Sydney: Whale Watching Afternoon Cruise with Whale Sighting Guarantee
Embark on an afternoon whale-watching cruise and discover one of the world’s most beautiful harbours on this Sydney adventure. Visit this sandstone coastline that serves as an ocean playground for whales of all kinds – Humpbacks, Southern Right Whales and Minke especially. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and even a cheeky penguin or two! With on-board commentary and free access to the vessels varied viewing areas, your wondrous trip across the waves is sure to be a whale of a time.
Inclusions
- Valid for one infant (0–3), one child (4–15) or one adult (16+)
- Note: Infants may attend, but due to the length of the cruise it is not recommended
- 2.5-hour (approximately) afternoon whale watching experience
- Expert on-board commentary
- Comfortable, family-friendly indoor and outdoor seating over multiple viewing decks
- See dolphins, seals and birds
- Cruise past the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge en route to open water
- Whale sighting guaranteed or cruise again in the same season for free
- Available Saturday & Sunday: Departs at 1.30pm; returns by 4pm (approximately)
- Bookings valid from 17 May to 2 November 2025
Pricing & availability
Circular Quay Wharf 6, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Things to know
- As this is an open-water cruise, departures are subject to weather conditions. Call the reconfirmation hotline +61 (02) 8062 3623 from 7.15am on the day of your cruise for departure confirmation
Things don’t always work out, so enjoy peace of mind knowing that the following cancellation options are available to you.
- From 1 day before your chosen date, onwards - Non-refundable
- Up to 7 days after purchase (and at least 1 day before your chosen date) - 100%
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours before departure date: no cancellation fees apply
- Cancellations within 24 hours of departure date, late arrivals and no-shows: 100% cancellation fee applies
Changes to Booking
- 24 hours’ notice is required to change a booking you have made
- Weather-appropriate clothing (it often gets colder on open waters)
- Camera
- Light snacks, soft drinks and water are sold onboard
- This is an open water cruise, and you will experience sea motion. We recommend eating lightly before and during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to the cruise
Availability:
- Available Saturday & Sunday: Departs at 1.30pm; returns by 4pm (approximately)
- Whale-watching is seasonal from 18 May – 3 November only
- Bookings valid from 17 May to 2 November 2025
- Departure Point: Whale Watching Cruise departs from Wharf 6, Circular Quay
- All passengers must arrive 15–30 minutes before departure for check-in. Late arrivals and no-shows void offer and the vessel will not wait
Important:
- Exclusions: Meals and drinks, hotel transfers
- Cruise is valid for afternoon departure only
- Cruises are open seating and guests are welcome to move freely between designated seating and open-air areas of the vessel
- All vessels are fitted with on-board toilets
- Child policy: All children under 18 must be escorted by paying adults (18+). Children are welcome to cruise, however please keep in mind that you are on a vessel for up to 2.5 hours and sometimes children do get restless. Infants under 4 years are free of charge but are not recommended on open water cruises
Terms & Conditions:
- Whale Sighting Guarantee: only applies when a whale is not sighted during the cruise. In this case, passengers can cruise again in the same season for free on a standby basis confirmed 24-hours prior, subject to availability. Note that whale sighting success rate for cruises is over 95%
- Cruises are subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather conditions at the discretion of Captain Cook Cruises Sydney. Call the reconfirmation hotline +61 (02) 8062 3623 from 7.15am on the day of your cruise for departure confirmation
- Vessels may be substituted without notice due to availability and maintenance requirements
Please Note:
- Bookings for this offer are limited and subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer
- Entire value must be used in one visit; any unused portions will be forfeited, and cannot be used at a later date
Important:
- The destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your visit
- We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are located on the terms and conditions page of our website.
Captain Cook Cruises
Discover the world’s most beautiful harbour in a unique and refreshingly local way with Captain Cook Cruises Sydney. With five decades of experience in premier cruise lining, Captain Cook Cruises offer premium private charters, events, dining cruises and sightseeing cruises perfect for you and your family.