Sydney Whale-Watching by Speed Boat
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Sydney Whale-Watching by Speed Boat
By Ocean Extreme
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About
Get the chance to spot humpback whales right outside of Sydney on this speed boat tour from Circular Quay or Manly Wharf. Your captain will take your group right out into the Pacific Ocean, where you'll look for a pod of whales and learn about the sea mammals before returning to the city.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 14-75, max of 21 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- A captain/guide will lead you out to see whales
- Morning and afternoon departure times are available
- Depart from Circular Quay or Manly Wharf
- Waterproof jackets will be provided for those who need them
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Driver/guide
- Wind/waterproof jackets
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- Campbell’s Cove Pontoon, The Rocks NSW 2000, AustraliaCampbells Cove Pontoon is located on the western side of Circular Quay. It is at the end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal and in front of the Squires Landing pub, You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8099P2- 24 hour cancellation/rescheduling policy applies
- Passengers must be 12 years old
- Passengers with back, neck, shoulder injuries or heart conditions, or those who are pregnant or who have injuries/conditions that may cause a risk to their health are not permitted to ride on the boat
- For directions to the departure location; type "Campbell's Cove Pontoon" into google.
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 21 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8099P2
From
$89.19
per adult
Select date and travelers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- mommaphotographer0 contributionsMom and calf!This was an incredible tour. The seas were rough and we were offered another day, but we went and it was simply amazing. We went out and ending up spending time watching a mom and calf show off their tails as well as a couple of breeches! The crew was very friendly and knowledgeable, too! Highly recommend!Written September 13, 2024
- S3495BLcarlam0 contributionsIncredible Experience!!!I went on the 11am trip today with Ocean Extreme and it was the best experience I’ve had in Australia so far. All of the staff were so kind and attentive and very knowledgeable throughout the tour. The enthusiasm from the staff really made the experience, as you can see how passionate they are about ensuring you get the best from the tour! We seen whales breaching, spy hopping and mugging. All of which were incredibly close to the boat. Couldn’t recommend this tour enough, I will 100% be booking again!Written September 10, 2024
- katierF6059DU0 contributionsOnce in a lifetime experience10/10 experience. Once in a lifetime! . Sean and Martin were amazing! Great hosts, think they were the lucky charm as a whale came out to play! Went as a birthday treat and it was incredible! Was so close to the whales and got amazing photos! Would so recommend!Written August 15, 2024
- megan g0 contributionsBest in the businessBest in the business! Always an amazing time with Blake and the crew. Gone on multiple trips on mult boats. Always great. Highly recommend the smaller boats for adventurous people wanting to get closer to the water.Written August 3, 2024
- chrismB483II0 contributionsWhale watchingAfter having this experience cancelled twice in two years due to inclement weather, we had our fingers crossed for the day to go ahead. A knowledgeable and experienced skipper guided us through the Sydney Heads from Manly and out into the Tasman Sea. We tracked two whales travelling north in search of warmer waters. Managed to get in close to take photos but my photos don’t do these amazing creatures justice. Thankfully, Ocean Extreme sent me photos taken by the skipper who had a long-lensed camera. An awesome day on the ocean - highly recommended.Written July 20, 2024
- Culture561836211560 contributionsThe BEST! No need to look at other tours groupsThis is the best whale watching tour in the area. These guys balance their whale finding experience and communication with respect for the whales. They provide warm, waterproof coats and a safe place to store your purse. Then on top of all that, they take phenomenal photos that they share with you, free of cost. This is my second time doing this tour. My first time was in 2019. When I planned to visit Sydney again, Ocean Extreme Whale Watching was at the top of my "to do" things. I didn't bother looking at other tours, as I knew this one is the best. I recommend Ocean Extreme to everyone coming to Sydney!Written June 12, 2024
- amyp246800 contributionsThe best morning ever!Ocean Extreme were amazing, we had the best morning ever seeing humpback whales at the beginning of their migration. The team were really knowledgeable and friendly and the boat ride was really fun! We saw quite a few whales and it's only week 1 of the migration, we were super lucky and absolutely thrilled! Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience! 😁Written May 27, 2024
