Whale Tales Whale Watching Cheeky Monkey, BBQ, Swim and Explore Harbour Tour

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Three hours on Sydney Harbour aboard the Cheeky Monkey, a 12 metre catamaran: under the Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House, then anchored in a calm bay for a swim, lily pads and paddleboards while the crew cook a sausage sizzle. Bring your own drinks; the eskies and ice are on board.

Days

3 hours

Group size

Shared cruise on a small catamaran

Start / finish

Darling Harbour / Darling Harbour

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

12 metre motor catamaran Cheeky Monkey

Meals

Sausage sizzle cooked on board

Route

Map of Whale Tales Whale Watching Cheeky Monkey, BBQ, Swim and Explore Harbour Tour

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Included experiences

Sydney Harbour Bridge — cruise underneath on the way out
Sydney Opera House — pass close by from the water
Harbour bay — swim, paddleboard and float on the giant lily pad
On board — sausage sizzle with your own drinks

Whale Tales Whale Watching Cheeky Monkey, BBQ, Swim and Explore Harbour Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING IN DARLING HARBOUR

Your trip starts at the jetty by the convention centre in Darling Harbour, aboard the Cheeky Monkey, a 12 metre motor catamaran run by a small family business. Stow your drinks in the eskies, which come with ice, because the boat isn't licensed and everything is BYO. There's a swim platform at the back, plenty of open deck and a big sound system, so find your spot as the music starts and the boat slides out past the old wharves of Pyrmont.

UNDER THE BRIDGE, PAST THE OPERA HOUSE

Out on the main harbour the Sydney Harbour Bridge passes overhead. Opened in 1932, its arch tops out 134 metres above the water, and Sydneysiders still call it the Coathanger. Then comes the Sydney Opera House, opened in 1973, its sails covered in more than a million tiles and World Heritage-listed since 2007. Keep the camera out, because the city looks its best from the water.

SWIM, FLOAT AND A SAUSAGE SIZZLE

The crew find a calm bay with a view back to the city and drop anchor. Out go the water toys: a giant floating lily pad, stand-up paddleboards and inflatables. Jump in, paddle, or just lie on the lily pad and look at the skyline. Not a strong swimmer? Grab one of the lifejackets on board, or stay on deck. Meanwhile the barbecue fires up for a classic Aussie sausage sizzle with onions, with a vegetarian option too.

CRUISING BACK TO THE CITY

Dried off and fed, you cruise back up the harbour with the skyline ahead, and step off in Darling Harbour about three hours after you set out.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Darling Harbour, at the jetty by the convention centre. Your exact boarding spot and time are confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 3 hours.
Suits: Families, couples and groups of friends sharing a relaxed few hours on the water.
Dietary needs: A vegetarian option is cooked alongside the sausages.
Please note: The boat takes up to 32 guests and has one toilet. The swim and water toys depend on the weather and conditions in the bay. Tell the crew if you are not a strong swimmer.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Camera
Your own drinks, alcoholic or not
Only a small bag; space on board is limited

What is included

3 hour Sydney Harbour cruise on the Cheeky Monkey catamaran
Sausage sizzle cooked on board, with onions and a vegetarian option
Swim stop in a harbour bay
Use of the water toys: giant lily pad, stand-up paddleboards and inflatables
Lifejackets for anyone who wants one
Eskies with ice for your own drinks, plus cups and plates

Not included

Drinks: the boat is not licensed, so bring your own

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.