Help

Top things to do in Sydney

Sydney Whale Watching Cruises

Experience the wonder of Sydney's humpback whales on our curated collection of Whale Watching Cruises. Join them for an exhilarating journey, complete with informative commentary and prime viewing spots for an unforgettable adventure.
4.5/5
2,505 travellers from around the world love this
Why head out with Headout
Sydney Whale Watching Cruises
Humpback whale breaching during Sydney Whale Watching Adventure Cruise.
Whale tail emerging from the ocean during Sydney Whale Watching Adventure Cruise.
Cruise ship on Sydney Harbour with city skyline and Harbour Bridge in the background.
Interior of a boat with seating and tables, part of the Sydney Whale Watching Adventure Cruise.
Humpback whale underwater during Sydney Whale Watching Adventure Cruise.
Cruise ship on Sydney Whale Watching Adventure in open ocean.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Marine Biologist Commentary

Book now, pay later
2 hrs 45 mins - 3 hrs
Meals included

  • Set off from Circular Quay on a 2h45 whale cruise into the Pacific, guided by a marine biologist with live expert commentary.

  • Cruise a stable vessel with indoor lounges and open-air decks, offering great viewing in all weather conditions.

  • See humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and playing during migration, with chances to spot dolphins and seabirds.

  • Learn about whale behaviour and Sydney’s marine ecosystem through expert narration and onboard binocular viewing.

  • Choose 2h45, 3-hour, or 4-hour cruises, with varied vessels, layouts, dining options, and whale sighting guarantee included.

More details

  • Set off from Circular Quay on a 2h45 whale cruise into the Pacific, guided by a marine biologist with live expert commentary.

  • Cruise a stable vessel with indoor lounges and open-air decks, offering great viewing in all weather conditions.

  • See humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and playing during migration, with chances to spot dolphins and seabirds.

  • Learn about whale behaviour and Sydney’s marine ecosystem through expert narration and onboard binocular viewing.

  • Choose 2h45, 3-hour, or 4-hour cruises, with varied vessels, layouts, dining options, and whale sighting guarantee included.

from
AU$63.50
Breaching whale near a cruise ship during a whale watching tour in Sydney.
Cruise ship near Sydney Opera House on Hop-On-Hop-Off Sydney Harbour Cruise.
Women enjoying a cruise on Sydney Harbour with city skyline in the background.
Whale breaching in the ocean near Sydney.
Women smiling on a boat with Sydney Opera House in the background, Sydney Harbour.
Couple enjoying a whale watching tour on Sydney Harbour with city skyline in the background.
Couple enjoying whale watching tour on a boat in Sydney.
Giraffes at Taronga Zoo with Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

Sydney Harbour Whale Watching Cruise by Captain Cook

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Explore at your pace

  • Cruise from Circular Quay on a 2.5-hour whale watching adventure, featuring expert commentary and stunning views of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge, all from a modern catamaran with spacious decks and accessible amenities.

  • Benefit from a whale sighting guarantee. Rebook for free within the same season if no whales are spotted.

  • Personalize your experience: Add general admission to Taronga Zoo and return rocket ferry transfers for a seamless wildlife day out, or choose a 2-day hop-on hop-off ferry pass to explore six iconic Sydney Harbour stops, including Manly, Watsons Bay, and Shark Island, at your own pace.

  • Enjoy the trusted service and high whale sighting success rate of Captain Cook Cruises, making this the ideal way to experience Sydney’s marine life and harbour highlights in one easy booking.

More details

  • Cruise from Circular Quay on a 2.5-hour whale watching adventure, featuring expert commentary and stunning views of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge, all from a modern catamaran with spacious decks and accessible amenities.

  • Benefit from a whale sighting guarantee. Rebook for free within the same season if no whales are spotted.

  • Personalize your experience: Add general admission to Taronga Zoo and return rocket ferry transfers for a seamless wildlife day out, or choose a 2-day hop-on hop-off ferry pass to explore six iconic Sydney Harbour stops, including Manly, Watsons Bay, and Shark Island, at your own pace.

