Sydney Harbour Whale Watching Cruise by Captain Cook

Your Experience

Your experience

Your journey begins at Circular Quay, where you’ll board a modern, purpose-built catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating. Once onboard, settle in and enjoy a welcome from the crew and marine experts who will guide you through the experience with live commentary.

If you’ve selected a combo option, your whale-watching tour is only the beginning:

• Those with the Taronga Zoo upgrade will disembark directly at the zoo’s lower entrance after the cruise, avoiding queues and shuttle buses.
• With the 2-day hop-on hop-off ferry pass, you can begin exploring additional destinations like Manly, Darling Harbour, and Watsons Bay at your leisure. Printed maps and smartphone commentary are included to help guide your ferry adventure.

What to expect

Cruise past Sydney’s world-famous landmarks — the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and beyond — before heading into the Pacific Ocean to encounter humpback whales in their natural environment. With a high sighting success rate and a whale sighting guarantee, you’re all but assured of a life-changing encounter during this 2.5-hour expedition.

Enjoy comfortable viewing from spacious outdoor decks or relax indoors as expert marine naturalists share fascinating whale facts, behaviours, and conservation efforts. Keep your eyes open — aside from majestic whales, you may also spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds.

After your cruise, continue your Sydney adventure with included access (if selected) to iconic attractions like Taronga Zoo or keep exploring at your own pace with the 2-day hop-on hop-off ferry pass, making getting around Sydney as easy and scenic as it gets.

Features

• 2.5-hour whale watching cruise: Travel aboard a modern catamaran with expert commentary and stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the open ocean.
• Whale sighting guarantee: Didn’t spot whales? Rebook your cruise for free within the same whale season.
• Indoor & outdoor seating: Choose your comfort level with spacious decks and accessible indoor lounges.
• Optional Taronga Zoo combo: Includes zoo entry and skip-the-line lower entrance access, plus a return Rocket ferry back to Circular Quay.
• Optional 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off ferry pass: Unlimited ferry travel to six top Sydney destinations, with maps and mobile commentary included.
• Trusted by thousands: Operated by Captain Cook Cruises, a trusted name in Sydney sightseeing with a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Customisable adventure: Choose the experience that best suits your interests — cruise-only or with exciting add-ons that save money and time.

Whether you're chasing the thrill of a whale encounter or building a full day of exploration with Sydney’s best attractions, this flexible cruise experience delivers adventure, education, and unforgettable views all in one easy booking.