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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 our 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 our oceans for our 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 we 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.