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Taronga Zoo and Whale Watching Cruise Experience

CPC005
For 1 person
Instant book
5.0 1 reviews
Circular Quay, NSW
Add to wishlist Added to wishlist
For 1 person
Instant book
CPC005
5.0 1 reviews
Circular Quay, NSW

Highlights

  • Spend the morning Whale Watching during the annual migration mid-May to early-Nov
  • Disembark at Taronga Zoo and explore at your leisure
  • Board the Rocket Ferry for your return trip to Circular Quay

Combine two amazing Sydney experiences with this cruise and fun filled attraction package. Experience the thrills of a morning Whale Watching cruise during the annual migration, then explore Taronga Zoo at your leisure. Board a Rocket Ferry for your return trip to Circular Quay.

What's included?

  • Morning Whale Watching Cruise departing Circular Quay
  • Taronga Zoo entry
  • Return Rocket Ferry to Circular Quay
  • All travel must be completed on the same day
  • Cruise again for free when a whale is not sighted during your cruise (Standby Basis confirmed 24 hours prior subject to availability during the same season)

Humpback Whales sightings have continued to increase over the last decade. In June and July these majestic marine mammals migrate north for breeding before returning south with their calves from September. Southern Right Whales do not migrate, instead move along the coast finding protected shelters for their young. Occasionally a mother and calf make Sydney Harbour their home for a short while and thousands of locals come out to wish them well..

Spotters on the land help to direct our certified whale watching cruises and also assist whale researchers by recording sightings and ensuring approach distances are strictly adhered to. Very rarely a whale is not spotted during the cruise. In this case your Whale Guarantee entitles you to a free Whale Watching cruise during the same season on a standby basis.

The approach distance for a vessel is 100m from a whale or 50m from a dolphin. To the delight of passengers, whales and dolphins often approach the vessel. In these situations we are required to slow down gradually, stop and wait until the animal moves beyond the approach zone.

This is a seasonal tour. The 2026 season will operate 16 May - 01 November.

PLEASE NOTE: Circular Quay Wharf 6 will be closed for upgrade works from 20 July to 28 August 2026. All Captain Cook Cruises will continue to operate from alternative Circular Quay wharves, and the Ticket Office at Circular Quay Wharf 6 will remain open throughout the closure. Your departure location will be Commissioner's Steps, approximately a 2-minute walk from Wharf 6. Please note that Commissioner's Steps is not wheelchair accessible. Guests can check in at the wharf from 30 minutes before departure or earlier at the Wharf 6 Ticket Office. Please allow extra time for arrival and follow the temporary signage to your departure point.

Important information

  • Whale Watching Cruise departs Circular Quay 9.30am
  • Disembark Taronga Zoo Wharf 11.55am
  • Return Rocket Ferry to Circular Quay
  • This is a seasonal tour. The 2026 season will operate 16 May - 01 November.

Please note: Your RedBalloon voucher will need to be exchanged for Cruise and Taronga Zoo entry tickets at Circular Quay before departure. Your RedBalloon vouchers will not be accepted directly at the Zoo.

This experience is Family friendly, children must be 4 years and over to participate. Not recommended if pregnant as this is an ocean-going cruise.

  • Child: 4-15 years. Minimum of one supervising adult for every four children is required
  • Infants 0-3 years are not recommended

Once this experience has been confirmed, changes are at the discretion of the experience provider and arranged directly with them according to this policy:

Rescheduling

  • Over 72 hours prior to the experience date: No charge
  • Within 72 hours of the experience date, No Shows and Late Arrivals: Participants forfeit their experience and therefore are not entitled to a refund or to re-book. Participants are advised to make their own insurance provisions in case of unforeseen circumstances

The tour runs with a maximum of 120 people.

Cruises are subject to cancellation due to weather and other operational requirements. Phone the Whale Reconfirmation Hotline +61-2-8062 3623 from 7.15am on the day of your cruise.

Please dress according to the weather - it will often feel colder at sea.

You must check-in for boarding passes at the Wharf 6 Circular Quay ticket office at least 20 minutes prior to boarding the cruise. This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. We recommend you eat lightly before the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to the cruise.

This experience takes place both inside and outside Sydney Harbour, and at Taronga Zoo.

Reviews

5.0
1 review
5 stars 1
4 stars 0
3 stars 0
2 stars 0
1 star 0

Wonderful Experience

Debbie 23 May 2017

Had a great day the zoo was great with all the new baby Animals & topped it off with an afternoon whale watching the whales are amazing creatures the way they played & seen a pod of Dolphins, highly recommend this day out

Showing 1–1 of 1 reviews

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