Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Group size
- Up to 96 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 5 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the long, comfortable way to whale watch: four hours from the Eastern Pontoon at Circular Quay, with a barbecue buffet lunch or a weekend breakfast served in the calm of the harbour first. Then the boat passes Manly, Watsons Bay and The Gap and heads out through the Heads to look for humpbacks. The season runs from May to November.
On our whale watching page we note that it starts at about the same price as the big 2.5 hour cruises, and that the meal adds hours, not whales. The extra time is mostly spent eating inside the harbour. If no whales are seen, the operator offers another trip at no cost, subject to availability. That is a rebooking, not a refund. The boat carries up to 96 people, so it handles a swell better than the speed boats. Check in 15 to 30 minutes early and bring seasickness tablets if you need them.
Good for
- A first whale trip with a meal, families, a bigger boat
- Combining a harbour sightseeing cruise and whale watching
Think twice if
- You want maximum time with whales. A fast boat reaches open ocean sooner
- You are visiting from December to April
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 is Sydney's only true 3 in 1 whale watching cruise. Including a city sights cruise with live commentary on Sydney's history both past and present, BBQ lunch and whale watch experience on the ultimate Sydney Harbour cruise. Relax while you see the sights of Sydney from the water as you cruise around Sydney Harbour and dine on a BBQ buffet lunch or breakfast (sat/sun only) served on board. Then head out into the open sea to go whale watching, pass through the Sydney Harbour Heads. Your crew will locate and provide informative commentary on the whales and their activity. These giants of the sea once nearly hunted to extinction, it is believed in history the humpback population was once as low as 200 whales. The conservation of these beautiful animals has led to the humpback population being at a safe level to avoid extinction. Numbers are restricted on this whale-watching cruise, with plenty of room inside and out for viewing in comfort on board your spacious sightseeing vessel.
From the listing by Sydney Princess Cruises on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Once on board you will enjoy a scenic harbour cruise while enjoying a delicious meal. During this time you will take in all the iconic sites of Sydney About 45 min.
- As you enjoy your lunch you will take in such sights the Botanic Gardens before heading out to the Whale Watching.
- As you enjoy your lunch you will take in such sights Manly Beach before heading out to the Whale Watching.
- As you enjoy your lunch you will take in all the sites of Sydney Harbour before heading out to the Whale Watching.
- As you enjoy your lunch you will take in such sights the the famous Watsons Bay before heading out to the Whale Watching.
- Oz Whale Watching 4 hour Cruise.
What's included
- Tea and Coffee
- Humpback whale watching
- Live commentary on board
- BBQ buffet lunch or breakfast (depending on departure time selected)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Eastern Pontoon, Eastern side of Circular Quay (same side as Opera House)
The pontoon is located in front of Searock Grill Restaurant
Please check in 15-30 minutes before departure time
Checking in
Check in 15-30 minutes before departure time. At check in please show your digital confirmation (no need to print anything) and you will be given a boarding card.
The departure location is Eastern Pontoon in Circular Quay.
Look for the ticket booth opposite Searock Grill restaurant (on the same side as the Opera House).
All travelers please bring motion sickness tablets. Our policy is better safe than sorry and being out in open ocean is very different to being in the harbour.
Where it ends
Eastern Pontoon, Eastern side of Circular Quay (same side as Opera House)
The pontoon is located in front of Searock Grill Restaurant
Please check in 15-30 minutes before departure time
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
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- We suggest all guests to please bring motion sickness medication, our policy is better safe than sorry.
- Please dress appropriately with comfortable shoes and warm clothing depending on the time of the year
- Please bring a camera and sun protection
- Available May - November (Whale Watching Season here in Sydney)
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, our things to do in sydney page and our home page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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