Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay

Wonderful experience, but seeing a whale is not guaranteed. We were fortunate enough to see two whales breaching, which we were told is quite rare. The kids loved it, but if they have motion sickness, just remember that even on the calmest days the swell will probably get them. Great staff, friendly and so helpful. Considering the voyage and what you experience the cost wasn't too bad for a family of four.

What a way to spend a morning with these amazing mammals. When we boarded at Circular quay, the vessel was already quite full, with no room on the top deck. Not that it mattered in the end. A cruise through Sydney Harbour to start is always a special trip. Then out through the Heads and into the ocean. Originally we were informed that we would have to sail quite a way out to pick up the migrating whales as it was we came across a couple of female not far out from the harbour. Cruising at 6 knots to keep pace with them is a great experience and you soon get to be able to work out when they will surface as well as watching the surface of the sea for their wakes. The vessel has to keep a good distance from the whales safety and to ensure that they are not disturbed. You are provided with some great commentary as to what the whales are doing and what to look out for, as well some of the behavior you may see. The experts on board really know their subjects. In all we saw a number of females, some with calves and were witness to some absorbing displays of tail and flipper splashing. although we didn't get a "breaching" it was still a great experience. However as we returned we were met by a number of large males, who were intent on coming to see us on the boat. As they approached us it was obvious that they were curious. We have seen this with Grey Seals on the Scottish coast and Elephant and Rhino in the SA bush. If they don't feel threatened they will come closer to you. It is simply awesome when it happens. As we watched them come closer and swim under the vessel one actually "popped" his head out of the water for a closer look. To see this magnificent mammal so close up was jaw dropping, words cannot express the moment. Going out to see these magnificent mammals is definitely something to plan if you visit Sydney or anywhere along the east coast during the migration months.

What fantasyic day whale watching with an experienced crew on a large and stable twin hulled ship. Our guide kept us well informed and entertained as we got up close to several pods of humpback whales. The whole operation ran smoothly and we totally enjoyed our day on the water watching these large majestic animals.