Quick Details
Child
3-13 years old
A$ 65
Adult
18+ years old
A$ 85
Family Package (2 adults + 2 children)
A$ 250
COME ABOARD OUR COMFORTABLE BOATS FOR GUARANTEED WHALE WATCHING
Come aboard ‘Bubbles’ and ‘Explorer’ our spacious, comfortable whale watching boats. Meet our passionate, friendly and experienced crew who will take you on an adventure to meet with the whales.
From May to November approximately 50,000 Humpback Whales migrate past Sydney on their annual migration. This cruise allows you the opportunity to get out on the water and see them as they journey past Sydney. These whales are wild animals, they are unpredictable and we cannot guarantee the behaviours you will see on a cruise. To see a full range of humpback whale behaviours we recommend booking more than one cruise. The more time you spend on the water the better your chances of seeing them breach!
Please be assured that our team will do all that they can to get you to the most active whales and improve your knowledge and understanding of these amazing animals.
What’s included
- Incredible opportunities to spot whales in their natural habitat
- Experienced, passionate crew providing live commentary throughout the journey
- 3-hour cruise departing from Darling Harbour
- Take in the Harbour sights, travel under The Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House
- Complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits served on the return journey
What’s not included
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This tour does not include food.
Itinerary
- Board your vessel at King Street Wharf 6 or 7, The Promenade, Darling Harbour (directly in front of Malaya Restaurant)
- Welcome and safety briefing from our crew before departure
- Cruise through Sydney Harbour, taking in iconic sights along the way
- Travel out through Sydney Heads into the open ocean, where the whale search begins
- Enjoy observing whales (when spotted) with live commentary and insights from our experienced crew
- Relax on the return journey with complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits
- Cruise back into Darling Harbour and disembark with a deeper appreciation for whales and their importance
- Check our socials after your cruise to view photos taken by our onboard whale photographers
Highlights
We’re passionate about whales and the incredible marine environment they call home.
Our goal is to share this experience with you and make your time on the water as memorable as possible. Every cruise is an opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about these amazing creatures.
Our tours operate during the annual humpback whale migration, a time when these majestic animals travel along the coast. During the journey, you may also encounter other marine life such as dolphins, turtles, seals, seabirds, and occasionally other whale species.
Our vessels, Bubbles and Explorer, are designed for comfort and stability, offering a balance between space and an intimate, enjoyable experience on the open ocean.
We take pride in delivering a personal experience with a strong focus on care and attention. With decades of experience on the water, our team is dedicated to providing an informative and enjoyable journey for every guest.
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Dress warmly, it is always colder on the ocean, a jacket is a good idea.
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Bring your sense of adventure!
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Hat and sun protection, although there is an indoor cabin you will want to be outside when we are with the whales!
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Please bring any food you might like with you. We do not sell food or drinks onboard.
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Wear flat soled, comfortable shoes.
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- We recommend that if you do not regularly go out on the ocean that you take sea sickness prevention measures. Visit your chemist (Pharmacist and discuss the best option for you)
- All children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children of any age, including infants require a valid ticket. We do not recommend this activity for very young children as these tours take you out into the open ocean.
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- Please note that pregnancy increases your chance of sea sickness. We highly recommend talking to your health care provider about whether this is appropriate for you.
- Unfortunately our vessels are not wheelchair friendly. To board both of our vessels you will need to be able to walk and climb stairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Whale watching season in Sydney runs from May to November during the annual humpback whale migration along the east coast of Australia.
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Mid-June through to mid-July is often considered one of the most active periods for whale sightings, as large numbers of humpback whales travel north during migration.
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Both morning and afternoon cruises offer excellent opportunities to see whales. Morning tours can sometimes experience calmer ocean conditions, while afternoon cruises may have different whale activity depending on the day.
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The cruise runs for approximately 3 hours, including the journey through Sydney Harbour and into the open ocean.
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Cruises depart from King Street Wharf 6, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000.
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We recommend arriving at least 20–30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.
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Cruises depart on schedule and are unable to wait for late arrivals, so please allow extra travel time when planning your trip.
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Guests will cruise through Sydney Harbour, pass iconic landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, then head into the open ocean during whale migration season. Live commentary is provided throughout the journey by experienced crew members.
