Sydney Whale-Watching on EXTREME Speed Boat
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Group size
- Up to 21 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 14 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is our pick on the whale watching page for anyone who has been whale watching before. It is an open speed boat for 21 people at most, it reaches the open ocean in about 15 minutes, and it rates close to 5. Wind and waterproof jackets are supplied, and the crew hand them out before the ride.
One traveller we watched filmed a late August trip. He checked in at 6:30am at the Campbells Cove pontoon, in front of the Squires Landing pub, and the boat searched for almost an hour before the first whale. Then it saw dolphins and a mother with a calf. The boat sits low in the water, so expect cold and spray: his advice afterwards was layers, and to cover your ears. The listing says passengers must be at least 12, and it is not for anyone pregnant or with back, neck, shoulder or heart problems. Arrive 15 minutes before.
Good for
- Getting out to the whales fast, in a small group
- Keen photographers who want to be close to the water
Think twice if
- Anyone with back, neck or heart problems, or who is pregnant
- Children under 12, or anyone who wants a dry, warm seat
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
Board a speed boat for one of the most exciting and most personal whale-watching experiences in Sydney. You will blast out of Sydney Harbour and offshore into the Tasman Sea on your search for these magnificent creatures. Once located you will have plenty of photo opportunities as you travel alongside the migrating pod.
Aboard the the fastest commercial vessel in Sydney, you'll get to the whales quicker than ever before. The completely open design of the vessel, along with its low position in the water, offers the only unparalleled, unobstructed and up close whale-watching experience.
From the listing by Ocean Extreme on Viator.
What's included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Driver/guide
- Wind/waterproof jackets
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting point
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.
Checking in
- Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Passengers with back, neck, shoulder 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
- The temperature offshore is often significantly cooler than on land. Please dress warmly. It is better to be too warm than too cold.
- Ladies we recommend pants or shorts for comfortable seating. Skirts and dresses are not recommended.
- We recomend flat soled footware. Open footware is okay.
Where it ends
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.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 24 hour cancellation/rescheduling policy applies
- Passengers must be 12 years old
- 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.
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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