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Sydney's Best Whale Watching Cruises

The 2025 whale watching season has now started

Whale Watching Sydney offers one of the best whale watching experiences in Australia. Our passionate crew have over 30 years of experience aboard our custom-built fleet of vessels, which means you’ll be in good hands to see nature’s beauty with your very eyes.

Whale Watching, 2hr Express Cruise
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2hr Express Cruise
On Ocean Dreaming II

Only $85.00
Circular Quay, Wharf 6
Our most popular whale watching cruise, reaching the open ocean in 15min. Watch whales across three viewing decks on the best whale watching boat in Sydney.
Whale Watching, 2hr Express Cruise
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2.5hr Discovery Cruise
on Fantasea Avalon

Only $85.00
Darling Harbour, Aquarium Wharf
Departing from Darling Harbour, cruise the open ocean in comfort from the seated sun deck, covered rear deck or climate-controlled cabin on Fantasea Avalon.
Whale Watching, 2hr Express Cruise
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2.5hr Adventure Cruise
On Totally Wild

Only $99.00
Darling Harbour – Pier 26, Berth 3
Sydney’s most thrilling, high-speed whale watching experience onboard our custom-built rescue vessel, Totally Wild! Perfect for thrill seekers wanting an adrenaline rush.
Whale Watching, 3hr Discovery Cruise
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Central Coast
Whale Watching

Only$99.00
Palm Beach & Ettalong Beach (Free Transfer)
No need to travel into Sydney for your whale watching cruise with local departures from the Central Coast at Palm Beach and Ettalong Beach (Free transfer). On weekends during school holidays.

Save 20% on whale watching cruises
with My NRMA Rewards

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Most Recent Whale Sightings

Photos taken by our onboard photographers
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
When we heard there was wind on its way this afternoon, we were excited and hopeful wed get some humpbacks trying to fly - and we sure did get just that! 🚀

The wind was blowing a gale and what we saw were humpbacks taking to the skies, while the pelagic birds decided to take a rest on the seas 😂Image attachmentImage attachment
Posted 16 hours ago

When we heard there was wind on its way this afternoon, we were excited and hopeful we'd get some humpbacks trying to fly - and we sure did get just that! 🚀

The wind was blowing a gale and what we saw were humpbacks taking to the skies, while the pelagic birds decided to take a rest on the seas 😂
... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Too cool, would love to see that. 😊

Outstanding 😍

Amazing!!

Posted 2 days ago

We can’t believe it’s October already!!

This season is going so quickly, but they do say time flies when you’re having fun! We thought we’d share some of our favourite images from September. It’s been a wild few days out there, and this month has been spectacular! We’ve had multiple double breaches, an even rarer triple breach, and some calves that were getting so airborne we thought they’d reach the moon!

We still have lots of whales passing the Sydney coastline, and while they were a lot more relaxed today, they were everywhere! There isn’t a better time to get out and see these animals at their best!

#whalewatchingsydney #whalewatching #humpbackwhales #humpbackhighway #sydney
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Comment on Facebook

Beautiful to see

Whale ballet.

Posted 3 days ago

Windy, Wild and Wonderful on our midday trip today!

We found a calf with mum and escort taking advantage of the weather and breaching North into the strong wind! We saw the calf getting some breath taking lessons from the two large whales and some awe inspiring breaching!

#whalewatchingsydney #whales #whalewatching #humpbackwhales #sydney
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Comment on Facebook

Great picture ❤️

Very amazing photos

Shane Woods

Where is this picture taken? This is amazing and you are so up close to them

Is there anything better than watching a baby whale learn from its mum? We’re not sure there is. This beautiful show of head lunges was the perfect way to end a Monday afternoon, with mum calf and escort all getting some serious air time! 

#whalewatchingsydney #whalewatching #humpbackwhale #fantaseacruising #humpbackhighway #ocean #wildlifephotographyImage attachmentImage attachment
Posted 4 days ago

Is there anything better than watching a baby whale learn from its mum? We’re not sure there is. This beautiful show of head lunges was the perfect way to end a Monday afternoon, with mum calf and escort all getting some serious air time!

