When is Whale Watching Season?

Whale watching has increased in popularity over the past few decades, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world who are eager to catch a glimpse of these magnificent mammals. It is the activity of observing whales in their natural environment, typically from the end of a pier or a boat’s deck.

Seeing whales in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring and exciting. When one of these majestic marine animals breaks the surface of the water, the experience can definitely be something that will stay with you forever – you can never predict exactly when or where a whale will surface, which is what makes these encounters so special. Will it be alone when it surfaces?

When a whale swims up to approach your boat, it is possible that you will have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of looking the intelligent creature up close in the eye! This is an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience as the whale interacts with you. And if you bring your own pair of binoculars, you can take a closer look at every single whale and see how one differs from another. 

If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Sydney, Australia, you might be curious about the ideal time of year to go whale watching and why the city stands out from other potential destinations.  In this article, we will explore these questions in more detail.

When is the Best Season for Whale Watching in Sydney?

In general, from early June through October is prime time for whale watching in Sydney. 

Typically occurring between May and November, humpback whales travel from their Antarctic summer feeding grounds to their northern Australian winter breeding grounds. This migration journey takes them past Sydney and other cities on Australia’s eastern coast.

This is when whales are most accessible to the coast, thus it is the best time to go whale watching. 

Why is Sydney the Best Location to Watch the Whales?

There are several good reasons why Sydney is a great place to go whale watching. For starters, it is situated on Australia’s eastern coast, directly in the path taken by migrating humpback whales. If you go on a whale watching excursion, you will almost certainly get a close encounter with these magnificent creatures.

It is not just humpbacks that call Sydney home; southern right whales, minke whales, and even orcas have all been spotted in Sydney. 

Sydney Harbour and the surrounding area make for an enchanting setting for whale watching, with iconic sights like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge presenting the perfect backdrop.  Not only can you witness spectacular natural phenomena like whales breaching and spouting, but you can also take in the breathtaking sights of the port and the coastal cliffs.

When the sea is calm, whale watching is at its best. That is probably going to happen first thing in the morning, before the wind comes up and the waves get too big. It is also possible to enjoy a breathtaking view of whales breaching and blowing as the sun sets behind a distant headland in the late afternoon.

Get the best whale-watching experience with Sydney by Sail!

If you want to make the most of your whale watching experience in Sydney, then look no further than Sydney by Sail!  

Get up-close and personal with these gentle giants. These marine animals are way more likely to approach a sailing vessel to say G’day – we harness the wind to manoeuvre, so there’s no loud droning of an engine to scare the animals away

An extraordinary adventure that combines sailing with whale watching in Sydney Harbour. In this thrilling 6-hour excursion, you’ll leave the sheltered waters of Sydney Harbour and enjoy some coastal cruising. Plus, you’ll be onboard one of our luxury sailing Yachts with a friendly skipper – so, no previous sailing experience necessary!

Here’s what we offer in our whale-watching services: 

• Fees. For adults, it’s $425.00 and for children under 18 years old, it’s $212.50. Minimum 4 passengers required
• Pick-up location. Our private marina is in front of the National Maritime museum in Darling Harbour. 
• Dates. Weekends only from 10:00am – 4:00pm. May – October for Whales, Coastal Sailing all year round!

The fun of whale-watching starts long before you set sail with your group – with all the excitement and planning that goes into the journey. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and binoculars are just a few of the must-haves that you should pack. The best way to avoid getting seasick during the cruise is to take a motion sickness pill 30 minutes to an hour before getting onto the boat.

Furthermore, don’t forget to bring along all your favourite food and drinks to enjoy for lunch aboard the yacht. Or you can simply order from our tasty gourmet catering menus to keep your tummy full and happy during the adventure while enjoying the beautiful seaview!

Sail to the whales and get a front row seat to the horizon!

For a truly unique and memorable adventure, you simply cannot beat whale watching in Sydney on a luxury yacht.. It is such a perfect activity for families, couples, or solo travellers, and it’s accessible to anyone who wants to see these magnificent animals up close in their natural habitat.

Nothing will quite prepare you for the sight of a real whale in the ocean, some of the most intelligent non-human mammals in the world. No matter how many pictures or articles you’ve read about them. The opportunity to witness one of the largest marine creatures ever to exist will surely be precious and remarkable! 

So, what are you waiting for? Watch these incredible creatures on their migration. See these whales breaching, tail slapping, and spouting as they make their way along the coast! 

Select a date, choose a pick-up location, and book your whale-watching adventure now! Kindly contact us and simply request a gift voucher.

Please do not hesitate to contact us today at +61 (2) 92801110  for further information on our coastal sailing, whale watching, or sailing services. We’d be happy to assist you!