whale breaching out of water in Sydney

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Sydney's Best Whale Watching Cruises

The 2025 whale watching season has now started

Whale Watching Sydney offers one of the best whale watching experiences in Australia. Our passionate crew have over 30 years of experience aboard our custom-built fleet of vessels, which means you’ll be in good hands to see nature’s beauty with your very eyes.

Whale Watching, 2hr Express Cruise
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2hr Express Cruise
On Ocean Dreaming II

Only $85.00
Circular Quay, Wharf 6
Our most popular whale watching cruise, reaching the open ocean in 15min. Watch whales across three viewing decks on the best whale watching boat in Sydney.
Whale Watching, 2hr Express Cruise
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2.5hr Discovery Cruise
on Fantasea Avalon

Only $85.00
Darling Harbour, Aquarium Wharf
Departing from Darling Harbour, cruise the open ocean in comfort from the seated sun deck, covered rear deck or climate-controlled cabin on Fantasea Avalon.
Whale Watching, 2hr Express Cruise
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2.5hr Adventure Cruise
On Totally Wild

Only $99.00
Darling Harbour – Pier 26, Berth 3
Sydney’s most thrilling, high-speed whale watching experience onboard our custom-built rescue vessel, Totally Wild! Perfect for thrill seekers wanting an adrenaline rush.
Whale Watching, 3hr Discovery Cruise
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Central Coast
Whale Watching

Only$99.00
Palm Beach & Ettalong Beach (Free Transfer)
No need to travel into Sydney for your whale watching cruise with local departures from the Central Coast at Palm Beach and Ettalong Beach (Free transfer). On weekends during school holidays.

Save 20% on whale watching cruises
with My NRMA Rewards

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Most Recent Whale Sightings

Photos taken by our onboard photographers
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Posted 7 hours ago

Wow! We were treated to a show of humpback skills today on both our morning and afternoon Express cruises! 🚀🚀

We started with a cheeky younger humpback whale giving us a few breaches. We believe it was a sub-adult that's recently of age where it no longer needs mum and is making its own way on its Southern migration!
Then this afternoon, we had a humpback give us two huge head lunges and then did a few circular laps outside the Sydney heads before we had to wave goodbye and head back to Circular Quay

Today was awesome to say the least 🤙

#whalewatchingseason #humpbackwhale #whalewatchingsydney #whale #australia #humpback #sydney #whalewatching
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Posted 1 day ago

A day of stunning conditions and curious whales continued! Our afternoon Express trip found a pod of three whales charging South. They were on a mission, but diverted course and came straight towards the boat, passing back and forth across the wake before popping up right next to us. Amazing!!

#whalewatchingsydney #whalewatching #sydney #humpbackwhale #whales
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Posted 1 day ago

Wow! Glassy conditions on out on the ocean today, and the whales are feeling friendly! We spotted this juvenile breaching in the distance, and little did we know we were in for a treat! This whale decided to stop with the acrobatics, but instead swam circles around the boat and came so close we could see every detail!!

It’s a beautiful day for whale watching!!

#whalewatchingsydeny #whales #whalewatching #sydney #humpbackwhale #wildlifephotography
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Hello little one!!

Today we saw an amazing pulse of mothers and new born calves cruising along the coast, with two separate pairs showing the first signs of whale acrobatics! The first calf we saw still hadn’t quite got the hang of breaching, but was giving it a 10/10 effort!

As always it’s important we give these mothers and calves space so we have to remain 300m away, however the whales don’t always follow the rules and the lively little ones can put on some adorable shows.

Conditions are looking good for this week and it’s a promising sign that the calves are finally making their way South, let’s hope for some more action over the next few days!

#whalewatchingsydney #whalewatching #sydney #humpbackhighway #whales #humpbackwhaleImage attachment
Posted 2 days ago

Hello little one!!

Today we saw an amazing pulse of mothers and new born calves cruising along the coast, with two separate pairs showing the first signs of whale acrobatics! The first calf we saw still hadn’t quite got the hang of breaching, but was giving it a 10/10 effort!

As always it’s important we give these mothers and calves space so we have to remain 300m away, however the whales don’t always follow the rules and the lively little ones can put on some adorable shows.

