Whale watching season in Sydney<\/h2>\n
Sydney\u2019s whale watching season is based on migration patterns. It\u2019s all about when mamas leave Antarctica to give birth in the warmer waters of the Coral Sea and then when they return to Antarctica for food. Although the season starts further south around April, the best chance to go whale watching in Sydney is a rather generous window between May and November. Drilling that down further, from May to August, whales are on their northern migration to Tropical North Queensland<\/a>, so you may see them on the move.<\/p>\n Whales migrate along the vast seascape of Bondi Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n Our advice, however, is getting your binoculars on from mid-August to November when whales are on their southern migration back to the Antarctic. It\u2019s when they trolley their newborn calves back home with them and so they\u2019re feeding and teaching their little ones how to swim. An absolute must-see or what? Bear in mind, it\u2019s not uncommon to see whales in Sydney\u2019s waters throughout December, but the sighting frequency is low so be sure to manage your expectations.<\/p>\n Each year, there are around 16,000 whales swimming past and through Sydney\u2019s waters. A large proportion of these are humpbacks, but southern right whales can also be spotted. It goes without saying that the annual migration is a sight to behold. If you\u2019re lucky, you\u2019ll catch whales flipping and rolling, an awe-inspiring showcase that attracts roughly 1.6 million visitors to Sydney\u2019s shores per year. Of course, they certainly don\u2019t perform on command \u2013 we need to adjust to the lifestyles of these otherworldly beauties and go looking for them.<\/p>\n Humpback whales pass through the NSW coastline during their migration. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n Experts say ideal conditions peak between 11am and 3pm during the day due to the sun sitting directly overhead, making visibility top-notch. It\u2019s also worth noting that if you plan on booking a whale watching tour on the water, cheaper rates are offered in the mornings because sightings are fewer. Regardless, if you stick to the May to November window and get looking from Sydney\u2019s best vantage points (more on that later) regularly when you can, you\u2019ll increase your odds.<\/p>\n Witness the magnificent humpback whale spectacle. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n Sighting a whale will go down as one of the best animal encounters of your life and your best bet in making it happen is from a boat with an expert guiding you. From all-out luxury endeavours to budget-friendly drop-ins, there are plenty of options to suit a range of timeframes and tastes.<\/p>\n Offering four-hour cruises at both breakfast at lunch, Sydney Princess Cruises<\/a>\u00a0sets sail from the heart of the city. Departing from and returning to Circular Quay\u2019s Eastern Pontoon, these guys explore Sydney Harbour and out past the heads with more than two decades of experience under their belt.<\/p>\n Hop aboard the Sydney Princess Cruises this whale-watching season in Sydney.<\/p><\/div>\n Fascinating intel and facts are dished out over full meals, tea and coffee plus there are both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Best of all, whale spotting is guaranteed and if the odds aren\u2019t in your favour, you\u2019re invited to hop on a second cruise to try again free of charge.<\/p>\n Get your cameras ready to capture humpback whales up close.<\/p><\/div>\n Price:<\/b>\u00a0Adults from $99 per person, including meals, and children start from $25 each.<\/p>\n A two-and-a-half-hour cruise from Circular Quay is on offer from the friendly folk at Captain Cook Cruises<\/a>, who leave from Circular Quay twice every Saturday and Sunday. Departing from Wharf 6, the comfortable vessel provides indoor and outdoor seating plus expert commentary to help you find what everyone\u2019s looking for. Again, whale sightings are in the bag but if you don\u2019t catch one, you can ride again for free.<\/p>\n Price:<\/b>\u00a0Adults from $69 per person.<\/p>\n Navigate the waters like a VIP with a private charter from the team at Spirit Fleet<\/a> who offer tailored day charters or a common three-hour option that takes up to 12 people. You\u2019ll be led by an experienced guide beyond Sydney\u2019s headlands in a luxury motor yacht with a large undercover back deck to provide uninterrupted views of whales once you spy them. Inside, there\u2019s plush seating, toilets and the option to upgrade your experience with food and beverages.<\/p>\n Price:<\/b>\u00a0A three-hour private charter for up to 12 passengers starts at $2,050.<\/p>\n Glide the water in style on board a high-speed, purpose-built catamaran taking passengers from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay out to open waters in just 15 minutes. Whale Watching Sydney<\/a>\u00a0offers two Sydney cruises – a three-hour voyage and a four-hour one.<\/p>\n Join the three-hour voyage to witness whales gracefully hopping the Sydney waters. (Image: Whale Watching Sydney)<\/p><\/div>\n The vessel itself is built with two spacious viewing decks and air-conditioned cabins and you\u2019ll receive tea and coffee while on board. There\u2019s also a licenced bar to purchase additional spoils from. Like many of the other whale watching tours in Sydney, you\u2019ll get a free return trip if you don\u2019t spot anything.<\/p>\n Humpback whales appear larger than they seem. (Image: Whale Watching Sydney)<\/p><\/div>\n Price:<\/b>\u00a0From $69 per adult for three hours and $95 per adult for four hours.<\/p>\n Take advantage of a great deal on Groupon<\/a>, including one from Go Whale Watching Sydney that sails for three hours and includes tea and coffee. You\u2019ll also take in some of Sydney Harbour\u2019s most iconic sights (including the Sydney Harbour Bridge<\/a>), hear from an experienced tour guide and learn about the lifecycle of whales before returning to King Street Wharf 6 at Darling Harbour. Once again, no whale spotting, no worries – you can always jump on another tour for free and try again.<\/p>\n Price:<\/b>\u00a0Adults from $59 per person.<\/p>\n Not up for a day on the water? There are plenty of vantage points around Sydney made for off-water whale-watching.<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Whales.jpg\")
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Best time of day to see whales in Sydney<\/h2>\n
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Whale watching tours in Sydney<\/h2>\n
Sydney Princess Cruises<\/h3>\n
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Captain Cook Cruises<\/h3>\n
Spirit Fleet<\/h3>\n
Whale Watching Sydney<\/h3>\n
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Groupon<\/h3>\n
Where to see whales in Sydney from shore<\/h2>\n
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