  • Enjoy the trusted service and high whale sighting success rate of Captain Cook Cruises, making this the ideal way to experience Sydney’s marine life and harbour highlights in one easy booking.

from AU$95
AU$85

11% off

Whale breaching near cliffs off Sydney coast.
Couple pointing at whales during a Sydney whale watching cruise.
Man grilling sausages on a boat with Sydney Opera House in the background during a whale watching cruise.
Whale breaching in Sydney Harbour with city skyline and bridge in background.
Whale tail breaching near Sydney skyline during a whale watching cruise.
Guests enjoying a buffet on a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.
Two whales swimming in the ocean during a Sydney whale watching cruise.
Buffet spread on Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with salads and hot dishes.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Brekkie/ BBQ Lunch

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
4 hrs
1 more
from
AU$104
Whale breaching near a tour boat on a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with city skyline in background.
Whale watching boat near Sydney Opera House on a sunny day.
Whale breaching near a tour boat on a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.
Whale tail near boat on Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.
Whale breaching near a tour boat on a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with 3 Viewing Decks by Fantasea

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hrs - 2 hrs 30 mins

  • Enjoy a fast 2-hour whale watching cruise from Campbells Cove with quick access to Sydney’s offshore humpback whale migration routes

  • Cruise past Sydney Harbour landmarks including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Sydney Heads before heading into the Pacific Ocean

  • Watch for breaching humpback whales from three viewing decks, with indoor seating and climate-controlled cabins for added comfort

  • Upgrade to the longer 2.5-hour Darling Harbour cruise for extra time offshore, additional harbour sightseeing, and more whale spotting opportunities

More details

  • Enjoy a fast 2-hour whale watching cruise from Campbells Cove with quick access to Sydney’s offshore humpback whale migration routes

  • Cruise past Sydney Harbour landmarks including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Sydney Heads before heading into the Pacific Ocean

  • Watch for breaching humpback whales from three viewing decks, with indoor seating and climate-controlled cabins for added comfort

  • Upgrade to the longer 2.5-hour Darling Harbour cruise for extra time offshore, additional harbour sightseeing, and more whale spotting opportunities

from
AU$91
Whale breaching near a tour boat on a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.
Whale tail near boat on Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.
Whale watching boat near Sydney Opera House on a sunny day.
Whale breaching near a tour boat on a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.
Whale breaching near a tour boat on a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with city skyline in background.
Humpback whale head lunge emerging from ocean waters.
Humpback whale breaching in front of Sydney skyline and Opera House.

Sydney Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with Open Deck Sunset Viewing

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hrs

  • Experience a scenic 2-hour sunset whale watching cruise from Circular Quay with golden-hour harbour views and offshore whale spotting

  • Cruise past Sydney Harbour landmarks including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Sydney Heads as the city glows at sunset

  • Enjoy indoor seating, open-air viewing areas, and dual outdoor viewing decks with panoramic harbour and ocean views

  • Learn about humpback whale behaviour from expert crew and marine naturalists, with live commentary and a whale sighting guarantee included

More details

  • Experience a scenic 2-hour sunset whale watching cruise from Circular Quay with golden-hour harbour views and offshore whale spotting

  • Cruise past Sydney Harbour landmarks including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Sydney Heads as the city glows at sunset

  • Enjoy indoor seating, open-air viewing areas, and dual outdoor viewing decks with panoramic harbour and ocean views

  • Learn about humpback whale behaviour from expert crew and marine naturalists, with live commentary and a whale sighting guarantee included

from
AU$127
Koala on a branch at Taronga Zoo with Sydney skyline and whale watching boat in the background.
Whale breaching near a tour boat in Sydney Harbour.
Catamaran cruising near Sydney Opera House on a whale watching tour.
Giraffes at Taronga Zoo with Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.
Entrance to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, featuring historic architecture and arched doorway.
Tourists on a whale watching cruise near Sydney Harbour.
Whale breaching near catamaran on Sydney Whale Watching Cruise.
Tiger walking through grass at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
Elephants near a water feature at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
Wallaby on rocky terrain at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.

Combo [Save 4%]: Sydney Whale Watching Cruise + Taronga Zoo Tickets

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
7 hrs

  • Enjoy a 2.5-hour whale watching cruise with expert commentary, panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, and guaranteed whale sightings—or cruise again for free!

  • Includes direct entry to Taronga Zoo via ferry, skipping the main entrance queues and avoiding crowded bus transfers.

  • Access the zoo from the lower wharf entrance, allowing a more leisurely uphill exploration—ideal for families, seniors, and visitors seeking a more relaxed experience.

  • Discover over 4,000 animals at your own pace, then return to Circular Quay on a flexible rocket ferry schedule.

  • Comfortable, family-friendly catamarans offer indoor/outdoor seating and wheelchair-accessible facilities for a smooth, scenic adventure.

More details

  • Enjoy a 2.5-hour whale watching cruise with expert commentary, panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, and guaranteed whale sightings—or cruise again for free!

  • Includes direct entry to Taronga Zoo via ferry, skipping the main entrance queues and avoiding crowded bus transfers.

  • Access the zoo from the lower wharf entrance, allowing a more leisurely uphill exploration—ideal for families, seniors, and visitors seeking a more relaxed experience.

