Each year, from may to november, more than 30,000 humpback and southern right whales make their way along the coastline, in their annual migration from antarctica to the warmer waters of the pacific. The whale watching cruise is too much bumpy when sailing and maybe we are in the end of the whale watching season and the sea is not so calm but we still manage to see some whale. Whale watching in sydney, australia may to november. A group on a whale watching boat out of lahaina, maui, gets a close look at a breaching humpback whale. Whale watching sydney runs cruises from may to december and youre almost guaranteed to see a whale.
Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. The whale watching season in sydney is between may and november each year but some times are better than others to increase your chances of seeing whales. But the absolute best time to see them is late june and early july probably the last week of june and the first week of july, around about the winter solstice. You can also spot minke whales, orcas, pilot whales, and southern right whales, as well as common and bottlenose dolphins around sydney, and if youre visiting later in the season you might even see some whale calves swimming and playing alongside their. Also, see other marine wildlife such as dolphins, albatross, seals and the beautiful coastline of sydney. These magnificent marine mammals can be spotted from land with a bit of luck and persistence but we wanted to make sure its not every day ones in sydney during whale migration season, after all. Sydneys whalewatching season typically runs from may into december, when thousands of whales migrate through the area. Their 4hour cruise is considered to be one of the best whale watching cruises in australia. We are the only sydney whale watching company that offers live commentary, whale watching experience, a sydney harbour cruise and a bbq buffet lunch all included in the one great package. There are two distinct whale watching seasons in sydney. To give yourself the best chance of spotting whales is to go with an expert. Whale watching on the gold coast if youd rather keep your feet on the ground but still yearn for the special experience of seeing a whale, australias east coast is the best place to spot whales from the beach. Watching whales makes more economic sense than hunting them february 19, 2012 10. Whale watching sydney 2020 all you need to know before you.
Weve been walking sydneys coastline for years, so here are our tips on how to take advantage of nature to get the best out of your whale watching time. The season is split into two distinct sections depending on the direction of travel of the majority of whales at that time. Join us during whale watching season as we marvel at these incredible creatures frolicking and swimming in the tranquil waters of the pacific ocean. Success rate is 98% and all cruises are guaranteed to see whales. Sep 28, 2015 whale watching expedition outside sydney harbor, august 2015. During whalewatching season, youll see these majestic mammals from many headlands in sydney and at destinations from byron bay in the north to eden in the south more than 50 per cent of the planets species of cetaceans whales, dolphins and porpoises. Ozwhalewatching, mosman, new south wales, australia. The warmest times to go will be during the beginning and end of the season, as theyre not in the deepest part of winter, but a sunny day in winter. During the first, humpback whales are heading north towards warmer waters to mate and give birth typically from may to august, then in summer they return south with their calves to feed in antarctic waters. Whale watching sydney, australia sydney whale watching.
Weve been walking sydneys coastline for years, so here are our tips on how to take advantage of nature to get the best out of your. Sydney, australia is one of the best places in the world to spot whales because of its position along the migration path of the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population. This can be a beautiful gift for those who love nature. The whale watching cruise crew is awesome and give us very good service. Watching whales makes more economic sense than hunting them. You can purchase sydney eco whale watching tour gifts, which although seasonal, is a unique gift idea.
What was a population of 242 humpbacks in 1996, according to national parks research. Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. Whale watching in sydney more than 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in waters surrounding australia. Whaleplanner 2020 one year of whale watching in just one infographic. Whale watching in australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various coasts. Whale watching cruises are filling up and curious locals are lining coastal headlands. This discreet bay, tucked neatly at the western end of the gulf of tadjoura, is one of the most dependable places in the world to swim with whale sharks. The most commonly sighted whales are humpbackssome 20,000 of them traverse australias eastern coastline during their annual migration. Its not uncommon for several of the giants to be cruising so close to shore that its possible to snorkel out to see them. A whale playing in the harbour, as seen from north head manly, nsw. Humpback whales were spotted off the australiam east coast last week during their annual northerly migration.
Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. Departure points for most whale watching in sydney are either circular quay or certain other points of darling harbour, as well as manly in the northern beaches district. The 5 best places to see the winter humpback whale migration. May 08, 2019 the whale watching season in sydney is between may and november each year but some times are better than others to increase your chances of seeing whales. The best way to experience these magnificent mammals and view famous sydney landmarks is from onboard a whale watching sydney cruise. Pricing is subject to availability and as per our terms and conditions, our pricing can fluctuate at our. She also has outdoor seating great for up close whale viewing.
Whale watching sydney offers daily cruises from darling harbour and circular quay to watch humpback whales. You can go whale watching all winter and spring may november in sydney. Whale watching season has commenced and from now until december thousands of humpback whales will pass the coastal shores of sydney in the biggest mass migration in the world. Jul 08, 2017 whale watching in sydney, australia may to november sydney, australia is one of the best places in the world to spot whales because of its position along the migration path of the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population. Sydney s best whale watching cruises with more than 25 years of experience. During the first, humpback whales are heading north towards warmer waters to mate and. In sydney, the whale migration goes between may and november.
