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2Hr Whale Watching Express Cruise

4.5 based on all time ratings

Are you ready to have a whale of a time? Then hop on this 2-hour whale watching cruise in Sydney which treats you to an oceanic adventure that’s guaranteed to make a splash! Step aboard the ‘Fantasea Crystal’ and head out of Sydney Harbour to catch sight of the majestic whales, who steal the show with their impressive acrobatics! Reaching the open ocean in less than 15 minutes, there is minimal time spent on the harbour and more on the open ocean! More than 30,000 Humpbacks swim along the NSW coast during their annual migration. This means you don’t need to look hard to find a Humpback Whale near the harbour entrance. With a seated sundeck, a shaded rear deck and large windows, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the incredible whale antics – all the breaching, tail slapping, spyhopping, lobtailing and more. The crew onboard adds more fun to the experience by regaling you with facts and tales about these giant swimmers and their habits. If you’re really lucky, you may spot more than just whales – dolphins, sea birds, seals and more! So be camera-ready at all times! Snacks and other refreshments can be purchased from the bar on board. And if no whales are sighted on your tour, enjoy a free return cruise! Whether you’re a traveller visiting for a couple of days, or a local looking to do something off the grid with the entire family, this Fantasea whale watching experience is a must-do! Book your seats today!

Cruise Inclusions

Terms Of Services

Departure Details

Departure Location NA

Boards 12:30

Departs 12:45

Returns 14:45

2hr express whale watching cruise departing Sydney Harbour
Cruise on a high-speed vessel with a sundeck, rear deck & large windows for best views
Watch the majestic whales up close like never before - only 10-15 min away from Circular Quay
Informative and fun commentary from an expert marine biologist
Snacks & refreshments available for purchase
Whale guarantee - free return cruise if you don't see whales on your first trip

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link; https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

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Adult Price

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Cruising with a group of 10 or more? Get in touch with our team to get the best price.

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This boat is available for private charter – See how we can tailor the experience for your next event.

4Hr Whale Watching BBQ Lunch Cruise

Duration 4hr

From $99 $104

3.5Hr Luxury Whale Watching Cruise

From $499 $550

2.5hr High-Speed Adventure Whale Watching Cruise

Duration 2hr

32 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

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20% Off Cruises in June
promo code "Save20"

Aboriginal Whale Watching Experience

9th - 20th June during Sydney Solstice

Quick Details

20% Off Cruises in June – Use promo code Save20 when booking online and save 20%. Valid on all cruises until 11th of June. Valid on weekday cruises from the 16th – 25th of June.

3hr Premium Cruise – fastest fleet of whale watching boats in Sydney with superior viewing decks spread out over 3 levels.

15min to the ocean – Don’t waste hours traveling to the whales and back. Minimal time in the harbour, maximum time with whales.

Indigenous Experience – An Aboriginal Elder will share their stories about Guriwil the whale and its importance to the Aboriginal communities with you.

This story contains the name and images of a deceased Indigenous person.

During Sydney Solstice: 9th – 20th June
Departs Darling Harbour – Aquarium Wharf at 8:30 and 12:45
Departs Circular Quay – Wharf 6 at 9:00 and 13:15

Whale Watching Sydney has partnered with Tribal Warrior to bring you a new and unique Aboriginal whale watching experience during Sydney Solstice .

Join us for a 3hr whale watching cruise onboard Ocean Dreaming 2 and learn about Guriwil the whale and discover the connection and responsibility of Aboriginal communities to this important animal.

Chevron down Uncle Max ‘Dulumunmun’ Harrison

Yuin Elder Uncle Max ‘Dulumunmun’ Harrison is an initiated Yuin man. His teachings have been passed down to him by five masters of Aboriginal Lore.

Uncle Max is a widely respected Elder, who has been on the National Board of Elders, released several books on Aboriginal culture, including My Peoples Dreaming, given knowledge and is a recognised teacher of the University of Wollongong.

Uncle Max led the opening Traditional Ceremony for Sydney 2011 and 2012 Australia Day Celebrations and is well respected all along the South Coast of New South Wales through his work as a community Elder in his native Yuin country. Although Uncle Max’s involvement on walks on Country are now limited, he still plays a vital part in Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness by advising and overseeing his family uphold and sharing Yuin culture.

Chevron down Dean Kelly

Dean Kelly is a renowned Aboriginal tour guide and has been awarded for organizing cultural camps and imparting intergenerational knowledge to the indigenous youth. He has also been involved with various indigenous community activities.

