Whale Watching &Taronga Zoo by Captain Cook Cruise | Sydney
- The ultimate Sydney wildlife combo! Morning Whale Watching Cruise outside Sydney Heads, Taronga Zoo entry, plus ferry to Circular Quay in the afternoon!
- 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
- Set off on a free second trip if no whales show up during your first one
- Explore Australia’s most renowned zoo, conveniently located on Sydney Harbour, following an exhilarating whale watching adventure.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Whale watching, Dolphin watching |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect—
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.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with this whale watching cruise in Sydney!
— Every cruise comes with a whale guarantee —
This Cruise 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. However in the case which guests are not available to accommodate the new arranged date, refund will not be issued.
Witness giant humpback whales surfacing
See dolphins, seals and birds as you cruise past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Embark on this journey and experience the excitement to observe whale in close range!
Experience the best of Sydney with our exclusive package, combining a visit to Taronga Zoo and an unforgettable whale watching adventure!
Purchase Notice
- The Passenger Contact Information form is required to be completed prior to boarding your cruise
- For more information, please view the FAQ page
- All travel must be completed on the same day
- It is recommended to eat lightly before and during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to the cruise
- A ferry timetable will be issued at check-in
- Please note, all travel must be completed on the same day
— What to bring—
- Motion-sickness medicine (if required)
- Protective clothing, hat, sunscreen lotion, and sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes
- Light jacket/sweater for windy or cool days
- Camera (waterproof)
- Money/credit card for optional purchases
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 30 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Passengers who fail to arrive before the indicated time may be classified as no-shows and will not receive any refunds
Passengers must not bring any illegal substances or alcohol onto the vessel
Passengers are advised to wear warm clothes; those who suffer from motion sickness are advised to take proper advance precautions
This cruise is subject to weather. Before or during the cruise, if the cruise company considers the cancellation necessary for weather or any safety reason, the cruise company will not be liable for any loss, The Cruises reserves the right to change vessels and itineraries without notice
Cruises are subject to cancellation due to weather & other operational requirements. Please call (02) 8062 3623 from 7:15am on the day of your cruise for the latest information.
Boarding pass tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable and will not be replaced if lost, destroyed or damaged.
Any difference in the fare due to date change is payable at the time of change
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The whale watching season in Sydney typically runs from May to November each year. During this period, you have the chance to observe humpback whales migrating from Antarctica to warmer waters. October is still towards the end of the whale watching season. While the number of whales might be lower than during the peak season (around July to September), there's still a possibility of spotting them. Captain Cook Cruises' itineraries are designed to provide the best viewing experience.
If you wish to experience both whale watching with Captain Cook Cruises and visit Taronga Zoo in Sydney, it is recommended to go during the early part of winter to spring (approximately June to September). This period is the peak whale watching season in Sydney, significantly increasing your chances of seeing whales. Additionally, the weather during this time is usually cool and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities at Taronga Zoo.
On a Captain Cook Cruises whale watching tour, in addition to majestic humpback whales, you might also see playful dolphins, adorable seals, and various seabirds off the coast of Sydney Heads. The cruise also passes by famous Sydney landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour while searching for whales.
To ensure your whale watching experience, if you do not spot any whales on your first whale watching trip with Captain Cook Cruises, you will receive a complimentary second trip. This policy allows passengers another opportunity to head out to sea to look for whales, even if their first attempt isn't successful, thereby enhancing overall satisfaction with the experience.
Sydney's Taronga Zoo is renowned for its rich collection of native Australian animals. Must-see highlights include koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses. You can also see rare animals from around the world, such as Asian elephants, giraffes, and tigers. The zoo features a cable car, making it easy to enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and access different exhibits. Don't miss the daily bird flight show and seal show.
After visiting Taronga Zoo, you can take a ferry directly from the zoo's ferry terminal to Circular Quay. This is the most convenient and scenic way to return to the city center from the zoo. Ferries run frequently, with the journey taking approximately 12 minutes, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge along the way.
Yes, the Captain Cook Cruises whale watching tour includes full commentary from expert guides. They share insights into whale behavior, migration routes, marine ecosystems, and conservation information, providing you with a deeper understanding of these magnificent marine creatures. The commentary is engaging and informative, enhancing the educational and viewing value of the whale watching experience.
The main geographical advantage of Sydney's Taronga Zoo is its location on the hillside of Sydney Harbour's north shore, offering spectacular panoramic views of the harbour, overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It is very convenient to get to, with the most recommended way being to take a scenic ferry from Circular Quay directly to the zoo's dedicated wharf, a journey of about 12 minutes. You can also opt to take a bus.
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