Sydney Whale Watching - 2.5hr Discovery Cruise
Sydney, Australia
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
During migration season, humpback whales travel the coastline around Sydney—but to maximize your chances of spotting them, you need to venture out into open water. On this express whale-watching cruise, sail past Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, and into the open waters of the Pacific. Once out at sea, keep your eyes peeled as the crew helps you spot pods of whales swimming around the boat.
- Learn more than you otherwise would—a marine biologist offers live commentary
- Save precious vacation time with an express cruise
- Choose between a cozy cabin or open deck to watch for whales
- Your local crew knows all the best places to spot whales
What's Included
- 2.5 hour Whale Watching cruise.
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- Commentary by experienced crew.
- Professional photographer onboard
- Whale pictures from your cruise (available to purchase)
- Drinks (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Aquarium, Darling HarbourSydney NSW 2000, Australia
Cruises depart from Darling Harbour – Aquarium Wharf. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Circular Quay
2
Sydney Harbour
3
Fort Denison Island
4
Sydney Harbour Bridge
5
Sydney Opera House
6
Darling Harbour
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- If you suffer from motion sickness it is strongly recommended that you consult a doctor before traveling
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 190 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Mildred_L
I never thought I would have the opportunity to see whales in their natural habitat. It was an unforgettable experience. The ride was comfortable and the crew did an excellent job in providing the many opportunities to see the whales.
Reviews
4.0
based on 126 reviews
ho77and, Oct 2025
Good half day trip with plenty of whale sightings the staff are really well organised with a tea or coffee as you board and the seating is comfortable and the boat is a lot steadier than you might expect
Houda_A, Sep 2025
Loved it ... Even though we were unlucky to see the whales my granddaughter enjoyed the whole ride the crew were very helpful and so much information was told over the speaker and we were informed of everything going on the whole experience was great
Melanie_M, Sep 2025
Loved the views and boat, unfortunately i did go twice during some bad weather and didn’t see many whales but that’s a part of whale watching! Sometimes you see them sometimes ya don’t!
Tammy_V, Sep 2025
We had a wonderful experience because we had 3 whales playing around the boat for about a hour. The staff on board were helpful and enthusiastic and helped to make our trip a fab one
Elizabeth_T, Jul 2025
I gave Fantasea Whale Watching one star for four key reasons:
Uncomfortable Seating: While a few of the upstairs seats were padded, most were just metal benches. When we hit 8-foot swells, these became incredibly uncomfortable, not ideal for what’s supposed to be a scenic and enjoyable ride.
Poor Viewing Design: The seating layout makes it difficult to see the water. If you're on the outer edge, your back is to the ocean. If you're in the middle, you're staring at the cockpit. Yes, you can turn or look across, but that means straining past other passengers, hardly a good setup for whale watching.
Questionable Safety Protocol: During the pre-boarding safety briefing, the captain stated we should not put on life vests unless told to. In rough seas, that policy is baffling. If someone feels safer wearing a life vest, they shouldn’t be discouraged. Conditions can change quickly, and it’s unclear why comfort and safety would be deprioritized.
Concerning Behavior Around Whales: The captain explained that whales breach either to exfoliate or because an underwater noise is irritating. Moments later, he threw the boat into reverse, loudly, seemingly trying to provoke a breach. He did this again later when another whale was spotted. The whales were far away, and we weren’t in danger of getting too close, so the maneuver felt unnecessary and disruptive. I’m not sure what the marine laws are in Australia, but this felt more like harassment than responsible ecotourism.
In summary, while the boat itself seemed seaworthy, the overall experience left a bad taste. I cannot in good conscience recommend Fantasea, and I regret spending money to support a company whose practices I feel are misaligned with genuine respect for wildlife.
Lorraine_V, Nov 2024
I wish I could write a review but when we arrived at the wharf we were told the tour had been cancelled over a month ago not that I had been told. Rather surprisingly payment was taken 48 hours before the trip was due to take place and I still receiving reminder notifications on the morning of the trip. Disappointing to say the least.
Rushit_S, Sep 2024
The whales were so close to boat. It was an amazing sight. Loved it. The ocean waters were rough, but the crew managed everyone well and were helpful.
Emma_H, Sep 2024
The crew were knowledgeable, boat was great and we saw lots of whales and dolphins! Highly recommended
Randy_M, Jun 2024
I saw whale jump but wife missed it all she saw was the splash. But was able to see pics online. I recommend it very much.
