Sydney Whale-Watching by Speed Boat

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Sydney, Australia

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

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.

Experience the thrill of Sydney’s fastest commercial boat
Enjoy a close encounter with migrating whales in their natural environment
Multiple departure times and locations available—pick the ones that suit you best
Maximize your chance of spotting whales thanks to the crew's local knowledge

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Wind/waterproof jackets

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Campbells Cove
4 Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Campbells Cove Pontoon is located on the western side of Circular Quay. It is at the end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal and in front of the Squires Landing pub, You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour

Ocean Extreme

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
24 hour cancellation/rescheduling policy applies
Passengers must be 12 years old
Not wheelchair accessible
Passengers with back, neck, shoulder injuries or heart conditions, or those who are pregnant or who have injuries/conditions that may cause a risk to their health are not permitted to ride on the boat

For directions to the departure location; type "Campbell's Cove Pontoon" into google.
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 21 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Ruth_H

Absolutely brilliant! We were lucky enough to see a couple of whales that were pec and tail slapping. Blake is a great host and we can highly recommend this trip! Many thanks for a memorable experience on our 25th Wedding Anniversary 🥰

Reviews

5.0

based on 315 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

The speed boat ride was...

Mark_D, Oct 2025

The speed boat ride was exhilarating and then we got to see whales in the wild just added to the experience. Watching whales breaching was breathtaking. Would definitely do this experience again.

core memory

AINIWAER_A, Sep 2025

We loved it! all staff was super friendly, totally worth it. it was a lil trip for my birthday amd at first im a bit worried but it turns out amazing!!!

Give this a go!

ERIC_W, Jul 2025

So professionally done! Efficient load on and load out. Well communicated what the expectations were to be. We had the pleasure of watching to separate pods of whales. The second was very active near the surface so we experienced a lot of tails, fins, humpback, blows and some belly rolls. Captain Blake and his team were informative, good natured and professional. Boats were in good condition. I would do it again!!!

Brilliant

Adrian_B, Jul 2025

Brilliant experience, we were lucky with whale sightings on the day but great work by the crew to ensure enjoyment for all

Disappointing

Anthony_D, Nov 2024

Our experience was cancelled last minute by operator, who said that it was raining with a large sea swell. So we got the Manley ferry and the weather was perfect with flat seas and loads of boats off shore

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Hi Anthony, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We understand how disappointing it must have been to have your tour canceled at the last minute, especially after making the trip out for what you hoped would be an exciting day on the water. I was personally out at sea for both the 8am and 11am tours, and while conditions initially looked okay, they quickly worsened through the morning. By the time we returned from the 11am tour, it was clear that offshore conditions were too rough for the 2pm trip, so we made the difficult decision to cancel in the interest of everyone’s safety. While the ferry inside the harbour may appear calm, conditions just beyond can vary significantly. If only the whales came inside the harbour on the rough days! Canceling tours is never something we like to do, but safety is our top priority, and we felt it was the right call given the conditions. I’m glad to confirm that all affected guests received full refunds, and we truly hope we’ll have another opportunity to welcome you aboard for a smoother experience in the future. Thank you again for your feedback; it’s always valuable as we work to provide the best experience possible. Warm regards, Blake

Whale worth it

Owen_T, Oct 2024

This has probably been the best experience of our travels around Australia, and is likely to stay that way. We were lucky enough to see a large number of whales breaching and tail slapping with our guide giving the whales sufficient space, but with a curious two coming right up to (and under) our boat. The speedboat really allows you to appreciate the size of the whales and far beats a catamaran experience which we’ve done in the past, whilst also allowing you to get out to sea or to sightings far quicker. Cannot recommend enough!

Had a whale of a time !

Bart_R, Sep 2024

One of the best experiences of my life, was a perfect day out. Great staff and crew, answered all my questions over the phone.

Wathing whales from a speedboat, easy to get to. Great pics.

Jillian_D, Jul 2024

Great day on a boat viewing some small pods of whales as they traveled. They provided jackets, I recommend bringing a hat/gloves in the colder months. it is a speedboat so chilly weather becomes that much more fresh. Great couple of hours watching the whales, being on the water and getting a unique view of the harbor bridge and opera house from the boat.

Ocean extreme

April_W, Jun 2024

Ocean extreme was a great experience up close viewing of humpback whales and our guide was very knowledgeable

great way to see the harbor too!

mertalbot, Jun 2024

We did the 8 am tour which was a great way to start the day. Saw whales breaching! Enjoyed being out on the water and seeing the harbor as well.

