English

AUD

Whale watching Sydney with lunch: Cruise, dine & spot giants of the sea

4.5(5,563 ratings)

Multiple route options

Frequent departures

Scenic views

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

Whale breaching near Sydney Harbour with city skyline in the background.

Couple observing whales from a boat during a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.

Whale breaching in Sydney Harbour with city skyline in the background.

Whales breaching near a boat on a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.

Tourists enjoying a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with a humpback whale breaching in the foreground

Buffet breakfast and lunch during a whale watching cruise

4.6(22)

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Onboard Buffet

from

AU$104

Free cancellation

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

4 hr

Meals included

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.

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.

Reviews

How do we collect reviews?

4.6

22 ratings

What our guests say

Trixia

Jun 2025Verified booking

5/5

We had so much fun seeing the whales up close. It was a memorable experience because we saw a mum and its calf. The whales are everywhere. The crew were also amazing, plus the buffet was great.

Nitesh

Aug 2024Verified booking

5/5

Great crew, great food, and awesome tour.

Teresa

Oct 2024Verified booking

5/5

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

5/5

Seeing the whales up close and hearing facts abut them.

Sreymom

Sep 2024Verified booking

4/5

Bridget

Sep 2024Verified booking

4/5

Headout Guest

Aug 2024Verified booking

5/5

Yew

Aug 2024Verified booking

5/5

CRISTIAN

Aug 2024Verified booking

4/5

Siyao

Aug 2024Verified booking

4/5

Headout Guest

Aug 2024Verified booking

5/5

Cheah

Jul 2024Verified booking

2/5

Did not see any whale. Only 3 seals. Very choppy sea condition and many people seasick. If weather not good snd slim chance to see whale then headout should have cancel the trip instead. Cruise staff said will give free voucher for rebooking but I have not received any yet. And if rebooking can only be done the following week I believe most customers must have already left Sydney to take advantage of it.

Natasha

Aug 2023Verified booking

4/5

Seeing the whale's and being able to watch them in their natural environment 😁

kar

Sep 2023Verified booking

5/5

Ticket purchase was easy. The activity was good. Very organised and food was plenty. Saw plenty of whales and dolphins too!

Headout Guest

Jul 2024Verified booking

5/5

Headout Guest

Jul 2024Verified booking

5/5

Headout Guest

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Headout Guest

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Headout Guest

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Headout Guest

May 2024Verified booking

5/5

Headout Guest

May 2024Verified booking

5/5

Headout Guest

May 2024Verified booking

5/5

Make the most of Sydney

Sydney cityscape with Big Bus Sydney tour passing by the Sydney Opera House.

Big Bus Sydney Hop-on Hop-off Tours

6+ experiences

fromAU$73

Scenic World cableway over Blue Mountains, Sydney, offering panoramic views.

Scenic World Tickets

10+ experiences

fromAU$61

Cable car over Blue Mountains with scenic view from Sydney tour.

Sydney to Blue Mountain Tours

18+ experiences

fromAU$35

Sydney Opera House with harbor view, showcasing iconic architecture and vibrant cityscape.

Sydney Opera House Tours

9+ experiences

fromAU$35

Giraffes at Taronga Zoo with Sydney skyline in the background.

Taronga Zoo Tickets

6+ experiences

fromAU$48.08

Sydney Tower against city skyline, Sydney, Australia.

Sydney Tower Eye Tickets

5+ experiences

fromAU$30

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium with diverse marine life and visitors exploring exhibits.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tickets

4+ experiences

fromAU$42.40

Kangaroo at Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney, Australia, with visitors observing.

Featherdale Wildlife Park Tickets

4+ experiences

fromAU$37.80

Trainer feeding kangaroos at Sydney WILD LIFE Zoo, Australia.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Tickets

3+ experiences

fromAU$39

Giraffe at Sydney Zoo with city skyline in the background.

Sydney Zoo Tickets

3+ experiences

fromAU$59.99

Each year from May to November, thousands of humpback whales swim right past Sydney’s coastline. Whale watching here isn’t just easy, it’s one of the most accessible marine encounters in the world. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot a breach, a tail slap, maybe even a pod gliding by. You can hop aboard a speedboat, catamaran, rocket ferry, or cruiser, each offering a different vibe. Want to add a little indulgence? Some tours also serve up a full buffet lunch onboard. Sounds interesting to you? Let’s explore what this cruise experience includes.

