Whale Watching Boat Trip in Sydney
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Whale Watching Boat Trip in Sydney
By Whale Tales
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-100, max of 30 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
- All Fees and Taxes
- Start:
- Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney, 1A Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, AustraliaWalk to the waterfront behind Crown Towers Hotel (Sydney's tallest building) and you will see a walkway down to the right to a small wharf. Please call Rob on 0415 890 767 if you are lost! *We are NOT located at Barangaroo Ferry Wharves 1 & 2!!* *Please arrive 15 minutes BEFORE your departure time*
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 348450P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 348450P1
From
AU$119.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 475agatat0 contributionsAmazing cruising experienceWe spent such an amazing time on board! Beautiful boat and the trip was exceptional, including food. Highly recommended to anyone searching for a cruise experience in Sydney!Written 8 November 2023
- Excursion184012144540 contributionsPerfect day at Sydney HarbourI had a wonderful experience with my friends on a sightseeing cruise at Sydney Harbour, and we made it even better by grabbing some delicious food from Fish Market. The combination of the stunning views and mouth-watering seafood made for an unforgettable day. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Sydney.Written 8 November 2023
- Pathfinder1544220 contributionsUnforgettableNature at its best!!! The friendly, knowledgeable crew persevered until they found a cow and her calf. We followed them for a long time…The show stopper was multiple breaches near the boat!!! A large pod of dolphins joined us for a while too - what more can you ask for! We will definitely choose Whale Tales again. We liked the small group of people and custom built boat allowing everyone to admire these majestic creatures!Written 18 October 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
255 reviews
Excellent
236
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Kasey T
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
If you are looking for a Whale Watching tour that will walk away from on cloud 9 and left buzzing for weeks afterwards, this is the tour you want!!!
I booked the Whale Watching tour with Whale Tales for my Dad's 70th Birthday, for two adults and two children (aged 8 & 4). I did no research on reviews. My only preference when booking was to ensure we had a smaller boat, with small numbers while still being affordable. Being 1 day into the whale watching season off Sydney Harbour, I wasn't expecting much.
We were met on the wharf by the absolute A Team - Alex, our skipper and Mette, our wealth of whale knowledge! We were out of the heads for a short while when we were surrounded by an abundance of dolphins, and it wasn't long before 2 whales made their appearance known. It was like everything silenced just before they came to the surface to show themselves. We later saw another 2 whales which was beyond all expectations given the time of year we chose to go. The A Team was in no rush and allowed us to really enjoy and embrace everything these amazing animals had to offer. Mette continued to captivate and educate us with her incredible passion and wealth of knowledge about everything whales! No question was left unanswered. I could literally write for hours about how incredible the whole experience was.
As local Sydney siders, it isn't often we are a tourist in our own city, but wow, what a way to see our beautiful place we get to call home!
We cannot wait to be able to go back out and cannot recommend this experience highly enough!
I booked the Whale Watching tour with Whale Tales for my Dad's 70th Birthday, for two adults and two children (aged 8 & 4). I did no research on reviews. My only preference when booking was to ensure we had a smaller boat, with small numbers while still being affordable. Being 1 day into the whale watching season off Sydney Harbour, I wasn't expecting much.
We were met on the wharf by the absolute A Team - Alex, our skipper and Mette, our wealth of whale knowledge! We were out of the heads for a short while when we were surrounded by an abundance of dolphins, and it wasn't long before 2 whales made their appearance known. It was like everything silenced just before they came to the surface to show themselves. We later saw another 2 whales which was beyond all expectations given the time of year we chose to go. The A Team was in no rush and allowed us to really enjoy and embrace everything these amazing animals had to offer. Mette continued to captivate and educate us with her incredible passion and wealth of knowledge about everything whales! No question was left unanswered. I could literally write for hours about how incredible the whole experience was.
As local Sydney siders, it isn't often we are a tourist in our own city, but wow, what a way to see our beautiful place we get to call home!
We cannot wait to be able to go back out and cannot recommend this experience highly enough!
Written 27 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy N
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
I booked a trip for my family (6 members in total) for 9am 20/10/2024 - two days before that Whale Tales contacted me to inform me that due to the weather on that day they made the unfortunate decision to cancel and gave me options to either reschedule or cancel. I choose to reschedule to 26/10/2024. I later caught up with an acquaintance on 21/10/2024 who had coincidentally also booked whale watching on 20/10/2024 but had not been given an option to cancel or a heads up on the condition. She told me everyone on that boat bar one person was vomiting and the tour operators told them they would cancel now cancel the afternoon trip they had planned. She was not given a refund or extra credit as there were technically whales, it was just that nobody saw them because they were all vomiting. If Whale Tales did not have the integrity that they had, that would have been my family including my 2 year old and my 70 year old parents and it would have been an awful experience.
