Name: Whale Watching Cruise in Sydney Harbour - Adult
Price: 100.00 AUD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.1 (19 reviews)

Highlights

View majestic whales during migration mid-May to early-Nov
Cruise the inner harbour and outside Sydney Heads with commentary
Whale sighting guaranteed or cruise again for FREE

View and admire extraordinary Humpbacks and the occasional Southern Right Whale with this open water cruise through the entrance of Sydney Harbour. Featuring on board commentary, two decks, open-air viewing and comfortable all-weather lounge.

What's included?

2.5 hour whale watching cruise in Sydney Harbour
Live expert commentary
Over 95% whale sighting success
Family friendly with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating

Humpback sightings have continued to increase every year and these amazing mammals just love to show off with breaches, tail slapping and even a close up wink when they are feeling extra curious. Don't miss this extraordinary experience to see the gentle giants of the sea on their annual migration.

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 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 another free morning 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.

Important information

Session Length

Please allow approximately 2.5 hours for the whole experience
Morning Cruise departs 9.30am daily, returning approx. 12pm
This is a seasonal tour. Travel valid in the 2026 season only (operates 16 May - 01 November)

Restrictions

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.

Guidelines

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

Cancellation

Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

Weather

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.

Dress Code

Please dress for the weather on the day - it will often feel colder at sea.

Other Info

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.

Location

This experience will depart from Wharf 6, Circular Quay, Sydney NSW.

Reviews

4.1

19 reviews

5 stars 10

4 stars 5

3 stars 1

2 stars 2

1 star 1

Great day out

Heidi 17 June 2023

Very well organized, great knowledge about the whales and dolphins. Spectacular day out on the water. I definitely recommend it 😁

Whale watching from Kings Wharf

Asanka 6 October 2022

The whale watching experience was great. The crew was very friendly and helpful. However with the booking the exact location was not provided making it harder to find the place there were no visible notifications at the wharf either

Awesome experience- saw whales

Angela 9 August 2022

Perfect day - staff were knowledgeable - saw several pods of whales

the whale watching experience was unforgettable

toodo 19 June 2022

the whale watching experience was really unforgettable

Fun experience

Tina 12 July 2020

Good experience. Followed 2 whales for about an hour, keeping at about a 300 metre distance. no breaches only tail slaps. Learnt a lot from the crew. Also spotted an albatross which was exciting.

Whale watching

Ross 5 July 2020

Great day, saw a few whales playing for about 2 hours. Plenty of room on the boat with a kiosk on board Crew were welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. They were always checking we were alright as the swell was a bit big and they handed out sick bags.

A bit disappointed

Ann 27 September 2019

What they don't say it that although you see the whales they are FAR AWAY from where the boat is. Even though they try to go fast to get closer by the time you get there the whales have moved to another place. So disappointed with this experience. Too expensive for what it was

Whale watching.

Silvio 19 August 2019

The whole experience was awesome, The thrill of sailing on a rough sea, The Captain's ability in finding and tracking the whales and the Commentator knowledge of whales.

An awesome experience watching the Humpback Whale

Sandra 17 August 2019

Fantastic cruise out to see the humpback Whales incredible experience & see them so close . Staff on the boat friendly & informative of all the Whales. Would certainly recommend the tours

Whales and motion sickness

Kat 4 July 2018

Watching the whales swim alongside the boat and one whale breaching was fantastic. Unfortunately the swell, although a calm day, was too much and many on the boat got sea sick. Sitting for a few hours feeling unwell made it a very uncomfortable trip in the end even though I've never before been motion sick. Be prepared for sickness. It was a nice opportunity though.