Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry Pass

Make the most of your time in Sydney with this great-value combo that includes a 2-day Sydney Harbour Hop-On Hop-Off ferry pass and an unforgettable whale watching cruise. Perfect for flexible sightseeing and ocean adventure, this experience lets you explore iconic destinations around the harbour — and witness the magnificent humpback whales breaching just beyond it.

Getting started

Begin your Sydney adventure by boarding the comfortable sightseeing ferry from any of the six included stops: Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Manly, Watsons Bay, or Shark Island. With ferries running all day, you’re free to explore at your own pace. You’ll also receive a printed map to help plan your route and highlights, plus onboard smartphone commentary throughout your journey.

On the day of your whale watching cruise, board the vessel at Circular Quay for a 9:30am departure. Sit back and relax in indoor or outdoor seating as expert guides brief you on the fascinating world of whale migration along Australia’s east coast.

What to expect

This combo offers the perfect blend of flexibility and nature. Over two consecutive days, you can hop on and off ferries to explore Sydney’s most beloved harbour destinations — from the sandy shores of Manly to the scenic lookout at Watsons Bay, and the unique wildlife at Taronga Zoo. Many of these stops are not served by regular public ferries, giving you convenient access to lesser-seen sights like Shark Island.

Your morning whale watching cruise takes you out past Sydney Heads for 2.5 hours of ocean exploration, where humpback whales and other marine life are commonly seen. Don’t worry if you miss the action—your whale sighting guarantee offers a free rebooking within the season.

Features

• 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Sydney Harbour Ferry Pass: Unlimited ferry travel to six key harbour destinations over two days, with the freedom to hop on and off at your own pace.
• Whale watching cruise: A thrilling 2.5-hour morning cruise guided by marine experts, with indoor and outdoor seating and panoramic views.
• Whale sighting guarantee: In the unlikely event you don't spot whales, you’ll receive a free re-cruise valid during the same season.
• Smartphone commentary & maps: Enhance your experience with informative onboard commentary and a printed map featuring route highlights.
• Free Wi-Fi onboard: Stay connected and share your journey in real time from the comfort of the ferry.
• Accessible & comfortable: Catamarans feature accessible facilities, outdoor decks, and spacious seating options.
• Great value: Save $10 compared to booking the two experiences separately — one easy booking covers both.

This experience is ideal for visitors who want to explore Sydney's scenic harbour and marine life without the hassle of planning multiple trips. Discover more, travel freely, and make memories on land and sea.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry Pass

Discover the best of Sydney on this sightseeing tour that includes a whale watching cruise and unlimited ferry rides across the city's iconic landmarks, including Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly, and Shark Island. This 2-day pass offers you access to six stops with flexible schedules, ensuring you can explore Sydney at your own pace. The tour includes a 2.5-hour morning whale watching cruise with expert commentary in English and Japanese, indoor/outdoor seating, and a whale sighting guarantee (rebook for free if no whales are spotted). Your adventure begins by boarding the ferry from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour to reach your destinations. With onboard smartphone commentary available in three languages—English, Spanish, and German—you can learn about each location's history and significance as you hop on and off at various stops throughout the day.

Explore Darling Harbour

Your tour stops at Darling Harbour where you will explore a bustling waterfront area that spans 52 hectares, built in 1874. Home to several museums such as the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour offers a wide range of activities for visitors including dining at one of its many restaurants and shopping at the Westfield Centrepoint mall. The area also features the Powerhouse Museum, which houses over 500,000 artifacts showcasing the history of technology and design in Australia. Visitors typically spend around two hours here enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions. Darling Harbour stands out for its blend of entertainment options and cultural significance, making it a must-visit destination when exploring Sydney.

Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

At the Sydney Harbour Bridge, guests can marvel at this iconic steel through arch bridge that stretches 1,342 meters in length. Completed in 1932 and standing at an impressive height of 134 meters, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Australia. The bridge features a pedestrian walkway called "The Cooee Track" where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Additionally, for those interested in adventure, there are opportunities to climb the bridge with expert guides who provide historical insights about its construction and significance. Visitors typically spend around 30 minutes here taking photos and exploring the surrounding areas.

Discover Circular Quay

Your tour stops at Circular Quay where you will explore this historic waterfront area that has been a focal point of Sydney since the city's founding in 1788. Spanning an area of approximately 20 hectares, Circular Quay is home to numerous attractions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and the Sydney Opera House, which was completed in 1973 and designed by Jørn Utzon. The quay serves as a transportation hub with ferry services connecting it to various parts of the city, including Manly and Taronga Zoo. Visitors typically spend around one hour here enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and exploring the nearby attractions.

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy 2-day Sydney Harbour Hop-On Hop-Off Pass
• Unlimited ferry rides with six iconic stops
• Onboard smartphone commentary in three languages
• Whale watching cruise with expert English/Japanese commentary
• Indoor/outdoor seating options for whale viewing experience
• Shark Island access only through this cruise service, not public ferries
• Whale sighting guarantee (rebook free if no whales are spotted)
• Printed maps and flexible schedules to explore Sydney at your own pace

Perfect for tourists, families, and nature enthusiasts, this sightseeing tour provides an immersive experience of Sydney's landmarks through a combination of ferry rides and whale watching. The 2-day format allows you to hop on and off at Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly, and Shark Island, giving you the benefit of exploring different parts of the city while enjoying unique activities such as the whale sighting cruise.