Sydney Whale-Watching by Speed Boat

Badge of ExcellenceSydney, Australia

From $86.69

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

2 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Experience a close encounter with humpback whales without having to leave the city on this thrilling 2-hour speedboat tour from Sydney. Hop on-board the city’s fastest commercial ship and blast off across Sydney Harbour, past iconic landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Leave the city behind and speed out into the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll have chance to spot majestic whales swimming and playing in their natural environment.

2-hour whale-watching tour from Sydney by speedboat
Zip across the waters on Sydney’s fastest commercial boat
Enjoy a close encounter with migrating whales in their natural environment
Multiple departure times and locations available
Seasonal tour
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Wind/waterproof jackets

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Campbells Cove Floating Pontoon
The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Campbells Cove Pontoon is located on the western side of Circular Quay. It is at the end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal and in front of the Squires Landing pub, You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
24 hour cancellation/rescheduling policy applies
Passengers must be 12 years old
Not wheelchair accessible
Passengers with back, neck, shoulder injuries or heart conditions, or those who are pregnant or who have injuries/conditions that may cause a risk to their health are not permitted to ride on the boat

For directions to the departure location; type "Campbell's Cove Pontoon" into google.
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 21 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Ruth_H

Absolutely brilliant! We were lucky enough to see a couple of whales that were pec and tail slapping. Blake is a great host and we can highly recommend this trip! Many thanks for a memorable experience on our 25th Wedding Anniversary 🥰

Reviews

5.0

277 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 277 reviews

Speedboat!

Rodel_E, Oct 2023

This was an absolute fun way to go whale-watching - so much adrenaline with the excitement of the speedboat, and anticipation of whale-watching.

More than expected!

Lisa_i, Sep 2023

Saw tons of whales!! Great trip! All on boat can see everything! Crew did a great job of making sure everyone get to see everything!

Totally worth the money

Terry_K, Sep 2023

I went to Sydney for the marathon. Booked this whale watching trip. The guy is an expert, he knows where to spot the humpback. Totally recommend going on a speed boat! Btw, try to be at the dock early, so you get to sit on the left.

Amazing!

Ruth_H, Sep 2023

A must go!

Sarah_C, Aug 2023

Great experience, leader made such an effort to follow the whales we sighted and get as close as possible, can’t recommend it enough!

Highly recommend! Great experience!

Desiree_S, Aug 2023

This was a fantastic experience!! The ride to the ocean was so fast and smooth. The guide was able to spot a pod of whales almost right away and gave us loads of great information. It was incredible! The guide had a great camera and took shots of the sightings that then got emailed to us, so you don’t have to be super preoccupied with taking shots and can be present to enjoy the experience. Overall, I highly recommend it!

Must do!!

Brittany_B, Aug 2023

Blake was a great guide and informed us with many whale facts. They know where to find the whales, so you‘re almost sure to see one (we even saw some dolphins!). We saw a pod and followed them for a while and even saw one breach! Unforgettable experience.

Beat expectations

Ben_S, Aug 2023

Blake was a great guide. Boat ride was very enjoyable. The operator provided winter jackets which was unexpected and gratefully appreciated. We saw lots of whales and lucked out on weather. Would recommend

Incredible

Ellen_B, Aug 2023

Incredible experience from start to finish. We were warned at the start that conditions were quite rough and that it would be a pretty bumpy ride - but that added to the adventure! We followed a pod of 3 humpback whales. Highly recommend!

One of the coolest experiences you can have

Elyse_P, Aug 2023

Blake was a great guide and this was a fantastic experience -- I immediately wanted to go again the next morning once we arrived back (and would've gone if a slot was available). It's important to remember there's no controlling the whales so there is patience and some luck involved to see a breach or get really close -- and more luck to get it on camera. We followed a few different pods during the time and even got to see one breach as we headed back. Loved that Blake took pictures to share with as after and that special coats were provided. My only wishes were that it was a longer time and that I knew to always be filming to catch more of the action.

Amazing

Sheridan_N, Jul 2023

Blake was an incredible guide. We saw two gorgeous whales multiple times. It was a wonderful experience.

Absolutely beautiful

Luba_D, Jul 2023

It was an amazing experience very close to the whales and the crew was very professional, kind and helpful.

Amazing!

Nina_R, Jul 2023

We got very close to the whales and had a great experience! Blake was a wonderful captain and provided us with lots of information about the whales and amazing pictures with his camera :)

Great whale watching experience

Jane_G, Jun 2023

A great experience to witness the whales from a smaller boat. Blake did a great job to get to where the whales were and we saw a large pod of whales. Was a beautiful Sydney day.

Beat whale watching tour!

Kayla_S, Jun 2023

Absolutely amazing experience! We went on the 8am tour and almost immediately came up on a pod of whales! The whole tour we followed a few different groups of whales and while we didn't get to see a breach up close, seeing the whales up close was am incredible experience! Super friendly and knowledgeable guide as well. Would do it again!

Had a whale of a time!

Bradley_W, Jun 2023

Photos really don't do it justice. The suspense of hoping for a sighting, the speed and agility moving towards a pod, the proximity and seeing these amazing creatures live, and of course Blake's passion and enthusiasm in pulling this all together. Top that with the fun of dashing around Sydney in a cool speed boat. Awesome day out and on my top 1 list next time I visit Sydney. Highly recommended !!

Whale watching

Jacqueline_D, May 2023

Fab afternoon , seen pod of whales that put on spectacular show for us. For sure great trip to do - to sea the coastline of Sydney to.

Loved the experience

KeJun_L, May 2023

This is my first time leaving a review here, this experience was awesome! Totally worth it! I saw while, dolphins, and seals!

A great whale watching experience.

Gary_T, Nov 2022

Fun boat ride, knowledgeable skipper, and saw a dozen whales. This was a great experience! I would recommend this tour to everyone.

A fun trip!

Julie_A, Nov 2022

A great trip! Fast and fun boat to the ocean for whale watching. Our captain Blake was great! Highly recommend.