Whale Watching Sailing Experience in Sydney
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Group size
- Up to 12 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 5 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the quiet way to whale watch, and the sailing option on our whale watching page. It leaves the Rose Bay pontoon at 9am, on the west side of Lyne Park, for about 3 hours, and heads out through the Heads into the Tasman Sea under sail when the weather allows. Groups are capped at 12, and it rates close to 5 from about 70 reviews.
The trade-off is speed. A sailing boat is slower to reach a pod that is far out, so you may spend less time with whales than on a fast boat. Snacks, bottled water and a restroom are included. Rose Bay is in the eastern suburbs, not at Circular Quay; the listing says on-street parking is usually available, and the Rose Bay ferry wharf is about 100 metres away. Check the morning route on the Transport for NSW trip planner the night before. Our page notes it is not recommended for children 5 and under.
Good for
- Small groups who like boats and quiet
- Anyone staying in the eastern suburbs
Think twice if
- You want the most time with whales. A speed boat gets there faster
- Children 5 and under
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
Enjoy the unique eco-friendly experience of whale watching under sail (weather permitting). After a short transit to the entrance of Port Jackson your small group tour heads into the Tasman Sea to search for Humpback and other species of whales during their annual migration passed Sydney
From the listing by Charterscene on Viator.
What's included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Restroom on board
Meeting point
Rose Bay Pontoon Wharf West side of Lyne Park
Near Rose Bay West Boat Ramp
200 metres north of 596C New South Head Road
Rose Bay NSW
On street parking usually available.
100 metres south from Rose Bay Ferry Wharf
300 metres from New South Head Rd Bus Stop
Checking in
Please stay at home and follow medical advice if you have any COVID19 symptoms.
Where it ends
Rose Bay Pontoon Wharf West side of Lyne Park
Near Rose Bay West Boat Ramp
200 metres north of 596C New South Head Road
Rose Bay NSW
On street parking usually available.
100 metres south from Rose Bay Ferry Wharf
300 metres from New South Head Rd Bus Stop
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 travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Group bookings are for a minimum of 6 guests
- Not recommended for travellers prone to chronic seasickness
- If you require motion sickness tablets please visit a pharmacy or seek advice prior to your cruise departure
- Near public transportation
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- Not recommended for travelers 5 years and younger
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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