Conditions are looking good for this week and it’s a promising sign that the calves are finally making their way South, let’s hope for some more action over the next few days!

#whalewatchingsydney #whalewatching #sydney #humpbackhighway #whales #humpbackwhale
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Comment on Facebook

Yes 10/10 for cuteness

Outstanding

Awesome 10 / 10

Posted 3 days ago

Yet another stunning day for Whale Watching Sydney.

We had every behaviour you could ask for, Breaches, Pectoral fin slapping, big tail throws and even some mugging. It really doesn’t get any better!! The Humpback Highway is in full swing and it’s never a dull day! We hope to see you soon!

#whalewatchingsydney #whalewatching #whales #humpbackwhales #sydney #humpbackhighway
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Comment on Facebook

Great photos!

Posted 4 days ago

What a day for it!!!

Amazing conditions on the Tasman today, and a lazy Sunday didn’t seem to apply to whales today!! Huge tail throws, some very close encounters, distant breaches and even the dolphins came out to play!!

#whalewatchingsydney #whalewatching #whales #sydneywhalewatching #humpbackhighway #humpbackwhale
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Comment on Facebook

Perfect Afternoon <3

Why cruise with us?

30 Years Experience

Full commentary from experienced Marine Naturalists or Scientists to guide you through the cruise.

Whale Guarantee

If you don’t see whales on your first whale watching cruise you can come back again for free!

15-20min to the ocean

Don’t waste hours traveling to the whales and back. Minimal time in the harbour, maximum time with whales.

Read our Whale Watching Blog

Written by our onboard photographers
whale breaching out of water in Sydney
August began with a wild burst of nature — huge storms and rolling seas sweeping along the Sydney coast. As the weather tested our patience, we felt the last beats of the northern migration slowing, but the whales still treated us to some truly breathtaking behaviour.

July 2025 Update

The past six weeks have flown by, and the northern migration of our mighty Humpbacks is now in full swing....

June 2025 Update

The past six weeks have flown by, and the northern migration of our mighty Humpbacks is now in full swing....

Whale Watching and Coastal Adventures with a Sydney Hire Car

Combine your whale watching cruise with a hire car from SIXT for a coastal road trip, and you’ve got a...

Testimonials

  • My experience was amazing I say Whales breaching it was fantastic. And the crew on the boat made my experiences a great and safe place to be.

    OnAir551973
    Aug. 2023
  • Weather was a bit miserable, but the boat made it comfortable. The crew had their finger on the pulse out there and when whales were spotted by a sister boat, we were taken quickly to a perfect viewing spot. The whales repeatedly breached, including a double breach from the pair. We got great photos and finished the voyage pumped.

    Windy Miller
    Jul. 2023
  • The boat, crew and overall experience was fabulous! Whales were promised and wow we were blown away, we can’t believe that we saw whales breaching and tail slapping so close we felt at times we could almost touch them.
    This crew have perfected the tour with an onboard Marine Biologist and happy, easygoing but safe attitude.

    Deborah J
    Jul.2023
  • Went Whale Watching with my teen and we both loved it! if you are in Sydney between May/November and you check weather/sea conditions, GO! You are not going to be disappointed!

    Kikka1931
    Dec.2023
  • Once we got out of the Harbor, we started seeing whales. They were jumping and feeding and just cruising along side the boat!! The crew were all super friendly and helpful and kept the trip fun and interesting.

    BigMo
    Dec. 2023
  • Whale Watching Sydney. Another excellent trip with lots of whales observed. If you book online suggest you tick the extra option for getting the professional photos. Good commentary on what you are seeing

    AsiaDavies
    Oct. 2023
  • Must to do with kids. Amazing experience with kids. Must to do if in Sydney. There is big difference watching whale compared to other animals as the shear size of whale and they move is magnificent.

    mayanksaksena1
    Oct. 2023
  • Never thought in my whole life I would see whales so close . Commentator excellent with information and keeping us up to date with sightings and explanations .  A Fantastic exceptional trip .

    733doctor
    Sep. 2023

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which our business operates. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.