Sydney 2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise on Vessel ORCA

• 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.

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.

• 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

This is a fast, lively ride and one of the most exciting ways to reach Sydney’s migrating whales. The open 12-passenger RIB is capable of speeds up to 49 knots and uses straddle seating, so the experience feels more adventurous than a conventional whale watching cruise. It is best suited to guests who are comfortable with speed and open-ocean movement.

A little sea spray is possible on the open boat, although you may remain dry in calm conditions. A wind and spray jacket is supplied. Wear warm layers, long pants and flat closed shoes, with a beanie and gloves useful on colder days. Pants are also the most comfortable choice for the straddle seats.

The fast two-hour format gets you into whale-watching waters quickly, but the tour does enter the open ocean and you may feel the swell. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual precautions before boarding, eat lightly and keep your eyes on the horizon during the ride.

Bring only a small bag, as large luggage cannot be taken onboard. Small belongings can be placed in onboard storage during the ride. Phones and cameras are welcome when conditions allow, but keep them secure because this is an open-water experience and sea spray is possible.

The crew regularly captures photos during whale-watching trips and may share them afterwards as a complimentary bonus. Photos are not included or guaranteed, so bring your own phone or camera if you would like personal shots and keep it secure from spray.

Morning and afternoon departures offer a similar chance of seeing whales because the migration continues throughout the day. Choose the departure that best suits your Sydney plans and, if you are sensitive to sea movement, consider the forecast conditions available for your travel date.

The low, open boat gives you an excellent water-level view while the skipper follows NSW whale approach rules. For humpback whales, vessels normally remain at least 100 metres from an adult and 300 metres away when a calf is present. Curious whales may sometimes choose to swim closer, allowing the animals to set the pace of the encounter.