Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay
Overview
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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 - AM
Departs 9:30am
Whale Watching - PM
Departs 1:30pm
Reviews
175 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Lovely sight
Yubraj B,
Jul 21, 2025
- Viator
4.00Wonderful experience Would have been more fun if there were few more dives by whales. Loved it. Must go to see world largest mammals once in a life.
Worst Tour ever done
Pratik G,
Jul 21, 2025
- Viator
1.00Worst experience. Don't go. The lady doesn't know anythign about whales. There is no guarantee that you will see a whale. They say there is a whale guarantee. But, if you don't see any whales, you have to take the tour again and they won't refund or offer alternate cruise options. Like this company runs different tours, but you must take only whale watching tour. And almost half of the people on cruise will vomit as the waters are rough. Do not. I repeat. Do not go on this tour. Avoid it at all costs.
Just wow!!! More than we expected.
Wambui O,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was an excellent boat tour. We had 3 sightings of whales flapping their tails at great proximity. Not sure why I was expecting humpback whales jumping out of the water 😂 but what we saw was still great. The boat ride was a thrill in itself if you don’t get sea sick. Multiple ppl were sea sick and bag were provided ahead of time so there were no accidents 🥴. The view leaving the city, or the landscape while looking for seals and back to the city was excellent. Saw Sydney Opera house from different view that on land. I mostly took videos.
Great Whale Watching Experience!
Leona S,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Definitely worth it! We saw two whales and kind of followed them but were mostly standing still, so it was quite nice to watch. Gina and Kai (I think these were their names) were our guides and they were super knowledgeable about the behaviors of the whales and they were super kind, I got seasick though so if you have a weak stomach like me, be prepared! They hand out bags in the beginning though.
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Operated by Captain Cook Cruises