- dawnredstone0 contributionsIncredible trip of a lifetime whale watching at its finest!My daughter kindly arranged this whale watching experience whilst I was visiting Sydney. From start to finish this was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever done. The skipper was excellent very knowledgeable and we felt totally safe under his captaincy. The boat was roomy and comfortable. We headed out of Sydney harbour and the views were impressive. Once out in the seas it was thrilling waiting to see the incredible Humpbacks and boy did we see them absolutely amazing site to see them breach high up in the air and splash down so close to us. We got some fabulous photos of the trip. I would highly recommend this company. Thank you so much Dawn & Jasmine xWritten December 10, 2023
- Keirein0 contributionsThe best onesBrilliant! Magnificent! Awesome! Words is not enough to describe the experience of whale watching with Ocean Extreme. We saw several humpback whale cubs and adult whales. They did everything whales do on Discovery Channel or National Geographic shows: jumping out of the water, beating their tails, water spraying, even singing. Boat is fast and comfortable, crew is very friendly and professional, group is small so there’s no need to jostle to get perfect views. Trip took about two hours, that was enough. Can absolutely recommend Ocean Extreme for whale watching in Sydney👍Written October 13, 2023
- AFPCustomerService0 contributions🐋 A Whale of time 🐋 We Would Highly Recommend!!Amazing experience! Shaun & the Captain gave us some unforgettable moments. Friendly atmosphere & highly professional with some very knowledgeable facts about Humpback whales. We felt safe at all times!! Honestly a memory our group won’t forget!! You won’t believe the size of them until you see them up close, which this experience offers!! Everything before the experience was explained fantastically I.e locations, what to bring etc The four of us would highly recommend! Thank you once again to Shaun and the team!Written October 1, 2023
- koalina3140 contributionsFantastic experienceWonderful experience. We totally recommend Ocean extreme . The guide was super friendly and so knowledgeable. We are definitely going to book another trip with themWritten October 5, 2022
- chris920090 contributionsAmazing time!This one of the most enjoyable activities during the trip. Blake was a professional in every aspect and his boat was perfect.Written August 22, 2022
- daniellew09230 contributionsA Must-Do!We had an absolute blast on the high speed thrill ride! Blake was our guide and he was great. The swells were big the day we went and Blake was sure to mention this, noting that we could change our plans if we wanted. The ride was going to be a rough one, he advised. But we went for it and have zero regrets! Highly recommend this tour if you want an adrenaline rush and an experience you’ll never forget!Written March 9, 2020
- Jedi19840 contributions11/10! Must do if visiting Sydney and love a thrillEverything was incredible from booking to the trip finishing. Love to see a business utilise technology well! No paperwork, check in on iPad. Blake was great at explaining procedures and it was a heap of fun! Must do if visiting Sydney! This will bring out your inner child - will do again! (and I'm a local)Written January 18, 2020
- antonsH7794AI0 contributionsIt was absolutely spectacularThe ride was absolutely awesome, the sea was rough with the swell but the ride is even better in these conditions, the distance between waves was big enough and we were flying. Worth every cent.Written January 12, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
240 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
4
Average
0
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0
Terrible
1
TinaHH123
London, UK578 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
The rib is excellent, very safe, didn’t get wet & they provide jackets which when you are going at high speed you need it gets cold.
If you have mobility issues getting your legs on & off the seat can be difficult,
If you don’t go on boats much take seasick tablets it’s very choppy out there & we had someone puking the whole time.
There are a lot of whales out there, we saw about 8 but on our day they were just steaming up the coast, not really doing much only up for a couple of seconds… I’ve been whale watching many times & know it’s the luck of the draw,… the regulation distance from the whales is kept which I appreciate as we are only observers not there to harass but I’ve added the same photo twice, once cropped & one with naked eye so you can see the distance your at. They do send you photos of that day & they have an amazing telephoto camera, so you will get sent the best shots of the day.
I enjoyed the boat ride, you get a great view of Sydney harbour and you’d pay virtually as much for that trip with the bonus of whales
If you have mobility issues getting your legs on & off the seat can be difficult,
If you don’t go on boats much take seasick tablets it’s very choppy out there & we had someone puking the whole time.
There are a lot of whales out there, we saw about 8 but on our day they were just steaming up the coast, not really doing much only up for a couple of seconds… I’ve been whale watching many times & know it’s the luck of the draw,… the regulation distance from the whales is kept which I appreciate as we are only observers not there to harass but I’ve added the same photo twice, once cropped & one with naked eye so you can see the distance your at. They do send you photos of that day & they have an amazing telephoto camera, so you will get sent the best shots of the day.
