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Book Sydney Whale-Watching Cruises
Select Your Experience
- Calling all ocean adventurers! Ready to dive into a 2-hour whale-watching cruise? Spot humpback whales aboard a high-speed catamaran to the Pacific Ocean.
- Double win! You’ll also get stunning views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House from various levels of viewing decks or comfortable cushioned seats inside the vessel.
- Spot a breach humpback whale dive out the waters as your knowledgeable crew fill you in on their social behaviors, migration patterns, and those leaps.
- Watch whales at your pace! Pick between a 2.5-hour adventure cruise or a leisurely 3-hour discovery cruise aboard different viewing decks!
- See adorable breach calves take their first leaps, learning the ropes from their majestic parents–a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Express whale-watching cruise
- Comfortable cushioned seats
- AC-indoor seating
- Outdoor seating
- 2.5-hour Adventure whale watching cruise (optional)
- 3-hour Discover whale-watching cruise (optional)
- Tip: Get some ginger pills with you to combat sea-sickness.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Seize the opportunity to witness nature's grand spectacle, humpback whales' annual migration, on a 2-hour whale-watching cruise from Sydney Harbour.
- Enjoy the adventure in a small group for a personalized, intimate atmosphere, with insightful commentary on whale behavior and migration patterns.
- Experience the thrill of humpback spotting up close and personal aboard a comfortable, climate-proof speedboat, swiftly bringing you to the action.
- With a sightseeing guarantee, you can join another cruise for free within 3 years if no whales are spotted, ensuring a risk-free experience.
- While on your way to the whales, keep an eye out for iconic Sydney landmarks like the Opera House, enjoying the city's views from the water.
Inclusions
- 2-hour whale-watching cruise from Sydney Harbour
- Expert commentary
- Small group (max 46 guests)
- Sightseeing guarantee (Get another cruise for free, 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!
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.
- This experience is not suitable for pregnant people and those with back, neck, or limb issues.
- The option for a free cruise, in case no whales are spotted during the original cruise, remains valid for up to 3 years.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- With these combo tickets to the Taronga Zoo and whale watching cruise, get the best of this emerald city while you save money.
- Venture out into the sea on a 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise and catch a glimpse of these glorious beasts going about their business.
- With informative live commentary onboard, you'll learn interesting facts about humpback whale migration patterns, behaviors, and their role in the ocean ecosystem.
- Discover the wildlife that thrives in Taronga Zoo with its population of platypuses, koalas, red kangaroos, Sumatran tigers, and more.
- Treat your eyes to million-dollar views of Sydney Harbor from Taronga Zoo, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as a backdrop of a stunning landscape.
Inclusions
Whale Watching Cruise
- 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
- Live commentary
Taronga Zoo
- Entry to Taronga Zoo
- Return Rocket ferry back 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.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the cruise.
- Pets are allowed on board provided they are restrained in a suitable box, basket, or another container at all times whilst onboard.
- This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. It is recommended to eat lightly before the cruise.
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.
- Epic views, sightings of majestic whales, and a plate decadent with deliciousness? That's right! We've got a 4-hour whale-watching cruise with brekkie or buffet lunch calling your name!
- Spot humpback whale breaching the surface, before crashing back into the sea with a splash. Get unobstructed views of these beings as they frolic and feed.
- Your expert marine guide becomes your whale whisperer, filling you in details about their lives, migration patterns, and those gravity-defying leaps!
- Choose from a breakfast or buffet lunch. Both options cater to vegetarians and specific dietary needs! Sip on tea, coffee, and water throughout your cruise.
- Multiple viewing decks mean everyone gets a prime spot for the epic show. Relax in the indoor lounge, or outdoor lounge, or grab a celebratory drink from the bar.
Inclusions
- 4-hour whale-watching cruise
- Fully qualified crew onboard
- Live commentary
- Breakfast/lunch (based on the options)
- Tea, coffee, and water
Exclusions
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tip: While everyone gets the classic bridge and opera house shot, look for unique angles and compositions. Capture details like hidden coves, working harbor areas, or sailboats gliding by.
- If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to consult a medical professional for pills.
- The experience is not accessible for people with back and neck problems, serious medical conditions, injuries, and pregnant women.
