Just a Selection of Whale Sightings 2026

Explore recent whale sightings in Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises. View expert reports, sighting rates, and seasonal highlights during the annual humpback migration. Plan your whale watching cruise with confidence.

See our 2025 Sightings

A Small Selection of 2026 Sightings

Date

It's going to be bigger and better than ever!

21 JuneThe whales were putting on a show all day long, with more than 20 humpback sightings across our morning and afternoon cruises! Guests were treated to plenty of surface activity, including tail slaps, breaches and impressive peduncle throws, while pods surfaced regularly around the vessel. The afternoon brought an extra surprise with over 50 dolphins joining the action, creating an unforgettable wildlife spectacle. With calm seas, fantastic visibility and whales in every direction, it was a day packed with excitement from start to finish.
19 JuneThe humpback highway was busy this morning, with whales appearing in every direction as they continued their annual migration north. Guests enjoyed repeated sightings of active whales, including impressive breaches and tail throws that sent sprays of water high into the air. With albatrosses soaring above and plenty of whale activity below, there was never a quiet moment onboard.
15 JuneThe whales were out in force this morning, with 10 humpbacks making for an exciting day on the water! Guests were thrilled as several whales cruised close to the vessel, giving everyone fantastic views of these gentle giants. While the whales were enjoying a more relaxed morning, there was never a dull moment with sightings across multiple pods and albatrosses soaring overhead. With plenty of whales to admire and beautiful ocean conditions, it was another unforgettable adventure along Sydney’s stunning coastline.
14 JuneWhat a spectacular afternoon on the water! More than 10 humpback whales delighted guests with an exciting display of blows, tail dives, pectoral slaps and peduncle throws. Several close encounters left everyone in awe, while calm seas and excellent visibility created perfect viewing conditions. A magical whale-watching experience and a memorable afternoon with these magnificent giants of the sea.
11 JuneA fantastic morning on the water saw eight humpback whales delight guests with playful tail throws and several spectacular breaches. With albatrosses gliding overhead and whales surfacing across multiple pods, there was plenty of action to keep everyone captivated. Under clear skies and excellent viewing conditions, it was a memorable whale watching experience filled with excitement and unforgettable moments.
8 JuneThe ocean was alive with activity as more than 10 humpback whales delighted guests throughout the morning. Spectacular breaches and frequent sightings kept excitement levels high, with whales appearing wherever we looked. Calm seas and clear visibility made for an unforgettable day on the water and a wonderful glimpse into the magic of the humpback migration.
6 JuneSaturday delivered a memorable whale-watching adventure, with humpbacks offering several close encounters throughout the day. Guests were thrilled as a whale surfaced just metres from the vessel, while energetic tail throws and powerful peduncle displays kept the excitement going. A playful pod of common dolphins added the perfect finishing touch to a day filled with unforgettable wildlife moments.
3 JuneNine humpback whales put on a fantastic show this morning, but the highlight was being surrounded by more than 100 playful dolphins. Tail slaps, blows and constant surface activity kept guests captivated as the ocean came alive around them. An unforgettable wildlife encounter and a truly magical morning on Sydney’s spectacular coastline.
2 JuneWe were thrilled to welcome Channel 7 aboard for an unforgettable start to the whale watching season. Just minutes after leaving Sydney Harbour, guests witnessed spectacular humpback breaches that had everyone rushing to the rails. Two energetic males kept the excitement going with powerful blows, tail flukes and chin slaps, delivering a fantastic display in perfect viewing conditions. With fantastic viewing conditions and incredible whale behaviour throughout the cruise, it was a morning packed with excitement, unforgettable memories and plenty of camera-worthy moments.
https://www.captaincook.com.au/explore-sydney-sightseeing/whale-watching-sydney/
31 MayExcitement filled the air as four humpback whales put on a spectacular show. From dramatic breaches to powerful tail dives and playful pectoral slaps, the action kept guests captivated throughout the cruise. Albatrosses soaring overhead added to the magic, making for an unforgettable day of wildlife encounters and memorable moments on the water.
28
May
Don’t we all love wildlife? Our guests felt truly privileged witnessing majestic humpback whales performing chin slaps and breathtaking breaches on Sydney Harbour. Joined by playful dolphins and graceful albatross soaring above, it was a blissful reminder of the beauty and magic of ocean life.
16
May

Despite the gloomy start to the season, our guests were treated to unforgettable wildlife moments on Sydney Harbour as majestic whales breached through the water. Adding to the magic, a playful seal was spotted relaxing near the iconic Sydney Opera House; proof that even on cloudy days, Sydney Harbour is full of wonder.


Some of our recent reviews

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