Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Whale Watching & Harbour Explorer (2-Day Combo)

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A morning whale watching cruise out through Sydney Heads, with a free repeat cruise if no whale is seen, plus a two-day Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer pass that starts the moment you step back onto Circular Quay.

Days

2 days

Age

Not recommended under 4

Start / finish

Circular Quay / Sydney Heads and open ocean / Circular Quay

Return

See itinerary for details

Tour style

Whale cruise with a self-guided ferry pass

Accommodation

Not included

Transport

Whale watching boat and Captain Cook rocket ferries

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Whale Watching & Harbour Explorer (2-Day Combo)

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Included experiences

Sydney Heads — whale watching in the open ocean with naturalist commentary
Sydney Harbour — past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Manly — the Corso and the surf beach
Watsons Bay — seafood, pubs and headland walks
Shark Island — picnic in a mid-harbour national park

Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Whale Watching & Harbour Explorer (2-Day Combo)

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1, MORNING: WHALES OFF SYDNEY HEADS

Your two days start with the morning whale cruise from Wharf 6 at Circular Quay. The boat runs east down the harbour, past the Sydney Opera House, opened in 1973, and Fort Denison, finished in 1857, then out between the Sydney Heads, where the red and white Hornby Lighthouse has stood on South Head since 1858. In the open ocean, marine naturalists help you read what the whales are doing. Humpbacks, up to 16 metres long, are the most common, breaching, tail slapping and spy hopping. Southern right and minke whales appear now and then, and you may see dolphins, seals and seabirds too. Whales are seen on more than 95% of cruises, and if not, you go again free in the same season.

DAY 1, AFTERNOON: YOUR FERRY PASS STARTS

You're back at Circular Quay around midday, and your Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer pass starts straight away, from the same wharf. The red rocket ferries loop between six stops, about 90 minutes for a full lap. A good first afternoon is Watsons Bay, just inside South Head, where Doyles has served fish and chips by the beach since 1885 and a short walk leads to the Pacific cliffs of The Gap. Or cross to Manly, named by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788, and walk the Corso from the ferry to the surf beach.

DAY 2: HOP ON, HOP OFF AROUND THE HARBOUR

The pass is good all day today too. Take a picnic to Shark Island, Boowambillee to the Gadigal, a small island in Sydney Harbour National Park with views in every direction. Get off at the wharf for Taronga Zoo, on the Mosman shore since 1916 (zoo entry is extra). Then finish at Darling Harbour, where the Pyrmont Bridge, opened in 1902, is one of the oldest electric swing bridges in the world, with dinner at King Street Wharf or Barangaroo. Each ferry has indoor and outdoor decks, free Wi-Fi and commentary on your own phone.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Captain Cook check-in office, Circular Quay Wharf 6. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the 9:30am departure to collect your boarding passes.
Departure time: Whale cruise 9:30am daily during the whale season (mid-May to the start of November), back about 12pm. Harbour Explorer ferries run through the day, roughly 9am to 5pm.
Duration: Whale cruise about 2.5 hours; ferry pass valid on the cruise day and the day after.
Minimum age: Not recommended for children under 4. Children must be supervised, with at least one adult for every four children.
Fitness: This is an open-water cruise and you will feel the swell. Eat lightly before you go, keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid reading or screens.
Accessibility: The whale watching boats are wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets. The rocket ferries take wheelchairs on the entry deck, but not every stop is accessible.
Please note: The 2026 whale season ends on 1 November. Whale cruises go out subject to the weather; if one is called off, you can move to another whale cruise in the same season. If no whale is seen, you can cruise again free in the same season on a standby basis, confirmed 24 hours before. All passenger names and emergency contacts are needed for this open-water trip. No smoking on board.

What to bring

A warm jacket and layers; it is cooler at sea
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat that won't blow off
Camera or phone
Motion sickness tablets if you need them, taken about 30 minutes before departure
Headphones for the Harbour Explorer commentary

What is included

9:30am whale watching cruise from Circular Quay, about 2.5 hours
Live commentary from marine naturalists
Whale sighting guarantee: another whale cruise free in the same season if none are seen
Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer pass for the day of the cruise and the following day
Smartphone commentary, printed map and free Wi-Fi on the Harbour Explorer

Not included

Taronga Zoo entry
Food and drink (bring your own, or buy snacks and drinks on board)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.