2Hr Express Whale Watching Cruise From Circular Quay

From $91

Multiple departures available

  • 2-hour open ocean whale watching cruise from Circular Quay
  • Scenic sightseeing through Sydney Harbour
  • Live marine wildlife commentary at sea
  • Multiple viewing decks – seated sun deck and covered rear deck
  • Air-conditioned indoor seating with LCD screens
  • Snacks and drinks available for purchase from the onboard bar
  • Free return cruise if no whales are sighted
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About This Experience

The 2-Hour Express Whale Watching Cruise is a fast, affordable way to experience Sydney's annual humpback whale migration. Departing from Campbells Cove near Circular Quay, it reaches the open-ocean whale watching grounds in around 20 minutes, giving you more time searching for whales and less time in transit. 

With wheelchair accessibility, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, live commentary, and an onboard bar serving snacks and drinks, it's a comfortable option for first-time visitors, families and anyone looking for a straightforward whale watching experience. 

The Express Whale Watching Experience
Your experience begins as you depart the wharf, cruising in full view of Sydney Harbour's famous landmarks before heading through Sydney Heads to the annual migration route. Along the way, the crew shares live commentary about Humpback Whale behaviour, migration patterns and what to watch for once you reach the viewing grounds. 

Once you reach the migration route, the focus shifts entirely to spotting whales. Every experience is different, but most often you get to see whales travelling steadily along the coast, socialising in pods, and if you’re lucky you will be treated to an unexpected breach.

The vessel offers different ways to enjoy the experience. Head to the open sun deck for uninterrupted views, find a spot on the covered rear deck if you'd prefer some shelter, or relax inside the air-conditioned saloon with large panoramic windows and LCD screens displaying the action. Whenever you feel like a break, the licensed onboard bar has snacks and drinks available to purchase before you head back out to continue watching. 

Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This cruise is ideal for guests who want a quick, comfortable and affordable whale watching experience without unnecessary extras. It's particularly well suited to first-time whale watchers, travellers with limited time, families, and anyone requiring wheelchair access. 

Cruise Details

Location Circular Quay - Wharf 6

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 09:15 09:30 11:30 2hr 15min
2 11:45 12:00 14:00 2hr 15min
3 14:45 15:00 17:00 2hr 15min
 

  • 2-hour open ocean whale watching cruise from Circular Quay
  • Scenic sightseeing through Sydney Harbour
  • Live marine wildlife commentary at sea
  • Multiple viewing decks – seated sun deck and covered rear deck
  • Air-conditioned indoor seating with LCD screens
  • Snacks and drinks available for purchase from the onboard bar
  • Free return cruise if no whales are sighted

  • Reaches open ocean in around 20 minutes, the fastest route to the whale watching grounds 
  • Cruise on the high-speed ‘Ocean Dreaming II’ with three viewing decks for best views
  • Wheelchair accessible vessel, making this the most inclusive whale watching tour available 
  • Air-conditioned indoor saloon with LCD screens keeps the experience comfortable irrespective of weather 
  • Free return cruise guarantee if no whales are sighted takes the risk out of booking

  • Adult Price

    from $91

  • Child (4-15 years)

    from $67

  • Concession

    from $81

  • Family Rate

    from $65

Campbells Cove, Circular Quay

  • 9:15am (weekends only)/11:45am/ 2:45pm: Boarding at Campbells Cove, Circular Quay 
  • 9:30am /12:00pm/2:45pm): Departure from wharf
  • En Route: Sightseeing through Sydney Harbour, reaching open ocean in around 20 minutes
  • En Route: Live marine wildlife commentary as the crew searches the migration path for whales
  • En Route: Relax on the sun deck, covered rear deck, or in the air-conditioned saloon; snacks and drinks available from the onboard bar
  • 11:30am/2:00pm/5:00pm: Arrive back at Circular Quay

  • Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)
  • Parking and transport to Circular Quay

  • 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

  • Wheelchair accessible

How is this cruise faster than other whale watching options?
The vessel reaches the open ocean migration path in around 20 minutes from Circular Quay – one of the quickest transit times of any Sydney whale watching cruise, leaving more of your two hours for actual whale watching.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes. This is a wheelchair accessible vessel, making it a suitable option for guests or family members with mobility needs.

Can I buy food and drinks onboard?
Yes. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard bar, so there's no need to bring your own.

What if the weather isn't great on the day?
The vessel has a comfortable, air-conditioned indoor saloon with large windows and LCD screens, so you can still enjoy the cruise in comfort if conditions on deck aren't ideal.

What happens if no whales are sighted?
On the rare occasion that no whales are sighted, you will receive a complimentary return cruise.

  • Bring a windbreaker or jacket for ocean spray, plus sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
  • Bring a camera or phone to capture whale sightings and coastline views
  • Consider motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness, and eat lightly before departure

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $91

Multiple departures available

  • 2-hour open ocean whale watching cruise from Circular Quay
  • Scenic sightseeing through Sydney Harbour
  • Live marine wildlife commentary at sea
  • Multiple viewing decks – seated sun deck and covered rear deck
  • Air-conditioned indoor seating with LCD screens
  • Snacks and drinks available for purchase from the onboard bar
  • Free return cruise if no whales are sighted
Enquire Now Book Now

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