  • Discover over 4,000 animals at your own pace, then return to Circular Quay on a flexible rocket ferry schedule.

  • Comfortable, family-friendly catamarans offer indoor/outdoor seating and wheelchair-accessible facilities for a smooth, scenic adventure.

from AU$135
AU$129.60

4% off

Whale breaching near inflatable boat with tourists, Sydney skyline in background.
Whale breaching near Sydney Harbour Bridge during adventure cruise.
Whale surfaces near inflatable boat during Sydney adventure cruise.
Man photographing whale surfacing near inflatable boat on Sydney adventure cruise.
Whale tail emerging from water with Sydney skyline in the background.
People observing a humpback whale surfacing near a boat in the ocean.
Whale breaching near inflatable boat during Sydney adventure cruise.
Whale breaching near rocky cliffs during Sydney inflatable boat adventure.
Passengers on an inflatable boat watching whales near Sydney coast.

Sydney Whale Watching on Open Speedboat at Ocean Level

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hrs
1 more
from
AU$149
Whale tail splashing near whale watching boat in ocean.
Whale watching boat with passengers in Sydney harbor.
Whale breaching near a boat during an ocean whale watching experience.
Whale breaching during ocean whale watching experience.
People on a boat watching a whale tail in the ocean during a whale watching tour.
Person on boat watching ocean during whale tour.
Whale tail emerging from ocean during whale watching experience.
Tourists on a boat during an ocean whale watching experience.

Sydney Small Group Whale Watching on Custom Water-Level Viewing Boat

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hrs 30 mins
from
AU$149
Whale breaching near a tour boat during a whale watching cruise.
Tourists on a whale watching cruise near Sydney Harbour.
Couple with Captain Cook Sydney Harbour Cruise staff on deck with Sydney skyline.
Cruise ship near Sydney Opera House on Hop-On-Hop-Off Sydney Harbour Cruise.
Whale breaching near cliffs off Sydney coast.
Cruise ship docked at Circular Quay with Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge in view.
Entrance to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, featuring historic architecture and arched doorway.
Cliffs and ocean view at Watsons Bay with Sydney skyline in the background.
Shark Island with Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge in the background during Captain Cook cruise.
Boats docked at Darling Harbour with Sydney skyline in the background.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry Pass

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Explore at your pace

  • Enjoy a 2-day Sydney Harbour Hop-On Hop-Off Pass with unlimited ferry rides to six iconic stops, including Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly, and more.

  • Discover hidden gems like Shark Island—only accessible through this cruise service, not served by public ferries.

  • Includes a 2.5-hour morning whale watching cruise with expert commentary, indoor/outdoor seating, and a whale sighting guarantee (rebook for free if no whales are spotted).

  • Maximize your savings—this combo offers $10 off compared to booking separately.

  • Onboard smartphone commentary, printed maps, and flexible schedules let you explore Sydney at your own pace.

  • One easy booking covers both experiences, simplifying your planning and ensuring a seamless day out.

More details

  • Enjoy a 2-day Sydney Harbour Hop-On Hop-Off Pass with unlimited ferry rides to six iconic stops, including Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly, and more.

  • Discover hidden gems like Shark Island—only accessible through this cruise service, not served by public ferries.

  • Includes a 2.5-hour morning whale watching cruise with expert commentary, indoor/outdoor seating, and a whale sighting guarantee (rebook for free if no whales are spotted).

  • Maximize your savings—this combo offers $10 off compared to booking separately.

  • Onboard smartphone commentary, printed maps, and flexible schedules let you explore Sydney at your own pace.

  • One easy booking covers both experiences, simplifying your planning and ensuring a seamless day out.

from
AU$125

Browse by themes

Landmarks in Sydney
Sydney Harbour Cruises
Skydiving Tickets in Sydney
Musicals in Sydney
Hop-on Hop-off Tours Sydney
Guided Tours in Sydney
Zoos in Sydney
Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
Airport Services in Sydney
Sydney Attractions
Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
Museums in Sydney

Nearby cities to explore

See all
Things to do in Gold Coast
Things to do in Gold Coast
Australia
Things to do in Melbourne
Things to do in Melbourne
Australia
Things to do in Brisbane
Things to do in Brisbane
Australia
Things to do in Sunshine Coast
Things to do in Sunshine Coast
Australia
Things to do in Hobart
Things to do in Hobart
Australia
Things to do in Adelaide
Things to do in Adelaide
Australia
Things to do in Whitsundays
Things to do in Whitsundays
Australia
Things to do in Cairns
Things to do in Cairns
Australia
Things to do in Darwin
Things to do in Darwin
Australia
Things to do in Perth
Things to do in Perth
Australia