SYDNEY
Sydney’s best days out.
The 15 most popular whale watching cruises in Sydney. What each one actually involves, what it costs, and the operator who runs it.
Spend 2h45 on a catamaran whale-watching cruise from Circular Quay with live commentary, hot drinks, and Sydney Harbour views.
Most Popular“It was a beautiful day on the water. We did get to see some whale activity. The trip was well worth the money!”
Sydney Harbour whale-watching cruise with breakfast or BBQ lunch, Opera House views and guaranteed sightings during May–Nov. From $74.59.
“The tour is very well-run. Knowledgeable staff. Great food. We saw tons of whales. Highly recommend.”
Express whale watching from Circular Quay on the Fantasea Crystal: 20 minutes to open ocean, air-conditioned comfort, free return if no whales.
“Absolutely loved this. So easy to access from circular quay. Friendly guides and great ship and really excellent value for money. Worth it just to be out on the ocean but also amazing to see whales and dolphins. Took 4 kids aged 9-13 and everyone loved it!”
Small-group humpback whale cruise from Darling Harbour with onboard commentary, a whale sighting guarantee, and classic Opera House views.
“Amazing experience!! Alex and Alex were great and very informative. It was a short boat ride (maybe 45 min until we got to the site). We saw a few mother humpback wales and their calves. We even got to see some dolphins on the way back!!”
Fast catamaran whale watching from Darling Harbour with a 30-minute open-ocean run, two-deck views, onboard photos, tea and coffee.
“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…”
Cruise past Sydney Heads to look for humpback whales, with expert commentary plus breakfast or lunch on board in a small-group boat.
“It was a wonderful experience! We saw a family of whales, swimming near the boat. We saw dolphins jumping and playing. And we even got to see seals! Lunch was delicious and abundant. The only recommendation is that if you are not used to sailing, it is better to take some medication for seasickness.”
A 3-hour Sydney Harbour whale watching cruise on a spacious catamaran, with humpback whales and onboard commentary plus photos.
“Amazing i had the best time! everyone was really friendly and loved all the whale facts would highly recommend”
Fast Sydney speedboat whale-watching from Circular Quay for humpbacks, with jackets, small groups, and expert skipper spotting.
“Brilliant experience, we were lucky with whale sightings on the day but great work by the crew to ensure enjoyment for all”
Cruise Sydney Harbour looking for humpback whales in winter migration season, with live commentary, all-weather comfort, and a 95% sighting guarantee.
“amazing Tour, we saw multiple whales, some Dolphins and Seals. Ibis can only recommend this tour! Also you are able to see Sydney/opera/bridge from a great perspektive!”
Small-group humpback whale watching from Darling Harbour with close viewing, expert commentary, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“Excellent tour and quite good at finding the whales.”
See humpback whales on a 2.5-hour Sydney Harbour cruise from Circular Quay, with open-air decks, live commentary, and a free re-cruise guarantee.
“A wonderful journey It was a wonderful journey, extremely exciting. During this trip, we saw many whales leaping out of the water and several very cute dolphins.”
See humpback whales on a Circular Quay cruise, then spend the afternoon at Taronga Zoo on a convenient return ferry.
“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,…”
Whale watching from Circular Quay on a spacious catamaran with Opera House and Harbour Bridge views, heading out to spot humpbacks.
“The marine biologist was very knowledgeable. We saw so many whales, it was amazing! Couldn’t have asked for a better trip!”
Small-group sailing whale watching from Rose Bay. Sail past Sydney Harbour, follow humpbacks in the Tasman Sea, about 3 hours.
“It was a wonderful day, very punctual and very friendly, an amazing experience. 🥰 I recommend that if you get dizzy, take something before, to avoid dizziness or vomiting 😌 and enjoy the whale watching 🐋.”
High-speed 2.5-hour whale watch in Sydney with open-deck views, speeds up to 80 km/h, and a free return if you don’t spot whales.
“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”
The harbour, the headlands and the mountains beyond, and every way to get out into them.
