Duration
Free cancellation
Guided tour
Transfers included
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
-
Experience Sydney’s most thrilling whale watching adventure on a 1.5 to 2-hour high-speed cruise aboard a custom-built, military-grade inflatable boat.
-
Departing daily from Circular Quay or Manly Wharf (depending on your booking), you'll head through Sydney Harbour and blast into the Tasman Sea in search of migrating humpback whales.
-
With small group capacities—just 12 passengers on Orca and up to 21 on Extreme—you’ll enjoy a more personal and up-close experience with expert commentary from your skipper throughout the journey.
-
Whale sightings are guaranteed during the season (May to November)—if you don’t spot any, you can rebook for free.
-
Ages 12 and up are welcome on this action-packed ride, perfect for adventurers looking to witness whales in their natural environment with speed, excitement, and amazing ocean views.
-
- 1.5 to 2-hour whale-watching cruise on inflatable boat (Orca or Extreme)
- Pick-up from Circular Quay or Manly Wharf (based on the option selected)
- Small group of up to 12 to 21 passengers
- Expert skipper
- Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Strap in for Sydney’s most adrenaline-pumping whale watching adventure aboard a high-speed, military-grade RIB (rigid inflatable boat). With small-group departures from Circular Quay or Manly, Ocean Extreme’s 1.5 to 2-hour cruise offers a thrilling, personal, and unforgettable journey into the heart of humpback territory. Get ready for an intimate ocean experience like no other — with whales guaranteed to make an appearance!
Getting started
Choose your departure point — Circular Quay or Manly Wharf — depending on the option selected when booking. Your expert skipper will welcome you aboard either Extreme, their original purpose-built military spec vessel, or Orca, the newest and fastest in the fleet, offering an even more boutique experience with a maximum of 12 guests.
After a safety briefing and gear check, you'll suit up, hold tight, and prepare to launch from the harbour past Sydney’s iconic skyline. Both vessels depart daily from May to November during whale migration season. Please note: all passengers must be at least 12 years old.
What to expect
Hold on as your skipper powers out through Sydney Heads and into the vast Tasman Sea. These high-performance RIBs are built for speed and stability, punching quickly through the swell to where the whales are.
Once out in open water, your skipper, constantly in radio contact with other boats, will guide the vessel to the most active and friendly whale pods nearby. Expect to see spectacular breaching, curious approaches, and tail slaps from these magnificent creatures of the deep.
This is Sydney’s most personal whale watching tour, with a maximum of 12 to 21 passengers depending on the vessel, ensuring unobstructed views and a deeply immersive experience. And with a whale sighting guarantee, you'll get a free return trip during the season if no whales are spotted.
Features
- 1.5 to 2-hour high-speed whale watching cruise: A thrilling offshore journey aboard a military-spec inflatable boat designed for speed, comfort, and adventure.
- Departures from Circular Quay or Manly Wharf: Flexibility to suit your itinerary and location.
- Small group experience: Maximum of 12 passengers on Orca or 21 on Extreme for a personal, boutique-style encounter.
- Expert skippers & guides: Decades of experience with whale behavior and familiar with the best local viewing spots.
- Guaranteed whale sightings: Didn’t spot whales? You can ride again for free within the same season.
- Purpose-built, high-performance vessels: Fast, safe, and stable boats that get you closer to the action quickly.
- Unmatched views & intimacy: No crowds, no obstructions — just you, the whales, and the open ocean.
- Minimum age requirement: Suitable for adventure-seekers aged 12 and up.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker or wildlife enthusiast, this action-packed cruise offers breathtaking adventure, up-close encounters, and memories to last a lifetime — all set against Sydney’s unforgettable coastline.
What to bring
- Clothing: From May to October, it is important to dress very warmly. The wind chill created by the speed of our boats is very strong. We recommend lots of layers. On really cold days it's recommended beanies and gloves.
- Bring along your sunglasses, closed shoes are required, preferably flat ones. For women, it's recommended to wear pants.
What's not allowed
- Pregnant women and those with neck, back, and mobility issues are restricted from participating in this experience.
- This experience is restricted for children under the age of 12 years.
Additional information
- If there is widespread rain, the tour will be canceled. In case of light showers, the tour will most likely still go ahead.
- If no whales are sighted, you can rebook your cruise within the same season.
-
Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
-
Please arrive at the boarding point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delay.
-
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Boarding points
Circular Quay
-
Boarding point is at Cambell's Cove Pontoon at Circular Quay.
-
Address: Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
-
Departs from Circular Quay at 11:00 AM
Get directions to the boarding point
Manly Wharf
-
The boarding point is at Manly Kayak Centre pontoon.
-
Address: Manly NSW 2095, Australia.
-
Departs from Manly at 11:15 AM
-
Similar experiences you'd love
Top things to do in Sydney
Nearby cities to explore
