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Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay

165 Reviews 4.41 out of 5 stars Based on 165 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Sydney, Australia
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from $54.43 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

See magnificent humpback and southern right whales at play on a Sydney whale-watching cruise. From Circular Quay, this open-water cruise will take you through the entrance of Sydney Harbour and into the open Pacific in search of whales. The open-air viewing decks on board the catamaran offer unobstructed views and the best opportunities for spotting and watching the whales. Getting up close to these gentle giants of the sea is an awe-inspiring experience that you don’t want to miss. With record numbers of whales due to pass along Sydney's coastline this migration season, there are sure to be plenty of sightings and great photo opportunities!

This activity is seasonal, operating from mid-May to early-Novemeber each year.

What's Included

  • 2.5 Hour Whale Watching Cruise
  • Live commentary on board
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase)
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Whale Watching cruises are an extraordinary opportunity to see the gentle giants of the sea on their annual migration. Your cruise begins from Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour and makes its way past the Opera House, the beautiful eastern suburbs and outside the Harbour headlands to open water. Southern Right, Orca and Minke Whales all visit Sydney's coastline, but it's the Humpbacks that come in great numbers and love to show off with breaches, tail slaps and even a sneaky wink when they are feeling extra curious.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Please dress appropriately and wear warm clothing. It will often feel cooler at sea
  • If you are susceptible to travel sickness, please bring the relevant medication

Frequently Asked Questions

(9)

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?

A: As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat. Read more Dec 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-3378WHALE

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.41
165 reviews

Average 4.41 out of 5 stars based on 165 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
111
4 stars
31
3 stars
11
2 stars
4
1 star
8

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On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
A:

As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.

Dec 2022
Q: Will I get seasick on Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • 2.5 Hour Whale Watching Cruise.
  • Live commentary on board.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers 3 years and younger
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • 2.5 Hour Whale Watching Cruise
  • Live commentary on board
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers 3 years and younger
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Please dress appropriately and wear warm clothing. It will often feel cooler at sea
  • If you are susceptible to travel sickness, please bring the relevant medication
  • Whale Guarantee: If a whale is not sighted during your cruise, you'll be given the opportunity to cruise again for free
  • Reconfirmation Hotline - Call +61-2-8062 3623 from 7.15am on the day of your cruise to confirm the cruise is going ahead. Cruises may be cancelled subject to weather conditions.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 120 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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