when: 17 May 2026 - 30 October 2026 | venue: Circular Quay | cost: Starting from: $69 | Child: $65 | address: Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000 | website: https://www.captaincook.com.au/explore-sydney-sightseeing/whale-watching-sydney/ | tickets: https://www.captaincook.com.au/explore-sydney-sightseeing/whale-watching-sydney/
published: 26 Jun 2026, 5 min read
Sydney is the envy of Australia with a whale watching season that lasts over five months of the year. Over 20,000 Humpback whales make the 3,500km journey from sub-Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef every year.
Whale numbers peak off Sydney in June-July for the Northern migration to give birth, and September-October for the return Southern migration. In August, whale behaviour is often more spectacular with younger males showing off with amazing breaches.
Start your cruise from Circular Quay
Experience the wonder of the Humpback Whale migration
Expert commentator providing fun and educational insights into whale behaviour
See dolphins, seals and birds as you cruise past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Option to visit Australia's most famous zoo - Taronga Zoo after your cruise
Option to make the most of your time in Sydney with a 2-day Whale Explorer pass
Family friendly indoor and outdoor leisure decks
Whale Sighting guaranteed or cruise again for free
Every cruise comes with a whale guarantee
Captain Cook Cruises Whale Watching tours operate on family-friendly catamarans, with indoor and outdoor seating over multi-levels. Passenger numbers are strictly limited to ensure everyone has great views of all the action while the onboard Marine Naturalist provides expert commentary and insights into the whale behaviour. We have over 95% whale sighting success rate, but in the unlikely event we don't spot whales, your whale guarantee ensures you can cruise again for free.
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Sydney is the envy of Australia with a whale watching season that lasts over five months of the year. Over 20,000 Humpback whales make the 3,500km journey from sub-Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef every year.
Whale numbers peak off Sydney in June-July for the Northern migration to give birth, and September-October for the return Southern migration. In August, whale behaviour is often more spectacular with younger males showing off with amazing breaches.
Start your cruise from Circular Quay
Experience the wonder of the Humpback Whale migration
Expert commentator providing fun and educational insights into whale behaviour
See dolphins, seals and birds as you cruise past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Option to visit Australia's most famous zoo - Taronga Zoo after your cruise
Option to make the most of your time in Sydney with a 2-day Whale Explorer pass
Family friendly indoor and outdoor leisure decks
Whale Sighting guaranteed or cruise again for free
Every cruise comes with a whale guarantee
Captain Cook Cruises Whale Watching tours operate on family-friendly catamarans, with indoor and outdoor seating over multi-levels. Passenger numbers are strictly limited to ensure everyone has great views of all the action while the onboard Marine Naturalist provides expert commentary and insights into the whale behaviour. We have over 95% whale sighting success rate, but in the unlikely event we don't spot whales, your whale guarantee ensures you can cruise again for free.
Go see Whale Watching Cruises 2026.
Whale Watching Cruises 2026 is on 17 May 2026 - 30 October 2026. See start and end times below. Conveniently located in Sydney. Call 02 9206 1111 for details. Visit their website at https://www.captaincook.com.au/explore-sydney-sightseeing/whale-watching-sydney/.
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