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  • Black Friday Special - Save 50%

3hr Discovery Cruise on Fantasea Avalon

The ultimate whale watching experience on the best boat in Sydney.

Quick Details

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

Whales Guaranteed – If you don’t see whales on your first whale watching cruise you can come back for free another time.

Adult
A$109
Child (4-15)
A$79
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children
A$297
Concession
A$99
Concession only valid with Australian seniors, pensioners or student card.
Black Friday Special – Save 50% Use promo code EarlyBird2024 when booking online and save 50%. Valid for bookings made before 2nd December. Excludes cruises between 6 July – 21 July and 28 Sept – 13 Oct.
My NRMA Members save another 20% on Whale Watching Cruises Please enter you Membership number when booking to redeem this offer. Not a member yet? Discover benefits of My NRMA.
  • Departs Darling Harbour – Aquarium Wharf: 8:30 and 12:45
  • Departs Circular Quay – Wharf 6: 9:00 and 13:15

Whale Watching Sydney’s 3hr Discovery Cruise is the best whale watching cruise in Sydney, combining high speed with 2 levels of viewing decks onboard our flagship vessel Fantasea Avalon.

Thanks to the high top speed (almost 30kts), it only takes 15 minutes from Circular Quay to the open ocean. That means less travel time through the harbour and more time watching whales compared to other, slower boats.

Our vessels are purpose-built whale watching vessels so you can enjoy unobstructed views from spacious decks over 2 levels.

a whale jumping out of the water
a man flying through the air while riding a surfboard in the water
animal on the water
a man flying through the air over a body of water
an animal swimming in the water
a large body of water with a city in the background
a man flying through the air while riding a wave in the ocean

Whale Watch in comfort with air-conditioned cabins with large windows and great indoor and outdoor seating. Informative commentary by our experienced crew and onboard multimedia presentations ensure you are fully informed of what to look out for so you can make the most out of this unique experience.

Free tea and coffee is served inside Sydney Harbour and during suitable offshore conditions. Additional drinks and snacks are available for purchase from the onboard licensed bar.

If no whales are successfully watched on your cruise, you receive a free return cruise.

Vessel Features

a large ship in a body of water
a group of people sitting on a dock next to a body of water
a group of people standing next to a body of water
a bridge over a body of water
a man standing on a boat in the water
a group of people standing next to a body of water
a person standing in front of a body of water
a woman sitting on a bench next to a body of water
a group of people on a bridge over a body of water
  • Two 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)

Sydney Map

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Rated "Excellent" by 200+ Travellers!

Whale watching from Umina

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.

– Dream221848 via TripAdvisor
Whale watching cruise from Palm Beach wharf

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.

– Lew J via TripAdvisor
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"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.."

– suelF3627NF via TripAdvisor
Fantastic

"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"

– Hayley C L via TripAdvisor
Fantastic day, great boat and professional and informative staff!

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

– Monique S via TripAdvisor
Whale watching- Darling Habour

"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."

– Grace L via TripAdvisor
We saw whales!

"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."

– kent542015 via TripAdvisor
Wonderful

"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!"

– Mel K via TripAdvisor