3Hr Barefoot Charters Whale Watching Adventure Cruise
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About
The Barefoot Charters Whale Watching Adventure Cruise is a 3-hour, small-group whale watching experience departing from the Eastern Pontoon beside the Sydney Opera House. Following Sydney's famous ‘Humpback Highway’, the cruise combines extended time on the water with expert commentary from an onboard marine biologist, spacious catamaran viewing decks, professional photography, and a 100% whale sighting guarantee. It's an excellent choice for guests looking for a more personal and educational whale watching experience.
The Whale Watching Adventure
Your adventure begins at the Eastern Pontoon, right beside the Sydney Opera House, before cruising past Sydney Harbour's famous landmarks and out through Sydney Heads into the open ocean. As the city skyline fades behind you, attention turns to the annual Humpback Whale migration just off the coast.
Once on the whale watching grounds, the crew keeps watch while the onboard marine biologist explains what you're seeing in real time. Rather than simply pointing out whales, they interpret behaviours, explain migration patterns and share fascinating insights that make every sighting more meaningful. While Humpback Whales are the stars of the season, there are also chances to spot Minke whales, Southern Right Whales, Blue Whales, dolphins and Australian fur seals.
One of the biggest advantages of this experience is the vessel itself. Guest numbers are capped, so there's plenty of space to move around the catamaran's wide viewing decks without competing for a good vantage point. If you'd rather stay sheltered, comfortable indoor seating and covered outdoor areas provide protection from the elements while still offering excellent views.
To help you stay immersed in the experience, professional photographers onboard capture the highlights throughout the cruise, so you can focus on enjoying each whale encounter instead of worrying about getting the perfect shot.
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This cruise is ideal for travellers who prefer a smaller, more relaxed whale watching experience with plenty of space to enjoy the views. It's particularly well suited to photography enthusiasts, wildlife lovers and anyone who enjoys learning about marine life from an expert rather than simply watching from afar.
The Whale Watching Adventure
Your adventure begins at the Eastern Pontoon, right beside the Sydney Opera House, before cruising past Sydney Harbour's famous landmarks and out through Sydney Heads into the open ocean. As the city skyline fades behind you, attention turns to the annual Humpback Whale migration just off the coast.
Once on the whale watching grounds, the crew keeps watch while the onboard marine biologist explains what you're seeing in real time. Rather than simply pointing out whales, they interpret behaviours, explain migration patterns and share fascinating insights that make every sighting more meaningful. While Humpback Whales are the stars of the season, there are also chances to spot Minke whales, Southern Right Whales, Blue Whales, dolphins and Australian fur seals.
One of the biggest advantages of this experience is the vessel itself. Guest numbers are capped, so there's plenty of space to move around the catamaran's wide viewing decks without competing for a good vantage point. If you'd rather stay sheltered, comfortable indoor seating and covered outdoor areas provide protection from the elements while still offering excellent views.
To help you stay immersed in the experience, professional photographers onboard capture the highlights throughout the cruise, so you can focus on enjoying each whale encounter instead of worrying about getting the perfect shot.
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This cruise is ideal for travellers who prefer a smaller, more relaxed whale watching experience with plenty of space to enjoy the views. It's particularly well suited to photography enthusiasts, wildlife lovers and anyone who enjoys learning about marine life from an expert rather than simply watching from afar.
- 3hr whale watching adventure from Circular Quay
- Watch the migrating Humpback Whales at play
- Educational commentary on whales by marine biologist
- Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating
- Large open viewing decks for unobstructed photography
- Whale spotting guarantee – if no whales are sighted, enjoy a free cruise another time
- Marine biologist accompanies every cruise, so you get expert, real-time insight into whale behaviour
- Guest numbers are capped, so you have uncrowded viewing decks and room to move for the best angle
- Professional onboard photographer to capture your whale encounter, so you can watch the moment
- Three full hours cruising means much more time in whale territory than shorter tours
- Adult $85
- Child $59
- Family $220
- Senior $80
Eastern Pontoon, east side of Circular Quay
- 8:15am / 11:15am / 2:30pm: Boarding at the Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay (15 minutes before departure)
- 8:30am / 11:30am / 2:45pm: Departure from Circular Quay
- En Route: Cruise past the Sydney Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge, heading out through Sydney Heads
- En Route: Search the Humpback Highway for migrating whales, with live commentary from the crew and onboard marine biologist
- En Route: Onboard photographers capture your whale sightings
- 11:30am / 2:30pm / 5:45pm: Arrive back at Circular Quay
- Food and beverages
- Parking and transport to Circular Quay
- Gratuities for crew (optional)
- Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
- Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
- No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
- A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
- An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
- Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
- Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
- Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date.
- Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
- Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee
What kind of whales will I see on this cruise?
Mostly Humpback Whales during migration season (May–October), with occasional sightings of Minke, Southern Right, Bryde's, Sei, or Blue Whales, plus dolphins and Australian fur seals.
Is there someone onboard who can explain what we're seeing?
Yes. Every cruise is accompanied by a marine biologist alongside the crew, offering expert commentary on whale behaviour and migration that goes beyond standard narration.
What happens if we don't see any whales?
You'll receive a free return cruise valid for the current season. No refunds apply for a no-whale outcome, only for a cancelled tour.
Can I get good photos of the whales?
Yes. The catamaran's large, open viewing decks are designed for photography, and onboard photographers also capture images of your experience so you can focus on watching rather than clicking.
Where can I park near Circular Quay?
Wilson Opera House Car Park is around 100m from the wharf. Circular Quay is also serviced by trains, ferries, buses and taxis.
Mostly Humpback Whales during migration season (May–October), with occasional sightings of Minke, Southern Right, Bryde's, Sei, or Blue Whales, plus dolphins and Australian fur seals.
Is there someone onboard who can explain what we're seeing?
Yes. Every cruise is accompanied by a marine biologist alongside the crew, offering expert commentary on whale behaviour and migration that goes beyond standard narration.
What happens if we don't see any whales?
You'll receive a free return cruise valid for the current season. No refunds apply for a no-whale outcome, only for a cancelled tour.
Can I get good photos of the whales?
Yes. The catamaran's large, open viewing decks are designed for photography, and onboard photographers also capture images of your experience so you can focus on watching rather than clicking.
Where can I park near Circular Quay?
Wilson Opera House Car Park is around 100m from the wharf. Circular Quay is also serviced by trains, ferries, buses and taxis.
- Bring a windbreaker or jacket for ocean spray, plus sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Bring a camera or phone to capture your own whale sightings
- Consider motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness, and eat lightly before departure
- Nearby parking available at Wilson Opera House Car Park (~100m from the wharf)
- Circular Quay is well served by trains, ferries, buses and taxis; plan to arrive early, as the boat cannot wait for late passengers
- These Terms and Conditions set out the terms on which you (on behalf of yourself and any person on whose behalf you are booking, together "you" or "your") book through Australian Cruise Group Pty Ltd ABN 89 152 554 302 (referred to as, we, us and our, in these Terms and Conditions) for all bookings, reservations, products and cruises operated by us including Sydney Showboats, Magistic Cruises, Clearview Cruises Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruises, Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruises, Vivid Sydney Cruises, Sydney Christmas Party Cruises, Sydney New Year’s Eve Cruises, and any other cruises, websites, operations or entities operated by us. These Terms and Conditions constitute the agreement between you and us.
- Full payment is required at the time of booking for all scheduled and special event cruises. Click here to read the Cancellation Policies that apply to the respective cruises.
- A ‘Book with Deposit’ option is available for online group bookings (6 or more guests) on select scheduled cruises, provided the cruise date is more than 10 days from the booking date.
- For partially paid bookings, the balance payment must be settled 7 days prior to the cruise date. Bookings not settled by the due date will be automatically cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
- Online group discounts are applicable on select cruises throughout the year, excluding the periods from 1 November to 1 January and 20 May to 15 June.
- Group bookings (10 guests or more): The guest has a choice to pay 20% deposit to confirm the booking, if the cruise date is more than 21 days in advance. The customer must confirm the final number of guests 7 days prior to the cruise date and are required a full and final payment 21 days prior to the cruise. Credit will be issued for any reduction in final passenger numbers up to 7 days prior to the cruise date.
- Change cruise date (transfer your booking): Any request to transfer a booking to another date must be made 72 hours prior to the cruise date. Such transfer of bookings are subject to availability of seats at the same price for the new cruise date. If the price is higher for the new cruise date, you will be required to pay the difference in addition to the minimum transfer fee.
- Transfer fee: There is a $10 per person minimum transfer fee will apply. New Year’s Eve cruise tickets cannot be transferred to a different date.
- All passengers including the infants must be manifested for safety and security reasons. Un-manifested guests will be refused boarding.
