Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Taronga Zoo & Whale Watching Cruise (1-Day combo)

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Whales in the morning, zoo in the afternoon: a whale watching cruise out through Sydney Heads that drops you at Taronga Zoo's wharf around midday, with zoo entry and a ferry back to Circular Quay included. It is the easy way to fit Sydney's two big wildlife outings into one day.

Days

Full day (about 7 hours)

Age

Not recommended under 4

Group size

Shared cruise, zoo at your own pace

Start / finish

Circular Quay Wharf 6 / Sydney Heads / Taronga Zoo / Circular Quay

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Catamaran whale cruise, then ferry from Taronga Zoo

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Taronga Zoo & Whale Watching Cruise (1-Day combo)

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Included experiences

Sydney Heads — look for humpback and southern right whales
Naturalist commentary — what the whales are doing and why
Taronga Zoo — an afternoon with entry included
Keeper talks — the free-flight bird show and seal show
Harbour ferry — back to Circular Quay at your own pace

Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Taronga Zoo & Whale Watching Cruise (1-Day combo)

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CIRCULAR QUAY TO SYDNEY HEADS

Your day starts at Wharf 6 on Circular Quay, on Sydney Cove, where the First Fleet landed in 1788. The whale watching catamaran leaves at about 9:30am, with indoor seats and open decks over several levels. It runs down the harbour past the Sydney Opera House, opened in 1973, and out between the sandstone cliffs of Sydney Heads, where Hornby Lighthouse on South Head has stood since 1858. Once you're in open water you'll feel the swell, so eat lightly beforehand and take seasickness tablets before boarding if you need them. It often feels colder at sea than in the city, so bring a layer.

LATE MORNING: WHALES OFF THE COAST

From May to November, humpback whales pass Sydney on a migration of up to 10,000 km between their feeding grounds in Antarctica and their calving waters off Queensland. Southern right whales come by too; whalers named them the "right" whale to hunt because they swam slowly and floated when killed. A naturalist on board explains what you're seeing as the whales blow, breach and slap their tails. Sightings run at over 95%. If no whale shows up, you can take the cruise again for free later in the same season, on a standby seat confirmed 24 hours ahead.

MIDDAY: STRAIGHT TO TARONGA ZOO

Instead of going back to the city, the catamaran comes back through the Heads and drops you at the zoo's own wharf in Mosman at around midday. Taronga Zoo opened on this harbour hillside in 1916, and its name comes from an Aboriginal word for a beautiful view. Your entry is included, so you can walk straight in.

AFTERNOON: THE ZOO AND THE FERRY HOME

The afternoon is yours, about four to five hours. Taronga has Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos and platypus alongside animals from around the world, and the keeper presentations include a free-flight bird show and a seal show, so check the times as you go in. Many enclosures look back across the water to the Opera House and the city. When you're ready, catch a ferry from the zoo wharf back to Circular Quay. The zoo closes at 4:30pm in winter and 5pm from September, and all travel must be done on the same day.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Captain Cook Cruises, Circular Quay Wharf 6. Check in at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before departure.
Departure time: Around 9:30am daily during the whale season, mid-May to early November. Exact times are confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Whenever you take the ferry back to Circular Quay; the zoo closes at 4:30pm in winter and 5pm from September.
Minimum age: The cruise is not recommended for children under 4. Child tickets are for ages 4 to 15.
Please note: This is an open water cruise and you will feel the swell; eat lightly before and during it, and take travel sickness tablets beforehand if you need them. Smoking is not permitted on board. Names and emergency contacts for every passenger are a legal requirement. Cruises can be cancelled for weather or operational reasons; if the operator cancels, you can rebook another whale cruise in the same season or take a refund or credit.

What to bring

Warm layers for the cruise; it often feels colder at sea
Comfortable walking shoes for the zoo
A camera
Travel sickness tablets if you are prone (take them before you board)

What is included

Morning whale watching cruise with naturalist commentary
Whale guarantee: a free standby cruise in the same season if no whale is seen
One-day general entry to Taronga Zoo
Ferry from Taronga Zoo back to Circular Quay

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.