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Humpback whales are the species most commonly spotted during the migration season. Guests may also occasionally see dolphins, seals, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life.
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Whale behaviour varies every day, so breaching and surface activity cannot be predicted. Depending on the conditions, guests may witness behaviours such as tail slaps, fin waves, or close surface encounters.
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All whale watching cruises follow Australian marine wildlife regulations designed to protect whales and their natural behaviour. Whales are naturally curious animals and may sometimes approach the vessel on their own.
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Every cruise is different. Some tours may encounter several whales or active pods, while others may experience quieter sightings depending on migration activity and ocean conditions.
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Whales are wild animals travelling during migration season, so their behaviour naturally changes from day to day depending on weather, ocean conditions, and migration patterns.
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Yes, guests may also encounter dolphins, seals, turtles, seabirds, and occasionally other whale species during the cruise.
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Yes, the whale watching cruise is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 3 years and above.
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Many older guests enjoy the cruise comfortably, especially on calmer days. As the tour travels into the open ocean, guests should consider their comfort and mobility before booking.
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Pregnant guests should consider ocean conditions and their personal comfort before travelling. If unsure, we recommend speaking with your doctor prior to booking.
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The cruise travels into open ocean waters, where some movement is always possible. Guests who are prone to motion sickness may wish to speak with their pharmacist about preventative options before the tour.
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Getting a good night’s sleep, eating a light meal before departure, staying in the fresh air, and focusing on the horizon can all help reduce motion sickness.
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We recommend dressing warmly and comfortably, as it is often cooler on the ocean than on land. A jacket, hat, sunglasses, and flat comfortable shoes are all recommended.
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Guests are encouraged to bring sun protection, a camera, comfortable clothing, and any snacks or drinks they may wish to enjoy during the cruise.
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Complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits are served on the return journey. Guests are welcome to bring additional snacks or drinks with them.
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Yes, the vessels include indoor cabin areas as well as outdoor viewing decks for guest comfort.
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Yes, onboard restroom facilities are available for guests throughout the cruise.
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Yes, guests are generally free to move between designated viewing areas when conditions are safe and crew instructions are followed.
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Yes, the vessels are designed for comfort and stability, with spacious viewing areas that allow guests to enjoy the experience from different vantage points.
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Accessibility may vary depending on the vessel and ocean conditions. Guests requiring assistance are encouraged to contact A Boat Agency before booking for further information.
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Foldable prams or strollers may be permitted depending on available space onboard. We recommend contacting A Boat Agency prior to departure for confirmation.
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Pets are generally not permitted onboard, with the exception of certified assistance animals.
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Smoking and vaping are generally not permitted onboard for the comfort and safety of all guests.
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Absolutely. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras or phones to capture the experience and the incredible scenery throughout the journey.
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Drones are generally not permitted during whale watching cruises due to marine wildlife regulations and passenger safety requirements.
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Light rain usually does not affect departures. Cruises only operate when ocean and weather conditions are considered safe by the crew.
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If conditions are deemed unsafe, guests will be contacted regarding rescheduling options or further booking assistance.
For assistance, please contact A Boat Agency:
- Phone: 1800 161 408
- Email: bookings@aboatagency.com.au
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The cruise travels through Sydney Harbour and out past Sydney Heads into the open ocean where whales are commonly found during migration season.
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Yes, several paid parking stations are located near Darling Harbour and King Street Wharf.
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Yes, Darling Harbour is easily accessible via train, light rail, ferry, bus, and taxi services throughout Sydney.
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Mobile reception may vary once the vessel travels offshore, so signal strength cannot always be guaranteed during the tour.
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Yes, private charters and corporate group bookings are available for whale watching experiences and special events.
For enquiries, please contact A Boat Agency:
- Phone: 1800 161 408
- Email: bookings@aboatagency.com.au
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Yes, group bookings are welcome for families, schools, social groups, and corporate outings. Advance booking is recommended for larger groups.
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Yes, whale watching gift vouchers are available and make a great gift for friends, family, birthdays, and special occasions.
To purchase a gift voucher or learn more, contact A Boat Agency:
- Phone: 1800 161 408
- Email: bookings@aboatagency.com.au
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Our team is happy to help with bookings, cruise information, private charters, and general enquiries.
A Boat Agency
1800 161 408
bookings@aboatagency.com.au