A Guide to Whale Watching in Sydney

Maybe you’re a Sydneysider looking for something new to do, a tourist in from out of town in search of a signature Sydney adventure, maybe you want to pretend to be a marine biologist for a day or perhaps you just love the endless possibilities of the deep blue sea. No matter the reason, embarking on one of the Sydney whale watching tours is the perfect way to spend a few hours of your day. Catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean’s gentle giants on one of these awesome tours.

• Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at sea. Your unforgettable morning begins with a cruise through the Sydney Heads to the open ocean, where you’ll enjoy breakfast as the humpbacks breach the surface, giving you a side of spray to go along with your scrambled eggs.
• Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch: Board a high-speed catamaran that will take you on a scenic tour of Sydney Harbour before heading out to meet your finned friends. Once you arrive at the viewing location, you’ll be served a sumptuous lunch. A tour guide will be on hand to inform you about the whales’ migration, identification, and behaviour.
• Whale Watching Cruise by Fantasea Cruising: The streamlined Bondi Boat makes quick work of the journey from Sydney Harbour to Bondi Beach, where, offshore, you’ll enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as majestic humpbacks gracefully swim next to you. A shadowy figure rises from the depths to greet you at the water’s surface – don’t worry, it’s just a whale.
• Whale Watching Cruise by Captain Cook Cruises: Hop aboard a luxurious double-decker catamaran in search of iconic humpback and playful southern right whales. Pay close attention and see if you can decipher the whales’ migration patterns and “language”. No pressure – your guide will give you a lesson first, and there won’t be a quiz!
• Eco Whale Watching Small-Group Cruise: If you want a truly intimate encounter with these amazing creatures, opt for this small-group cruise. You’ll sail out of Sydney Harbour in a comfortable, 12-person yacht. With so few people on board, it’ll feel like a private party, and you’ll receive plenty of personalised service from your captain.
• Port Stephens Whale Watching Tour: Looking for something more unique? Don’t start from Sydney Harbour – head three hours drive north to Port Stephens. Your catamaran will be greeted by pods of friendly bottlenose dolphins, eager to swim alongside. You can even be towed behind the boat in a boom net, getting you even closer to the playful mammals. The captain will stop at Stockton Beach for a refreshing dip and some land-based adventures. There’s even an option to go for a drive over the dunes in a four-wheeler (for an extra cost), or to stroll along the shore on the back of a camel.

It’d be a “whale” of a mistake to pass up the chance to see these majestic mammals in their natural habitat. So take a time out and hang out with some whales, why don’t you? We promise it’ll be one of the cooler things you do this year.