Sydney whale-watching cruises

Whale migration occurs twice in a year, once when the whales travel north to give birth to their young ones and the other time when the whales travel back south with their offspring to food-rich seas.

Winter migration: During the winter, usually from April to August, pregnant whales travel north. This migration usually peaks in June and July. 

Spring migration: Once mama whales have given birth to their young ones, they migrate back south to Antarctica. This movement starts in mid-August and goes on till November. The spring migration is actually more spectacular as mother whales are tending to their young ones, teaching them to breach and hunt for food. Young males are usually quite eager to jump out of the waters at this time as well! So, if you're unable to go whale watching in the winter, you can come between August and November instead for an incredible display.

The best time to spot whales in a day is usually between 11am and 3pm when the sun is right on top granting spectacular visibility. 

• Sun protection is essential: Get a pair of sunglasses and a sun hat and wear sunscreen to keep yourself protected from the harsh rays of the sun, especially from October to December.
• Be prepared for seasickness: If you’re prone to get seasick, carry the necessary medication to keep yourself comfortable. 
• Get an additional warm layer: No matter the season, it can get quite cold on the waters. We suggest you keep an extra scarf or jacket to keep yourself warm. 
• Wear flat and comfortable shoes: Your best pick is to wear sneakers to keep yourself comfortable when standing on the deck. 
• Prepare for the rain: Sudden showers are common in Australia, especially on the seas. Keep a waterproof jacket or an umbrella with you to protect yourself from the rain. 

• Expert guide on every cruise: As whale-watching is a unique experience, every whale-watching cruise comes with an expert guide to give you live commentaries onboard. 
• Snacks and beverages: As whale-watching cruises tend to last at least 2 hours, there are usually some snacks and beverages available for purchase onboard. 
• Vegetarian and vegan food: Along with non-vegetarian options, there are also vegetarian and vegan options available on your meal-included cruises. 
• Onboard toilets

• Watch out for obstructions: The viewing deck may have dangerous equipment and obstructions. Watch your step and keep a close eye on children. 
• Keep your child seated:  Keep your child seated next to you while the boat is moving. 
• Heed to your guide’s instructions: If you’ve picked an adventurous cruise like a small or inflatable boat, make sure to listen to your guide’s instructions carefully for your safety. 
• Avoid noises and sudden movements: Sudden movements and loud noises can startle the whales. Encourage your children to remain calm while whale watching. 
• Don’t feed the whales: It’s strictly forbidden to try and approach or feed the whales. Keep a safe distance between the boat and the whales to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
• Move away if they approach: If a whale starts to approach your boat, stop immediately and move away. Don’t attempt to chase or circle the whale.

• Remain patient: It may take some time for you to find and spot whales. 
• Get binoculars: Binoculars will help you spot whales that are farther away. 
• Carry some snacks: The cruise may be long so carry some snacks and a bottle of water. You can also check for onboard snack and beverage services. 
• Pick an afternoon slot: Whales are generally more active after mid-morning. While you can still spot whales in the mornings, they’re more likely to be active in the afternoons. 
• Keep your back to the sun: Keeping the sun behind you can help reduce the glare while whale watching. 

1. Spectacular singers: With unique tunes for each group of whales, Humpback whales communicate with each other through intricate songs that last up to 20 minutes repeated over hours. 

2. One of the longest migrators: Humpbacks undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling up to 25,000km in a year between their feeding and breeding grounds.

3. Unique tail flukes: Each humpback whale has a distinct pattern on its tail fluke, similar to a human fingerprint.

4. Acrobatic performers: Humpbacks are known for their incredible acrobatic displays like leaping out of the water and tail slapping. These behaviors aren’t just for play but also communication. 

5. Intelligent feeding techniques: Humpbacks use complex feeding techniques like bubble net feeding to trap schools of fish or krill and scoop them up in their mouths.

Whale breaching is a spectacular sight where a whale propels itself out of the water, often launching a significant portion of its body into the air before crashing back down. These techniques don’t just facilitate better visibility and communication but also help get rid of parasites. 

• Spouting: A telltale way to spot whales, spouting is when a whale surfaces just enough to expel water out of its blowhole. 
• Tail slap: The whale raises its tail fluke out of the water and slaps it forcefully against the surface. 
• Pectoral fin slap: Also known as "pec slapping", this involves the whale rolling onto its side and slapping one or both of its long pectoral fins against the water. 
• Fluking dives: When taking a dive, the whale’s tail rises slightly or high above the water surface, depending on how deep the whale is diving. 
• Partial breach/Spyhopping: The whale lifts its head vertically out of the water, often up to its pectoral fins, to look around. 
• Full breach: The whale launches its entire body out of the water and often twists in the air before slamming back down onto the surface.

Beyond humpbacks, Sydney’s waters are home to orcas, minke whales, and playful dolphins. Seals are also common sightings, making each cruise an opportunity to encounter a diverse array of marine life.