Whale Watching Cruise & 2-Day Hop On Hop Off Explorer Cruise Pass | Sydney
Watch humpback whales jump out of the water and use the 2-Day Hop On Hop Off Explorer Pass to visit must-see harbour destinations in the afternoon
- Experience the wonder of the Humpback Whale migration
- See dolphins, seals and birds as you cruise past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
- Enjoy the "whale guarantee" and cruise a second time if a whale is not spotted on the first cruise
- Make the most of your time in Sydney with a 2-day Whale Explorer pass, the easiest, fast and most flexible day pass
- Every cruise comes with a whale guarantee!
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 —
Discover the best of Sydney’s harbour and marine life with this fantastic 2-Day Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer Pass paired with an exhilarating Whale Watching Cruise. Visit up to 6 famous harbour locations including Circular Quay (The Rocks & Opera House), Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Clifton Gardens, Shark Island, Manly and Darling Harbour.
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, we offer the whale guarantee that ensures you can cruise again for free.
— Cruise Information —
- The 2-Day Pass is valid for 2 consecutive days from the day of the Whale Watching cruise
- A timetable will be issued at check-in or you can view the timetable here
- Please see here for the Hop On Hop Off Route Map
— 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.
Learn about these amazing and majestic whales from our expert commentators onboard
Maximise your time with the flexibility of the hop-on and hop-off cruise
Hit all the must-see locations with the 2-Day Hop On Hop Off Pass
Purchase Notice
- For the Whale Watching Cruise, travellers are advised to bring motion-sickness medicine (if required), protective clothing, a hat, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, a light jacket/sweater for windy or cool days, a camera (waterproof), money/credit card for optional purchases
- The Passenger Contact Information form is required to be completed prior to boarding the Whale Watching Cruise
- Use the 2-Day Pass to Taronga Zoo Pass: Guests with cruise-only tickets are required to enter via the main entrance at the top of the hill. The zoo is accessible via a public bus (at own expense)
- Special timetables may operate on selected dates. Please click here "Hop On Hop Off and Ferry" section for the latest information
- Please click here for more information about the Smartphone Commentary for the 2-Day Pass
- For more information, please view the FAQ page
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 cruise company 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 7:15 am) on the day of your cruise for the latest weather information
Any difference in the fare due to date change is payable at the time of change
Boarding pass tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable and will not be replaced if lost, destroyed or damaged.
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
Humpback whales migrate along the Sydney coastline from May to November. The peak viewing season for these magnificent creatures is typically between June and October, offering the highest chances of spotting them as they travel north to warmer waters and then return south with their calves.
Both morning and afternoon cruises offer excellent opportunities to spot whales in Sydney. Conditions like weather and ocean swell can vary throughout the day, so it's often recommended to choose a time that best fits your schedule and allows for comfortable viewing. Whales are active at different times, making both options viable.
Yes, whale watching cruises depart directly from Sydney Harbour. Boats typically leave from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, offering convenient access from central Sydney. The cruises then travel out through the Heads to the open ocean, where the whales migrate along the coast.
On a Sydney whale watching cruise, you can expect to witness the incredible Humpback Whale migration, observing these giant marine mammals in their natural habitat. Beyond whales, it's common to spot dolphins, seals, and various seabirds. Cruises often feature a "whale guarantee," meaning you can cruise a second time free if no whales are spotted on your initial trip, ensuring a fulfilling experience. You'll also enjoy views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water.
The Sydney Hop On Hop Off Explorer Cruise stops at several iconic harbour destinations. Key stops typically include Circular Quay (Eastern and Western), Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly, Shark Island, and Darling Harbour. These stops allow you to explore major attractions and beautiful harbour areas at your own pace.
The full circuit of the Sydney Hop On Hop Off Explorer Cruise typically takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes if you remain on board without disembarking. This duration allows passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and other coastal landmarks from the water.
The 2-day Hop On Hop Off Explorer Pass provides flexible access to Sydney Harbour ferries for two consecutive days. You can board and alight at any designated stop as many times as you wish within the validity period. This pass is designed for convenient sightseeing, allowing you to explore different attractions around the harbour at your own pace.
Using the Sydney Hop On Hop Off Explorer Cruise, you can enjoy stunning views of major Sydney landmarks. These include the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo, and the historic Watsons Bay. The cruise offers an excellent perspective of the city's waterfront attractions, allowing for great photo opportunities from the water.
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