4 Whale Watching Cruises in Sydney Worth the Early Start

1.Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 878 reviews · from $74Our pick

Start at King Street Wharf with breakfast or BBQ lunch, then pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Manly Beach, and Sydney Heads before searching for humpback whales. A naturalist guide provides live commentary, and a free return cruise is offered if no whales are found.

“Lunch was really good and plentiful. Whale watching was fabulous! David was very informative and helpful with locating the whales and helping us find/see them. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Sydney: 2-hour Express Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 756 reviews · 2 hours · from $63

From Circular Quay, Fantasea Crystal gets you to Sydney’s open ocean in about 20 minutes, leaving most of the cruise for whale watching. Choose the sun deck, covered rear deck, or air-conditioned cabin. English commentary, snacks, drinks, and a free return cruise if no whales are seen.

“It was a 2 hour whale trip, which was all the time we had. So perfect. We saw lots of humpback whales and the commentary was wonderful (photographer that works for ship, very knowledgeable). Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 340 reviews · 4 hours · from $70

From Circular Quay, cruise through Sydney Harbour and beyond Sydney Heads to look for migrating humpback whales. Choose a hot breakfast on weekends or a BBQ-style lunch daily. English commentary covers whales, dolphins, seals, and Sydney’s harbour sights. Judy and Biggles are among the guides praised for sharp spotting and lively talks.

“Nobody turned up at 7 Macquarie street as stated on the app. Walked to the quay and found where we should go. The previous meeting point needs removing. The trip was excellent. Saw so many whales. Mums with their calf’s. It was tremendous! The food was plentiful and ok. The guide was knowledgeable. So glad we did it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Sydney: Scenic Whale Watching Cruise – Whales Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 318 reviews · 3 hours · from $45Best value

Cruise from Circular Quay past Sydney Harbour and through Sydney Heads with Barefoot Whale Watching. Captain Dean and Tom provide lively commentary while you search for humpback whales, dolphins, and seals from a spacious catamaran with limited guest numbers.

“It was so amazing ,I think I will never forget the moment when I saw the whale jumping and the craziest scream from the boat! Thanks captain Dean and our adventure artist Tom!”

Check availability →Read our full review