Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay
Overview
Available languages
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
206 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience in Sidney
Silvia T,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was quite nice and we managed to see a little group of whales and hang around them without rush. Very recommended!
Worth the trip
fionajackson12,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful trip. Not too rough waters and they give barf bags just in case. The tour guide was very informative and taught us a lot about whales in general. Got to see a mother, her baby, and their escort. Beautiful day
Great tip - saw consistent breaching of water by baby whale.
desi s,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I thought we may see a whale fin in the distance, but nope, we were treated to consistent breaching of the water by a baby whale her mum was regularly surfacing. This went on for a good 15 minutes. Very enjoyable. Tip - sit on the top of the boat (in the open air) and in the front. - bring a hoodie or long-sleeved top as it can get cool out in the sea.
Disappointing compared to sapphire coast
Kay P,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Disappointing. You could not hear the commentary on the upper deck. People were crowding the rails upstairs and finally asked to go downstairs for safety if not seated. No advice given regarding etiquette so everyone on both sides got to see whales, people just moved from side to side blocking others views. Other smaller boats in the same area had better viewing of the whales it was like we had to give priority viewing to the smaller vessels. Would not book again.
A Whale of a Time!!
Frank S,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Whales 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
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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!
Lots of whales!
drdeb101,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great trip, boat wasn’t full so mainly plenty of room and vantage points. Lots of whales! Excellent commentary. But the company should wash to boat windows more often
Best part of our 40 day trip
Barbara B,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience delivered! We saw whales breach so many times! Simply amazing! Mother & calf! Highly recommend
Saw lots of whales
Carson L,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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
- Review from Viator
5.00The 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.
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