Sydney · SYDNEY WHALE WATCHING CRUISES
Humpbacks pass the heads heading north from about May and come back south with calves from September to November. Inside that window these 15 cruises differ on boat size, how far out past the heads they go, and what happens to your money if nothing surfaces.
See humpback whales from Circular Quay on a 2h45 catamaran with live commentary, hot drinks, panoramic decks, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“Seeing a whales, it’s amazing ! I enjoy my experience !”
4-hour Sydney Harbour cruise with whale watching plus breakfast or BBQ lunch, live naturalist commentary, and a return cruise if no whales.
“You can’t guarantee that the whales will be very active. We did see some whales, tail slaps and fin slaps. They are amazing creatures. The boat was comfortable, the lunch was tasty and the crew were friendly. Would try Sydney Princess Cruise again - but earlier in the whale migration season.”
Fast 2-hour whale cruise from Circular Quay, open ocean in 20 minutes on Fantasea Crystal, with guaranteed sightings or free return.
“It was a informative and fun cruise Really enjoyed learning and it the wales Team were great Thanks for the fun adventure”
Whale Tales whale watching from Darling Harbour. Humpback sightings, Harbour Bridge and Opera House views, small boat, and a return cruise option.
“Great time on the water! Beautiful views of the city and coast line and lots of whales! Crew was great! Highly recommend!”
A 150-minute Sydney whale watching cruise on a fast catamaran, reaching open ocean quickly for more sightings, with photo and drinks included.
“we did the afternoon whale watching cruise it was thought was so two of our four people backed out preferring to go milder seas it was hard to see any whales because it was so choppy we managed to find one who put on a bit of a display for us sadly all I managed to catch on my phone was four splashes the whales were just too fast for me couldn't hear the commentary over the booming seas The boat was adequate and seemed stable enough even in the larger waves so we could go quite a way out to find the whale activity”
Cruise out of Circular Quay in a small-group boat for humpback whales, live guidance, and breakfast or lunch on board.
“Incredible experience, the crew were all so lovely and helpful. The lunch provided was of great quality with plenty of options to choose from. Would recommend this trip to anyone considering it!”
Sydney whale watching cruise from Circular Quay on a spacious catamaran. Humpbacks guaranteed, expert commentary, photos. 3 hours.
“It was a fabulous outing seeing the Whales n on the way back seeing the Dolphins. Money well spent.”
Speedboat whale watching from Circular Quay, past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with humpback encounters in the Tasman Sea.
“Such a cool boat and we were provided with rain coats, which was definitely appreciated. But even more amazingly, we saw several whales and dolphins! The whales were showing all the typical behaviours from jumping out the water to flapping their wings. A truly amazing trip!”
A 150-minute Sydney Harbour cruise in winter whale season, with live commentary and a 95% whale sighting guarantee.
“Guides were fun and informative. We followed 3 whales for some time and were lucky enough to see a whales breaching too.”
Small-group whale watching from Darling Harbour, tracking winter humpback migration with live marine commentary and a whale sighting guarantee.
“An Unforgettable Whale Watching Adventure with Sophia. If you're looking for a truly magical encounter with nature, look no further than whale watching with Sophia! From the moment we boarded the boat, Sophia’s warm energy, deep knowledge, and passion for marine life made this trip something truly special. Not only did we spot multiple humpback whales breaching and tail-slapping in the distance, but Sophia made sure we understood exactly what we were witnessing. She shared fascinating insights about whale migration, behavior, and conservation in a way that was both educational and engaging for all ages. What stood out most was how respectful and ethical the whole experience was—no chasing or...”
Humpback whale hunting off Circular Quay on a 2.5-hour May to November cruise, with live commentary, open-air decks, and free return.
“Only negative was the attendees were crowding around railing constantly blocking others photo opportunities. Need clear guidelines to share space and enforce them !!! The guide is as good. She asked people to step back for others and not as rudely ignored. Made for a disappointing experience.”
Cruise Circular Quay for a 2.5-hour humpback whale hunt, then spend the afternoon at Taronga Zoo with return ferry transport included.
“I always appreciate safety and observing the rules of how to behave in nature and wild environments - and that was well taken care of. I know wild animals are not on cue and no one really knows what may or may not happen. However, running from one side of the boat to the other, and trying to catch a glimse of sth really wasn't what I imagined.”
Catamaran cruise from Circular Quay to open sea for humpback whales, with Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House views, plus snacks.
“We saw lots of whales it was really great. We even saw whales that breached the surface and heard them talking to each other.”
Small-group sailing whale watching from Rose Bay, Sydney Harbour views, sail when possible, and humpback whale sightings in the Tasman Sea May to November.
“What an amazing experience - Captain Douglas and First Mate Gavin got us right to the whales outside The Heads! We were saw 20-30 whales and 2 breaching!! Douglas was respectful of keeping our distance from the whales and ensured Read more”
High-speed Sydney whale watching cruise with guaranteed whale sightings or a free return, plus an open deck built for close views.
“The views of Sydney were nice and we got to see a few whales in the distance but unfortunately we got seasick 🤢 would have gone for the regular ferry instead, anyway puke bags were readily available on the boat”
Every kind of day out between the ferry wharves and the cliffs, and the best of each.