Michele_C, Jun 2024
We saw quite a few whale right outside Sydney Harbor. Our Captain was vert friendly and informative. Thank you.
Stephanie_H, Nov 2023
I am sure if we had not gone the last weekend this trip was offered (end of the migration season), we would have had more fun. Unfortunately, we saw no whales, the crew spent the entire time tending to seasick passengers (rather than trying to help locate the whales) and at the end we were all offered the "whale-watching guarantee", which is a voucher for another whale watching trip and must be used within the year. Since this was a once-in-a lifetime trip to Australia, we won't be able to try again..and they know that 99% of visitors will not be able to book a return trip.
Nabilah_A, Nov 2023
The ferry ride. But not happy there wasn't much whales or went up close to us. Too expensive for little whale watching experience (not many whales)
Mariyam_M, Oct 2023
Saw the whales swimming, but not so eventful. The whales did not come out of the ocean. Not what was expected. So felt a bit disappointed.
Roger_N, Sep 2023
Going out thru the Harbor was picturesque. The weather was nice. We did see a number of whales. The biggest and most playful was found near the end of the cruise. Unfortunately, we left before the group was done playing, so we could get back at least 15 minutes early making the cruise less than the advertised 3 hours.
Mildred_L, Aug 2023
I never thought I would have the opportunity to see whales in their natural habitat. It was an unforgettable experience. The ride was comfortable and the crew did an excellent job in providing the many opportunities to see the whales.
Emily_B, Aug 2023
We didn’t see any whales, which is not the tour operators fault, but they also did not explain anything that was happening for the 2 hours we were out cruising. They didn’t explain what they were doing or give any information regarding what whales they were looking for or anything really. It was just a nice, relatively quiet 3 hour boat ride that we got nothing out of. I also think it would be beneficial to offer partial refunds (not full, I get you still have to pay gas and wages, etc.) if you don’t see anything as many of the patrons are likely tourists and may not be in Sydney another day, like we were not.
Jamie_C, Aug 2023
This was a lot of fun. We saw a bunch of whales. They jumped out the water, they splashed with their fins and tails. One even got close to the boat. It was amazing to see. Such a nice day on the water.
maria_e, Jul 2023
On this outing we were able to see whales. Which is great. However I got seasick and only saw one whale breach because I was vomiting most of the time. I'm giving a five because we did get whales but most importantly the crew were checking on this who did get sick.
Acacia_N, Jul 2023
We had a great time and were able to see whales right up along the boat. We were out on rough waters. My family doesn't normally take motion sickness pills, but we needed it that day!
AijazYousaf, May 2023
The experience was good other than the whale did not showed up completely, that is our luck. nothing to do with the package :) . the tour was excellent. i enjoyed watching.
AnnaMaria_N, May 2023
The day we were originally supposed to go on this trip there were gale force winds. We were able to change to another day couple days later. We saw male whales slapping the water and breaching and then saw a second pod as we headed back into the bay. Wonderful trip. We saw the whales breaching 9 times. Amazing
Mathilde_L, Nov 2022
Scam. Didnt see any whales and i have a free entry but for the next year. Dont go if you dont wanna l'ont money
Kristi_K, Nov 2022
We were able to see a mother and her calf. Both of them breached and the calf jumped all the way out of the water. It was an amazing experience.
Chris_K, Oct 2022
Best experience ever, a perfect moment for me to build memories with my fiancée on our first visit to NSW.
Christine_M, Oct 2022
Shocking weather saw many people get seasick but the staff were fantastic! Did their best under very trying conditions.
Jayant_M, Oct 2022
We were very much satisfied with the tours and visits organised by you. Look forward to another good experience on visit to Canberra.
Lori_R, Nov 2019
I had a great time during the entire tour. We saw 4 whales and watched them play for at least an hour. I got lots of pictures and video. It was definitely one of the highlights of my vacation.
Jenn_S, Oct 2019
The Weather was terrible; the crew really didn't give a rats and the voucher for food & drinks very poor. Got at the end. For $99 per person a very low standard!
Desmond T, Jun 2017
We were not informed prior our booking or departure that the sea was so rough, all ended up seasick despite eating the seasick pills and could not see the Whale. All 7 of us were busy vomitting in the cruise.
Susan S, Oct 2016
Although we had problems finding where the boat left from, which wharf, it didn't ruin out outing. It was wonderful to see the whales up close. It was as if hey where putting on a performance for everyone.
From $63.83
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Sydney Whale Watching - 2.5hr Discovery Cruise
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