I was due for whale watching again today but was informed last night that the swells were a little large and whilst it was not a safety thing, it was a comfort thing and again was given the option to reschedule or cancel despite the tour still going ahead. I choose to cancel as I am busy for the rest of the whale watching season and was unable to gather family together for a date in November. I didn't want to risk my parents getting seasick.
I am absolutely amazed that they gave the option to cancel even for mildly uncomfortable weather and that they chose to cancel on 20/10/2024 instead of being like the other tour operator who chose to go anyway. It shows that this business cares about your experience and not just your money. I wanted to let everyone know about this because I think this is a business worth supporting and will definitely try again next whale watching season.
I was due for whale watching again today but was informed last night that the swells were a little large and whilst it was not a safety thing, it was a comfort thing and again was given the option to reschedule or cancel despite the tour still going ahead. I choose to cancel as I am busy for the rest of the whale watching season and was unable to gather family together for a date in November. I didn't want to risk my parents getting seasick.
I am absolutely amazed that they gave the option to cancel even for mildly uncomfortable weather and that they chose to cancel on 20/10/2024 instead of being like the other tour operator who chose to go anyway. It shows that this business cares about your experience and not just your money. I wanted to let everyone know about this because I think this is a business worth supporting and will definitely try again next whale watching season.
Written 25 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We really appreciate your feedback. We have had a challenging season with rough conditions on the ocean and at times, needed to reschedule people numerous times. We don't feel like it's a valuable experience for our customers or crew, to go out in those conditions and we love that you are able to appreciate that.
I really hope we have the opportunity to take you out and show you the whales next season!
Written 28 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Garry M
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Solo
I thoroughly recommend Whale Tales, was a great morning, the captain very experienced taking us directly to where the whales were, and quickly locating where the most active were. Excellent commentary and information from the whale expert rounded out the experience. Will go again.
Written 11 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nel
9 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Honestly, the most incredible experience ever!!! The family-run business and crew of ‘The Cheeky Monkey’ were superb. Manu, the skipper, was first rate. After taking care of the safety requirements, he made us feel very free to sit where we felt most comfortable. Then Sam and Alex did an excellent job of professional photographers as well as advising us all on where to look and what to look for. Alex literally threw himself around the boat to get the best shots he could to help us capture this fabulous experience.
Then there was Sophia - she lead the commentary for the trip. Although she reminded us that they cannot guarantee spotting anything because they don’t control the waters (obviously) we could tell that they would do what they could to help us get up-close-and-personal with these magnificent animals, and that we did!!!!
What a completely humbling experience. We saw three humpback whales playing with us, waving and showing off!! They were happy with our presence and Manu did a great job of respecting them and keeping them safe and stress free.
Throughout the entire trip, Sophia (studying Marine Science and Conservation) filled us with her extensive knowledge of these wonderful animals. She commented and answered any questions we had. What was more important to us, she (and the entire crew) displayed compassion and respect and Sophia repeatedly stated how lucky we were and that the whales obviously felt safe in our company. It was so lovely to share her enthusiasm.
The entire trip was brilliant. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from us! We would highly recommend this company if you’re planning to go whale watching off Sydney Harbour!! 🐋🐋
Then there was Sophia - she lead the commentary for the trip. Although she reminded us that they cannot guarantee spotting anything because they don’t control the waters (obviously) we could tell that they would do what they could to help us get up-close-and-personal with these magnificent animals, and that we did!!!!
What a completely humbling experience. We saw three humpback whales playing with us, waving and showing off!! They were happy with our presence and Manu did a great job of respecting them and keeping them safe and stress free.
Throughout the entire trip, Sophia (studying Marine Science and Conservation) filled us with her extensive knowledge of these wonderful animals. She commented and answered any questions we had. What was more important to us, she (and the entire crew) displayed compassion and respect and Sophia repeatedly stated how lucky we were and that the whales obviously felt safe in our company. It was so lovely to share her enthusiasm.
The entire trip was brilliant. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from us! We would highly recommend this company if you’re planning to go whale watching off Sydney Harbour!! 🐋🐋
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Błażej D
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
We were surprised by the speed of the boat, it was really fast! The crew was super friendly and professional. We heard lots of stories about whales, and we were lucky to spot a mother with her calves, who clearly wanted to show off. Our tour was at 12:00 pm. No one threw up, although some turned pale – we recommend motion sickness medication! For us, it was an amazing experience, well worth the price.
