Sydney 2.5-Hour Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise

• 2.5 hours Whale watching cruise at the entrance of Sydney Harbour
• Expert commentary
• Whale sighting guarantee

Check in at the ticket office located at Circular Quay Wharf 6, Sydney. Ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time.

Check availability to see starting times.

• A 95% refund will be offered for customer-requested cancellations made up to 6 days prior to travel, with a 5% non-refundable administration and booking fee retained. Cancellations made within 5 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
• Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
• Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

The season offers two different highlights. June and July are the busiest part of the northbound migration, while September and October are a lovely time to look for whales heading south, with opportunities to see mothers and calves. August sits between the two and can bring energetic displays from younger males, so there is something worth watching across the whole season.

Both departures run the same 2.5-hour experience, and whale activity can happen throughout the day. If both fit your plans, the 9.30am cruise is usually the better pick for calmer wind and swell, while the 1.30pm departure leaves your morning free and returns at around 4pm. Choose the sailing that best suits your day and the forecast.

The boat gives you a clear view while following NSW wildlife rules. Vessels normally remain at least 100 metres from adult whales and 300 metres from a mother and calf. Whales sometimes choose to swim closer themselves, which can make for an especially memorable moment.

Yes. The 2.5-hour length, expert commentary and choice of indoor or outdoor seating make it a family-friendly way to experience the migration. Children must stay with a supervising adult, and infants under four are not recommended because the cruise travels into open water. One adult can supervise up to four children.

Plenty of guests enjoy the trip comfortably, but the cruise leaves Sydney Harbour and enters open ocean, where you will feel more movement. Eat lightly beforehand, take any motion-sickness medication according to its directions before departure, keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid reading or spending long periods on your phone.

Seating is not assigned. The vessel has open-plan indoor and outdoor seating, giving you shelter when you want it and outdoor viewing space when wildlife appears.

Yes. The sea-going whale-watching vessels are wheelchair accessible and have accessible bathrooms. Gangways have safety railings, and the crew can guide guests during boarding and disembarking.

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, and light snacks, soft drinks and water are normally available to purchase onboard. A light meal before the cruise is a good choice if you are sensitive to sea motion.