2024 Pre-Season Sale now on!
Sydney is the envy of Australia with a whale watching season that lasts over five months of the year. Over 20,000 Humpback whales make the 3,500km journey from sub-Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef every year. Whale numbers peak off Sydney in June-July for the Northern migration to give birth, and September-October for the return southern migration. In August, whale behaviour is often more spectacular with younger males showing off with amazing breaches.
Season begins 18 May 2024
9:30am and 1:30pm Whale Watching
- Approx 2.5 hour cruise from Circular Quay
Pre-Season Sale from $69 per adult
Whale Watching & Taronga Zoo
- 9:30am Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay
- Disembark Taronga Zoo 11:55am
- Direct entry to Taronga Zoo via the lower entrance
- Return Rocket ferry back to Circular Quay
$125 per adult
Every cruise comes with a whale guarantee
Captain Cook Cruises Whale Watching tours operate on family-friendly catamarans, with indoor and outdoor seating over multi-levels. Passenger numbers are strictly limited to ensure everyone has great views of all the action while the onboard Marine Naturalist provides expert commentary and insights into the whale behaviour. We have over 95% whale sighting success rate, but in the unlikely event we don’t spot whales, your whale guarantee ensures you can cruise again for free.
Prices 18 May - 3 November 2024
| Whale Watching | Whale Watching Explorer | Whale Watching & Taronga Zoo | |
| Adult Retail Child 4-15 | $92 $62 | $115 $89 | $125 $95 |
| Adult Online Special from | $75-85 | $92 | n/a |
| Adult Pre-Season Sale from* | $69 | n/a | n/a |
Prices are valid to 03Nov24. All prices are per person. Specials subject to change.
*Pre-Season Sale valid for a limited time only.
| Whale Watching Cruise | Circular Quay Wharf 6 |
| Departs 9:30am Returns 12:00pm |
Fri, Sat & Sun: 18 May-03 Nov 2024 Wed & Thu 27 May-4 Aug, 23 Sep–13 Oct 2024 |
| Departs 1:30pm Returns 4:00pm | Fri, Sat & Sun: 18 May-03 Nov 2024 Wed & Thu: 27 May-4 Aug, 23 Sep–13 Oct 2024 |
| Extra Departures | Check Availability for Extra Departures |
Whale Watching & Taronga Zoo:
- 9:30am Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay disembarking at Taronga Zoo approx. 11:55am
- Enter and exit the Zoo from the Lower Entrance or catch the bus to or from the top ( own expense)
- Make your own way back to Circular Quay or Darling Harbour at your leisure via our rocket ferry service
- A ferry timetable will be issued at check-in.
Whale Watching Explorer:
- 9:30am Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay disembarking at Circular Quay approx. 12:00pm
- Jump on the Hop-on Hop-off Harbour Explorer from the same wharf.
- The 2-Day pass is valid from the same day of the Whale Watching cruise and the following day.
- A timetable will be issued at check-in, however if you wish to plan in advance, you can view the timetable here.
Whale Watching Frequently Asked Questions
What types of whales will I see?
Humpbacks are the most commonly seen whales along the east coast. Occasionally we may also see Southern Right Whales, Minke Whales and Blue Whales. Plus, be on the look out for dolphins, seals, penguins and sea birds!
How close can we get to the whales?
There are strict guidelines on how close vessels of all kinds, from kayaks to cruise boats, can approach whales. It also depends if there are calves in the pod and the number of vessels in the area. As a guideline, the approach distance can range from 100m to 300m. This however does not stop whales from taking matters into their own hands for a closer look of us! At all times, Captain Cook Cruises operates with the safety and enjoyment of both our passengers and the whales.
What to bring
Layers! It will often feel colder at sea, so please ensure you dress according to the weather. And, don't forget to bring your camera as there will be plenty of photo ops on your cruise!
Will I get seasick?
This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. We recommend you eat lightly before the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to the cruise. View 7-day Wind & Wave Weather Forecast.
Do you guarantee sightings?
We have a whale sighting success rate of over 95%. In the unlikely event a whale is not sighted during the cruise, passengers are welcome to cruise again for free, in the same season.
Reconfirmation & Cancellation
Cruises are subject to cancellation due to weather & other operational requirements. Please call (02) 8062 3623 from 7:15am on the day of your cruise for the latest information. If your cruise is cancelled by us passengers may (1) rebook another Captain Cook Whale Watching Cruise in the same season or (2) seek a refund from the original place of purchase or (3) a credit can be made with Captain Cook Cruises towards another cruise within 12 months of original date of travel. If purchased through and agent, please refer to the agent's terms and conditions.
Is commentary included?
All Whale Watching Cruises include expert commentary from marine specialists with a passion for whales. We carry some of the most experienced commentators on Sydney Harbour.
Can I bring food and drinks onboard?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks onboard. We sell light snacks, soft drinks and water onboard.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, our sea-going Whale Watching vessels are wheelchair accessible. View our Accessibility page for further details.
Are there bathrooms onboard?
Yes, all vessels are fitted with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Are seats assigned?
Seating is not assigned for sightseeing cruises. All vessels feature spacious outdoor and indoor seating. The starboard side is usually closest to the shore and the port side closest to the harbour action.
Are there facilities for children?
All children must be escorted by adults. Children are welcome to cruise, however please keep in mind that you are on a vessel for up to 3 hours and sometimes children do get restless. Infants under 4 years are free of charge but not recommended on open water cruises.
Visit our FAQ page for info on all scheduled cruises.
Save on City Parking
Captain Cook Cruises' guests receive special rates at selected parking stations when you pre-book your car park online with Wilson Parking.
Remember to check with local authorities for special event road closures.
Still looking? You might find it here
- Wheelchair access - The entrance level deck of rocket ferries are wheelchair accessible with wheelchair accessible bathroom. Please check the Accessibility page for further details and wharf access.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Fleet
- Terms & Conditions
Map & Directions
Wharf Check-in Offices
- Circular Quay Wharf 6 - Click here for Google Maps directions
Other products you might like
-
FULLY FLEXIBLE
Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer
When in Sydney travel like the locals do, on the Harbour highway with the official Sydney Harbour Explorer. Up to 7 destinations, one easy to follow ferry timetable, expert local assistance and the flexibility to hop-on and hop-off as you like.
From $38.00 per adult
Normally $42.00. Save $4.00.
-
SIGNATURE SIGHTSEEING
Classic Sightseeing
Classic Cruises - Discover the most beautiful Harbour in the world with our range of sightseeing cruises passing the world-famous icons of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, stunning blue bays, hidden beaches, island national parks, towering headlands, botanic gardens, and the homes and playgrounds of the rich and famous.
From $28.00 per adult
Normally $32.00. Save $4.00.
Making the Most of the School Holidays
The Spring School Holidays are almost upon us and if you haven’t already planned the kids holiday activities, Sydney has plenty to offer. From a Sydney Harbour ferry to Taronga Zoo, riding the rollercoaster at Luna Park to Whale Watching, museums and beaches, the digital devices will be quickly forgotten!
