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Sydney’s most common visitors from May to November. Known for breaching, tail slaps, and playful close passes to boats.
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Book Sydney Whale Watching Cruises
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION2 hours 45 minutes - 3 hours
FREQUENCYday, at 10am, 12:45pm & 3:30pm
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
1 Boarding point
Sights covered
Humpback Whale
Bottlenose Dolphin
Australian Fur Seal
Albatross
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge
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.
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
- Onboard toilets
- 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.
SydneySydney Whale Watching Cruises
Make the most of Sydney
From happy customers
Belbinder
United Kingdomjun, 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
John
Australianov, 2025
We felt very lucky- sailed out of the Sydney heads and quickly saw a whale with calf. Followed them and saw lots of action, the boat felt safe and the sun was shining on us.
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Onboard Buffet
Jennifer
Australiasep, 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
Klervi
Francenov, 2025
I had an amazing experience on the whale watching cruise in Sydney! The crew was super friendly, the boat was comfortable, and we saw several humpback whales up close. Truly unforgettable and worth every minute !⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise
Fay
Australiaoct, 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
Types of whales & marine life you’ll spot from your cruise
Humpback whales
Read more
Find the right Sydney whale watching cruise for you
Classic whale watching cruise
- Price: From AU$67.50
- Duration: 2.5 to 2.75 hours
- Departure: Circular Quay
- What's included: Open-deck and indoor seating, accessible facilities, expert commentary, and a whale sighting guarantee.
- Perfect for: Families, first-time visitors, and anyone looking for a quality, reliable whale-watching experience.
Recommended experience
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruise
- Sydney Harbour Whale Watching Cruise by Captain Cook
Small group whale watching cruise
- Price: From AU$139
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Departure: Crown Towers Wharf, Manly Wharf or Circular Quay
- What's included: Limited group size, close-to-waterline viewing, expert commentary, and a whale sighting guarantee.
- Perfect for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and couples seeking a more personal, crowd-free experience.
Recommended experience
- Sydney Small Boat Whale Watching Cruise
- Sydney Whale Watching Inflatable Boat Cruise
Premium whale watching cruise with meals
- Price: Starting from AU$104
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure: Circular Quay
- What's included: Buffet breakfast or lunch, refreshments, multiple viewing decks, live commentary by onboard guide, and a whale sighting guarantee.
- Perfect for: Couples and senior travelers looking for a relaxing cruise with added comfort.
Recommended experience
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Onboard Buffet
Whale watching cruise + Sydney attraction combos
- Price: Starting from AU$119
- Duration: Flexible (cruise + attraction visit)
- Departure: Circular Quay
- What's included: Whale watching cruise with entry to Taronga Zoo or whale watching cruise with unlimited 2-day ferry access to 6 top harbour stops, onboard commentary, expert guides and indoor/outdoor seating.
- Perfect for: Sightseers looking to maximize their Sydney experience by pairing whale watching with top city attractions.
Recommended experience
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry Pass
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruise + Taronga Zoo Tickets
Boarding points for your whale watching cruise
Circular Quay
Manly Wharf
Crown Towers Wharf
Iconic departure point in the heart of Sydney with unbeatable views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Easily accessible by train, bus, or ferry, with plenty of nearby dining and sightseeing options.
Address: 7 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Find on maps.
How to get there
- By public transport: Circular Quay is directly served by train (T2, T3, T8 lines), light rail (L2 line), and multiple bus routes. Ferries from Manly, Taronga Zoo, and other suburbs also arrive here.
- By car: Paid parking is available nearby at 155 George Street and Harrington Street, but public transport is usually quicker and more convenient.
Scenic departure near the beach with convenient ferry connections from the city. Ideal for combining whale watching with a relaxing day at Manly.
Address: Belgrave Street and West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia. Find on maps.
How to get there
- By public transport: Manly Wharf is easily reachable by ferry from Circular Quay (approx. 30 minutes) or by bus from Sydney’s northern suburbs and the CBD via the Spit Bridge or Military Road routes.
- By car: Paid parking is available near the wharf at locations like Whistler Street Car Park and Manly National Car Park, though traffic and limited spaces make public transport a more relaxed option.
Upscale departure point on the Barangaroo waterfront, offering a premium cruise experience with stunning views of Sydney Harbour. Located near luxury dining and accommodation.
Address: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia. Find on maps.
How to get there
- By public transport: Crown Towers Wharf is a short walk from Wynyard Station via the Barangaroo pedestrian tunnel. It's also served by buses and light rail (L1 line) to nearby stops.
- By car: Paid parking is available at Barangaroo Reserve Car Park and Wilson Parking at Barangaroo Point, both within walking distance. Access is straightforward, though public transport may be quicker during peak times.
Your whale watching cruise itinerary: What to expect on the day
Check-in & boarding
Arrive at your selected departure point and check in with your tour operator. Step aboard your vessel, where the crew will give you a quick safety and orientation briefing before you set off.
Cruise through Sydney Harbour
Sail past iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge on your way to the open Pacific. Enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline from the water, perfect for early photo opportunities.
