They're the largest mammals to grace the Earth with their presence, and lucky for us, we have a front-row seat in our own backyard. So if you reside in or are just passing through Sydney, these are the whale watching experiences that will have you close enough to say hello.
Our top picks: Whale watching experiences you can book now in Sydney
Whale Watching Cruise in Sydney Harbour from RedBalloon
Best for: Near city
Highlights:
2 hours and 30 minutes whale watching in Sydney Harbour
Why you can trust our recommendations for whale watching in Sydney
We compared whale watching in Sydney with top brands such as RedBalloon, Adrenaline, Viator and Groupon to find the top experiences.
We put ourselves in your shoes and considered what most people would look for when booking experiences, whether it's location, price, inclusions or availability.
When possible, we'll include first-hand reviews of our whale watching in Sydney.
Whale watching in Sydney: Compare experiences, locations and more
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates until 2023, including Easter and school holidays. Activities include whale- and dolphin-watching and lunch and sunset cruises in Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne.
Available on select dates until 2024 on activities such as sightseeing tours, whale-watching cruises, helicopter tours, cruises, wine tours and more. Sample rate is for an audio walking tour.
Join the Viator newsletter and get 10% off your first purchase on attractions, food and drink experiences, sightseeing cruise, skydives, bus tours and more. Plus access to members-only sales, travel tips and more.
Frequently asked questions about whale watching in Sydney
Where can I go whale watching in Sydney?
All whale watching experiences head out onto Sydney Harbour but depart from many locations including Manly, The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay.
When is the whale watching season in Sydney?
For the highest chance of spotting a pod of whales off the coast of Sydney, you'll want to book between April and November. For warmer temperatures, book either at the beginning or end of the season.
A regular whale watching cruise in Sydney can cost between $45 and $100 per adult. Children's tickets are usually a little more than half the cost of an adult's ticket. Cruises that include food, drinks or VIP experiences usually cost more, between $150 and $300 per adult. A family of 4 can experience the cheapest whale watching cruise we've found for $180.
What do I wear while whale watching?
Whale watching is an outdoor activity on the water, which means your chances of getting wet are pretty high. You'll want to dress warmly for your cruise. Wear flat, enclosed shoes to ensure you don't slip and a waterproof jacket is highly recommended.
Is morning or afternoon better for whale watching?
There's not a clear-cut time for when to go whale watching. If you want to spend the most amount of time on the water for your chance encounter, you can consider booking an all-day cruise.
What happens if my tour does not find whales?
Part of the beauty of whale watching is getting up close to wild creatures. Unfortunately, said wild creatures might not appear right on cue.
Tour operators understand this and some will offer a guarantee that if you don't see any humpback whales, you'll have a free or discounted trip next time you book with them (usually for the same season).
Tamara Medojevic was a travel writer at Finder. She graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Journalism. Her passion for travelling began at an early age, with frequent overseas trips to Europe and across Australia. Tamara believes that travelling is an experience that can be enjoyed on all budgets and she works to make sure you’re getting the most for your dollar.
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Here's our guide on what you can do in Sydney this Easter long weekend.
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