Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay

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Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

See magnificent humpback and southern right whales at play on a Sydney whale-watching cruise. From Circular Quay, this open-water cruise will take you through the entrance of Sydney Harbour and into the open Pacific in search of whales. The open-air viewing decks on board the catamaran offer unobstructed views and the best opportunities for spotting and watching the whales. Getting up close to these gentle giants of the sea is an awe-inspiring experience that you don’t want to miss. With record numbers of whales due to pass along Sydney's coastline this migration season, there are sure to be plenty of sightings and great photo opportunities!

This activity is seasonal, operating from mid-May to early-Novemeber each year.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please dress appropriately and wear warm clothing. It will often feel cooler at sea

If you are susceptible to travel sickness, please bring the relevant medication

Whale Guarantee: If a whale is not sighted during your cruise, you'll be given the opportunity to cruise again for free

Reconfirmation Hotline - Call +61-2-8062 3623 from 7.15am on the day of your cruise to confirm the cruise is going ahead. Cruises may be cancelled subject to weather conditions.

Not recommended for travelers 3 years and younger

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

2.5 Hour Whale Watching Cruise

Live commentary on board

Food and drinks (available to purchase)

What To Expect

Whale Watching cruises are an extraordinary opportunity to see the gentle giants of the sea on their annual migration. Your cruise begins from Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour and makes its way past the Opera House, the beautiful eastern suburbs and outside the Harbour headlands to open water. Southern Right, Orca and Minke Whales all visit Sydney's coastline, but it's the Humpbacks that come in great numbers and love to show off with breaches, tail slaps and even a sneaky wink when they are feeling extra curious.

Options

Whale Watching - PM

Departs 1:30pm

Whale Watching - AM

Departs 9:30am

Reviews

4.31

203 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

129
38
16
9
11

  • A Whale of a Time!!

    Frank S,

    Oct 15, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    Whales are special animals because they do whatever they want to do. If they show up they do, if they don't, they don't. We were fortunate to have our crew bring us near a few pods and saw some whale tales and hump backs. Our crew even brought us near a few sunbathing Seals. All in all, a great cruise. Enoy!1

  • This was an epic trip. We...

    Jennett V,

    Oct 14, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    This was an epic trip. We were able to see a couple of whales pop out of the ocean. The crew were super friendly and we felt safe while on the boat. Highly recommend!

  • Best part of our 40 day trip

    Barbara B,

    Oct 12, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    This experience delivered! We saw whales breach so many times! Simply amazing! Mother & calf! Highly recommend

  • Saw lots of whales

    Carson L,

    Oct 6, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    We really enjoyed watching the whales. As soon as we left the harbour we saw whales. They were breaching and playing it was beautiful. The boat kept us on whales the entire time. I would definitely prepare for this trip with medicine or patches if you get sea sick. We had a lot of other people around us get sick. They give out throw up bags but probably avoidable with medicine. Not sure if it’s normally that rough tho. The speaker was great and very knowledgeable

  • Spectacular...but beware seasickness!

    Sheila B,

    Oct 5, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The sea was very choppy and many passengers were sick. However, there were multiple sightings of whales, fins, blowholes etc so it was a wonderful experience. We came from England to visit our son and his family who emigrated last year.

From A$82.00

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Operated by Captain Cook Cruises