Best whale watching cruises in Sydney (2025): Tours, Prices and Discount Codes

Discover the best whale watching cruises in Sydney this season, from high-speed adventures to family-friendly tours — plus exclusive discount codes to save on your trip.

Whale watching season is in full swing, and up to 40,000 humpbacks are estimated to pass Sydney in the coming months. While you may spot some spouting from coastal walks, cruising out to the open ocean is undoubtedly the best way to experience the season. Whether you’re after a short and speedy adventure or a half-day cruise complete with breakfast and a view, there’s a whale watching tour to suit every kind of explorer.

From long-running operators like Captain Cook Cruises to high-speed thrills with Ocean Extreme, these are the best whale watching cruises in Sydney this season — plus, we’ve got discount codes to help you save on the experience.

1. Captain Cook Cruises

The Captain Cook Cruises fleet has been sailing across Sydney Harbour for 55 years. They’re experts by now, so you’re in good hands. The 2.5-hour cruises depart from Circular Quay daily at 9:30am and 1:30pm, sailing past the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House before heading out to the open ocean (from $69 per adult). They offer a Whale Sighting Guarantee, so you can cruise again for free if you don’t spot the giants. Combine your cruise with a visit to Taronga Zoo for the ultimate family day out ($129 per adult), or make sightseeing even easier with the Whale Explorer ticket, which includes a two-day hop-on hop-off pass ($119 per adult).

For Sydney Travel Guide readers, use the code 23UG25A when booking to save up to 15% on your Captain Cook Cruises trip.

Book your cruise at captaincook.com.au

2. Fantasea

There are three different cruises to choose from at Fantasea, whose crew have more than 25 years’ experience. All cruises are led by an expert crew and on-board guides who share insights and facts about the migrating whales.

• Two-hour express cruise: the most popular option for those looking for a time-efficient journey. Departing from Circular Quay, you’ll reach open ocean in just 15 minutes aboard Ocean Dreaming II, which has three viewing decks and indoor and outdoor seating. From $85 per person.
• 2.5-hour discovery cruise: Departing from Darling Harbour, you’ll reach the open ocean in 25 minutes on Fantasea Avalon. The vessel has a seated sun deck, a covered rear deck, a climate-controlled cabin and refreshments available to buy at the licensed bar. From $85 per person.
• 2.5-hour adventure cruise: This high-speed experience is for thrill-seekers. The nimble Totally Wild vessel only seats 27 passengers and has powerful engines, a rigid hull and high-back seats to provide speed as well as safety and comfort. You’ll travel at top speed to the open ocean. From $99 per person.

Use the code STG15 when booking to save 15%.

Book your cruise at fantasea.com.au.

3. Go Whale Watching

Simon and Jessica Millar have been operating whale watching tours from Sydney and the South Coast of NSW since 2004. The three-hour cruise (adult $85, child $65) is one of the longest you’ll find in Sydney, giving you plenty of time to see breaching whales, dolphins and seals. The custom-designed catamarans have 360-degree viewing decks to ensure the best views, and all tickets purchased directly from Go Whale Watching Sydney come with a whale sighting guarantee – if you don’t see whales on your tour, you can cruise again for free.

Use the code SYDNEYTRAVEL for 25% off your whale watching cruise.

Book your cruise at gowhalewatchingsydney.com.au.

4. Ocean Extreme

Sailing on the fastest commercial vessels in Sydney, Ocean Extreme provides some of the most intimate whale watching cruises available in the city. Tours cost $139 per person, making them one of the most expensive available, but if it’s good enough for Will Smith, Geri Halliwell and even Prince William, it’s good enough for us. Their boats are small but mighty, getting you out to the whales as fast as possible. Boats are open and low to the water, offering unobstructed and up-close views, but perhaps not as comfortable as some of the previously mentioned options. Ocean Extreme also operates a whale sighting guarantee, with a free second trip if you don’t see whales on your first journey.

Book with them at oceanextreme.com.au.

5. Oz Whale Watching

Have a hot brekkie or BBQ lunch with the whales on board the Oz Whale Watching cruise experience. The four-hour trips include either a hot breakfast served on board as you coast out to Sydney Heads, or a buffet lunch. Breakfast tours run on Saturdays and Sundays only at 8:15am–12:15pm, while lunchtime tours are available daily (12:15pm–4:15pm). Private tours are also available for a more intimate experience.

Book at sydneyprincesscruises.com.au