Sydney Princess Cruises Breakfast with the Whales

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A four hour whale watching cruise from Circular Quay, along Sydney Harbour and out through Sydney Heads to see humpback whales on their migration, with a hot breakfast on board.

Days

4 hours, morning

Group size

Max 95

Start / finish

Circular Quay / Circular Quay

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

The Jerry Bailey, a 180-seat cruise boat with indoor and outdoor decks

Meals

Hot breakfast with tea, coffee and water

Route

Map of Sydney Princess Cruises Breakfast with the Whales

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Included experiences

Sydney Harbour — cruise to the Heads
Sydney Heads — humpback whale watching
Pacific Ocean — whale migration commentary

Sydney Princess Cruises Breakfast with the Whales

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

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8:15AM: BREAKFAST AT CIRCULAR QUAY

Board the Jerry Bailey at the Eastern Pontoon, outside the Searock Grill at Circular Quay, the head of Sydney Cove, where the First Fleet came ashore in January 1788. She can carry 180 people, but whale watching trips are capped at 95 so everyone has a spot at the rail. There are open decks at the front, sides and back, an indoor lounge and a licensed bar. As the boat heads down the harbour, a hot breakfast is served on board, with tea, coffee and water. Tell the crew ahead if you need vegetarian or other dietary options.

DOWN THE HARBOUR AND OUT THROUGH THE HEADS

Breakfast done, it's time to head outside. The boat runs the length of Sydney Harbour to Sydney Heads, the two sandstone headlands that guard the harbour mouth. On South Head stands the red and white Hornby Lighthouse, built in 1858 after the Dunbar was wrecked on the cliffs nearby with the loss of 121 lives. On North Head is the old Quarantine Station, where people arriving by ship were held from 1828 to 1984. Once through the gap, you're on the open Pacific.

WHALE WATCHING OFF THE COAST

From May to November, humpback whales pass Sydney on one of the longest migrations of any mammal, heading north to calve in the warm waters off Queensland, then back south to feed off Antarctica. Australia stopped whaling in 1978, and the humpbacks have been coming back in growing numbers ever since. The crew explain the whales' migration, behaviour and habits as you go. Watch for a spout first, then a curved back or a tail lifting before a dive, and if you're lucky, a whale breaching clear of the water.

BACK TO CIRCULAR QUAY

Then it's back in through the Heads and up the harbour, past the Opera House and under the gaze of the Harbour Bridge, to the Eastern Pontoon at about 12:15pm. Four hours, breakfast and the open ocean, and you still have the afternoon for the city.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay, outside the Searock Grill restaurant.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian and other dietary needs can be catered for with enough notice.
Please note: Runs during the whale watching season.

What is included

4 hour whale watching cruise from Circular Quay through Sydney Heads and back
Whale commentary
Hot breakfast on board
Tea, coffee and water
Fully qualified crew

Not included

Drinks from the licensed bar

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.