If you’re a wildlife lover (like me) and you plan to be in Sydney between May and November then you must go on a whale-watching cruise. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s a must-add to any Sydney itinerary. Would you believe that around 15,000 humpback whales and southern right whales pass by Sydney every year from May, during their migration from Antarctica?
In fact, there are so many humpback whales to be seen in the Pacific Ocean off Sydney that it’s been nicknamed ‘Humpback Highway’. But, you’ll also likely see minke whales, southern right whales, and even orcas when out on a whale tour here.
On our tour we witnessed whales breaching, hitting the water’s surface with their tails, and spouting water from their blowhole. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which tour is best for you. Well, lucky for you, my husband and I have lived in Sydney for a couple of years, so we know what cruises offer the most unforgettable experience! We’ve included tours that we’ve done and love as well as picking the best-rated tours (yes, we scoured through all the reviews to make sure we only included the very best tours).
Which whale-watching tour in Sydney is the best?
When we lived in Sydney, we were lucky enough to do this 4-hour whale-watching cruise which included a delicious BBQ lunch. We really enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it. We saw lots of humpback whales, minke whales, and southern right whales. There was even a young male humpback at the end who really put on a show for us. Leaping from the water and slapping his tail. We did our tour in August, which is known as one of the best months to go whale watching in Sydney.
I will say, that if we were to do a whale-watching cruise in Sydney again, I’d be tempted to book the 2-hour speedboat tour. It sounds like so much fun and it’s excellently rated.
Below, we will let you in on the most important factors that affected us when deciding on our whale-watching cruise in Sydney. There are lots of options, so you’re spoiled for choice.
My personal favorite – This 4-hour cruise including breakfast or lunch
This 4-hour whale-watching cruise is one of the best-rated tours in Sydney. With over 500 5-star reviews! It’s the tour we did back in August and we loved it! It includes breakfast or a BBQ lunch served onboard the boat and there’s a whale sighting guarantee. So, if you don’t see a whale this time you can do the tour again for free!
The tour starts with either breakfast or lunch on board as you sail out of Sydney Harbour, past the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s not long before you’re in the middle of the Pacific Ocean where you’ll (highly) likely get to see humpbacks, southern right whales, minke whales, and dolphins. Plus, you could get very lucky and see orcas. Your naturalist guide will provide fascinating commentary about the marine life in Sydney along the way.
It’s a small group tour – which means it feels more personalized and there’s plenty of space on the deck and inside the boat. Complimentary tea and coffee are also served on-board. You can also buy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the bar on-board.
This tour departs from the pontoon in front of the Searock Grill Restaurant in Circular Quay. You should get here at least 15-30 minutes before your departure time.
Please note the breakfast tour sets off at 8:15 am (however it’s only available on select dates). And the lunch tour, which is the most popular option leaves at 12:15 pm daily during whale watching season (from May to November). Prices for this tour start from $99 AUD – which is great value considering it includes a meal.
BOOK this whale-watching tour including breakfast or lunch here!
Cheapest option – This 2.5 hour cruise from Circular Quay
If you’re short on time, this 2.5-hour tour which also leaves from Circular Quay is a brilliant option. It’s rated really well, with close to 100 5-star reviews and the tour takes place on a custom-built catamaran with huge windows and spacious decks, so, it feels quite luxurious.
This tour also offers a whale sighting guarantee so you can return for free if you don’t see one this time. Although that is unlikely.
It’s a little cheaper than the tour we did at $95 AUD, however, keep in mind it doesn’t include breakfast or lunch. But, food and drinks are available to buy on-board. The boat is a luxurious catamaran, so if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, I’d choose this tour.
The tour leaves from Wharf 6 in Circular Quay at 1:30 pm. However, you need to be here 15-30 minutes beforehand. Please note this tour doesn’t operate on Mondays and Tuesdays.
BOOK this 2.5 hour tour here!
Most fun – This speed boat tour
This one’s definitely a bucket-list-worthy tour! Yep, this two-hour whale speedboat tour will have you whizzing out of Sydney Harbour past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge to go in search of giant whales. Again, it’s really well-rated with close to 300 5-star reviews. In fact, it’s recommended by 99% of past guests.
The speedboat is classed as Sydney’s fastest commercial ship. Cool! So, the ride out to the Pacific Ocean is sure to get your adrenalin pumping. Also, the smaller size of the boat means that you can get up closer to the whales and the shore (where you may see seals and seabirds lazing).
We definitely recommend dressing warm for this tour, as it’s much colder out at sea and the speed of the boat will certainly give you a chill.
The tour costs from $129 AUD per person and leaves from Campbell’s Cove Pontoon in Circular Quay. There are various departure times to choose from (8 am, 11 am, and 2 pm). You can also request to be picked up from Manly Wharf when you book.
BOOK this speedboat whale-watching tour here!
What month is best for whale watching in Sydney?
Whale watching season in Sydney runs from May to November. But, the best month to go whale watching in Sydney is in August when the young males are known to show off. We did our whale-watching tour in August and honestly, the whales really put on a show for us. June and July are also great times to do a whale tour here as the whales come to the waters around Sydney to give birth. And there are also large numbers to be seen in September and October as the whales make their way back to Antarctica.
Is it better to book your whale-watching cruise in advance?
Yes, it’s best to book your Sydney whale-watching cruise in advance to avoid disappointment. Even though there are lots of options to choose from the best-rated tours (all of which I’ve listed above) tend to book out quickly. This is particularly advisable if you plan on doing your tour during a weekend in Sydney.
You will also more than likely get a better deal when you book online in advance.
Where to stay in Sydney
I’ve tried to include something for everyone in the list below from a self-catering apartment in Bondi to a hostel in The Rocks to a luxury 4.5-star hotel in Darling Harbour.
- Novotel on Darling Harbour – Conveniently located in buzzing Darling Harbour, this huge hotel features an outdoor pool, gym and tennis court. And the rooms are spacious and comfortable and many offer a view of Darling Harbour. A room here costs around $250 AUD per night.
- Sydney Potts Point Central Hotel – This boutique, art-deco aparthotel is located in leafy Potts Point and you can walk into the city (around 30 minutes) or catch the train from King’s Cross. There’s a lovely rooftop terrace here with city views. Rooms are reasonably priced at under $200 AUD per night.
- Pullman Sydney Hyde Park – Located in a quieter part of the city, next door to leafy Hyde Park this hotel is still within walking distance to all of Sydney’s top attractions. It boasts a rooftop pool with epic city views, a gym, and stylish rooms (many with city views). Expect to pay approx. $250 AUD per night here.
- Miss Baker’s Boutique Accommodation Bondi Beach – Located a couple of blocks back from the world-famous Bondi Beach, this studio apartment with a balcony is a brilliant option. The studio comes with a kitchenette, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and access to a communal garden. Rates average $260 AUD per night.
- YHA Sydney Harbour (The Rocks) – This hostel was actually around the corner from my house in The Rocks and it’s a large, luxurious hostel (as hostels go). It’s got quite a bohemian clientele and it boasts a fabulous rooftop pool. Rooms here range from ensuite doubles to an 8-bed dorm.
Thanks for stopping by!
In short, joining a whale-watching tour in Sydney is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a must-do during your time in Sydney.
P.S Here’s a helpful map of my favorite Sydney itinerary that I created using Stippl (follow me on Stippl here) –
Tell me have you done a whale-watching tour in Sydney, if so, what did you think? I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.
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Last Updated on November 28, 2024 by snaphappytravel