Top Sydney Dolphin Watching

Escape the city and see Sydney’s marine life up close on a whale-watching cruise from Darling Harbour. Cruise through Sydney Harbour in search of migrating humpback whales, with live onboard commentary and insights into the local marine environment. A small vessel offers a more intimate experience and better viewing opportunities on the water.

Experience a close encounter with humpback whales—without having to leave the city—on this thrilling speedboat tour from Sydney. Hop on board the city’s fastest commercial ship and set off across Sydney Harbour, past landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Head out into the Tasman Sea, where you have the chance to spot whales swimming and playing in their natural habitat.

The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks—but much of it remains hidden to visitors without tickets to a performance. This guided walking tour offers a closer look inside the UNESCO World Heritage–listed building, with access to spaces typically reserved for showgoers. As you explore, your guide shares entertaining stories about the venue’s design, history, and the productions that bring it to life.

Save yourself the guesswork of finding a restaurant with a view and secure guaranteed window seating at Sydney Tower’s revolving restaurant. Dine nearly 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the city as the restaurant completes a full rotation, revealing changing views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and even the Blue Mountains on clear days. Enjoy an unlimited buffet with more than 30 dishes, plus an included drink.

Combine sightseeing with meal plans on this sunset dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour. Relax as soon as you step on board, and take in the city from a unique and romantic perspective. Pass highlights including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a 3-course à la carte meal, or upgrade to a 4-course option if you choose. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion, like an anniversary or birthday.

Seeing Sydney’s highlights from land often means lots of people and limited viewpoints. Beat the crowds by stepping aboard a cruise across Sydney Harbor, passing iconic landmarks alongside lesser-known sights, hidden beaches, and dramatic sandstone cliffs. As you cruise, enjoy uninterrupted views of the skyline and shoreline while listening to live commentary.

Many whale-watching tours head straight into open water, but this cruise begins in Sydney Harbour, where you can enjoy breakfast or a barbecue lunch (depending on the option selected). After your meal, sail past sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge en route to the Pacific Ocean, in search of migrating humpback and southern right whales. A naturalist guide provides live commentary along the way, and helps you spot marine life.

Be amazed and take a journey of discovery through SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s themed zones including the Penguin Expedition. Experience the sub-Antarctic during and interactive exhibit to meet spectacular King and Gentoo penguins. Come face-to-fin with more than 4,000 animals from 300 different species including majestic dugongs, grey nurse sharks, jellyfish, and an array of tropical fish.

Sydney's busy roads can make sightseeing tricky. Skip city traffic and combine a ferry ride with admission to Taronga Zoo. Depart from Circular Quay and sail across Sydney Harbour, taking in panoramic views of the skyline along the way. At the zoo, spot koalas and kangaroos, along with wildlife from around the world. Your package includes round-trip ferry transfers, so getting back to the city center couldn't be easier.

Discover the joy of coming face to face with majestic humpback whales while cruising across the ocean on a sailing boat on this fun-filled tour from Sydney Harbour. Running between May and November, the annual whale migration is a sight to behold. This small-group sailing tour gives travelers the chance to cruise alongside these incredible creatures without noisy engines or megaphones, so you can enjoy an immersive and wild natural experience.

Get into the Sydney Harbour and look for whales on this two hour group tour, starting from Circular Quay. You’ll have onboard commentary by your captain and crew so you can learn all about the harbor and the wildlife within it. The boat itself has indoor and outdoor seating, and a licenced bar onboard, where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Located on the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of fascinating animals, including Australian natives such as the koala, kangaroo, and platypus. Check the schedule for daily keeper presentations, or book an animal encounter or guided tour (own expense) for a more in-depth experience.

Visiting the Blue Mountains independently can be tiring to do independently, with long distances between viewpoints. This full-day tour from Sydney simplifies the journey, connecting the region’s highlights while a driver tackles the roads. Take in sweeping views from Kings Tableland, walk to scenic spots such as Wentworth Falls or Leura Cascades, and visit the towns of Leura and Katoomba to see the Three Sisters. The day ends with a relaxing cruise along the Parramatta River back to Circular Quay.

Visit your choice of two, three or four of Sydney’s top attractions with the convenient and economical Sydney combo pass. Choose from a list of four options: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye or Madame Tussauds Sydney. The Sydney Tower Eye observation deck offers sweeping views over Sydney Harbour and the city. The zoo and aquariums feature an amazing array of native Australian wildlife. Pose for photos with life-like wax statues of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds.

Spend some time out on Sydney Harbor in search of the majestic giants of the deep during this whale-watching excursion. Board your private vessel and sail past Sydney’s iconic beaches to the watching area. Then, keep your eyes peeled for the pods of whales out in the deep blue sea as well as bottle-nosed dolphins and fur seals that call the area home.

Set sail on the classic timber tallship Rhona H for a unique Sydney Harbour experience. Enjoy the sails set on every cruise, offering a genuine tallship sailing adventure instead of a motor cruise. Relish tea, coffee, cakes, and gourmet handmade sausage rolls, all served as part of your light brunch or lunch onboard. Departing from and returning to Darling Harbour, this experience is perfect for couples, friends, families, and small groups seeking a relaxing day on the water with delicious food included. - Classic timber tallship Rhona H with sails set on every cruise - Enjoy tea, coffee, cakes, and gourmet handmade sausage rolls - 4-hour sail departing from and returning to Darling Harbour - Maximum group size of 24 guests for an intimate experience