Adventure Collective
Wildlife & Whale Watching in Sydney Harbour with Sydney Harbour Boat Tours - Sydney

Wildlife & Whale Watching in Sydney Harbour with Sydney Harbour Boat Tours

Point Pipereasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3.5 hours

Fitness Level

Minimal physical activity required, suitable for all ages

Overview

Set sail on Sydney Harbour for an unforgettable wildlife adventure, with dolphins, seals, and migration whales in their natural habitat. Discover the magic of marine life with expert guides and stunning coastal views.

Point Piper, New South Wales

Whales Of Sydney Lunch Safari

For all ages! • 3.5 hours • Seals, Dolphins, Whales, including lunch

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About This Adventure

Embark on Sydney's ultimate wildlife adventure with a thrilling 3.5-hour harbour cruise. Experience breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs while spotting seals, dolphins, and, from May to November, majestic humpback whales. Enjoy a light lunch aboard a high-speed sports boat, making this an unforgettable journey into nature's wonders.

Sydney’s ultimate wildlife adventure! See whales and seals with a harbour cruise and light lunch included.

Duration

3.5 hours

About

Few cities in the world have more wildlife on their doorstep than Sydney. Just 15 minutes by boat from the Harbour Bridge lies an array of creatures including fur seals, sea eagles, penguins, dolphins and migrating humpback whales.

The 3.5 hour excursions depart year round from Circular Quay, Manly or Rose Bay and includes a harbour nature cruise, plus offshore exploring for private groups of up to 8 passengers. Whales can be seen from May to November.

What you’ll do and see

You’ll see some of the harbour’s most beautiful and secluded natural coves and beaches then take a thrilling ride through the heads into the Pacific Ocean and along Sydney’s coastline with its dramatic cliffs, toward Bondi or Manly. We never venture more than 4 kilometres from the coast and we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, however seals and dolphins are common year round and whales are prevalent between the months of May and November.

Highlights:

  • High Speed Sports Boat
  • Amazing wildlife
  • Dramatic Pacific cliffs
  • Seals, Dolphins, Whales

TRIP DETAILS

Departure & Return: Circular Quay Availability: Safaris all year round (whale season is June to November) Maximum Group Size: 8 people

WE PROVIDE

• Knowledgeable local whale skipper/guide • Bluetooth music • Bottled water • Light lunch

PLEASE BRING

Sun protection: Glasses, hat, sun cream. Warm top/jacket: It can be cooler on the harbour. Wet weather gear: To protect from sea spray Footwear: non-marking, soft-soled shoes permitted. No heels. Sea Sick / Travel Sick Tablets - If you suffer from seasickness and require medication it is advisable to take the medication 1 hour before departure, we do not supply seasickness medication.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Whale watching takes place in open waters just off the coast of Sydney, so generally there will be some sort of waves or swell, however, the vessel is designed for comfortable and safe offshore cruising in swell up to several metres. However, we will not leave the harbour if conditions are deemed to be unsuitable or dangerous (see below for rescheduling policy).

Your whale charter is private so if you feel uncomfortable at any time or wish to come back into the harbour the captain will return and provide an alternative cruise experience for the remainder of the charter duration. Whale watching is also a random wildlife experience, so although there is a 90+% chance of spotting whales in season, it is not guaranteed and the operator bears no responsibility.

CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULING

Whale watching is subject to suitable ocean conditions. In the event of severe sea conditions you will be contacted within 12-48 hours prior to departure with the option to reschedule to another date, or select an alternative cruise within enclosed waters inside the harbour. Charter refund requests are subject to our standard terms and conditions.

We are an all-weather experience, our boat has full weather protection, therefore we do not cancel due to forecast rain and/or wind (unless conditions are deemed to be unsafe). If guests choose NOT to travel in inclement conditions they will forfeit the cost of the charter.

DEPARTURE

Unless otherwise specified your cruise departs from: Campbells Cove Floating Pontoon, Circular Quay on the Western Side of Circular Quay. Campbells Cove Floating pontoon is located in front of The Squires Landing Bar & Restaurant (this is not the wooden jetty in the middle of Campbells Cove).

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your charter start time. Our emergency contact number - 1300183365 or +61290913583

HOW TO GET TO CAMPBELLS COVE?

Walking - Campbells Cove Floating Pontoon, Circular Quay is located on the Western Side of Circular Quay. In front of The Squires Landing Bar & Restaurant Note the wooden structure in the middle of Campbells Cove is the Jetty and not the pontoon. The pontoon sits lower in the water and is located in front of The Squires Landing Bar & Restaurant.

Arrive by Train – Walk out of the train station walk and follow the water on the Harbour bridge side of Circular Quay to Campbells Cove. Campbells Cove Floating Pontoon is located at the end of the Cruise ship terminal (at the rear of a docked cruise ship if in port) in front of The Squires Landing Bar & Restaurant

Arrive by Taxi/Uber - Cnr of Hicksons & Elevated Rd, The Rock. Walk down Elevated Road then in Campbells Cove Floating Pontoon is front of The Squires Landing Bar & Restaurant

Driving There is a Wilson car parking station located on the upper level of the Cruise Ship Passenger Terminal (OPT), Circular Quay and Campbells Cove Floating Pontoon is located at the end of the Cruise ship terminal (at the rear of a docked cruise ship if in port) in front of The Squires Landing Bar & Restaurant

For all Public transport timetables and to use Trip Planner please click the link below https://transportnsw.info/

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Weather on the water can change rapidly; bring layered clothing to stay comfortable.

Bring binoculars

Enhance your wildlife viewing experience with a good pair of binoculars.

Book early for peak season

Whale migrations attract many visitors—reserve your spot in advance.

Stay back from wildlife

Observe animals respectfully and maintain a safe distance for their well-being.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Common dolphins
  • Australian fur seals

History

Sydney Harbour has been a vital maritime hub for centuries, with indigenous Eora people having navigated these waters long before Europeans arrived.

Conservation

Sydney Harbour Boat Tours participates in local conservation initiatives, promoting awareness and sustainable access to marine ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Sydney

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin during outdoor water activities.

summer specific

Hat and Sunglasses

Essential

Shield your eyes from sun glare on open water.

summer specific

Waterproof Jacket

Essential

Stay dry in case of wind or light rain.

spring;fall;winter specific

Camera or Smartphone with Zoom

Essential

Capture the wildlife and scenic views.