Whale Watching on vessel ORCA - Circular Quay Departure
Duration
Half day
Language
English
Group Size
Small group
Cancellation
Policy applies
Highlights
Experience Sydney's most iconic landmarks
Stunning harbour views and photo opportunities
World-class experiences in Australia's biggest city
Flexible booking with instant confirmation
Perfect for first-time visitors and locals alike
About This Experience
Orca is our newest, fastest and most intimate vessel. Orca only carries a maximum of 12 passengers so is our most personal, boutique experience. Minimum age is 12 years old.
What's Included
All entrance fees and admission
Safety equipment and briefing
Digital tickets — no printing needed
Best price guarantee
Not Included
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Gratuities (optional)
Travel insurance
Cancellation Policy Applies
Cancellation fees may apply depending on the operator and timing. We strongly recommend travel insurance for all bookings.
Meeting Point
Need Help Booking?
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Customer Reviews4.8 out of 5 • 51 reviews
Chloe R.
Melbourne, VIC • 6 weeks ago
Great morning on the water
Plenty of whale activity and a knowledgeable crew. Would have liked a touch longer out there but a wonderful experience overall.
Max W.
Berlin, Germany • 5 weeks ago
Whales put on a show!
We had humpbacks breaching right beside the boat — mums and calves waving their fins. The crew clearly knew where to find them. Magical morning.
Jack T.
Sydney, NSW • 1 month ago
Bucket-list whale watching
Humpbacks everywhere, a calf breaching over and over. The commentary really added to it. Warm, friendly crew and a very comfortable boat.
Katie B.
Newcastle, NSW • 2 months ago
So close to the whales
A curious whale came right up to the boat and hung around for ages. The guides were passionate and knew heaps about the humpbacks. Unforgettable.
Daniel V.
Wellington, NZ • 3 weeks ago
Better than I imagined
We saw more whales than I ever expected — breaching, spy-hopping, the lot. The crew were brilliant and even guaranteed a sighting. Do it!
Jake L.
Liverpool, UK • 1 week ago
Amazing sightings
Saw multiple whales breaching and tail-slapping. Bit of swell out there but the skipper positioned us perfectly for photos. Loved it.
Cancellation policy applies
About Whale Watching on vessel ORCA - Circular Quay Departure
Whale Watching on vessel ORCA - Circular Quay Departure is a 2 Hours adventure in Sydney, NSW. Run by Ocean Extreme, it can be booked online at dundeeadventure.com with live availability, instant confirmation and our best-price guarantee — no hidden booking fees.
Operated by Ocean Extreme · 2 Hours · Sydney, NSW
About Whale Watching on vessel ORCA - Circular Quay Departure
Operated by Ocean Extreme · 2 Hours · Sydney, NSW
Step aboard ORCA and head out from Circular Quay for one of Sydney’s most thrilling ways to meet the whales. This purpose-built, military-spec RIB is made for speed, so you’ll skim past the harbour heads, feel the salt spray on your face, and race into the open Tasman Sea with your skipper chasing the best whale activity on the day.
What makes this cruise special is the up-close, personal feel. Your skipper stays in touch with other boats to track the most approachable pods, giving you the best possible chance to watch these incredible animals in their natural habitat. It’s fast, exhilarating, and properly memorable, with the Sydney skyline giving way to open ocean and a front-row seat to the whale migration. If you’re after a whale watching trip with a bit more adrenaline, this is the one to book.
Know before you go: - All passengers must be at least 12 years old for ORCA; younger guests can book the OSPREY vessel, which has a minimum age of 6. - Please arrive at Campbell’s Cove Pontoon, Circular Quay, 20 minutes before your scheduled departure. - This is a high-speed open-water trip, so expect wind, spray and changing sea conditions. - Bring a jacket, closed-in shoes, sunscreen and a hat to stay comfortable on the water. - If your preferred date isn’t available, check the OSPREY departure option as an alternative whale watching vessel.
What's Included
✓ 2-hour whale watching cruise aboard the ORCA RIB
✓ Departure from Circular Quay at Campbell’s Cove Pontoon
✓ Experienced skipper and crew
✓ On-water whale spotting experience in the Tasman Sea
✓ Safety briefing and vessel safety equipment
Highlights
★ Cruise out from Circular Quay on a high-speed purpose-built RIB designed for an exhilarating whale watching trip.
★ Discover Sydney Harbour’s heads before blasting into the open Tasman Sea in search of migrating whales.
★ Spot whales in their natural habitat with your skipper coordinating with other vessels to find the best pods.
★ Experience an up-close, fast-paced marine adventure that feels far more personal than a standard whale cruise.
★ Learn about local whale behaviour and migration from an experienced skipper out on the water.
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