Sydney whale-watching cruises

Educational whale watching cruise with a marine biologist onboard.

• Starting point: Circular Quay.
• Everything you get: 2-hour 45-minute cruise aboard a spacious sightseeing vessel with indoor and outdoor seating, live expert commentary from a marine biologist, and a whale sighting guarantee—rebook free if no whales are spotted.
• Why choose this: A comfortable, family-friendly experience with in-depth educational insights, led by expert naturalists and a fully marine-trained crew.
• Sights: Scenic views of Sydney Harbour and the Pacific Ocean, with frequent sightings of humpback whales breaching and playing—plus occasional encounters with dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life.

Inclusions

• 2-hour & 45-minute whale watching cruise
• Marine biologist
• Live informative commentary
• Indoor & outdoor seating
• Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within 1 year if no whales spotted

Exclusions

• Snacks & drinks (available for purchase onboard)

• Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for other marine life, such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds. They are often spotted on these cruises.
• The vessel has an indoor area, so the cruise is still set to depart in the rain.
• The tour may get rescheduled or canceled due to severe weather conditions or other safety concerns.
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, asthma) or are pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking.
• Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should contact us in advance to discuss vessel accessibility.

• These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 72 hours before the experience begins.

Whale watching cruise with option to add Taronga Zoo or HOHO ferry pass.

• Starting point: Circular Quay.
• Everything you get: 2.5-hour cruise aboard a modern catamaran, expert commentary, accessible facilities, and a whale sighting guarantee—rebook free if no whales are seen.
• Why choose this: Operated by Captain Cook Cruises—one of Sydney’s most trusted names in sightseeing and marine experiences.
• Sights: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, plus humpback whales, with occasional appearances by dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds.
• Upgrades: Add entry to Taronga Zoo with return ferry or a 2-day Sydney Harbour hop-on hop-off pass for more value and flexibility.

Inclusions

• 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
• Expert commentary
• Indoor & outdoor seating
• Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted

With Taronga Zoo (if option selected)

• Entry to Taronga Zoo
• Return Rocket ferry to Circular Quay

With 2-day hop-on-hop-off ferry pass (if option selected)

• 2-day Sydney Harbour hop-on hop-off pass
• Smartphone commentary
• Printed map & highlights

• Tip: Get some ginger pills with you to combat sea-sickness.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible
• In the unlikely event a whale is not sighted during the cruise, guests can cruise again for free, in the same season.
• Choose comfort and safety: This experience is not the best fit for children under the age of 4 years.

Taronga Zoo

• Animal costume, ball, balloon, scooter, skateboards, rollerblades, apparatus alcohol, audio equipment, or musical instrument is not allowed inside Toranga Zoo.
• Please refrain from touching animals, feeding animals, throwing objects, damaging structures or signs, lighting fires, or littering.

Sydney Harbour HOHO pass

• The entrance level deck of rocket ferries is wheelchair accessible with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
• The HOHO pass is valid for two days and commences from the date of the whale-watching cruise.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

High-speed, small-group whale watching adventure on inflatable boat.

• Starting point: Circular Quay or Manly Wharf (based on option selected).
• Everything you get: 1.5 to 2-hour small-group cruise aboard a military-grade inflatable boat (Orca or Extreme), led by an expert skipper, with whale sightings guaranteed—rebook free within the season if no whales are seen.
• Why choose this: Australia's original high-speed whale-watching rigid inflatable boat, thrilling passengers for over a decade with unmatched proximity and excitement.
• Sights: Sydney Harbour, the Heads, and open ocean encounters with humpback whales, plus occasional sightings of dolphins and seabirds.

Inclusions

• 1.5 to 2-hour whale-watching cruise on inflatable boat (Orca or Extreme)
• Pick-up from Circular Quay or Manly Wharf (based on the option selected)
• Small group of up to 12 to 21 passengers
• Expert skipper
• Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted

• Tip: Always keep your eyes on the horizon and look out for a spout of water. This is often the first sign a whale is nearby!
• This experience is restricted for children under the age of 12 years and pregnant women.
• This experience is not the best fit for people with back issues.
• If no whales are sighted, you can rebook your cruise within the same season.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Relaxed 4-hour whale watching cruise with buffet meal and expert commentary.

• Starting point: Departs from Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay.
• Everything you get: 4-hour cruise aboard the "Jerry Bailey," live commentary by a qualified crew, buffet breakfast (weekends only) or lunch (vegetarian and dietary options with notice), tea, coffee, water, and multiple viewing decks.
• Why choose this: Spacious, comfortable vessel limited to 95 guests, delicious onboard meals, and consistently praised crew and sightings.
• Sights: Sydney Harbour, Sydney Heads, plus migrating humpbacks and occasional dolphin pods or seabirds in the open ocean.