Vessel Features

Three levels of outside viewing decks
Comfortable cushioned seats
High speed vessel for minimal travel time
climate controlled cabin
Purpose built for whale watching
multimedia presentations on screens
wheelchair accessible
Toilets on board (1 disabled)

Related Cruises

My NRMA Members Save 20%

2hr Express Cruise on Fantasea Avalon

Sydney’s best value whale watching cruise. Reach the open ocean in only 20min from Circular Quay. Watch whales in comfort from the seated sun deck, covered rear deck or air-conditioned internal saloon.

2.5hr Adventure Cruise

The 2hr Adventure Cruise on Totally Wild is one of Sydney’s most thrilling high-speed whale watching experiences perfect for thrill seekers wanting an adrenaline rush.

Central Coast Whale Watching

No need to travel into Sydney for your whale watching cruise with local departures from the Central Coast at Palm Beach and Ettalong Beach (Free transfer). On weekends during school holidays.

Rated "Excellent" by 200+ Travellers!

What an experience this was! It took us a little while to find the whales but the young lady that was speaking on the microphone was very interesting to listen to and kept us well informed you can tell she really enjoyed her job. The 2 whales we saw were so playfully jumping in and out of the water and waving to us. We had a lovely day thankyou.

Just over three hours on this most comfortable vessel. We saw so many whales at close range. The staff were superb. The young lady doing the commentary and PR was so natural and presentable. We had an NRMA deal which made the cost very attractive. Weather was perfect and seas slight. Sea lions were also seen at very close quarters. Highlight for me was crewman Dave who we discovered knew some of my friends in the UK. A one in a billion chance. We had such a good day we rebooked for a September cruise. A must for locals and definitely tourists.

"I'd like to thank the crew particularly Cassie and Josh for making a beautiful day even better. We were lucky enough to see a whale and I'll be back later in the season. The Catalina is a great boat, clean and well laid out with great views all round.."

"Despite the wet weather and being quite early into the season we were able to spot a number of whales and have a lovely morning out! The vessel was very modern and comfortable. A must do for locals and visitors alike"

"Spent the afternoon for on this tour for my partner's birthday excellent crew, lots of commentary and a great day!"

"Best tour! Emma was such a good guide !! We saw 5 whales 1pm Sunday 16th June 2019..Amazing experience and not crowned like other boats .. We nearly missed our boat but the team waited for us."

"We had a great tour and were fortunate enough to watch two whales for about 30 minutes. The narration provided by the marine biologist was excellent. We would do this again."

"First time to see the whale. smooth sailing to the deep sea area, nice breeze and beautiful scenery, really enjoyed it! While trying to spot whales, the staff gave some background knowledge about humpback whales, learned something as well. very good weather! we got to see four whales!! they were very active as well! Amazing to see how big the whales are and how they play in the sea. Cute creature! Seems that they were very happy that day! Not so many people on the cruise, everybody got plenty room to watch. Captain stopped the cruise for quite long time, so we could really enjoy ourselves! Staff are so friendly and attentive, also offered Free drink and snack. Overall it was rememberable experience! only one regret, we did not see enough!"

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Whale Watching Express 2hr Cruise from Circular Quay

Fantasea Avalon - 2 hr Express Whale Watching cruise Sydney

Get ready for the ultimate whale watching adventure in Sydney! Hop aboard our 2hr Express Cruise, an amazing way catch the whale migration past Sydney. Fantasea Avalon will whisk you away from Circular Quay to the open ocean in just 20 minutes flat!

Departing from Circular Quay, multiple departure times deepening on the time of year. You can choose from 10:00, 12:45, 15:00, and 17:20 (from 6th October). Your speedy whale watching boat reaches top speeds of up to 20 knots, giving you plenty of time – about an hour and a half – to spot those beautiful whales.

On the spacious decks of Fantasea Avalon, you’ll have an unobstructed view of whales from one of the multiple decks. With air-conditioned cabins boasting large windows and comfy seating, you’re set for the ultimate express whale watching cruise. The experienced crew will keep you in the know with informative commentary and answering questions, ensuring you don’t miss a flip of those flukes!

As you scan the horizon for those gentle giants, grab some snacks and drinks from our onboard bar to keep you refreshed. And here’s the best part: if we don’t spot any whales on your cruise, you get a free return trip!

Vessel Features:

Two levels of outside viewing decks for primo whale spotting
High-speed vessels for minimal travel time (more whale time for you!)
Multimedia presentations on screens to keep you entertained and informed
Comfy cushioned seats to relax as you watch
Climate-controlled cabins for those hot or chilly days
Wheelchair accessible for everyone to join the fun
Toilets on board (including one for disabled passengers)

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the adventure of a lifetime with Sydney’s most epic whale watching cruise!

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Totally Wild - Adventure 2.5 hr Whale Watching cruise Sydney

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