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Sydney 2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise on Vessel ORCA

(11 Reviews)
  • Departs from Sydney
  • 2 hours

 

Highlights

  • Ride Sydney’s fastest whale watching vessel with speeds up to 49 knots
  • Intimate experience with a maximum of 12 passengers on board
  • High-speed RIB designed for close encounters with migrating humpback whales

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What to expect

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

Step aboard ORCA, Sydney’s fastest commercial whale watching vessel, for the most thrilling and personal ocean adventure. With a maximum of just 12 passengers, this intimate tour ensures unobstructed views and an incredibly close connection to nature.

At 49 knots, ORCA powers out of Circular Quay, blasting past Sydney Harbour’s iconic landmarks before accelerating through the heads and into the Tasman Sea. This military-spec rigid inflatable boat (RIB) is purpose-built for speed and maneuverability, getting you to the whales in record time.

Your skipper stays in constant contact with other whale-watching boats, helping locate the most active and approachable pods. Once in prime whale territory, prepare for unforgettable moments as humpback whales breach, slap their tails, or glide gracefully alongside the vessel during their annual migration.

Please note: the minimum age for this tour is 12 years old. This high-speed adventure is best suited to those seeking adrenaline, intimacy, and the closest possible whale encounters off Sydney’s spectacular coastline.

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

★★★★★

C
Cluny

28 July 2025

Brilliant way to see the whales off Sydney. Our guide Blake was very informative and had a brilliant eye for spying the whales. Only took about 10 mins, when we did hit the open sea, to see some humpbacks. Also saw dolphins and brown seals. Fantastic to see these creatures in their natural habitat.

★★★★★

G
Glen

10 Aug 2025

Absolute wonderful experience, completely recommend. Driver was great, good knowledge. nothing to fault.

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 full refund will be offered for customer-requested cancellations made up to 6 days prior to travel. 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.
  • Please note that credit card processing fees paid at the time of booking are non-refundable.
  • 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
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11 Reviews
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Alison

Group Traveller

What a great morning – a fun speed boat ride and a short time after we got out of the harbour, there were whales either side. The captain shared lots of information too. The length of the trip was just right – highly recommended.

August 31, 2025

Elsa

Group Traveller

Such a must have to do in Sydney 🐳

We spend a magic morning with my boyfriend. Thank you to the crew, they even gave us extra time to watch whales

✨ I really recommend to choose them ✨

August 19, 2025

Valerie

Group Traveller

The speedboat ride alone was really fun. Guides are great at finding whales. Great activity to do while in Sydney that just takes 2-3 hours.

August 14, 2025

Laura

Group Traveller

The tour was simply amazing!
Our guide was extremely nice and since it was very windy that day, he also offered us to go on a day with less wind.
The speedboat ride itself was fun too, but I would recommend to bring chewing gum if you get seasick easily.
All in all: awesome tour, I would definitely do it again!

August 8, 2025

Jana

Group Traveller

It was amazing experiences. I liked Orca boat which is suitable only for 12 people. It was stable on the ocean and we had a good view and capitan told us many interesting infos about whales. And we saw whales – mother with baby 🤩

August 2, 2025
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