Sydney Whale Watching: The Best Tours and Tips
Every year, tens of thousands of whales pass through the waters along the Australian coast for their annual migration. With its extensive coastline, Sydney is, without a doubt, one of the top places in the country to catch this journey.
To get a front-row seat to see an incredible whale watching experience, there is a collection of fantastic tours in the city will take you to see them in their natural habitat.
After spending years in Sydney, whale watching has become one of my favorite activities in the city. Seeing the whales up close is absolutely a bucket list experience.
In this Sydney whale watching guide, you’ll learn about the best whale tours in the city and what distinguishes them from the others. You’ll also learn how to prepare for the experience, what you can expect to see, and even where you can catch a view of marine life from various viewpoints on land.
Let’s dive into the ultimate guide on Sydney whale watching and the list of the best whale watching tours.
Note: These tours can sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to pre-book to secure your spot.
1. Whale Tales
The best whale watching experience in Sydney, Whale Tales gets you up close and personal with the migrating humpbacks.
On the way to the open water, you’ll make your way through the Sydney harbour, passing the Harbor Bridge, Opera House, and the Sydney skyline.
The smaller boat provides more of an intimate setting than others on this list; you’ll feel more immersed in the surroundings of the whales and ocean.
25 guests are the maximum they allow on the boat, making the experience more personal and relational. The crew comprises an experienced captain and a marine expert who offer excellent hospitality and knowledge.
Whale Tales also provides a “Whale Guarantee,”: if you don’t spot a whale, you’ll be given a free return trip.
Cost: $70/person
Length: 2 hours 30 minutes
2. Captain Cook Cruises
Almost certainly the most popular whale watching cruise in Sydney, Captain Cook Cruises has a reputation for offering incredible and reliable whale watching experiences.
Their boats are specifically designed for whale watching and give guests clear views of the humpback whales in action. The tour departs from Circular Quay, so you’ll get a view of the top landmarks and the eastern suburbs.
An onboard marine biologist shares their knowledge of recent whale sightings and their typical behaviors. Sometimes, the tour guides on Captain Cook will even communicate on the radio to other boats to pinpoint where the action is.
This cruise is very family-friendly, so bring the kids with you on this one. Food is available for purchase on-board.
Cost: $56/person
Length: 2 hours 30 minutes
3. Sydney Princess Cruises
Sydney Princess Cruises also departs from the beautiful Circular Quay. They offer a great tour with a longer runtime, giving you a higher likelihood of spotting a whale.
The highlight of the cruise is the custom built boats, optimized for whale watching with ample and comfortable seating.
In addition, throughout the cruise, the accommodating crew tells interesting whale facts, all engaging and informative, which aid the overall experience.
Sydney Princess Cruises also stands out for its additional amenities. Refreshments and a meal are included (FYI, the food is amazing), which elevates the experience and helps you relax and enjoy the views.
Cost: $62/person
Length: 4 hours
4. Fantasea Cruising
Fantasea Cruising, a famous name in Sydney’s whale watching community, has an excellent catamaran with a large, two-level viewing area. If you need a sun break, the air-conditioned interior space will give you some relief.
What distinguishes them is the combination of speed and educational content. With perhaps the fastest fleet in Sydney, there’s less time traveling and more time in the prime whale spots.
Their onboard marine biologist or staff member does an amazing job of providing in-depth knowledge on whale habits and migration patterns.
The staff on Fantasea Cruising includes a photographer who will take great photos of the whales breaching in case you missed the shot with your cell phone.
Cost: $60/person
Length: 3 hours
5. Ocean Extreme
Ocean Extreme is the best option for those looking for a more time-efficient tour. With their high-speed boat, you’re more likely to get a close-up whale encounter in a minimal time.
The boat is designed to venture deeper into the open ocean, which makes you feel more immersed in the elements.
They also do a great job of ensuring the boat is in the right spot at the right time. If you go at the right time of year, you’re almost guaranteed to have multiple sightings. Maybe even a double breach!
The amenities are useful, with comfortable outdoor seating, a variety of snacks, and a marine biologist who provides full commentary about recent sightings and their behaviors.
Cost: $83/person
Length: 2 hours
Sydney Whale Watching FAQ
What Type of Whales Can You See on Cruises in Sydney?
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks are the most commonly sighted whales during the Sydney season, engaging in northern and southern migration. They’re also almost certainly the most fun to watch, with their acrobatic breaching and tail slapping.
Southern Right Whales
Southern Right Whales are seen less frequently than humpbacks but are exciting to see when spotted. They have broad backs without a dorsal fin and a distinct callus on their heads. They’re often seen closer to the coast, especially during their breeding season.
Orcas
Orca movement around Sydney is slightly less predictable than other whales, but they are known to be spotted from various viewpoints along the oceanfront.
Minke Whales
Minke whales prefer deeper water, so you’ll have to get lucky to catch one close to the shore.
However, if you’re on the lookout for them, they have slender bodies and a white band on each flipper.
Dolphins (Bonus sightings)
Bottlenose and Pacific White-sided dolphins often swim in the same vicinity as humpback whales. You’ll have a great chance of seeing them from Sydney lookouts throughout the year.
You may even see them swimming in the harbour!
Other Marine Life
Seals often lay around on the rocks or swim in the harbour; Australian fur seals and New Zealand fur seals are the two most common types.
In addition, a variety of seabirds hover around looking for fish.
What’s the Best Place in Sydney to See Whales?
Cape Solander, Kurnell
Cape Solander, in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, is one of the best places in Sydney to whale watch from the land.
It has a dedicated viewing platform, and marine experts are on hand during peak times, detailing whale sightings and fun facts.
The Gap at Watsons Bay
A cliff-top viewpoint with views of the open ocean. The high vantage point increases the chances of spotting whales, especially during their southern migration. You’ll also have great views of the city.
North Head Sanctuary, Manly
Positioned in a way that has panoramic views of the water. In particular, the Fairfax Lookout is the standout point. It’s a perfect viewing spot during the whale migration.
Dobroyd Head, Balgowlah Heights
The Arabanoo Lookout at Dobroyd Head provides a great view of the ocean. It even has informative plaques, which give information on the lookout’s significance and history.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse, located at the northern end of Palm Beach in Sydney, is one of the best spots in Sydney for land-based whale watching. You’ll have unobstructed ocean views after a scenic hike to the top.
What is the Best Time of Year for Whale Watching in Sydney?
Sydney whale watching season typically spans from May to November, coinciding with northern and southern migrations.
Northern Migration (April to August)
During this time, humpbacks travel north from the cold Antarctic up Australia to the warmer breeding grounds near the equator.
By June, whale sightings are in full swing as they travel closer to the shore.
Southern Migration (August to November)
This is when whales, including mothers and their calves, head back south through Australia to the Antarctic waters.
Late October and early November are the most active times when you can expect to see many whales.
Weather Considerations
While whales can be spotted in any weather, calm and clear days provide the best visibility and comfort.
Sydney’s weather can be unpredictable, so checking the weather forecast before booking a tour is essential.
Other Factors
For those looking to avoid crowds, consider weekday tours or those outside of school holiday periods.
Morning tours often offer calmer ocean conditions, which might be preferable for those prone to seasickness.
