Hot Deal
From$149$134
1. Select date
2. Select a time
Total : 0
Select Pickup Location ×
Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

554
Why Book With Us?
  • No-hassle Best Price Guarantee
  • Experienced & Friendly Staff
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • Australia Based & Destination Specialists

Sydney 2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise on Vessel EXTREME

(16 Reviews)
  • Departs from Sydney
  • 2 hours

 

Highlights

  • Ride Sydney’s fastest commercial whale watching boat, reaching speeds up to 45 knots
  • Enjoy an intimate small-group experience with only 21 passengers onboard
  • Get closer to whales in the open Tasman Sea with unobstructed views from the vessel

Good job icon

 

What to expect

Please note: This whale watching tour operates seasonally, from late May to early November each year.

Step aboard Extreme, the original Ocean Extreme vessel, for Sydney’s most thrilling and personal whale watching adventure. Departing daily from Circular Quay between May and November, this small-group cruise is limited to just 21 passengers, ensuring an intimate and boutique experience.

Your journey begins at Campbell’s Cove Pontoon, where you’ll board the 11.3-metre rigid inflatable vessel powered by twin 425-horsepower V8 engines. With speeds of up to 45 knots, Extreme blasts out of Sydney Harbour, past the heads, and into the open waters of the Tasman Sea in record time.

From its completely open design and lower position on the water, you’ll enjoy unparalleled, unobstructed views and the closest encounters possible with migrating humpback whales. Your skipper stays in constant contact with other vessels to locate the most active and approachable pods, giving you the best chance of unforgettable sightings.

Please note: the minimum age for this tour is 12 years old.

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5.0/5
Based on 16 reviewsRead all reviews
Owen

Our boat trip to see the whales was an amazing experience that we won’t forget! Everything was well thought through - they gave us jackets on arrival that kept us warm when we ventured out to sea. The journey was sometimes bumpy but we felt safe the whole time. We came across three different pods of whales and cruised alongside them. We even saw a whale breaching! Our guide, Blake, was great at spotting the whales and getting us in prime position. Whilst we waited for the whales to surface, he told us some very interesting information. In total we saw around 6-8 different whales. Highly recommended!

Jennifer

Such a cool boat and we were provided with rain coats, which was definitely appreciated. But even more amazingly, we saw several whales and dolphins! The whales were showing all the typical behaviours from jumping out the water to flapping their wings. A truly amazing trip!

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • 2 hours whale watching by speed boat
  • Wind/waterproof jackets
  • Experienced Crew
  • We are so confident of finding whales on every tour that we GUARANTEE it. If whales are not spotted on your adventure then come out again for FREE.

Extra

  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Time and Departure Location

Our Circular Quay departure location is called Campbell’s Cove Pontoon. It is located on the Western side of Circular Quay at the end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal in front of Squire’s Landing pub. This is just a departure location. We don’t have an office here. Your boat will be waiting at the pontoon at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Approach the driver to sign in.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important Information

Know before you go
  • Please note: the minimum age for this tour is 12 years old.
  • Passengers with back, neck, shoulder injuries or heart conditions, or those who are pregnant or who have injuries/conditions that may cause a risk to their health are not permitted to ride on the boat
  • If whales are not spotted on a tour, each passenger will be issued with a reride credit for another tour during the same season. The credit is non-transferable, therefore it must be used by the original participant. If the tour takes place in November then the credit is valid the following season.

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

What To Bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Cancellation Policy

  • 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

Frequently asked questions

Who is this high-speed whale-watching tour best suited to?

This is the open-air, 21-passenger option, combining a fast ride of up to 45 knots with low-to-the-water views and straddle-style seating. It is a great choice for travellers who want an exciting small-group experience without choosing the smallest 12-passenger boat. Guests who prefer a full canopy, regular seating or a lower minimum age may find the covered alternative a better fit.

What is the seating like, and who is this tour suited to?

The boat uses straddle-style seating, so guests need to be able to step aboard, swing a leg over the seat and remain securely seated during a fast open-water ride. The minimum age is 12 years. This tour is not suitable during pregnancy or for guests with back, neck, shoulder or heart conditions, or another condition that could make the ride unsafe.

What should I wear, and will I get wet?

Dress warmer than the forecast suggests, as the speed and open-water wind can feel cold even on a sunny day. Wear warm layers, sunglasses and closed, flat shoes, with pants or shorts rather than a dress or skirt for the straddle-style seating. Wind and spray jackets are provided. Some sea spray is possible, especially when conditions are lively.

How should I prepare if I am prone to seasickness?

The boat reaches the whale-watching area quickly, but the tour travels beyond Sydney Harbour into open water, where the motion can be stronger. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before departure, look towards the horizon and avoid reading or using your phone while underway. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about suitable prevention if needed.

Is morning or afternoon better for whale watching?

Whales migrate throughout the day, so morning and afternoon departures offer a similar opportunity to find them. Choose the departure that best suits your plans. Whale behaviour and sea conditions change naturally from one trip to the next, which makes every outing different.

How close can the boat get to the whales?

The boat’s low, completely open design provides clear sightlines when whales surface nearby. For humpback whales, NSW rules generally require vessels to remain at least 100 metres away, or 300 metres when a calf is present. If a whale approaches the boat, the skipper slows down and allows the animal to control the encounter.

Are tour photos included, and can I bring my own camera?

Tour photos are not included or guaranteed. When the crew takes photos, they may share them afterwards as a complimentary bonus. You are welcome to bring your own phone or camera. A wrist strap or water-resistant case is useful on the open boat, and camera equipment should be kept compact.

16 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

April

Group Traveller

We did the 8 am tour which was a great way to start the day. Saw whales breaching! Enjoyed being out on the water and seeing the harbor as well.

August 19, 2025

Owen

Group Traveller

Our boat trip to see the whales was an amazing experience that we won’t forget! Everything was well thought through – they gave us jackets on arrival that kept us warm when we ventured out to sea. The journey was sometimes bumpy but we felt safe the whole time. We came across three different pods of whales and cruised alongside them. We even saw a whale breaching! Our guide, Blake, was great at spotting the whales and getting us in prime position. Whilst we waited for the whales to surface, he told us some very interesting information. In total we saw around 6-8 different whales. Highly recommended!

August 14, 2025

Bart

Group Traveller

One of the best experiences of my life, was a perfect day out. Great staff and crew, answered all my questions over the phone.

August 12, 2025

Bart

Group Traveller

Brilliant experience, we were lucky with whale sightings on the day but great work by the crew to ensure enjoyment for all

August 5, 2025

Jennifer

Group Traveller

Such a cool boat and we were provided with rain coats, which was definitely appreciated.
But even more amazingly, we saw several whales and dolphins! The whales were showing all the typical behaviours from jumping out the water to flapping their wings. A truly amazing trip!

August 2, 2025
123