Best whale watching spots and tours in Sydney 2025

Whale watching season is officially underway, and these are the best tours and viewing spots for whale watching in Sydney — including exclusive discount codes to save on your whale watching tour.

Get your winter woolies on and head out to see one of nature’s greatest events: the humpback whale migration. From May to July, around 40,000 whales swim north from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland. Come August, they return south, travelling past New South Wales once more, with newborns in tow, offering a second chance at a sighting. Whale watching season is one of the many highlights of winter in the Harbour City.

Whether you stick to solid ground to spot some spouting from coastal walks, or cruise out to the open ocean on a tour, these are the best places for whale watching in Sydney.

Best whale watching tours in Sydney

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

Popular viewing spots

1. Cape Solander

Cape Solander, near Cronulla, is a well-known whale-watching hotspot with a dedicated viewing platform and informative signage. From late May through July, it’s common to see multiple whales a day. The local volunteer-run whale counting station is a bonus for curious onlookers wanting insights on migration patterns.

2. Barrenjoy Headland, Palm Beach

For the adventurous, hike up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for panoramic views of the ocean. The 1km climb is worth every step, especially during peak season when sightings are almost guaranteed. Early mornings here are serene, and the sight of a breaching humpback silhouetted against the sunrise is unforgettable.

3. North Head

A little southeast of Manly, North Head offers sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean. This elevated vantage point makes it one of the best places to spot whales breaching or blowing in the distance as they pass Sydney. Plus, you might even see dolphins tagging along. The Fairfax Walk is a short, family-friendly circuit that leads you straight to prime viewing platforms.

READ MORE: The ultimate guide to Manly

4. Bondi Beach

Sydney’s most iconic beach isn’t just for surfers and sunbathers. The famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk gets even better with an appearance from passing whales. There are numerous vantage points along the cliffs. Ben Buckler Point, on the northern end of Bondi, is a particularly good spot—grab a coffee from Pocket, take a stroll up the hill and keep your eyes on the sea.

5. Dover Heights

The coastal path at Dover Heights recently reopened after an upgrade, so it’s worth checking out anyway. The high cliffs and unobstructed views make it a bit of a hidden gem for spotting whales though. Rodney Reserve, in particular, has sweeping ocean views without the crowds. It’s also a great place to bring a picnic blanket and make a morning of it.

6. Watsons Bay & South Head

Watsons Bay is already a weekend favourite for Sydneysiders, and during winter, it doubles as a fantastic whale-watching location. The Gap lookout provides dramatic cliffside views where you might catch humpbacks breaching just offshore. Afterwards, grab some fish and chips or take a seat at Watsons Bay Hotel and soak in the scenery—whether or not the whales make an appearance.

Ready to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures? Which spot will you try first?