Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay

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. The 2024 season operates 18 May - 03 November 2024.

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 - AM

9.30am: Departs from Circular Quay Wharf No.1 at 9:30am, returns at 12:00pm

Whale Watching - PM

1:30pm: Departs from Circular Quay Wharf No.1 at 1:30pm, returns at 4:00pm

Reviews

4.29

168 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

106

Good not great
Nicole J,
Jul 5, 2025
- Viator
3.00
I tend to gravitate away from large group tours. I think the captain was great. I just think the ship doesn't have enough open space for the amount of people that want to see. People tend to shove which is just not something I care for, not necessarily the hostess fault however a smaller tour would have been better for me.
Whales
Danielle D,
Jun 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Gina was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw beautiful whales near the boat. At least 3 pods and 1 breech. A great experience
A great experience! Loads...
Heikki L,
Jun 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00
A great experience! Loads of majestic humpback whales spotted. Sea can be a bit rough. Friendly and welcoming staff.
Really lovely experience....
Grace W,
Jun 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Really lovely experience. Check-in was simple, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the whales.
The tour guide was very...
Niamh F,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
2.00
The tour guide was very good however we only seen one whale far in the distance not the experience I was expecting I have had much better experiences with other company’s