Cruise specifics at a glance

Departure & duration
- Departs around 12:15 pm from Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay
- Duration ~4 hr 15 min, returning by 4:15 pm
Price & tickets
- Adults: AU$104
- Children: AU$60
- Senior: AU$75
-Infants: AU$35
Food & drinks
- Dietary options: vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free
- Drinks: tea, coffee, water included; bar purchases extra
Sighting guarantee
- Free return cruise if no whales are spotted, valid for up to 3 years

Departure points

What to bring & how to prepare

Dress for the elements: Layer up! A windproof jacket, scarf, and gloves are lifesavers when the breeze picks up offshore.
Bring essentials: Water, sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars/camera will keep you focused and comfy while scanning for whales.
Prep for motion: Eat lightly before boarding, take motion-sickness tablets if needed, and focus your gaze on the horizon during any choppy stretches.
Arrive early: plan to get to Eastern Pontoon about 15–30 minutes before departure. This gives you time to check in, find a good deck spot, and settle in.
Know the layout: lower decks are wheelchair-accessible and sheltered, while upper decks offer panoramic viewing. Choose based on your mobility and wind tolerance.

Safety guidelines & responsible watching

Respect legal distance: Boats cruise slowly and maintain the required 100 m (or 300 m if calves are present) from whales, minimizing wake and disturbance.
Follow instructions: Crew and naturalists guide everyone’s movement on deck, and lifejackets and safety briefings are mandatory.
Be weather-ready: Rough seas may cancel or reschedule your trip. Operators typically offer refunds or free rebookings in such cases.
Leave no trace: Take all rubbish with you, avoid loud noises, and never throw anything overboard that could endanger marine life.
Drones stay high: If you're tempted to use drone, remember NSW law requires flights at least 100 m from whales and ideally above 30 m to avoid disrupting their behavior.

FAQs about whale watching in Sydney with lunch cruise

What’s included in the lunch cruise?

You’ll enjoy a ~4-hour cruise out of Circular Quay, a buffet-style BBQ lunch, hot drinks and water, live commentary from marine naturalists, and access to multiple sailing decks.

Is whale sighting guaranteed?

Yes, if no whales are spotted, you’re eligible for a free return cruise, often valid with the same operator for up to three years.

Can I choose a breakfast option instead?

Definitely. Weekend morning cruises depart around 8:15 am and feature a hot buffet breakfast, live commentary, and the same whale-sighting guarantee.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring warm layers and windproof gear, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars/camera, and motion-sickness meds if needed. It gets cool when cruising past Sydney Heads.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Lower deck seating and amenities are wheelchair-accessible. Access to upper viewing decks varies by boat, so check with the operator in advance.

Are drinks included, and can I bring my own?

Tea, coffee, and water are provided free. A licensed bar is on board for purchased beverages. Outside drinks are generally not permitted for safety reasons.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

It’s actually great for kids over five, with indoor cabins and kid-friendly commentary. Young children may find the motion challenging on windy days.

What happens if my boarding point changes?

Operators occasionally adjust departure locations due to tides, weather, or harbour events. You’ll be notified ahead of time, and boarding usually shifts to a nearby wharf with clear instructions.

From happy customers

Belbinder

United Kingdom

Jun, 2025

Experience was nice, waters was a little choppy and never managed to spot a whale. Have been given a free voucher valid for 3 years to rebook for free.

Sydney Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

James

United Kingdom

Oct, 2024

Was an amazing experience. We saw ten whales really up close! Our guide was experienced, friendly and always got us the best views of the whales. A must do experience whilst in Sydney.

Sydney Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

Davide

Italy

Jun, 2025

The overall experience was very interesting and fascinating, the expert guide was really informative about the whales. I had a problem with seasickness and the crew helped me promptly.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Onboard Buffet

Glenn

Ireland

Oct, 2024

We managed to see 2 - 3 pods of humpback whales, for someone who lives miles away from the sea that was amazing. 1 thing you need to fix remove 7 Macquarie street from your meeting info.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise

David

Australia

Sep, 2024

Seeing the whales. We were fortunate enough to have some quite close. For those who do not have sea legs, be aware many got sea sick . This is not a fault, but something to be considered.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise