Sydney Whale Watching Adventure Cruise
- Duration
- 2 h 48 min
- Group size
- Up to 70 people
- Guide
- English
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is one of the mid-size boats on our whale watching page: a catamaran for up to 70 from the Eastern Pontoon at Circular Quay, close to 3 hours including the run out to the open ocean. You pass the Opera House and the Bridge on the way, and there is indoor and outdoor seating with large decks for photos. Snacks and drinks are for sale; no meal is included.
Check-in is at a booth on the promenade halfway between Ferry Wharf 2 and the Opera House; if you arrive at 7 Macquarie Street, take the stairs down to the promenade. Our page notes the operator asks for ID and the card you booked with at check-in. It rates around 4.5 from about 40 reviews, a smaller record than the big operators. The listing warns that open water means wave motion, so bring seasickness tablets if you need them. The season runs from May to November.
Good for
- A standard whale trip from the Opera House side of the quay
- Groups who want indoor seating if the weather turns
Think twice if
- You want a guarantee. Captain Cook's and Fantasea's cruises offer one
- You get badly seasick
Written by SydneySide Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked October 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
This catamaran gets you to the open ocean in no time, ensuring customers get more whale watching time. But not to worry, the journey to the whales is also filled with wonder as you sail past Sydney's iconic landmarks. Capture unique snapshots of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you get ready to witness the gentle giants play in their natural habitat.
With indoor and outdoor seating, this vessel allows for a comfortable cruise with panoramic views. Passengers are free to roam around and take advantage of large spacious decks to capture the best action shots of the humpback whales!
From the listing by Sydney Harbour Whale Watching on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- This excursion takes you past the Sydney Opera House, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, allowing you to capture amazing shots of more than just whales.
- Witness the Harbour Bridge as you sail out to the main whale watching event, allowing for every moment to be filled with a sense of wonder and adventure.
What's included
- Restroom on board
- Snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard.
Not included
- Private transportation
- Brunch
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Meeting point
Meet at the check-in booth at the Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay, which is located halfway between Ferry Wharf No. 2 and the Sydney Opera House along the promenade walkway.
Please note, if you arrive at 7 Macquarie St, you must go down the stairs towards the promenade to locate the ticket booth.
Where it ends
Meet at the check-in booth at the Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay, which is located halfway between Ferry Wharf No. 2 and the Sydney Opera House along the promenade walkway.
Please note, if you arrive at 7 Macquarie St, you must go down the stairs towards the promenade to locate the ticket booth.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total duration includes the travel time to open ocean.
- As an open-water cruise, you will experience wave motions. If you're prone to seasickness or uncertain about your sea legs, we highly recommend considering over-the-counter sea sickness tablets before our cruise for a more comfortable experience.
- PLEASE NOTE - you understand you will have to provide your identification and the credit card used for booking upon check in.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our whale watching page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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