Book a Whale Watching Sydney Lunch Cruise | Buffet & Guaranteed Sightings

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See Humpbacks up close (with a guarantee!)

Get front-row seats to the humpback migration as you sail past Sydney Heads. Whether it’s a tail slap or a full-body breach, you’ll be within camera-clicking range without leaving the city. And if you don’t spot a whale? No worries. This tour offers a free return cruise valid for up to three years.

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

Juni, 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

Okt., 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.

Jennifer

Australia

Sept., 2025

Absolutely amazing experience! The captain knew where the whales were, took us straight to them and mother and calf did not disappoint. Very attentive crew and David was great on the microphone keeping us informed on our surroundings and the whale's behavior. Totally worth it!!

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Onboard Buffet

Ramaswamy

Germany

The vessel was clean, staff very friendly. We were provided with sea sickness bags, which came in handy for some passengers. The commentary by the guide was also very informative but the PA system was not loud and clear enough. So half of what he narrated was lost on us, a pity.

Fay

Okt., 2025

Being out on the harbour on such a good weather day and the excitement of looking for whales. Unfortunately, none of the whales were close to us, but we did see half a dozen so I think most onboard were satisfied. The vessel rocked around a lot so I definitely appreciated the cushions and back cushions. When the vessel motor was on as we went along, it wasn't easy to hear the information given but once we stopped it was good. We were sitting downstairs at the back. I liked the organisation of passengers to line up, rather than scramble onboard as often happens!

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise

Glenn

Ireland

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.