Up to 2 hours
Two-Hour Whale Watching Cruise
Get up close and personal with majestic humpback whales on this fun two-hour cruise from Sydney Harbour.
What you'll do
Here’s your chance to see whales in the wild on an exhilarating cruise from Sydney Harbour. Reaching speeds of up to 20 knots, the luxury Fantasea vessel is in open water within minutes, ready to slow down and pause to watch as humpback whales put on a show on their annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer climes of the Great Barrier Reef.
Humpbacks are by far the most common whale here, but you might get even luckier: passengers have been known to spot the occasional orca, blue whale or sperm whale, and bottlenose dolphins are also a fairly common sight. Watching these majestic creatures as they breach the surface is one of nature’s great theatrical displays and – as long as they’re playing ball – you’re all but guaranteed a whale of a time!
There are plenty of viewing areas on the boat – a seated sundeck, a covered rear deck and large windows along the internal saloon – and expert guides are on hand to point out signs of whales lurking beneath the water’s surface. There’s a bar for snacks and refreshments and, in the unlikely event you don’t see a single whale on your cruise, you’ll get a free pass for another day.
Highlights
Humpback whales
Humpbacks migrate right past Sydney Harbour between April and December so the chances you’ll spot one or more of these majestic creatures is very high – and you’ll get a free pass for another day if not!
Spectacular sea life
You’ll likely spot other wildlife including seals, bottlenose dolphins and seabirds; minke, blue and sperm whales have also been known to put in an appearance here.
Fantasea Vessel
The cruiser heads out to open water at speeds of up to 20 knots; it has expert guides, a bar and several viewing areas on board.
Facts
Humpback whales spend much of the year feeding in the cold waters around Antarctica but prefer warmer climes for mating season, migrating north to Australia’s coastal waters in their thousands between April and December.
The phrase ‘there she blows’ is the traditional alert given by the lookout on old whaling ships when a breaching whale is spotted. Put on your best salty sea dog voice and give it a try yourself!
What's included
Two hours of whale watching
Reservations
Booking required
To book your spot, email [email protected] or call 1800 326 822 with your pass number, preferred date and time of departure. Walk-ins at the Fantasea counter on Circular Quay Wharf 6 are accepted but subject to availability on the day.
Where you'll be
Circular Quay, Wharf 6, Sydney, AUOperating hours
Daily: tours at 12PM and 3PM, additional 9.30AM cruise available on some weeks.
Closings & holidays
The whale watching season runs only from May to November.
Find out more
For more information, please visit the Fantasea Cruising website.
We're kind of popular, but don't just take our word for it.
Have a 5% discount, on us!
Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.