Sightseeing Cruises

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Marine Biologist Commentary

4.5/5(297)

Cheryl B

Group

Verified booking

2 days ago

Really good trip, saw lots of birds, a pod of common dolphins, but sadly no whales 😢 Staff were really helpful and even slowed the boat right down to allow some people to move to a less wet seat. Despite the lack of whales, we loved it. Unfortunately we will not be able to book again as we are just visiting.

Hasith J

Family

Verified booking

Oct 2026

It was a really nice experience. We were able to see a family of whales (a adults and 2 young ones). It was really nice to see them jumping around and having fun. Thank you very much Sarah for the great explaination, and the other crew members for this fantastic experience. Really worth it.

Erin C

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

We got to see humpback whales and were close enough to get some great videos of whales breaching. Staff were very knowledgeable and provided plenty of time to observe the whales and take photos. Many people experienced motion sickness. I highly recommend taking motion sickness tablets beforehand and even during the cruise. A wonderful experience and would definitely recommend.

Ruta K

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

First and foremost we enjoyed the sighting and watching the whales and dolphins. The staff are very friendly, positive and enthusiastic. They created a great atmosphere and their joy and enthusiasm was contagious. We saw 4 whales and 2 very close. It was a great morning

Nazasheera S

Family

Verified booking

Aug 2026

We had a great experience with the whale-watching tour! We were lucky enough to see whales, which made the trip even more memorable. 🐋 The commentary was also excellent and very informative, especially because it was provided by a biologist who shared interesting facts and insights about the whales and their behaviour. Overall, a wonderful experience and definitely worth doing! Highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Leticia P

Group

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Staff were great. Unfortunately sea sickness got the better of me. But the first hour was great. Did get to see 1 whale pop up before having to concentrate on everything relating to that rocking motion....

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, 4-hour, hop-on hop-off ferry pass, or Taronga Zoo combo cruises, with varied vessels, layouts, dining options, zoo entry, and whale sighting guarantee included.

2-hour & 45-minute whale watching cruise

2-hour & 45-minute whale watching cruise

Starting point: Circular Quay

Marine biologist

Live informative commentary

Indoor & outdoor seating

Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within 1 year if no whales spotted

3-hour whale watching cruise (as per option selected)

3-hour whale watching cruise

Starting point: King Street Wharf

Expert crew

Live informative commentary

Four outdoor viewing decks

A large downstairs cabin

4-hour whale watching cruise (as per option selected)

4-hour whale watching cruise

Starting point: Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay

Expert crew

Live informative commentary

Hot breakfast or buffet lunch onboard

Whale sightseeing guarantee: If no whales are spotted during your cruise, you can join another whale watching cruise free of charge within the next 3 years.

Whale watching cruise with Taronga Zoo entry (as per option selected)

2.5-hour whale watching cruise

Starting point: Circular Quay

Live informative commentary

Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted

Entry to Taronga Zoo

Return Rocket ferry to Circular Quay

Whale Watching Cruise with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry Pass (as per option selected)

Flexible whale cruise & sightseeing for explorers and city visitors

2-day Sydney Harbour hop-on hop-off pass (timetable here)

Smartphone commentary, printed map & highlights for hop-on-hop-off ferry

2.5-hour whale-watching cruise

Expert commentary

Indoor & outdoor seating

Whale sighting guarantee: free rebooking within the season if no whales spotted

TOTAL DURATION2 hours 45 minutes - 3 hours
FREQUENCYevery day, at 10am, 12:45pm & 3:30pm
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
2 Boarding points
Circular Quay
Get direction
King Street Wharf
Sights covered
Humpback Whale
Bottlenose Dolphin
Australian Fur Seal
Albatross
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge

These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 72 hours before the experience begins.

297 reviews
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.
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Guests from United States, India, Malaysia and over 21 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Cheryl B
Group
Verified booking
2 days ago
Really good trip, saw lots of birds, a pod of common dolphins, but sadly no whales 😢 Staff were really helpful and even slowed the boat right down to allow some people to move to a less wet seat. Despite the lack of whales, we loved it. Unfortunately we will not be able to book again as we are just visiting.
Hasith J
Family
Verified booking
Oct 2026
It was a really nice experience. We were able to see a family of whales (a adults and 2 young ones). It was really nice to see them jumping around and having fun. Thank you very much Sarah for the great explaination, and the other crew members for this fantastic experience. Really worth it.
Cathy L
Couple
Verified booking
Yesterday
Highly recommend!!! Awesome experience. Saw 3 whales (including a baby) perform and wave. Multiple whale breaches. Friendly captain, very considerate, and he angled the boat perfectly for everyone to capture excellent whale pictures/videos. Thank you!!!
John R
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Informative cruise with Marine Biologist talk and was exciting to see whales up so close
Richard S
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Good value. Lots of whale sightings.

A whale watching cruise with marine naturalists, expert commentary, and flexible upgrade options.

Getting started

Your ticket includes a 2-hour 45-minute educational whale watching cruise departing from Circular Quay, Sydney. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for check-in and boarding before cruising through Sydney Harbour toward the open Pacific Ocean and humpback whale migration routes.

What to expect

Educational marine experience: Learn about humpback whale behaviour and migration patterns from a marine biologist providing live commentary, supported by expert crew and onboard presentations throughout the journey.

Offshore whale watching: Travel beyond Sydney Heads into prime whale migration waters, with opportunities to spot breaching whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other marine wildlife in season.

Comfortable onboard viewing: Relax with indoor and outdoor seating, onboard toilets, and a spacious sightseeing vessel designed for clear harbour and ocean views during the cruise.

Whale guarantee & flexible options: Enjoy peace of mind with a whale sighting guarantee offering free rebooking if no whales are seen. Upgrade options include 2h45, 3-hour, or 4-hour cruises with deck or lounge layouts, plus optional meals, drinks, extended harbour views, longer rebooking windows, or a combo cruise with Taronga Zoo entry and return ferry — for added flexibility and value.

What's not allowed

Boarding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not permitted.

Large bags or oversized luggage cannot be accommodated on this experience.

Accessibility

If you have pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, asthma) or are pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking.

Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should contact us in advance to discuss vessel accessibility.

Additional information

Facilities: Onboard bar

The weather here tends to bring unexpected twists. Dress in warm layers and flat enclosed shoes for adaptable comfort.

As an open-water cruise, you may experience wave motion. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking over-the-counter remedies for a more comfortable experience. Follow instructions and consult a healthcare professional if needed.

Whale sightings are guaranteed. If no whales are spotted, you’ll receive a complimentary return trip within 12 months, subject to availability. Contact the provider for details.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, including rain. To reschedule due to weather, contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.