Australia · WHALE WATCHING TRIPS IN SYDNEY
Itineraries always run a day short. These 11 whale watching trips in Sydney are worth the slot they take, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes rather than an evening.
2h45 humpback whale cruise from Circular Quay with live commentary, landmark views, and complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate onboard.
“The boat trip was amazing! Captain and crew were very informative and polite. The views of the whales and dolphins spotted were spectacular. Would 100% recommend to anyone.”
4-hour Sydney whale cruise with breakfast or BBQ lunch, live naturalist commentary, and harbour sights, plus free return if no whales.
“A must do for anyone visiting Sydney. It was exciting to watch the whales in their natural habitat splashing out like dolphins. I loved it and will do it again.”
A 2-hour express whale cruise from Circular Quay on Fantasea Crystal, with fast open-ocean access, deck views, and guaranteed sightings.
“Perfect, the whales where around us all the time, beautiful spectacle, 100% recommended, only advice is to go with very warm clothes because is freezing outside the boat”
Sail from Darling Harbour for small-boat humpback whale watching in Sydney, with harbour views, live commentary, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“Experience of a lifetime! Friendly and informative staff on and off the boat. We saw dolphins and whales and I was lit up like a kid on Christmas morning! If you’re thinking about it, just do it! Absolutely worth it. I went solo and did the 12pm ride. Pack a rain jacket and a hat!”
Fantasea Avalon catamaran whale watching from Darling Harbour, fast to open ocean, with two decks, photo service, and included drinks.
“I really enjoyed this tour, we did it July. We saw a group of whales, the guide was very informative and engaging it was well worth doing. I would highly recommend it”
4-hour whale watching from Circular Quay with live guide commentary and included breakfast or BBQ lunch, sailing to Sydney Heads.
“Food was way better than we expected, we could see a lot of lovely whales. Loved it.”
Whales guaranteed on a 3-hour scenic catamaran cruise from Circular Quay. See humpbacks, plus possible dolphins and seals.
“Absolutely incredible trip! Saw loads of whales, seen one whale when we came out of the harbour and stayed with them for a bit, very playful whale and then we moved into a group of whales and we were basically surrounded!!! And they were all jumping out and playful. An amazing experience”
150-minute Sydney Harbour whale cruise with all-weather comfort, expert narration, and a 95% whale sighting guarantee.
“We saw the whales, and I know that is what the trip was about, but I think the tour guide could talk about other wildlife in the ocean. For example, the many sea birds that I saw, albatross, not something most people will ever see.”
Intimate 2.5-hour humpback whale cruise from Darling Harbour, passing the Opera House and Bridge, with close viewing and a whale guarantee.
“Saw a couple young humpbacks breaching as well as a few calf’s and their mothers surfacing! The team were clearly experienced and got us seeing what we came to see. The size of the boat and amount of people on it was perfect too! Everyone got to see what the paid to see”
Sydney whale watching cruise with a guaranteed sighting option, then Taronga Zoo entry plus Rocket Ferry return from Circular Quay.
“Really loved the few hours out on the water our guide was very informative thrown in with a little bit of humour and the cruise was nice and smooth the day we ventured out. We saw plenty of activity there were whales all over the place I can't believe they come in so close to shore line. Both adult and calves present although they weren't putting on a huge display being in their presence was more than enough. We are lucky to have Ningaloo on our side of the country but was a special day seeing the east coast friends. Thank you Captain Cook and team.”
A 2.5-hour high-speed whale watching cruise from Sydney, with guaranteed sightings or a free return, plus an open deck for up-close views.
“The views of Sydney were nice and we got to see a few whales in the distance but unfortunately we got seasick 🤢 would have gone for the regular ferry instead, anyway puke bags were readily available on the boat”
Pick a coast, a city or a kind of day.