I enjoyed the boat ride, you get a great view of Sydney harbour and you’d pay virtually as much for that trip with the bonus of whales
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kittsy
Ballater, UK11 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We have done lots of whale watching with Blake and without doubt it is the very best service. He has immense knowledge of the whales and the area/ocean. You always feel safe. But also excited. A great combination! He’s great at talking to the passengers and, amazingly, if you don’t see any whales, you can go again for free. Awesome. That said, we’ve never not seen them.
I really could not recommend Ocean Extreme highly enough. Go for it. Guaranteed thrills & enjoyment!
I really could not recommend Ocean Extreme highly enough. Go for it. Guaranteed thrills & enjoyment!
Written February 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom K
London, UK39 contributions
Such an amazing trip and highly recommend. Blake is an ace captain racing his boat around the rain so we don't get soaking wet. Very intimate experience with the whales and blakes knowledge and timing of the Whales is 100%
I'm definitely booking back on this trip in October that's how muched I loved it
I'm definitely booking back on this trip in October that's how muched I loved it
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs.T
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Lost count of how many exciting trips I have had with Ocean Extreme. Every single one of them brought so much excitement and so many memories.
Captain Blake is a fantastic professional - polite, knowledgeable, efficient and he always pays attention to critical details such as safety. Beyond that, he is extremely respectful of the environment and sets an example by not following bad practices that I have observed by others, such as creating loud noises to attract the attention of whales.
This being ultimately about whale watching, I should say that he appears to be somewhat of a “whale whisperer”. We go out to sea and even in the very odd occasion where things started slow, we somehow navigated to places where all of a sudden we all found ourselves in the middle of a wonderful display by whales and dolphins, sometimes very close to us. They say once repeated stops being a coincidence so I have realized he must be a “whale whisperer”.
All in all, highly recommended for anyone that wants to see these amazing creatures upfront and personal, led there by a very knowledgeable professional that is extremely customer centric and respects the environment.
I could not have asked for more!
#savetheocean #savethewales
Captain Blake is a fantastic professional - polite, knowledgeable, efficient and he always pays attention to critical details such as safety. Beyond that, he is extremely respectful of the environment and sets an example by not following bad practices that I have observed by others, such as creating loud noises to attract the attention of whales.
This being ultimately about whale watching, I should say that he appears to be somewhat of a “whale whisperer”. We go out to sea and even in the very odd occasion where things started slow, we somehow navigated to places where all of a sudden we all found ourselves in the middle of a wonderful display by whales and dolphins, sometimes very close to us. They say once repeated stops being a coincidence so I have realized he must be a “whale whisperer”.
All in all, highly recommended for anyone that wants to see these amazing creatures upfront and personal, led there by a very knowledgeable professional that is extremely customer centric and respects the environment.
I could not have asked for more!
#savetheocean #savethewales
Written February 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nat N
5 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
My husband and I have done two whale watching trips with Blake and they’re some of the best things we’re ever done. We live in Melbourne and travel to Sydney just for the experience. Both times we’ve seen a tonne of whales and Blake always manages to get the best view of them. We love that the boat is not teaming with people and there’s no fighting for a good view. The boat is quick and fun (no sea sickness for me which was a relief as I am prone to it) and it feels 100% safe. The first trip we saw the most incredible double breech, and the second we saw whales mugging and spyhopping. Both experiences were breathtaking!
We can’t wait till we can travel again and book our next trip out to see the whales. I honestly couldn’t recommend the experience more.
We can’t wait till we can travel again and book our next trip out to see the whales. I honestly couldn’t recommend the experience more.
Written February 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chardonnayl8a
Tauranga, New Zealand27 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Thank you for a wonderful adventure on the water on 22 July 2022. It definitely was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I have attempted in the past to see whales in the wild - unsuccessfully.
We realise that it was a slim chance to go out when we did and it was great that we were able to both get to see whales breaching and being that close to them.
As you said it was quite a rough ride, but I had faith in your boat and your ability to drive it - it was fun :). My 13 year old described the trip out as "like a Ferrari on a gravel road".
Also thank you so much for the photos, they were very good, considering the height of the swell blocking some of the action :)
I highly recommend your business for seeing whales.
Ann
We realise that it was a slim chance to go out when we did and it was great that we were able to both get to see whales breaching and being that close to them.
As you said it was quite a rough ride, but I had faith in your boat and your ability to drive it - it was fun :). My 13 year old described the trip out as "like a Ferrari on a gravel road".
Also thank you so much for the photos, they were very good, considering the height of the swell blocking some of the action :)
I highly recommend your business for seeing whales.
