Special Offer-Sydney Whale Watching Afternoon
- Sydney
- Whale / Dolphin Watching Cruises
- Seasonal
- Boat Tour
- Sydney
- Instant Confirmation
Overview
[NOTE] All bookings from May 20, 2026 until further notice will be subject to a fuel surcharge, which is already included in the price. Please click on the calendar to view the price.
Each year, approximately 40,000 humpback whales make the 3,500km journey from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm tropics of the Great Barrier Reef – and Sydney is one of the best places in Australia to see them.
Peak Migration Periods
Mid-May to July: Northern migration to give birth
August: Expect high-energy displays with younger males breaching and tail-slapping for attention
September to early November: Southern return journey
Set sail from Circular Quay aboard our purpose-built cruise past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and head out to the open ocean for an unforgettable encounter.
Features
Wildlife Adventure- Spot whales, dolphins, seals & seabirds
Family Friendly Adventure – Get the kids off screens and out on an adventure!
Expert Commentator – Fun and educational insights
Cruise past iconic landmarks — the Opera House and Harbour Bridge — as you journey along the sparkling Harbour and out through the majestic Heads.
Departs 1.30pm Circular Quay Wharf 6. Disembark 4.00pm
Vessel: Catamaran with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating over multiple viewing decks.
Whale Guarantee: Over 95% whale sighting success. The Whale Guarantee applies when a whale is not sighted during the cruise. In this case, passengers can cruise again in the same season for free on a standby basis confirmed 24-hours prior, subject to availability.
What to Bring: This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. We recommend you eat lightly before and during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to the cruise. Please dress according to the weather – it will often feel colder at sea. Smoking is not permitted on board.
Phone the Reconfirmation Hotline 61-2-8062 3623 from 7.15am on the day of your cruise for the latest information
As this is an open water cruise, names of all passengers and emergency contact details are a legal requirement. Please complete prior to arrival to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process. https://www.captaincook.com.au/explore-sydney-sightseeing/whale-watching-sydney/whale-contact-form/
What’s included
Included
- Approx 2.5 hour whale watching cruise
- Expert commentary
Not included
- All inclusions are as indicated on the websites at time of travel. If not stated as included the item/s are at guests own cost.
Ages
Adult fares are for everyone aged 16 years and older. Child fares are for children 4 to 15 years of age. Infant and child aged 0-3 are free.
All minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult or guardian while on board.
How to use
Boarding passes must be collected at least 30 minutes prior to departure from Captain Cook Cruises ticket offices at Circular Quay Wharf 6
Call our reconfirmation hotline +61 2 8062 3623 from 7:15am on the day of your cruise
Good to know
The Passenger Contact Information form is required to be completed prior to boarding your cruise
This cruise is subject to weather, please refer to the predicted weather and comfort levels information for a 7-day forecast (http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/sydneycoast.shtml)
All vessels include fully accessible bathrooms for guest convenience.
Are seats assigned? No assigned seating. All vessels feature open-plan indoor and outdoor seating. When in the Harbour the starboard side (right-hand side) is closest to the shoreline.
As this is an open water cruise, names of all passengers and emergency contact details are a legal requirement. Please complete prior to arrival to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process. https://www.captaincook.com.au/explore-sydney-sightseeing/whale-watching-sydney/whale-contact-form/
Whale Guarantee: Over 95% whale sighting success. The Whale Guarantee applies when a whale is not sighted during the cruise. In this case, passengers can cruise again in the same season for free on a standby basis confirmed 24-hours prior, subject to availability. [Please note that the re-board is complimentary; not participating is considered a voluntary waiver and no refund will be given.]
Disclaimer
After the product is successfully booked, we will send you a confirmation voucher. The main information about the reservation and the precautions for participation will be provided on the confirmation voucher. Please read it. If you do not have any feedback, we consider that you have read and know all the information on its confirmation.
As an intermediary agency, we are only responsible for making travel product reservations for tourists.
We recommend that tourists purchase travel insurance. Tourist product suppliers such as tourist attractions, hotels and transportation companies will be directly responsible for the quality, service and safety of travel products. We are not responsible for any safety issues with the products ordered.
In the event of an unexpected situation without insurance, we will only assist in handling it.
If the booking is forcibly cancelled due to the reasons of the travel product supplier, we will refund the full amount corresponding to the booking without additional compensation.
No show: Ticket holders who 'no show' without prior cancellation or notification are not eligible for a refund.
We will try our best to assist tourists to communicate and negotiate solutions with tourism product suppliers.
For some marine products (including but not limited to various cruises, whale watching cruise, etc.), the supplier reserve the right to arrange alternative vessels or make changes to itineraries, service timetables, routes and/or destinations. The supplier may cancel or abandon the cruise if they consider it necessary for weather or safety reasons and except as expressly stated in these Terms and Conditions, we will not be liable for any loss or expense incurred by the Passenger caused by such substitution or cancellation.
When visiting attractions or participating in activities, please strictly adhere to the instructions provided by the venue or staff. Ensure you fully understand the associated risks (refer to venue announcements or the safety waiver required for signature for specific details), cooperate as required to implement appropriate safety precautions, and strictly refrain from engaging in any dangerous behaviors during the activity.
