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Sydney NSW, AustraliaZoos & aquariums

Sydney: Two-Hour Whale Watching Cruise on Sydney Harbour with Taronga Zoo Admission & Return Rocket Ferry Ride

Have the full Aussie creature experience with a whale-watching cruise out on the open water followed by a dose of wildlife at Taronga Zoo. Climb aboard your vessel and set off towards the Sydney Opera House. Continue out into the open ocean and spot migrating humpback whales, dolphins and even a few cheeky penguins who might have tagged along. You’ll be dropped on the doorstep of Taronga Zoo, where you can see beloved koalas, reptiles and an array of colourful animals, great and small, before heading back to Circular Quay on a speedy ferry at your leisure.

Inclusions
  • Valid for one infant (0–3), one child (4–15) or one adult (16+)
  • Two-hour whale-watching cruise (approximately)
  • See humpbacks, southern right whales, dolphins and more marine animals
  • Listen to expert commentary along the way
  • Indoor and outdoor seating over multiple viewing decks
  • Whale sighting guaranteed or cruise again in the same season for free
  • Taronga Zoo single-day entry
  • Free keeper talks, and seal and/or bird presentations
  • One-way rocket ferry return ride from Taronga Zoo to Circular Quay
  • Available: Select dates: Cruise departs at 9:30am, arrives at Taronga Zoo at 11.55am (approximately)
  • Departure Point: Circular Quay Wharf 6, Sydney
  • Bookings valid from 17 May to 2 November 2025
Overview
Duration: From 7 hours
Printed, Mixed, Digital vouchers accepted
From R 1 479 /person
Includes taxes & fees
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Pricing & availability

To check availability and prices, please let us know the following:
Location
Sydney NSW, Australia
From
R 1 479 /person
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Location

Sydney NSW, Australia

Things to know

  • Please complete the mandatory Whale Watching Contact Form prior to arrival at check-in: https://bit.ly/44PEUcl
  • Wear layers and weather-appropriate clothg as it often is colder on open waters
  • Food, drinks, and snacks. Light snacks, soft drinks and water are also sold onboard
  • Camera

Selected days

Availability:

  • Available: Select dates: Cruise departs at 9:30am, arrives at Taronga Zoo at 11.55am (approximately)
  • Whale-watching is seasonal from May – November only
  • Departure Point: Whale Watching Cruise departs from Circular Quay Wharf 6
  • All passengers must arrive 15–30 minutes before departure for check-in. Late arrivals and no-shows voids offer and the vessel will not wait
  • All inclusions must be used on the same day
  • Bookings valid from 17 May to 2 November 2025

Cancellations

  • All payments are non-refundable, and cancellations incur a 100% cancellation fee

Changes to booking

  • One date change is permitted up to 24 hours prior to travel date with any difference in the fare payable by the customer
  • Additional date changes incur a $20 per person non-refundable fee, in addition to any difference in the fare

Important:

  • Whale Watching Cruise departs from Circular Quay and disembarks at Taronga Zoo at approximately 11:55am
  • Enter and exit the zoo from the Lower Zoo Entrance or catch the public bus to or from the top (own expense)
  • Make your own way back to Circular Quay at your leisure via the rocket ferry service. Ferry return ride must be used on the same day
  • A ferry timetable will be issued at check-in
  • Open water cruises experience sea motion and it is recommended to eat lightly before and/or during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken before the cruise
  • Cruises are open seating and guests are welcome to move freely between designated seating and open-air areas of the vessel
  • Meals and drinks are not included. Any excess amount is payable directly to venue
  • Hotel transfers are not included
  • Most cruises are accessible – please see here for further information
  • All children 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 three 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:

  • Smoking is not permitted onboard
  • The Whale Guarantee 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
  • Cruises are subject to weather conditions. Please refer to the predicted weather and comfort levels information for a seven-day forecast. Cruises may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather conditions at the discretion of Captain Cook Cruises Sydney
  • Whale-watching is seasonal from May – November only
  • Vessels may be subsituted without notice due to availability and maintenance requirements
  • Whale sighting success rate for cruises is over 95%. In the unlikely event a whale is not sighted during the cruise, participants may cruise again once for free, in the same season
  • Exhibitions at Taronga Zoo may be altered or closed at short notice due to maintenance and animal welfare

Cancellations

  • All payments are non-refundable, and cancellations incur a 100% cancellation fee
  • Refunds are not available for services not availed once travel has commenced
  • Late arrivals and no-shows voids offer

Changes to booking

  • One date change is permitted up to 24 hours prior to travel date with any difference in the fare payable by the customer
  • Additional date changes incur a $20 per person non-refundable fee, in addition to any difference in the fare

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, Captian Cook Cruises offer premium private charters, events, dining cruises and sightseeing cruises perfect for you and your family.

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