Australia · WHALE WATCHING CRUISES IN SYDNEY
The 10 best whale watching cruises in Sydney you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Cruise from Circular Quay into Sydney’s open waters aboard a spacious catamaran for 2 hours and 45 minutes of humpback whale watching. Your English-speaking guide shares whale facts while you watch from broad decks, with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, toilets, and a licensed bar onboard.
“Great fun, knowledgeable guides and we saw lots of whales and dolphins. Would 100% do it again!”
From Circular Quay, ride Fantasea Crystal to the open ocean in about 20 minutes, then spend nearly 90 minutes looking for humpback whales, dolphins, and seals. You can watch from the sun deck, covered rear deck, or air-conditioned cabin. Guides such as Josh, Wayde, and Kate have earned praise for lively commentary.
“Lovely views, unfortunately we did not see any whales”
Leave King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour with Whale Tales for a 2.5-hour search for migrating humpback whales. You’ll pass the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, then head beyond the Heads with a small group, live commentary, and crew such as Rex, Mette, Alex, or Isaac. Whale sighting guarantee included.
“We had a fantastic day out on Sydney Harbour and beyond the Heads for our whale sighting tour. The weather was picture perfect adding a to great trip. Mette was extremely knowledgeable and provided a commentary on the whales' behaviour & how best to spot them. We were encouraged to stand up and move around so we could spot the whales (this was great for me as I normally suffer seasickness and didn't want to just sit). The Whale Tales website encouraged visitors to take medication if they suffer from seasickness 1 hour before, I did and had no problem at all. Our first sighting was a mother Humpback whale…”
You board Fantasea Avalon at Aquarium Wharf for a 150-minute cruise from Darling Harbour. The catamaran reaches open water in about 30 minutes, with an English-speaking guide, indoor and outdoor viewing, complimentary drinks, and an onboard photographer.
“Saw 4 whales - came close to a boat. Brilliant experience”
Set out from Circular Quay for a four-hour Sydney Princess Cruises trip through the harbour and into the Tasman Sea. A live English guide explains whales, dolphins, and Sydney landmarks while you watch for breaching humpbacks. Choose lunch daily or breakfast on weekends, and take seasickness tablets before boarding.
“Full of action packed viewing of awesome whales...and very attentive staff”
Cruise from Circular Quay with Captain Dean and guide Tom, passing Sydney Harbour and Sydney Heads before seeking migrating humpback whales offshore. The spacious catamaran limits passenger numbers, offers toilets and onboard photography, and includes English commentary. Whales are guaranteed, with a return-trip promise if needed.
“It was a great trip. We saw 3 whales, dolphins, seals! Was fantastic! Highly recommend the crew to anyone interested in whale watching in sydney!”
Join Captain Cook Cruises at Circular Quay for a 150-minute search for humpback whales from May to November. You will cruise beyond Sydney Harbour with live English commentary, outdoor viewing, and possible sightings of dolphins, seals, seabirds, and more. Guides such as Paul have added lively whale facts to past trips.
“Spotting whales is mere luck.. and we could make it”
Join Whale Tales from King Street Wharf for a 150-minute Sydney whale watching trip with up to 30 passengers. Guides such as Alex, Mette, Sophia, and Ben share marine facts while the crew searches for humpbacks. Expect harbour landmarks, open-ocean conditions, and free whale photographs when available.
“Awesome time, seen a humpback mother and her calf!”
Cruise from Circular Quay past Sydney’s icons and through Sydney Heads aboard Barefoot Blue, a stable catamaran with a capped number of guests. Your English-speaking crew shares live commentary while you search for migrating humpback whales offshore. The cruise usually runs in the afternoon and includes a sunset sailing.
“The boat was rocking quite a bit, so we didn't see many whales from inside. It took about an hour and a half to get to the destination, so there weren't many chances to spot whales.”
Start at Circular Quay for a 2.5-hour open-water cruise in search of humpback and southern right whales. Afterward, explore Taronga Zoo at your own pace, then return by Rocket Ferry. Expect sea motion, outdoor viewing, onboard commentary, and colder conditions offshore.
“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.”
Pick a coast, a rock or a cellar door.
