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Sydney Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Sydney Dolphin & whale watching

Sydney: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran

1. Sydney: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran

Reach a top speed of almost 30 knots on Sydney’s largest purpose-built whale watching vessel, Fantasea Catalina, and take only 15 minutes to get from Circular Quay to the open ocean. Spend less time in the harbor and more time watching whales. Enjoy unobstructed views from spacious, wrap-around decks over 3 levels. Check out the open top sun deck, providing 360 degrees of viewing. Whale watch in comfort with air-conditioned cabins with large windows and great indoor and outdoor seating. Listen to informative commentary by an experienced crew. Know exactly what to look out for with onboard multimedia presentations. Don't worry if you don’t capture the perfect whale photos, as an onboard professional photographer has that covered with photos available for purchase onboard. Tea, coffee, and bottled water are included in this cruise. Additional drinks are available for purchase from the onboard licensed bar.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Lunch

2. Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Lunch

Make your way to Circular Quay to board your whale-watching vessel. Numbers are restricted on this whale-watching cruise, allowing for ample elbow room in the cabin and on the outside decks of your boat. You have the choice of two options on this cruise which will allow you to enjoy the whales with ultimate comfort and a delicious meal! Every day the cruise with lunch is available and on the weekends whales with brekky is an option! Seeing these giant mammals of the sea has the ability to change your whole view on life. The gracefulness, the peacefulness, the playfulness, the curiosity, the showmanship and the awesome power of a humpback whale is something everyone should witness in their lifetime. Whale watching is an exhilarating adventure - seeing these incredible creatures frolicking and swimming in the ocean is an awe-inspiring treat that you will remember forever! Breaching, tail slaps, spy hopping, fluke dives and peduncle throws are all some of the great moves you may see from the whales on their migrations. The whale population is increasing each year and and this year there are 30,000+ whales expected to migrate past Sydney. Whale watching season runs from May to November. From May to August, the whales are on their Northern migration to Tropical North Queensland and then from mid August to November, they're on their southern migration back to the Antarctic along with their new born calves - the little calves are just gorgeous!

Sydney: Ocean Whale Watching Experience

3. Sydney: Ocean Whale Watching Experience

Daily whale watching trips offering personal and up close experiences with migrating humpback whales in the open ocean. Our whale watching trips depart from Darling Harbour and have you back again in under 3 hours. You will get to view the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and world famous Opera House before heading out of the harbour to get up close and personal with the migrating humpback whales. Our custom built Whale Watching boat is designed to get you as close as possible to the amazing whales, we also only take small groups in order to make the experience as close to nature as possible. We provide a commentary throughout the trip including the history of Sydney Harbour's whaling days and facts about the majestic humpback whale and their annual migration journey to warmers waters to calve. Our trips are family friendly and we welcome all ages. Our friendly crew will help with all aspects of the trip. We offer a 'Whale Sighting Guarantee' if you don't see whales you can come again free of charge!

Sydney: Whale Watching Cruise

4. Sydney: Whale Watching Cruise

Experience a miracle of the natural world on a whale watching cruise from Sydney Harbour. Go in search of the migrating whales that turn the Pacific Ocean waters near Sydney into a prime viewing spot for southern right and humpback whales between the months of May and November. Cruise aboard a great vessel and benefit from full commentary and guaranteed whale sightings. As many as 15,000 whales swim past Sydney every year. Encounter whale activity, including the famous whale breaches when they jump high out of the water. You may even get a close-up wink from a whale when they are feeling extra curious! Get the chance to see southern rights, orcas and minke whales in their natural environment, along with playful dolphins, seals, fairy penguins, albatross and more. Whale sightings are 95% guaranteed. In the unlikely event that you don't see any whales, you can cruise again in the same season for free (on a standby basis and confirmed 24 hours in advance, subject to availability).

Sydney: Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Whale Watching & Sailing

5. Sydney: Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Whale Watching & Sailing

Each year the Great Whale Migration sees thousands of Humpback and Southern Right Whales swim close to the coastline around Sydney. Coral Trekker, one of Sydney Harbour Tall Ships historic vessels, operates whale watching cruises during this incredible migration to allow people to see the whales up close in their natural environment. The Coral Trekker offers significant advantages for whale watching over motor vessels. The view from the tall ship’s towering crows nest is perfect for finding whales in the distance so that the captain can direct the ship closer. Also, the quiet nature of the ship ensures a low impact on the whales’ environment and the open deck allows great unrestricted viewing for all. Experience the thrill of real tall ship sailing. The freedom of the open sea and the camaraderie with your fellow guests and the crew as you set sail on a tall ship is unforgettable. The Coral Trekker is an authentic square rigger with over 20,000 square feet of canvas. You will have the chance to climb the mast, help set the sails, assist with manoeuvres and much more. The crew are there to help those who want to get involved and learn more about the ropes, but nothing is compulsory and no experience is necessary. Don’t miss your chance to take part in sailing activities that are not available on our regular daily cruises. During the day everyone will have the chance to climb the mast to help spot whales or to enjoy spectacular views of the harbour. You will be in a specially designed full safety harness and instruction is provided by the crew. You will feel a true sense of achievement and experience Sydney Harbour from a unique perspective.

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What people are saying about Sydney

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 188 reviews

We saw a mother with her calf and a third companion, which was very unusual and therefore totally beautiful. Definitely worth it if you are lucky enough to see whales. The guide was great and was able to give a lot of information about the animals. You could see and hear his passion for animals!!!

The trip was good although sea was rather choppy Food was plentiful and good but unfortunately no whales. We were given a complimentary opportunity to book another day. Voucher valid for 3 years which is pretty decent of them.

Amazing! Staff on board the cruise were really great and gave amazing commentary. Saw a group of 3 humpbacks right up close including a mother / calf. Would highly recommend

Great experience, saw several whale sightings and some dolphins.

The tour guide people were all so nice and helpful