Once in a lifetime experience

Jennifer_R, Jun 2024

Such a cool boat and we were provided with rain coats, which was definitely appreciated. But even more amazingly, we saw several whales and dolphins! The whales were showing all the typical behaviours from jumping out the water to flapping their wings. A truly amazing trip!

The experience of a lifetime

Sarah_C, May 2024

Wow! The experience of a lifetime! Whales breaching and tail slapping all around us and dolpins too. The speedboat was so much fun and Blake was very knowledgeable and friendly.

Amazing experience. Best whale watching!

Patti_O, May 2024

Amazing experience watching 3 humpback whales play before our eyes on May 27th. Great photos of the whales breaching, seemed like they were performing in front of us. Sean was our guide, absolutely loves his job and his enthusiasm shows. Explained the whales behavior and the migration. Marcus was a great captain getting us to the whales. Can't recommend highly enough. The best 2 hours you can spend!

Speedboat!

Rodel_E, Oct 2023

This was an absolute fun way to go whale-watching - so much adrenaline with the excitement of the speedboat, and anticipation of whale-watching.

More than expected!

Lisa_i, Sep 2023

Saw tons of whales!! Great trip! All on boat can see everything! Crew did a great job of making sure everyone get to see everything!

Totally worth the money

Terry_K, Sep 2023

I went to Sydney for the marathon. Booked this whale watching trip. The guy is an expert, he knows where to spot the humpback. Totally recommend going on a speed boat! Btw, try to be at the dock early, so you get to sit on the left.

Amazing!

Ruth_H, Sep 2023

A must go!

Sarah_C, Aug 2023

Great experience, leader made such an effort to follow the whales we sighted and get as close as possible, can’t recommend it enough!

Highly recommend! Great experience!

Desiree_S, Aug 2023

This was a fantastic experience!! The ride to the ocean was so fast and smooth. The guide was able to spot a pod of whales almost right away and gave us loads of great information. It was incredible! The guide had a great camera and took shots of the sightings that then got emailed to us, so you don’t have to be super preoccupied with taking shots and can be present to enjoy the experience. Overall, I highly recommend it!

Must do!!

Brittany_B, Aug 2023

Blake was a great guide and informed us with many whale facts. They know where to find the whales, so you‘re almost sure to see one (we even saw some dolphins!). We saw a pod and followed them for a while and even saw one breach! Unforgettable experience.

Beat expectations

Ben_S, Aug 2023

Blake was a great guide. Boat ride was very enjoyable. The operator provided winter jackets which was unexpected and gratefully appreciated. We saw lots of whales and lucked out on weather. Would recommend

Incredible

Ellen_B, Aug 2023

Incredible experience from start to finish. We were warned at the start that conditions were quite rough and that it would be a pretty bumpy ride - but that added to the adventure! We followed a pod of 3 humpback whales. Highly recommend!

One of the coolest experiences you can have

Elyse_P, Aug 2023

Blake was a great guide and this was a fantastic experience -- I immediately wanted to go again the next morning once we arrived back (and would've gone if a slot was available). It's important to remember there's no controlling the whales so there is patience and some luck involved to see a breach or get really close -- and more luck to get it on camera. We followed a few different pods during the time and even got to see one breach as we headed back. Loved that Blake took pictures to share with as after and that special coats were provided. My only wishes were that it was a longer time and that I knew to always be filming to catch more of the action.

Amazing

Sheridan_N, Jul 2023

Blake was an incredible guide. We saw two gorgeous whales multiple times. It was a wonderful experience.

Absolutely beautiful

Luba_D, Jul 2023

It was an amazing experience very close to the whales and the crew was very professional, kind and helpful.

Amazing!

Nina_R, Jul 2023

We got very close to the whales and had a great experience! Blake was a wonderful captain and provided us with lots of information about the whales and amazing pictures with his camera :)

Great whale watching experience

Jane_G, Jun 2023

A great experience to witness the whales from a smaller boat. Blake did a great job to get to where the whales were and we saw a large pod of whales. Was a beautiful Sydney day.

Beat whale watching tour!

Kayla_S, Jun 2023

Absolutely amazing experience! We went on the 8am tour and almost immediately came up on a pod of whales! The whole tour we followed a few different groups of whales and while we didn't get to see a breach up close, seeing the whales up close was am incredible experience! Super friendly and knowledgeable guide as well. Would do it again!

Had a whale of a time!

Bradley_W, Jun 2023

Photos really don't do it justice. The suspense of hoping for a sighting, the speed and agility moving towards a pod, the proximity and seeing these amazing creatures live, and of course Blake's passion and enthusiasm in pulling this all together. Top that with the fun of dashing around Sydney in a cool speed boat. Awesome day out and on my top 1 list next time I visit Sydney. Highly recommended !!