’ll see male whales displaying various behaviors, like breaching, spouting, large dives, and more to entice future mates.
- Train: Arrive at Circular Quay Station, directly connected to the wharf area.
- Ferry: Multiple ferries service Circular Quay. Wharves 2, 3, 4, or 6 are most common for whale watching cruises.
- Light Rail: Circular Quay is a stop on the light rail network.
- Walking: Easily accessible on foot from the city center (15-30 minutes).
- Train: Town Hall Station is a short walk (10 minutes) from Darling Harbour. Wynyard Station is also an option with a slightly longer walk (15 minutes).
- Ferry: Wharves 4 or 5 at Darling Harbour service ferries.
- Walking: Not as central as Circular Quay, but accessible on foot from the city center (20-30 minutes).
- Dress in layers (windproof jacket, comfortable shoes)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Seasickness medication
- Binoculars
- Credit card - To verify your identity
- Listen to the crew: The captain and crew are there for your safety. Pay close attention to their instructions regarding movement on the boat, especially when seas are rough.
- Life jackets: Life jackets will be provided, and you may be required to wear them at all times. Know where yours is located and how to put it on properly.
- Stay seated: While you're excited to see whales, avoid standing on railings or leaning over the edge of the boat. Find a seat and hold on when instructed by the crew.
- Respect the wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from the whales as instructed by the crew. Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that might startle them.
- Sun and sea: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The sun reflects strongly off the water, and dehydration can occur quickly.
Your whale watching experience: Learn about whale migration, behaviors and more!
What is whale migration?
Whale migration is the seasonal movement of whales between their feeding grounds in the colder Antarctic waters and their breeding grounds in the warmer waters off Australia's coast. From May to November, thousands of humpback whales can be seen swimming along the Australian coastline, making it a prime time for whale watching in Sydney Harbour.
When does it generally happen?
Whale migration generally occurs in two phases: the northern migration from late May to August, and the southern migration from August to September. During the northern migration, whales head towards warmer waters to breed and give birth. From October to early November, you can witness mothers and their calves swimming closely together on their journey back south.
What whale behaviors can be seen?
On a Sydney Harbour whale watching cruise, you can witness a variety of fascinating whale behaviors. Watch as whales breach, leaping out of the water in spectacular displays. You’ll also see them spouting snot from their blowholes and, if you listen carefully, you might even hear the hauntingly beautiful songs of the humpbacks.
Common species to spot
Humpback whales are the most commonly sighted species during these cruises. However, keep an eye out for other species such as Southern Right whales, blue whales, and occasionally, the elusive killer whales.
Frequently asked questions about Sydney whale watching cruises
What are the different types of Sydney whale watching cruises available?
For your Sydney whale watching experience, you can choose from an express cruise, breakfast/lunch during the cruise, luxury cruises, small group cruises and many more!
Are there any discounts for groups, families, or early bookings?
Yes, children and senior citizens can avail a discount during checkout. Select cruises also offer discounts for large group bookings, which you’ll avail while checking out.
What species of whales will I see?
The most common species you’ll spot are humpback whales, but if you’re lucky, you might get to see southern right whales, killer whales, minke whales and blue whales! You could even catch a pod of dolphins splashing in the water.
What behaviors can we expect to see from the whales?
Common whale behaviors at Sydney Harbour include breaching (jumping out of the water), lobtailing (tail slapping), and spy-hopping (poking their heads out of the water).
What if I don’t spot any whales during the cruise?
If your cruise doesn’t meet the criteria for a successful whale watching experience, i.e spotting at least one whale and at least 2 confirmed sightings from a reasonable distance, you’ll be granted a free ride on another whale watching cruise during the same year!
What is the dress code for the cruise?
There’s no specific dress code, although we’d suggest dressing comfortably and modestly. Carry an umbrella or wear a hat as it’ll be pretty sunny, and get waterproof footwear!
Do I have to buy food on board?
Some cruises come with meals included, and some will require you to buy food and snacks on board.
Are the vessels accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes, the vessels are fully wheelchair accessible and come with trained staff ready to assist in any situation.
What are the safety measures in place?
Safety is a priority, with all operators adhering to strict guidelines on how close they can approach whales. Life jackets and other safety equipment are provided, and the crew is trained to handle emergencies.