- The lunch menu is tailored to suit vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free guests.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Enjoy a relaxing cruise in Jervis Bay that will take you through sparkling waters, past sandy beaches
- Along the way you get to spot beautiful, intelligent bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat
- Don't forget to carry with you the following items: camera, bottled water, warm jacket
Inclusions
- 1.5-hour dolphin watching tour
- Ecological commentary
Exclusions
- Transportation costs to and from Jervis Bay
- Travel insurance
- Personal consumption and any expenses not mentioned above
- Infants (0-1yrs) go in for free. Children aged 2-14yrs enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID)
- You can cancel these tickets up to 10 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Luxury charter but not as you know it. Take to the seas on a private charter boat that offers million-dollar views of humpback whales, a BBQ lunch, and an open bar.
- There are comfy spots to lounge, open-air decks for prime whale watching, and a guide to enrich you with facts about the harbor and its whaling history
- But wait, there's more! With a delicious BBQ lunch spread and a bar stocked with frosty beverages, see these magnificent beings as they frolic in the Pacific playground.
- This exclusive trip is capped at just 10 guests! It's the perfect escape for families, couples, or a squad of friends who crave an unforgettable adventure.
- The charter not only takes you to whales but also past Sydney's iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and more!
Inclusions
- 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise along Sydney Harbour
- Informative commentary on whales
- Buffet BBQ lunch on board
- Open bar of beer, wine, sparkling and soft drink
- Tip: While everyone gets the classic bridge and opera house shot, look for unique angles and compositions. Capture details like hidden coves, working harbor areas, or sailboats gliding by.
- Keep in mind smoking is prohibited on this experience.
- The experience is not accessible for people with back and neck problems, serious medical conditions, injuries, and pregnant women.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Witness the grandeur of humpback whales in their natural habitat, a spectacle few get to experience. Hop on the custom-built vessel promising intimate whale encounters.
- Humpback whales come in great numbers and love to show off with breaches, tail slaps, and even a sneaky wink when they are feeling extra curious.
- Not just a watching experience, you'll also be educated about the harbor and its rich whaling history by knowledgeable staff onboard.
- This experience is designed for everyone. So, bring along your family and create lifelong memories together.
- Setting sail from Crown Tower's Wharf, the trip not only takes you to whales but also past Sydney's iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge!
Inclusions
- 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
- Small group tour
- Expert crew onboard
- Safety briefings
- 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,
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo (Save 24%): Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast/Buffet Lunch + 2-Day Sydney Harbour Hop-On-Hop-Off Pass
from AU$151
AU$115
Save 24%
- With these combo tickets to the whale watching cruise and a 2-day hop-on hop-off pass, get the best of this emerald city while you save money.
- Set sail on a 4-hour cruise to witness humpback whales. These gentle giants will breach, play, and showcase their incredible size, leaving you breathless!
- With live commentary onboard, you'll learn about humpback whale migration patterns, behaviors, and their role in the ocean ecosystem.
- Discover Sydney like a local on the hop-on-hop-off Harbor highway cruise, exploring popular stops with the flexibility to disembark as you please.
- Enjoy the ease of cruises departing every hour, offering access to 6 stops. Listen to the audio guide for anecdotes, that’ll make you a Sydney pro in no time.
Inclusions
Whale Watching Cruise
- 4-hour whale-watching cruise
- Fully qualified crew onboard
- Live commentary
- Breakfast/lunch (based on the options)
- Tea, coffee, and water
2-Day Sydney Harbour Hop-On-Hop-Off Pass
- 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
- Recorded smartphone commentary
- Free Wi-Fi
Sat, Sun, & public holidays
- First cruise: 9am from Darling Harbour King Street Wharf
- Last cruise: 6:25pm from Darling Harbour King Street Wharf
- Popular stops: Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay, Manly, Darling Harbour
Mon-Fri
- First cruise: 7:35am from Circular Quay - Wharf 6
- Last cruise: 6:40pm from Circular Quay - Wharf 6
- Popular stops: Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay, Manly, Darling Harbour
Please click here for detailed boarding points.
Whale Watching Cruise
- Tip: If you're interested in spotting marine life, such as dolphins, whales, or sea birds, be sure to bring a pair of binoculars.
- If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to consult a medical professional for pills.
- The experience is not accessible for people with back and neck problems, serious medical conditions, injuries, and pregnant women.
- The lunch menu is tailored to suit vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free guests.
2-Day Sydney Harbour Hop-On-Hop-Off Pass
- Tip: Over at Watto, try the local seafood dishes such as baked Kataifi Prawns or Oysters with gin and tonic granita.
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- It’s recommended to download the free guided English commentary, available directly on your smartphone by following the steps from here.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the cruise.
- Pets are allowed on board provided they are restrained in a suitable box, basket, or another container at all times whilst onboard.
