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
183 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great whale watching cruise
Laura C,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
4.00Great experience, we saw many whales and a few also did big jumps. The commentary was very interesting but it was hard to hear in the back of the boat, which is the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars. They are also well accustomed to visitors being sea sick and had everything needed. Overall, it was great!
Whale watching
Melanie M,
Aug 16, 2025
- Viator
4.00It was an appealing excursion and we saw whales. Unfortunately no one jumped out of the water but that's the way it is. In very good weather we had a nice time at sea. The explanations were quite easy to understand and it all worked out.
QR code or not QR code - that is the question!
Chris M,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
4.00Fantastic encounter with a calf in the breech position. Was worried that it was a bit late in the season but no problem. Some confusion over tickets with staff wondering around saying you needed your QR code to get on and if you didn’t have it your should go to the ticket counter and get it printed out. Well I only had a barcode that I had put in my apple wallet -
We took our trip in...
Nicola K,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
4.00We took our trip in August so knew we were less likely to see the whales. We were out for almost an hour and a half before the first sighting and it was just a glimpse. We had two further sightings bit again, just a glimpse. The guide was informative.
Whale watching outside...
David H,
Jul 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Whale watching outside Sydney harbour, weather perfect ( a bit cold ) Whales made an appearance so day was successful.
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Operated by Captain Cook Cruises