Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Brekkie/ BBQ Lunch





Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Meals included
4.8/5(37)
Melanie B
Myungsik P
-
2.5-hour or 4-hour whale-watching cruise (as per option selected)
-
Fully qualified crew onboard
-
Live English commentary
-
Breakfast or BBQ buffet lunch onboard (as per option selected)
-
Tea, coffee & water (as per option selected)
-
Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within 3 years if no whales spotted
-
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase onboard)
Embark on an unforgettable 4-hour whale watching cruise aboard the purpose-built "Jerry Bailey" — designed for comfort, optimal viewing, and expert-guided marine adventure. With freshly prepared meals, knowledgeable crew, and stunning views of migrating whales, this experience delivers the ultimate in relaxation and wildlife discovery on Sydney’s waters.
Getting started
Begin your journey at Circular Quay, where you’ll check in for either the morning breakfast cruise or the midday lunch cruise. Once onboard the spacious “Jerry Bailey,” the friendly and fully qualified crew will greet you, introduce key safety information, and offer you tea, coffee, or water to get you settled. Then, you’ll set off past Sydney Harbour’s iconic skyline toward the open ocean in search of humpback whales.
What to expect
This 4-hour cruise offers a longer, more relaxed, and immersive whale watching experience, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the journey, savor your meal, and encounter the magnificent humpback whales during their annual migration.
Choose from:
-
Breakfast cruise: Enjoy a freshly prepared hot breakfast onboard, perfect for early risers, with vegetarian and dietary accommodations available with prior notice, available on weekends.
-
Lunch cruise: Midday tours feature a buffet-style assisted service lunch, with similar flexibility for special dietary needs.
Throughout the cruise, your expert guide will provide live commentary, sharing fascinating insights into whale behavior, migration, and marine conservation. With guest numbers intentionally capped at 95 (on a vessel that holds 180), you have more space to move between the multiple outdoor viewing platforms and the indoor lounge for the best vantage points.
And thanks to the whale sighting guarantee, you can rebook another tour for free within three years if you don’t spot any whales during your cruise, though sightings are frequent and the crew is known for their success rate and dedication.
Features
-
4-hour premium whale watching cruise: Plenty of time to travel beyond Sydney Heads and observe whales in their natural habitat at a relaxed pace.
-
Whale sighting guarantee: No whales on your cruise? Receive a free return cruise valid for up to 3 years.
-
Expert live commentary: Fully qualified and passionate crew offer engaging insights and answer questions about the whales and local marine life.
-
Fresh meals onboard:
-
Hot breakfast on weekend morning cruises
-
Buffet lunch on midday cruises
-
Vegetarian and special dietary accommodations available (request in advance)
-
-
Comfortable purpose-built vessel:
-
Multiple spacious outdoor decks
-
Indoor lounge with large windows
-
Limited capacity for more personal space and better views
-
Licensed bar on board with beverages available for purchase
-
-
Complimentary tea, coffee & water: Available throughout the cruise for added comfort.
-
Consistently outstanding reviews: Praised for food quality, knowledgeable crew, and reliable whale sightings.
This cruise is perfect for guests looking for a well-rounded, comfortable whale-watching experience with added perks, including great food, expert guides, and generous viewing space. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this tour promises lasting memories on the open sea.
-
- TOTAL DURATION3 hours 55 minutes - 4 hours 5 minutesFREQUENCYday, May–Nov; lunch daily, breakfast on weekendsMODE OF TRANSFERCatamaranTimelineMap
1 Boarding point
Circular Quay
Get directionSights covered

Buffet breakfast/lunch

Humpback Whale

Bottlenose Dolphin

Australian Fur Seal

Albatross

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour Bridge
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 37 reviews4.8
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
306100What our guests say
MMelanie B
FamilyVerified booking3 days ago5/5Well managed cruise. Crew were fantastic and professional. Managed to see a couple of whales which was great. Food was suitable for the conditions and well presented. Plenty of areas to see from inside our outside. Great entertainment with the 'heaving' passengers.MMyungsik P
FamilyVerified booking2 weeks ago5/5We had a great time! There was plenty of time for whale watching without feeling rushed. The boat wasn't overcrowded, which made the experience much more enjoyable. Also, the lunch buffet was quite decent and reasonably good.PPatricia W
CoupleVerified booking3 weeks ago5/5Delicious food and lovely crew. Good close whale watching in beautiful Sydney harbour and beyond. . Gorgeous afternoon. A real treat.DDrew H
SoloVerified bookingLast week3/5The whales were magnificent, but our guide talked constantly and on several occasions berated guests (many of who were children) for being on their phones during the three hour trip.NNoah H
GroupVerified bookingJun 20265/5Great feed, great tour guide and great whales. Highly recommend
What's not allowed
- The experience is not accessible for people with back and neck problems, serious medical conditions, injuries, and pregnant women.
Additional information
-
If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to consult a medical professional for pills.
-
The lunch menu is tailored to suit vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free guests.
-
On the rare occasion you don’t get to see the whales, you can join another whale-watching cruise for free.
-
The morning cruise with buffet breakfast is only available on weekends.
-
Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
-
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point. Students must show a valid ID.
-
Please arrive at the boarding point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Boarding point
- Please check your final voucher for the boarding point details and specific instructions.
-
100% ticket guarantee
Receive tickets on time, for the experience you've booked.
100% experience guarantee
Get a refund if your experience doesn't happen as promised.
100% assistance guarantee
Available before, during, and after your trip.
Similar experiences you'd love

















































Top things to do in Newcastle

Nearby cities to explore