- It's recommended to wear smart casual clothing. Thongs, singlets, or beachwear are not allowed.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Sydney Harbour Sightseeing CruiseWhale-Watching Cruises
Feel closer to nature and wildlife with a widely popular whale-watching cruise in Sydney. This captivating maritime adventure draws both nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers and offers front-row seats to the awe-inspiring spectacle of migrating humpback whales. Learn fascinating things about the deep sea creatures and their migration patterns with live commentary on board. Read further to get all the information you need to go on a whale-watching cruise in Sydney.
Why Take a Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise?
- Incredible views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Sydney's coastline and landmarks from the water.
- Up-close encounters: Spot majestic humpback and southern right whales living in their natural habitat.
- Relaxing outing: Take a serene escape from the city's hustle, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the sea and beautiful giants.
- Educational experience: Learn about these majestic creatures, their migration patterns, and conservation measures to protect these species.
Highlights of Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise
Connect with Wildlife
Spot humpback whales, dolphins and also southern right whales living in their natural habitat. With live commentary onboard, you can learn about the migratory patterns of these gentle giants. Also learn about the various conservation measures to protect these species.
Historical Landmarks
The Harbour Bridge and the Opera House aren’t the only things you’ll see on your cruise. Historic sites like Hornby Lighthouse and Garden Island that provide insight into Sydney's maritime past are also visible from the cruise.
Iconic Skyline
Whale-watching cruises offer a different vantage point to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sydney skyline. You’ll see the beautiful city and landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge at their calmest from the waters.
Delicious Buffet
Enjoy a delectable spread of food and beverage options that offer something for everyone. Enjoy an assisted barbeque and buffet lunch with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Sit back and relax as you enjoy your meal above the sparkling waters.
Plan Your Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise
Timings
Boarding Points
Getting There
Facilities & Accessibility
The timings and duration of your Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise will vary based on the tickets you buy.
You can get the accurate timings of your tickets while making the bookings.
Make sure that you reach at least 15 minutes prior to the boarding time to avoid any delays.
The usual boarding points for Sydney Whale-Watching Cruises are:
Circular Quay: Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Find on Maps
Jervis Bay Wild: 15 Field St, Huskisson NSW 2540, Australia. Find on Maps
King Street Wharf: The Promenade, Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Find on Maps
Circular Quay
By Bus: Take the buses 343, 396, B1, L90
By Train: Take the train lines T2 and T8
By Ferry: Take the F1 ferry
King Street Wharf
By Bus: Take the buses 252, 261, 288, 320, 333, 396, or 437
By Train: Take the trains T1, T2, T8, or T9 to Wynyard Station
By Ferry: Take the ferry that goes to Barangaroo Wharf 2
By Light Rail: Take a light rail to Pyrmont Bay
Jervis Bay
By Bus: Take 102 to Huskisson Shops, Owen St.
Discounted tickets: Infants (0-1 years) and children between (2-14 years) enjoy discounted ticket pricing.
Qualified crew: A qualified crew will be present onboard to take care of your safety and other needs.
Wheelchair accessible: Individuals in a wheelchair can also enjoy the company of whales. If you have any special requirements, make sure to inform the crew beforehand.
English commentary: You can listen to live English commentary to learn fascinating things about humpback whales.
Food and beverages: Breakfast, lunch, tea, coffee, and water are provided onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise
Where can I book my Sydney whale-watching cruise?
You can easily book your Sydney whale-watching cruise tickets online.
How much do Sydney whale-watching cruises cost?
The price of your Sydney whale-watching cruises will vary based on the tickets you buy. The starting price of Whale-Watching cruises is AU$89.
What is the best Sydney whale-watching cruise?
We recommend the Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Buffet Lunch as one of the best whale-watching cruises as it offers meals along with an educational experience.
Can I cancel my Sydney whale-watching cruise?
While most of the Sydney whale-watching cruises offer free cancellations 24 hours before departure, you can get the most accurate information on your tickets.
What is the boarding point for my Sydney whale-watching cruise?
Circular Quay, Jervis Bay, and King Street Wharf are the few common boarding points for Sydney whale-watching cruises.
Will food be served on a Sydney whale-watching cruise?
Your whale-watching cruise will include meals and beverages based on the type of cruise you pick.
What is the duration of my Sydney whale-watching cruise?
Depending on the cruise you pick, your Sydney whale-watching cruise can last anywhere between 1 hour to 4.5 hours. You can get the accurate timings for your cruise on your tickets.
Are Sydney whale-watching cruises wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Sydney whale-watching cruises are wheelchair accessible, however, we suggest that you inform the crew beforehand to make the necessary arrangements.