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Compared side by side. Booked on Viator.

Whale Watching on OSPREY Speed Boat with canopy from SYD Harbour

5.0out of 5, 21 reviews 2 hours Free cancellation

Duration
2 hours
Group size
Up to 25 people
Guide
English
Ages
12 and over
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Our take

The OSPREY is Ocean Extreme's second whale watching speed boat, and on our whale watching page it sits beside the EXTREME boat in the speed boat group. The difference is in the name: this one has a canopy. Otherwise it follows the same plan, two hours from Campbells Cove pontoon in front of the Squires Landing pub, out of the harbour fast and into the open ocean, with wind and waterproof jackets supplied. It carries up to 25 people.

It rates close to 5, but from a small record of about 21 reviews, while the EXTREME boat has over 300. The canopy is the reason to choose it if you would like some cover from sun and spray on a fast, bumpy ride. The same rules apply as on the other speed boat: 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 departure, and bring layers, as it is colder at sea.

Good for

  • Getting out to the whales fast, with some cover overhead
  • Small groups 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

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

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks

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

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 24 hour cancellation/rescheduling policy applies
  • 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
  • Passengers must be 12 years old
  • 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.

More tours we compare on whale watching

From A$149

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Whale Watching on OSPREY Speed Boat with canopy from SYD Harbour, enlarged photo