Whale watching in Sydney is one of the most popular activities for locals and tourists alike. Sydney is blessed with stunning natural beauty, which provides an ideal environment for whales to migrate. From May to November each year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to warmer waters along the Australian coast. Sydney offers many whale watching tours that provide a great opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. In this article, we will explore some of the best whale watching experiences in Sydney.
Sydney Whale Watching Tours
There are many whale watching tours available in Sydney, which offer different experiences depending on your preferences. Some tours offer a more personal experience, while others provide a more comprehensive overview of the whales’ behavior and migration patterns. Some of the popular whale watching tours in Sydney include:
- Captain Cook Cruises
Captain Cook Cruises is one of the most popular whale watching tour operators in Sydney. They offer a 3-hour cruise that departs from Circular Quay and travels to the open ocean where the humpback whales migrate. The tour is led by an expert guide who provides interesting facts about the whales’ behavior and migration patterns. The tour also includes morning tea, which is a nice touch.
- Whale Watching Sydney
Whale Watching Sydney is another popular whale watching tour operator in Sydney. They offer a 4-hour tour that departs from Darling Harbour and travels to the open ocean. The tour is led by an expert guide who provides interesting facts about the whales’ behavior and migration patterns. The tour also includes breakfast, which is a great way to start the day.
- Oz Whale Watching
Oz Whale Watching is a family-owned business that offers a more personalized whale watching experience. They offer a 4-hour tour that departs from Circular Quay and travels to the open ocean. The tour is led by an expert guide who provides interesting facts about the whales’ behavior and migration patterns. The tour also includes morning tea and snacks, which is a nice touch.
- Fantasea Cruising
Fantasea Cruising is another popular whale watching tour operator in Sydney. They offer a 3-hour tour that departs from Circular Quay and travels to the open ocean. The tour is led by an expert guide who provides interesting facts about the whales’ behavior and migration patterns. The tour also includes morning tea, which is a nice touch.
Whale Watching Sydney – Best Time to Go
The best time to go whale watching in Sydney is from May to November, which is when the humpback whales migrate. The peak season for whale watching in Sydney is from June to August when the whales are most active. During this time, you can expect to see many whales breaching and playing in the water.
Whale Watching Sydney – What to Expect
Whale watching in Sydney is a unique experience that provides a great opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. During the tour, you can expect to see humpback whales, which are the most common species of whale that migrates along the Australian coast. You may also see other species of whales such as minke whales, southern right whales, and orcas.
During the tour, you can expect to see the whales breaching, tail slapping, and playing in the water. You may also see pods of dolphins and seals that swim alongside the boat. The tours are led by expert guides who provide interesting facts about the whales’ behavior and migration patterns. The guides are also trained to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers.
Whale Watching Sydney – What to Bring
When going on a whale watching tour in Sydney, it is important to bring the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some items that you should consider bringing:
- Warm Clothes
It can get cold on the water, so it is important to bring warm clothes such as a jacket, hat, and gloves. Even on a sunny day, the wind can be chilly, so it is better to be prepared.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Although it can be cold, the sun can still be strong on the water, so it is important to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.
- Camera
Whale watching in Sydney provides a great opportunity to take some amazing photos of the whales and the stunning scenery. Make sure to bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the action.
- Water and Snacks
Whale watching tours usually include some refreshments, but it is always a good idea to bring your own water and snacks in case you get hungry or thirsty during the tour.
Whale Watching Sydney – Tips for a Great Experience
To ensure a great whale watching experience in Sydney, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
- Book in Advance
Whale watching tours in Sydney are popular and can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. To avoid disappointment, it is important to book your tour in advance.
- Choose the Right Tour
There are many different whale watching tours available in Sydney, so it is important to choose the one that suits your preferences. Some tours offer a more personal experience, while others provide a more comprehensive overview of the whales’ behavior and migration patterns.
- Listen to the Guide
The guides on the whale watching tours are experts in their field and have a wealth of knowledge about the whales’ behavior and migration patterns. Listen carefully to what they have to say and ask questions if you have any.
- Be Respectful
Whale watching in Sydney is a unique experience, but it is important to be respectful of the whales and their habitat. Avoid making loud noises or throwing objects into the water, and keep a safe distance from the whales.
- Have Patience
Whale watching can be an unpredictable activity, and there is no guarantee that you will see whales during your tour. It is important to have patience and enjoy the experience regardless of whether you see whales or not.
Conclusion
Whale watching in Sydney is a unique and unforgettable experience that provides a great opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. There are many different whale watching tours available in Sydney, each offering a different experience depending on your preferences. To ensure a great experience, it is important to book in advance, choose the right tour, listen to the guide, be respectful, and have patience. With these tips in mind, you are sure to have an amazing whale watching experience in Sydney.
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FAQ's
What types of whales will I see?
99% of the whales seen in past seasons have been Humpback whales. Occasionally we see Southern Right whales ( usually in August / September ). If you get extremely lucky we may see some Killer whales or Blue whales ( only two or three sightings over the last 10 years )
Will there be room for me to see the whales?
Yes, there is plenty of rail space onboard our vessels! They are custom built whale watching vessels, with outside viewing areas over 3 levels on our 3hr Discovery Cruise and one open cabin with 360 degree viewing on our 2hr Adventure Cruise.
Where is the best position on the boat?
Everyone has their own favorite position! the front deck and bridge deck sides are great spots, and flybridge deck is the highest point (so you can see further). the bridge deck aft is great for those that prefer a bit more protection from the elements, but you can see everything from the cabin windows on the main deck from the comfort of the high back cushioned chairs.
Is the morning or afternoon better?
It is totally random! Whales can do anything at any time during the day. Generally calmer sea conditions mean a more enjoyable cruise for passengers, so checking the above 7 day weather forecast can give a good indication if the morning or afternoon cruise will have more suitable conditions. How about you join us for both the morning and afternoon cruise!
What happens if it rains?
Rain is no problem on on our 3hr Discovery Cruise, as we have plenty of climate controlled cabin space on board so everyone can be warm and undercover. Totally Wild is more exposed to the elements, but has a roof and clear covers that can be rolled down if needed
What is the Whale Guarantee
The whale guarantee allows each passenger of a whale watching cruise that did not successfully watch whales to return on another whale watching cruise during the same year (or the following year if the unsuccessful cruise was within 2 weeks of the season ending) with a whale watching return voucher. Whale Watching return vouchers are stand-by tickets only and priority is given to paying customers. They are issued to each booking via email after the cruise. Please redeem your whale watching return voucher in advance via phone 1800 326 822 or at one of our ticket offices at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. Return Vouchers can not be exchanged for a refund.
What's the definition of seeing whales?
By seeing whales we mean that we find and approach at least one whale and we have at least 2 confirmed sightings on the surface at a reasonable distance. We want you to have the best whale watching experience possible and it is at the discretion of the crew to issue return vouchers. Sometimes we may still offer the guarantee in the rare case that we technically see whales but feel it was not a good enough experience.
What happens if I still don't see a whale on my free return trip?
In the unlikely event whales are not watched successfully on a cruise you redeemed your return voucher on, then we will issue another whale watching return voucher. We want you to have a good whale watching experience and will keep inviting you back until you do.