Inclusions

• 4-hour whale-watching cruise
• Fully qualified crew onboard
• Live commentary
• Buffet lunch or breakfast (based on departure time)
• Tea, coffee & water
• Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within 3 years 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 morning cruise with buffet breakfast is only available on weekends.
• The lunch and breakfast menu can be 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, within 3 years.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

2.5-hour small group whale watching cruise with close encounters.

• Starting point: Departs daily from Crown Towers Wharf, Barangaroo.
• Everything you get: Custom-built cruise (max. 30 guests), expert commentary, safety briefing, and a whale sighting guarantee—rebook free within the season if no whales are seen.
• Why choose this: Intimate, passion-driven experience with whale enthusiasts—ideal for families, nature lovers, and first-time spotters.
• Sights: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, plus frequent sightings of humpback whales in season, with occasional visits from dolphins and southern right whales.

Inclusions

• 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
• Small group of up to 30 people
• Custom-built small boat with expert crew onboard
• Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted

• Tip: Keep your eyes peeled not just for whales, but other marine life too. Dolphins are often spotted.
• This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
• Outside food & drinks, photography with flash & tripods are not allowed.
• In the unlikely event a whale is not sighted during the cruise, guests can cruise again for free within the same season. The rebooking is non-refundable, non-transferable, and subject to availability.
• If severe weather conditions like strong swells, heavy rain, or high winds occur, tours may be cancelled.
• Passengers with pre-existing back, neck, shoulder, or heart conditions, as well as pregnant individuals or those with injuries or other health concerns that could be aggravated by the tour, should consult their doctor before traveling and participate at their own risk.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Direct entry to Taronga Zoo via lower entrance, fewer crowds—perfect for ferry arrivals.

• Starting point: Arrive by ferry from Circular Quay, disembark at the zoo’s lower entrance.
• Everything you get: Zoo admission with easy access from the wharf, bypassing main gates and bus transfers.
• Why choose this: Avoids crowds and uphill walks—ideal for families, seniors, and a smoother start to your visit.
• Sights: Sydney Harbour, sightings of migrating humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and over 4,000 animals including giraffes, Sumatran tigers, meerkats, and native Australian wildlife.

Inclusions

Whale Watching Cruise

• 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
• Live commentary
• Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted

Taronga Zoo

• Entry to Taronga Zoo
• Return Rocket ferry to Circular Quay

Whale Watching Cruise

• Tip: If you are lucky you might spot Southern Right Whales, Minke Whales and Blue Whales. Plus, be on the lookout for dolphins, seals, penguins, and sea birds!
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• This experience is not suitable for children under the age of 4 years.
• Pets are allowed on board provided they are restrained in a suitable box, basket, or another container at all times whilst onboard.
• In the unlikely event a whale is not sighted during the cruise, guests can cruise again for free, in the same season.

Taronga Zoo

• Tip: You will be treated with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour; with boats bobbing about at Sydney Cove, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
• Animal costume, ball, balloon, scooter, skateboards, rollerblades, apparatus alcohol, audio equipment, or musical instrument is not allowed inside Toranga Zoo.
• Please refrain from touching animals, feeding animals, throwing objects, damaging structures, or signs, lighting fires, or littering.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

2-day hop-on hop-off ferry pass plus a whale watching cruise—explore Sydney by water.

• Starting point: Depart from Circular Quay on either experience.
• Everything you get: Unlimited 2-day ferry access to 6 top harbour stops, printed map, onboard commentary, and a 2.5-hour morning whale watching cruise with expert guides and indoor/outdoor seating.
• Why choose this: Save $10 with this combo, enjoy flexible sightseeing, and get a free re-cruise if no whales are spotted.
• Sights: Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Manly, Shark Island, and open ocean views of humpback whales, with possible sightings of dolphins and marine birds.

Inclusions

Sydney Harbour HOHO pass

• 2-day Sydney Harbour hop-on hop-off pass
• Smartphone commentary
• Printed map & highlights

Whale watching cruise

• 2.5-hour morning whale-watching cruise
• Expert commentary
• Indoor & outdoor seating
• Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted

Exclusions

• Entry to attractions

Sydney Harbour HOHO pass

• First cruise: 9:15am from Circular Quay-Wharf 6 (weekends & public holidays) & 9:05am from Circular Quay-Wharf 6 (weekdays)
• Last cruise: 6:40pm from Circular Quay-Wharf 6 (weekends & public holidays) & 2:15pm from Circular Quay-Wharf 6 (weekdays)
• Popular stops: Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Shark Island, Manly & Darling Harbour

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

• Tip: Hop off at Watsons Bay for Sydney's best fish and chips at Doyles on the Beach.
• Please complete this form prior to arrival to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.

Whale-watching cruise

• This experience is accessible by wheelchairs.
• The Whale Guarantee applies when a whale is not sighted during your cruise. Cruise again in the same season for free on a standby basis confirmed 24 hours prior, subject to availability.
• All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sydney Harbour HOHO pass

• The entrance level deck of rocket ferries is wheelchair accessible with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
• The HOHO pass is valid for two days and commences from the date of the whale-watching cruise.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.