Written 5 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perthluv2travel
Sydney, Australia114 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
This is the second time that we have gone with Sea Monkey on Boxing Day for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and it was a winner again!
As the boat is small there were only around 20 other people which made the whole experience relaxed and personal.
After a relaxing swim in the harbour and lunch, the crew were able to get the boat right up close to the starting line which added to the excitement.
I would highly recommend this company for its fun and professional attitude to providing a great customer experience.
As the boat is small there were only around 20 other people which made the whole experience relaxed and personal.
After a relaxing swim in the harbour and lunch, the crew were able to get the boat right up close to the starting line which added to the excitement.
I would highly recommend this company for its fun and professional attitude to providing a great customer experience.
Written 27 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dylan v
1 contribution
July 2022 • Couples
The Captain and Crew where amazing, very entertaining, funny and super knowledgeable about the whales.
Smaller boat with less people means a better experience over other vessels that book a lot of people on board, not as cramped.
I would recommend booking with these guys 100% best whale watching experience ever
Smaller boat with less people means a better experience over other vessels that book a lot of people on board, not as cramped.
I would recommend booking with these guys 100% best whale watching experience ever
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott B
Park City, UT29 contributions
June 2024 • Friends
True to its name, Whale Tales delivered the goods – – lots of humpback sightings in the waters just outside of Sydney Harbour.
The tour was very well organized, starting from our on-time pick up to our on-time return. The pick-up point was easy to find and very accessible from the Sydney CBD. The crew was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. And the boat was clean and comfortable. It was a bit chilly out on the water, so warm clothing is definitely recommended.
Once out of the Harbour, we spent an hour spotting and watching whales breach, blow, and surface. There was no lack of activity for us to see and record.
Meadow, the resident whale expert, did a fantastic job of providing the details of the whale migration, the activity that we were seeing, and what these whales were likely to encounter on their migration from Antarctica.
What a fun, educational, and unique experience with Whale Tales. I would recommend this activity for anyone!
The tour was very well organized, starting from our on-time pick up to our on-time return. The pick-up point was easy to find and very accessible from the Sydney CBD. The crew was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. And the boat was clean and comfortable. It was a bit chilly out on the water, so warm clothing is definitely recommended.
Once out of the Harbour, we spent an hour spotting and watching whales breach, blow, and surface. There was no lack of activity for us to see and record.
Meadow, the resident whale expert, did a fantastic job of providing the details of the whale migration, the activity that we were seeing, and what these whales were likely to encounter on their migration from Antarctica.
What a fun, educational, and unique experience with Whale Tales. I would recommend this activity for anyone!
Written 22 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
erelsg
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
The whales were soooo cute and I even saw two breaches. The guide was also insanely passionate about whales and very informative. Don’t expect to get good pictures unless you plan to hold your phone up the whole time because each time they come up it’s only for a few seconds, but it’s more important to enjoy the moment watching the whales anyway. Another review said the pickup point didn’t have any indication of the tour - this is true, so just follow the directions and wait for the boat to show up. Everything surpassed my expectations, except that I had thought there would be a smaller group due to the high price point of this tour, but I think the experience overall was so worth it.
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roxanne L
Singapore, Singapore183 contributions
Fantastic educational tour to watch the whales. The guide is very knowledageble and attentive to elderly and small children as well.
We went on a 9am tour and was very lucky to spot 3 whales putting on quite a show for us.
I am glad we picked whale tales to show us this fantastic whale migration oppourtunity.
There is a professional cameraman on board as well to take these magestic photos.
We went on a 9am tour and was very lucky to spot 3 whales putting on quite a show for us.
I am glad we picked whale tales to show us this fantastic whale migration oppourtunity.
There is a professional cameraman on board as well to take these magestic photos.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
coco
Seoul, South Korea
Hello I just complete my reservation and payment but some reason the website shut down and I cannot find it in my list. Could you please check my reservation has completed?
Written 28 August 2023
Company is Whale tales, you may try to find their website and contacts
Written 30 August 2023
hi
my daughter and I are only in Sydney for 2 days and just the two of us would like to pay now to confirm our spot to see the whales with you.
when I put the 2 days in it says they're not able to take passengers.
can you please confirm if we can experience with you on Tuesday 25th or Wednesday 26th October.
we are a sure thing and will pay now if you can take us.
warmly shelly
0424912592
Written 12 July 2022
Shelly, best thing is to go their web Whale tales, or try through Viator website
Written 31 August 2023
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