Whale watching in open waters
Out on the open ocean, watch humpback whales breach, tail-slap, and play during their migration. Learn fascinating facts from expert marine guides, and keep an eye out for seabirds and other marine life along the way.
Experience-specific add-ons
Choose between a premium whale-watching and buffet experience where you can enjoy a buffet lunch on weekdays or a buffet breakfast on weekends, both served with tea or coffee and sweeping ocean views from open or covered decks. Or choose the zoo or ferry combo, offering direct ferry access to Taronga Zoo or a 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Ferry Pass to explore six top harbourside attractions. These add-ons can be enjoyed before or after your cruise.
Return to harbour
Sail back towards Sydney Harbour, taking in the coastal scenery and capturing a few final photos along the way. Disembark at your original departure point, with plenty of time left in the day to continue exploring.
Plan your visit
Timings
Facilities
Rules
Tips
Stay
- Departure time: Most cruises depart between 7:30am and 9:30am. Small-boat and afternoon options may start around 12pm or 1:30pm.
- Tour duration: Typical cruises last 2.5–3 hours. Premium or combo tours may run up to 4 hours or longer.
- Best time to visit: Visit between May and October for prime whale activity. June to July offer the most surface action during the northbound migration, while September to October is ideal for spotting mothers and calves up close.
- Tip: Morning cruises offer calm seas and active whales, great for photographers and early risers. Midday trips often include buffet meals, ideal for relaxed group outings. Prefer golden-hour views? Afternoon tours pair whale sightings with stunning sunsets for a perfect end to the day.
- Open viewing decks: Most vessels feature spacious outdoor decks offering 360° views, perfect for spotting whale activity up close.
- Indoor seating: Stay comfortable in heated or air-conditioned indoor cabins with panoramic windows, allowing uninterrupted views even in cooler weather.
- Toilets: Clean, onboard restrooms are available for passenger convenience.
- Complimentary refreshments: Many cruises offer free tea, coffee, or light snacks. Select premium tours may have a licensed bar or additional food for purchase.
- Safety gear: All vessels carry life jackets and are equipped with modern marine safety equipment, in line with NSW Maritime regulations.
- Accessibility: Some boats are pram and wheelchair-accessible. It's best to check with the cruise operator beforehand for specific accessibility features.
- Maintain a safe distance: Do not attempt to feed, touch, or approach whales. All vessels follow legal minimum distance regulations to protect the animals and ensure safe viewing.
- No flash photography: Flashes can disturb marine life. Switch off your flash when taking photos.
- Respect age and health restrictions: High-speed or adventure-style cruises (like RIBs) are not suitable for pregnant women or those with heart/back conditions.
- Supervise children: Children must always be under adult supervision, especially on open decks and during wildlife sightings.
- Follow crew instructions: Listen carefully to safety briefings and comply with crew directions throughout the cruise.
- Take motion sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness—ocean swells can get rough.
- Weekends can be packed. A weekday cruise usually means fewer people, more room to move around, and better photo ops.
- Bring binoculars or a zoom lens for close-up views, especially when whales are further from the boat.
- You’ll want to snap photos, but it can get windy and splashy. Protect your device, and secure it, especially on RIB boats.
- Some cruises include drinks or sell food on board, but it’s smart to bring a snack, especially if you’re going on a longer tour.
- Sydney’s top whale-watching spots include land lookouts like North Head, Cape Solander, and the Bondi to Coogee walk, or head out to sea on cruises from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, or Manly for close encounters along the whales’ migration path.
Budget hotels
Mid-range hotels
Luxury hotels
Frequently asked questions about Sydney whale watching cruises
What is the cost of whale watching tours in Sydney?
The starting price of Whale watching tours in Sydney is AU$67.50. This price may vary depending on the type of tour you choose and any extra amenities included.
What’s the difference between morning and afternoon cruises?
Morning cruises often offer calmer seas and better visibility. Afternoon cruises provide warmer weather and a relaxed pace, but both offer great whale-spotting potential.
How close do the boats get to the whales?
Operators follow strict whale-watching guidelines. Boats stay at a safe and respectful distance but still close enough to witness their incredible behaviors.
Will I definitely see whales?
While nature has its surprises, many operators offer a guaranteed sighting policy, if you don’t see a whale, you can return for free on another day. Check your ticket’s terms.
What should I wear for the cruise?
Dress in layers, bring a windbreaker, and wear non-slip shoes. It can get chilly on the open water, even in summer.
Is the cruise safe?
Yes. All whale watching cruises operate under strict maritime safety regulations. Life jackets and trained crew are always on board.
Do cruises operate in bad weather?
Cruises may be canceled or rescheduled in rough weather for safety reasons. You’ll be notified in advance and offered alternatives or a refund.
Is this a good experience for solo travelers?
Yes! Whale watching cruises are social, nature-filled adventures that are just as enjoyable solo as they are with family or friends.
Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking is typically not permitted on whale watching vessels due to fire hazards and passenger comfort.
How far out to sea do we go?
Most cruises travel 2–15 km offshore depending on where the whales are. Don’t worry, you’ll still see Sydney’s skyline in the distance.
Is whale watching ethical?
Yes, operators follow strict national wildlife and marine protection guidelines to ensure ethical and non-disruptive whale watching.