- All cruise fares are quoted in Australian Dollars and include Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- We reserve the right, if we consider necessary (for example, due to mechanical breakdown, for safety reasons or weather conditions), to substitute vessels without notice (including any vessels of a third party), deviate from a vessels advertised route, change any menu, service, schedule, program, performance or cruise fare. We will endeavour to provide a similar quality vessel, route, menu, service, schedule, program, performance or cruise fare (as the case may be) in these circumstances. In such circumstances, we will not be liable for your direct or indirect loss, or to refund any fares or portions of fares, nor will we be liable for any other damage, loss, expense, loss of time, disappointment, inconvenience, or any other consequential loss suffered by you.
- Requests from our guests for dietary requirements (gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free), substitutions and modifications of menus on board our cruises will be politely declined, as our kitchen team prepares the meals in our onboard kitchens. As we cater for large number of guests in a relatively small meal time, it is not practical for us to accommodate to such requests within the given time frame. All of our cruises have at least on vegetarian menu option for seated & served menus. Banquet/buffet menus also offer vegetarian choice. We cannot guarantee that certain products or ingredients (nuts, gluten, diary, etc.) will not be in our food, and we explicitly accept no liability in this regard. For serious food allergies you must make own decisions on selecting meals. Our staff’s comments are only to assist you in making an informed decision. In exceptional circumstances, with our prior written consent you (or one of your guests) may bring your own meal.
- Our cruises operate on busy waterways and are subject to the risks and perils of cruising on such waterways including loss, damage and injury arising out of or in connection with changing tidal and weather conditions and the navigation of other craft. To the extent permissible by law, we will not be responsible in tort, contract or otherwise for any loss or damage arising out of injury or death sustained by you or any other passenger, howsoever arising and whether or not arising as a result of our negligence or failure to render due care and skill. You enter into this agreement and book and travel on our cruises at your own risk. If however any guarantees, terms, conditions or warranties are implied into this agreement by any law of the Commonwealth or New South Wales, the exclusion of which would contravene that law or cause part or all of this clause to be void, then to the extent permissible by law:
(a) We exclude all other guarantees, terms, conditions and warranties; and
(b) Our liability for breach of such guarantee, term, condition or warranty is limited to the supply of the relevant cruise again or the cost of re-supplying the cruise. - We exclude all liability for any loss or damage to clothing or personal items/belongings howsoever arising and whether or not our liability arises in tort, contract or otherwise.
- Some of the tours, products and cruises we operate may be considered dangerous and you should be aware of the risks involved before participating, which may include injury or death. Where the tours, products and cruises include activities that could be considered dangerous, you assume all of the inherent risks which are applicable to those activities. Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude you from participating in activities and you are responsible for confirming your ability to participate. You must use caution when participating in activities and inform us of any medical or other conditions.
- It is a condition of this agreement that any claim for loss or damage must be notified to us in writing within seven (7) days from the day the cruise finishes, and any court action, suit or proceeding must be brought no later than one (1) year from the same day. If you fail to comply with either of these conditions, we will be forever discharged from all claims, suits, actions and/or proceedings relating to or arising out of or in any way connected with the cruise and we will be discharged from all liability whatsoever, including any liability for negligence.
- We may contract or arrange for third parties to provide the whole or part of the cruise and any related services to you. You must not bring any claims or actions against such third parties. If you bring such a claim or action in breach of this agreement, you agree to indemnify us and the person against whom the claim or action is made against the consequences of that claim or action. You agree that in entering into this agreement, we are acting as the agent of and trustee for each of our employees, officers, agents and subcontractors, and each of these persons is deemed to be a party to the contract for the purpose of entitling each of them to enforce, have the benefit of and rely upon these Terms and Conditions.
- We strictly do not permit any alcohol to be brought on board for consumption. Any discussions with our representatives should not be construed as an acceptance to bring alcohol of any nature on board for any event or function. In line with our Responsible Service of Alcohol policy, such requests will be refused politely.
- You must not bring any alcohol or illegal substances onto the vessel. We reserve the right to refuse you entry to the vessel, or to require you to disembark from the vessel, including due to your intoxication or for the safety of other passengers or the vessel.
- This agreement is to be governed by and is to be construed in accordance with the laws in force in New South Wales. Any action, claim, suit or proceeding arising out of or connected in any way with this agreement or the cruise will only be brought in the Courts of New South Wales.
- If any of these provisions are unenforceable, this shall not affect the enforceability of any other part of the provision or any other provision. In the event of inconsistency between these Terms and Conditions and any other terms, these Terms and Conditions will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. No waiver or variation of this agreement will have binding effect unless such waiver or agreement is in writing and signed by us.