#whalewatchingsydney #whalewatching #humpbackwhale #fantaseacruising #humpbackhighway #ocean #wildlifephotography
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Comment on Facebook

Calf class time in full swing 🙌

Posted 4 days ago

Magic Monday on the Tasman Sea this morning.

The whales came out to play with some huge breaches and very playful activity just outside the harbour entrance! We had two whales giving us an awesome display and then just as we made our way back to the harbour a lively little calf decided to practice some tail throws right beside the boat! We gave this mum and calf plenty of space but it was fantastic to see such a show first thing on a Monday morning!

#whalewatching #whalewatchingsydney #whales #humpbackwhales #humpbackhighway #fantaseacruising
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Posted 5 days ago

Today has been incredible!

We witnessed more breaches than we could count! Our last trip of the day was treated to a show from another lively calf that seemed determined to fly! Getting fully airborne 3 times, and watching mum teach the little one how it’s done was amazing! What a brilliant time to be out on the humpback Highway!

#whalewatchingsydney #whalewatching #sydney #whales #humpbackwhale #humpbackhighway
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Comment on Facebook

Fantastic!!!🐋

Amazing 🤩

The best day 👏

I definitely need to move to that highway!! 😍

I will have to come back to see this

Beck Canale did you see this

Adam Bamford

Heather Martin

Wow

View more comments

Why cruise with us?

30 Years Experience

Full commentary from experienced Marine Naturalists or Scientists to guide you through the cruise.

Whale Guarantee

If you don’t see whales on your first whale watching cruise you can come back again for free!

15-20min to the ocean

Don’t waste hours traveling to the whales and back. Minimal time in the harbour, maximum time with whales.

Read our Whale Watching Blog

Written by our onboard photographers
whale breaching out of water in Sydney
August began with a wild burst of nature — huge storms and rolling seas sweeping along the Sydney coast. As the weather tested our patience, we felt the last beats of the northern migration slowing, but the whales still treated us to some truly breathtaking behaviour.

July 2025 Update

The past six weeks have flown by, and the northern migration of our mighty Humpbacks is now in full swing....

June 2025 Update

The past six weeks have flown by, and the northern migration of our mighty Humpbacks is now in full swing....

Whale Watching and Coastal Adventures with a Sydney Hire Car

Combine your whale watching cruise with a hire car from SIXT for a coastal road trip, and you’ve got a...

Testimonials

  • My experience was amazing I say Whales breaching it was fantastic. And the crew on the boat made my experiences a great and safe place to be.

    OnAir551973
    Aug. 2023
  • Weather was a bit miserable, but the boat made it comfortable. The crew had their finger on the pulse out there and when whales were spotted by a sister boat, we were taken quickly to a perfect viewing spot. The whales repeatedly breached, including a double breach from the pair. We got great photos and finished the voyage pumped.

    Windy Miller
    Jul. 2023
  • The boat, crew and overall experience was fabulous! Whales were promised and wow we were blown away, we can’t believe that we saw whales breaching and tail slapping so close we felt at times we could almost touch them.
    This crew have perfected the tour with an onboard Marine Biologist and happy, easygoing but safe attitude.

    Deborah J
    Jul.2023
  • Went Whale Watching with my teen and we both loved it! if you are in Sydney between May/November and you check weather/sea conditions, GO! You are not going to be disappointed!

    Kikka1931
    Dec.2023
  • Once we got out of the Harbor, we started seeing whales. They were jumping and feeding and just cruising along side the boat!! The crew were all super friendly and helpful and kept the trip fun and interesting.

    BigMo
    Dec. 2023
  • Whale Watching Sydney. Another excellent trip with lots of whales observed. If you book online suggest you tick the extra option for getting the professional photos. Good commentary on what you are seeing

    AsiaDavies
    Oct. 2023
  • Must to do with kids. Amazing experience with kids. Must to do if in Sydney. There is big difference watching whale compared to other animals as the shear size of whale and they move is magnificent.

    mayanksaksena1
    Oct. 2023
  • Never thought in my whole life I would see whales so close . Commentator excellent with information and keeping us up to date with sightings and explanations .  A Fantastic exceptional trip .

    733doctor
    Sep. 2023

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which our business operates. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.