Hot Deal
From$89$57
1. Select date
2. Select a time
Total : 0
Select Pickup Location ×
Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

531
Why Book With Us?
  • No-hassle Best Price Guarantee
  • Experienced & Friendly Staff
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • Australia Based & Destination Specialists

Sydney 3-Hour Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

(17 Reviews)
  • Departs from Sydney
  • 3 hours

 

Highlights

  • Spend 2 hours 45 minutes whale watching off Sydney’s spectacular coastline
  • Learn fascinating whale behavior facts from expert marine guides
  • Enjoy panoramic views, free hot drinks, and iconic Sydney landmarks

Good job icon

 

What to expect

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

Step aboard a spacious catamaran for a thrilling whale watching cruise along Sydney’s magnificent coastline. With nearly three hours at sea, this tour gives you plenty of time to search for and observe humpback whales in their natural environment.

Relax on wide open decks and take in panoramic views, with Sydney’s iconic landmarks as your backdrop when departing the harbour. Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are served onboard, so you can stay warm and comfortable while awaiting sightings.

As the whales appear, watch in awe as they breach, tail-slap, or swim gracefully by the vessel. Expert guides provide fascinating commentary on whale behavior, migration patterns, and the marine ecosystem, ensuring a deeper appreciation of these gentle giants.

And with a whale sighting guarantee, you can book with confidence — if your cruise doesn’t spot a whale, you’ll receive a complimentary return ticket.

This unforgettable Sydney Harbour whale watching adventure promises incredible wildlife encounters and lasting memories.

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5.0/5
Based on 17 reviewsRead all reviews
Valerie

We had the best time! The 'David Attenborough' information about the whales was well-timed and fascinating. We saw many tail slaps and brilliant breaches. Two whales were frolicking together at one point. The staff clearly love the wildlife and treat them with respect. The Sea Eagle sighting on the way home was a magnificent way to end the cruise.

Alicia

Amazing day out. Very smooth service and great staff. Lots of great information provided by the Marine Biologist on board. We sailed alongside two whales for majority of the trip. Endless views of the whales and was so close but at a safe distance for the whales. 10/10 can’t recommend enough. Tea and Coffee to accompany the end

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • 2 hour and 45 minute whale watching excursion
  • Live informative commentary
  • Licensed bar onboard
  • Spacious decks and comfortable seating
  • Optimal views
  • Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate

Extra

  • Hotel transfers

Time and Departure Location

Meet at Circular Quay the Eastern Pontoon, check-in booth is located along the promenade walkway halfway between Ferry Wharf No.2 and the Sydney Opera House.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important Information

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Know before you go

  • Passengers must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time
  • After this time, the provider reserves the right to resell the seats. Late passengers will not receive a refund
  • As an open-water cruise, you will experience wave motions
  • If you’re prone to seasickness or uncertain about your sea legs, we highly recommend considering over-the-counter sea sickness tablets before our cruise for a more comfortable experience
  • Please follow the instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if needed
  • The tour operator guarantees whale sightings
  • In the unlikely event that a whale is not spotted on your cruise, you will receive a complimentary return trip valid for 12 months
  • This is subject to availability, please contact the provider for more information
  • This tour will operate in all weather conditions, including the rain

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 10 days prior to travel, with a 5% non-refundable administration and booking fee retained. Cancellations made within 9 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

Is this whale watching cruise suitable for families with young children?

Yes. The spacious catamaran has indoor and outdoor seating, broad viewing decks and an onboard toilet, making the nearly three-hour cruise more comfortable for families. Infants must sit on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs are accepted. As the boat travels into open water, children should be comfortable with wave motion and the full time at sea.

How much of the cruise is spent getting to the open ocean?

The boat usually reaches the open ocean in about 20 minutes after leaving Circular Quay, giving the crew plenty of time to search for whales along Sydney’s coast. The complete experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and includes the scenic harbour journey in both directions.

What facilities and refreshments are available onboard?

The catamaran has indoor and outdoor seating, spacious viewing decks and an onboard toilet. Complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate are included, while snacks and additional drinks can be purchased from the licensed bar.

How should I prepare if I am prone to seasickness?

The catamaran offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but you will feel ocean movement once the boat passes Sydney Heads. We recommend taking your usual motion-sickness remedy before boarding and following the packet directions. Staying where you can see the horizon and wearing a warm, wind-resistant layer can also make the journey more comfortable.

What happens if no whales are spotted during the cruise?

You can join another whale-watching cruise free of charge. The complimentary return cruise is valid for 12 months and is booked subject to availability, giving you another opportunity to experience the migration.

Does the cruise operate in rain or rough weather?

Light rain does not normally stop the cruise, and indoor seating provides shelter during the journey. Wind and ocean swell are more important to safe operation. If conditions are unsuitable, the departure may be rescheduled or cancelled and affected guests will be given the available options.

Can I see dolphins or other marine life as well?

Humpback whales are the main focus, but dolphins and other marine life may also appear along Sydney’s coast. The guides provide commentary about the animals, their behaviour and the annual migration, so there is plenty to watch and learn throughout the cruise.

17 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Chris

Group Traveller

WE SAW SO MANY WHALES. This was by far one of the best things I’ve ever done. Our guides were great at getting us close to see the pods and giving us tons of fun facts about the whales and other marine life. I highly recommend!

August 23, 2025

Marek

Group Traveller

Amazing experience I think everybody should try at least once in life

August 13, 2025

Jade

Group Traveller

We really enjoyed our Whale Watching trip while in Sydney. The guides were excellent and clearly had great knowledge of hump back whales and shared lots of interesting information throughout the boat trip. We saw multiple whales on our trip which was great.

August 7, 2025

Valerie

Group Traveller

We had the best time! The ‘David Attenborough’ information about the whales was well-timed and fascinating. We saw many tail slaps and brilliant breaches. Two whales were frolicking together at one point. The staff clearly love the wildlife and treat them with respect. The Sea Eagle sighting on the way home was a magnificent way to end the cruise.

August 4, 2025

Dylan

Family Traveller

No regret it was really good! We’ve seen nothing during 1hour but after that we spotted plenty of Whales so we stayed there for a long moment so we we’re late but really worth it! Thank’s the team for the extra hour on the boat !

July 29, 2025
123