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Please note: All travel must be completed within 2 consecutive days. 2-Day validity commences from the date of the Whale Watching Cruise.

Captain Cook Cruises Sydney Whale Watching Morning Cruise

Combine the sights of Sydney Harbour with an open water cruise through the entrance of Sydney Harbour to find the gentle giants of the sea.

Humpback Whale sightings have continued to increase over the last decade. In June and July these majestic marine mammals migrate north for breeding before returning south with their calves from September to November. Southern Right Whales do not migrate, instead moving along the coast finding protected shelters for their young. Occasionally a mother and calf make Sydney Harbour their home for a short while and thousands of locals come out to wish them well.

Spotters on the land help to direct this certified whale watching cruises and also assist whale researchers by recording sightings and ensuring approach distances are strictly adhered to. Very rarely a whale is not spotted during the cruise. In this case your Whale Guarantee entitles you to another free cruise during the same season on a standby basis.

In addition to Humpbacks and Southern Right Whales, other species you may see include:

• Minke Whale
• Blue Whale
• Sei Whale
• Fin Whale
• False Killer Whale
• Orca or Killer Whale
• Sperm Whale
• Pygmy Right Whale
• Pygmy Sperm Whale
• Bryde's Whale

Whales are highly social and intelligent mammals that have graced oceans for fifty million years. They breath air, give birth to live young and suckle their calves through mammary glands. Their streamlined bodies are insulated from the cold by thick layers of blubber. The largest species of whales were hunted almost to extinction and have survived only thanks to conservation and protection efforts. There are 86 recognised whale species. The largest animal on earth is the gigantic blue whale.

Whales can travel immense distances to meet their food, mating and calving needs. Many make annual migrations from cold to warm climates for calving.

The Whales close cousin, the dolphin is second only to humans in intelligence. The degree of intelligence of whales and porpoises is still to be determined however, their sophisticated behaviour and ability to learn suggest they have a capacity for complex thinking.

To the delight of passengers, whales and dolphins often approach the vessel. In these situations cruises are required to slow down gradually, stop and wait until the animal moves beyond the approach zone. Its the moments in between that make the cruise truly special.

Typical whale behaviour includes: Breaching, Spy Hop, Pectoral Fin Extension, Tail Slapping, Peduncle Slap, Tail Cocking, Tail Slash and Tail Swish, Pectoral Stroking and Pec Slapping.

Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer Two Day Pass

When in Sydney do what the locals do and travel on the harbour highway. Hop On Hop Off Passes are the easy way for visitors to explore Sydney over two calendar days. These red rocket ferries criss-cross the harbour throughout the day, travelling between famous harbour precincts including Manly, Taronga Zoo and Watsons Bay. Enjoy a warm welcome aboard, harbour commentary, and perhaps pick up some hints on how to make the most of your time in Sydney that only the locals know.

Start your Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer from the main tourist precinct of Circular Quay.

Stopping at •Circular Quay •Taronga Zoo •Manly •Watsons Bay

Daily timetables may vary depending on the what's happening on the harbour.

About Each Destination

Circular Quay

• Sydney Opera House
• The Rocks historic precinct & weekend markets
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Harbour Bridge walkway & Bridge Climb
• Restaurants, bars & hotels
• Big Bus Sydney & Bondi Explorer
• Transport hub - cruise & ferry wharves & airport train line

Taronga Zoo

• Australia's amazing wildlife including koalas, platypus & kangaroos
• Animals of the world
• Open daily 09:00 to 17:00

Manly

• Short walk to famous Manly surf beaches
• Ocean-front restaurants, bars & cafes
• Discover the natural beauty of North Head Sanctuary (45min walk from Manly)
• Fish n chips on The Corso
• Cabbage Tree Bay Eco-Sculpture Walk on Marine Parade

Watsons Bay

• Famous Doyle's seafood restaurant & waterfront pub
• Park and picnic grounds
• Short stroll to beautiful harbour swimming beaches, the Gap, South Head & HMAS Watson

IMPORTANT:

• Please note that smoking is not permitted on NSW National Parks sites.
• Rubbish bins are not provided - please ensure you take all rubbish with you. Penalties may apply for non-compliance.

OPERATING DAYS

Sample Timetable

Reference Only. Subject to change without notice.

SATURDAY - SUNDAY

MONDAY - FRIDAY

#Drop off only. Special timetables may operate on public holidays & special events.