Sydney Whale-Watching by Speed Boat
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Board a speed boat for one of the most exciting and most personal whale-watching experiences in Sydney. You will blast out of Sydney Harbour and offshore into the Tasman Sea on your search for these magnificent creatures. Once located you will have plenty of photo opportunities as you travel alongside the migrating pod.
Aboard the the fastest commercial vessel in Sydney, you'll get to the whales quicker than ever before. The completely open design of the vessel, along with its low position in the water, offers the only unparalleled, unobstructed and up close whale-watching experience.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
24 hour cancellation/rescheduling policy applies
Passengers must be 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
For directions to the departure location; type "Campbell's Cove Pontoon" into google.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Wind/waterproof jackets
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Embark on an exciting adventure as you board the vessel at Campbell's Cove Pontoon, at Circular Quay. As we set off, allow yourself to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Sydney harbour. Keep your senses sharp as we navigate towards the open ocean, where extraordinary encounters await. Our knowledgeable skipper will provide expert guidance, enlightening you on what to look for when searching for humpback whales. Once we spot these magnificent creatures, you'll have the opportunity to cruise alongside them, observing their natural migration and perhaps even capturing some amazing photographs.
Options
Circular Quay Departure
Circular Quay departure: 2-hour whale-watching by speed boat. Departs Campbell's Cove Pontoon at Circular Quay. You must arrive 15 minutes early.
Manly Wharf Departure
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Manly Wharf departure: Please arrive at Manly Kayak Centre 15 minutes early to wait for the vessel to arrive. Manly Kayak Centre is next to Wharf 3
Manly Wharf departure: 1.5-hour whale watching by speed boat. Departs Manly Kayak Centre at Manly Wharf. You must arrive 15 mins before start time.
Reviews
315 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The speed boat ride was...
Mark D,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The speed boat ride was exhilarating and then we got to see whales in the wild just added to the experience. Watching whales breaching was breathtaking. Would definitely do this experience again.
Jumping Whales
cicciaxxx,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Exciting experience. Views many whales and pilot patient and super helpful. A ride in the bay with these sumptuous animals was wonderful
Wow, what a trip
Odyssey34043052433,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nature at its best. The whale-watching by speed boat was thrilling and a wonderful experience. We saw loads of hump back whales and would highly recommend this tour company and experience when the whales are migrating.
Sunrise, Dolphins & Whales
hollydH1397PL,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sunrise, dolphins & whales - Phenomenal morning! Sean & Martin were welcoming, informative and enthusiastic. Even if you were going by yourself you’d have a great time. Easily the best experience. We were so close to the whales that we could hear them calling in the water. The pod of 7 were so active and kept breaching, I cried!
Not to be missed experience
Karen O,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. Our guide/skipper was knowledgeable. We saw adult, juvenile and baby whales. Appreciated we were sent the photos taken by the guide. The speedboat trip in itself was thrilling.
core memory
AINIWAER A,
Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved it! all staff was super friendly, totally worth it. it was a lil trip for my birthday amd at first im a bit worried but it turns out amazing!!!
100% recommend!
B8838NLluciaz,
Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was perfect! We didn’t see whales on our first trip, but the crew warned us that the waves were big and offered us the option to reschedule. They also told us that if we decided to go and didn’t see any whales, we could come back again for free. I enjoy a bit of adventure, and even with the waves it was fun. They provided jackets to keep us warm. On our second attempt, the weather was beautiful and we saw around six different whales. The experience was truly unforgettable! The crew was amazing—very friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer all our questions. 100% recommend!
Discovery of whale migration along the east coast of Australia
jeanmR7553UA,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience seeing whales up close. The feedback from our pilot was accurate and interesting. A big thank you to her. It is a beautiful sea trip to advise.
Once in a lifetime opportunity to see Humpback Whales off Sydney!
johnpW5712VI,
Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptional trip to view Humpback Whales migrating past Sydney. After seeing a lone whale, we were lucky to find an active pod of four whales. It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Oh, and it also included views of Sydney, and the famous Opera House, from the Harbour as we were going into and out of the Tasman Sea. Our captain, Blake, was a skilled and knowledgeable guide with Ocean Extreme. The only thing we did not get to see was a full breach (leap out othe water), as shown in the photo. These only happen one out of three trips, according to the guide.
Give this a go!
ERIC W,
Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00So professionally done! Efficient load on and load out. Well communicated what the expectations were to be. We had the pleasure of watching to separate pods of whales. The second was very active near the surface so we experienced a lot of tails, fins, humpback, blows and some belly rolls. Captain Blake and his team were informative, good natured and professional. Boats were in good condition. I would do it again!!!
Related Experiences
Operated by Ocean Extreme