Ann
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah H
St. Ives, Australia39 contributions
Just a fabulous experience. The speed boat added an additional level of thrills. The majestic whales were out, curious and playing as they breached a few 100 metres away. Blake was engaging and knowledgeable and gave our whale watching group a wonderful experience. Highly recommended Ocean Extreme Whale watching experience.
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amber B
2 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
My partner and I did a birthday trip with Ocean Extreme to see the whales. The boat ride is so worth it even on its own and is so much fun.
We were very lucky to find a pair of very playful whales (even saw a double breach!) and due to the size of the boat you get to see them at a closer distance. It was such an amazing experience.
We've been on a few whale tours in Sydney, but from now on we will only use Ocean Extreme. Because of the speed of the boat you are out of the harbour out to the ocean so much quicker than with the big boats, and you can easily track down the whales and get to them at speed. On the bigger boats we found that quite a lot of your tour time is spent getting out of the harbour and trying to find the whales.
We went at the end of June and there were so many whales out there.
100% would recommend and we can't wait to come back this season!
We were very lucky to find a pair of very playful whales (even saw a double breach!) and due to the size of the boat you get to see them at a closer distance. It was such an amazing experience.
We've been on a few whale tours in Sydney, but from now on we will only use Ocean Extreme. Because of the speed of the boat you are out of the harbour out to the ocean so much quicker than with the big boats, and you can easily track down the whales and get to them at speed. On the bigger boats we found that quite a lot of your tour time is spent getting out of the harbour and trying to find the whales.
We went at the end of June and there were so many whales out there.
100% would recommend and we can't wait to come back this season!
Written February 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mags
London, UK6 contributions
We were a family of 7 who went on this tour. This was a really great tour on a really great speed boat for a bit of action! Blake was really knowledgeable and we were able to find several pods of dolphins easily. It was a truly magical morning, I highly recommend the 8am tour as the harbour looks stunning at this time of morning
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Great experience out through Sydney heads. Seeing the whale breach was amazing and, being so close to these beautiful mammals is truly breathtaking.
I'd highly recommend this tour. If you're going in winter and, in particular in the early morning wear some gloves, and even a beanie.
I'd highly recommend this tour. If you're going in winter and, in particular in the early morning wear some gloves, and even a beanie.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi I am coming from the UK and looking to go out with you on the 8th of November,will the wales still be around then?
Written October 13, 2019
Hello, m'y son is twelve. What is the Price for him ? The réservation with internet includes only 14-75 years old. How can I reserve for him ? Thanks for your quick answer as we want to come on monday !! Regards.
Written August 22, 2019
Hi all! Excited to come this Saturday. How is the weather? What outerwear would you recommend?
Written July 9, 2019
Definitely a beanie or tie your hair back if it is long as it will go everywhere and also get in the face of possibly a person behind you when at top speed. The jacket provided over your jumper will keep you warm. I also wore gloves for the trip out and tossed them in their jacket pocket while I was taking photos.
Written July 9, 2019
What is the minimum age? Are children 12 years of age permitted on the tour/ride?
Written June 18, 2019
What is the best site to use to see Koala bears and whale watching? Will they pick you up from Hotel Bondi?
Written June 3, 2019
Do you pick people up from Hotel Bondi? Is there an extra charge for pick up?
Written June 3, 2019
Hi Michelle. I don’t think they do, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to catch a bus to the city. The departure point is very close to many of Sydney’s highlights such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge so I would recommend planning to see those on the same day, time permittting.
Written March 7, 2020
Do we need to sign any form before heading out to the sea? I’m bringing 2 teenagers with me, 13 & 14, my daughter and her friend. In case need to sign a disclaimer form, can I sign for both of them?
Written May 13, 2019
Yes, there are forms to sign and you do this before departing. I suggest you email them and let them know one of the children is not your own and ask. I signed for my 14 year old child.
Written March 7, 2020
Hello, I would love to book this experience with you but will be only be in Sydney in April. Would you say it's likely we would see any whales?
Written March 18, 2019
Hi. Whilst I agree it may be a bit early for whales, I would totally recommend going! A great experience, and you may see dolphins. Huge fun to be speeding across the Harbour, and to go out into the Pacific, and along the coast...do it! Enjoy the memory making.
Written March 26, 2019
Since the best time to view is between May and Nov, are the tours not operating at this time at the end of december?
Written December 19, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.