Im planning a trip to sydney and melbourne in december. If youd rather keep your feet on the ground but still yearn for the special experience of seeing a whale, australias east coast is. Whales often cruise close to shore, so they are easy to spot, and have even been known to pop up inside sydney harbour. May 30, 2019 the best spot for whale watching is the gap, an ocean cliff on the south head peninsula. From december to march april they mate and give birth in the warm and shallow waters off the baja california, mexico. Due to commercial whaling bans, the population has recovered. Get the latest sightings, learn whale facts and plan your next coastal adventure. The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters this. This super fast cruise is our most thrilling which is best suited for the more adventurous at heart.
Afternoon cruises operate daily, while morning cruises depart on weekends only. Climb to the top to gaze over the tasman sea and sydney harbour. With we try to inspire and give you the best information about whale watching. Then they go on their long journey to feed in the rich feeding grounds of the north. Whale watching off sydney heads is an exhilarating adventure, an awe inspiring treat that you will remember forever. Jun 17, 2011 a whale playing in the harbour, as seen from north head manly, nsw. With so many options and discounts available to you, you should really try whale watching. Aug 31, 2017 whale watching in sydney is one of most interesting attractions during winter season.
End of junejuly and then october is probably the best time of year for whale watch in sydney. Whale watching in sydney official sydney tourism website. The humpback whale migration passing sydney takes place between april and december each year. There are numerous vantage points all along the coastline but weve chosen the six best, most easily accessible and dramatic places to watch whales in sydney. The wild about whales website and app lists all the best viewing locations.
Whale watching serves as the ideal winter activity in sydney once youve done some of its more token tourist attractions. You can also opt for the 2hour adventure cruise or 3hour discover cruise. From april to mid august the humpbacks are heading north to give birth and mate in the waters of the coral sea. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national. The best time for whale watching in this region, however, is between july and september. Our premium three hour discovery cruise provides the ultimate whale watching experience on the best boat in sydney. Oz whale watching is sydneys leading whale watching tour and offers a bbq buffet and marine naturalist onboard to make this an. Opt for their halfday photo safari and get unlimited opportunities to click pictures of whales, sunsets and more. Whale watching sydney harbour cruises captain cook cruises. We hope this website will be a good inspiration for. During whalewatching season, youll see these majestic mammals from many headlands in sydney and at destinations from byron bay in the north to eden in the south. Whaling in australia took place from 1788 to 1978 and was once commercially successful. It is not the most tourist season in sydney, but you should try whale watching if you are visiting the city during this period.
The migrating population is named the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population or the australian east coast humpbacks. In nsw, its common to see humpback whales, southern right whales and dolphins, but you may also spot orcas, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales. We believe our pricing to be equal to many other whale watching cruises on the sydney harbour. Finally, you can buy gift certificates for whale watching tours for a loved one if you wish, too. Wild about whales is a celebration of whales along the nsw coastline. She is the perfect whale watching vessel as she has complete walk around lower decks allowing you to get so much closer to the whales. Check out our pick of the best whale watching vantage points, tours and accommodation in nsw. Best fleet of purpose built, comfortable and fast whale watching boats. It is the middle of winter and sea can be rough and you wont have much fun to be on the boat, so some whale watching tours are canceled because of weather during. Isla holbox is a 25minute boat ride from the mainland. Sydneys whaling fleet the media whaling trade was a major industry in australia during the nineteenth century employing hundreds of ships and thousands of men and providing the colonies with export commodities worth. Every year, thousands of gray whales travel between mexico and alaska, one of the longest known maritime migrations. Whales love a harbour and sydney has one of the best. The southern hemisphere humpback migration is estimated to be approx 30,000 whales this year, with an average increase of 11% per year, quite amazing considering these magnificent creatures were nearly hunted to the point of.
Currently, a 20% discount is offered for online bookings. As quintana roos sleepy northernmost island, it is the antithesis of crazy cancun, which is 150km to the south. Sydneys best whale watching cruises with more than 25 years of experience. Equipped with state of the art technology, comfortable indooroutdoor seating and viewing decks over 3 levels. May 03, 2017 high whale numbers nearly 12,000 per year which pass by the region and an extended whale watching season on the nsw midcoast combine to offer plenty of chances for visitors to embark on whale watching tours too, with whale watching trips typically departing from the nearby launch point of nelson bay around a 10 minute drive away from port. Whale watching in sydney is one of most interesting attractions during winter season.
For diving in more remote locales, take a trip on a liveaboard boat. True blue is a custombuilt 16 metre super sea cat with three unobstructed 360 degree viewing decks. Best time for whale watching in australia about australia. From barrenjoey at the northernmost tip of sydney, all the way down the coast to royal national park, we show you the six best, most easily accessible, and the most dramatic places to watch whales in sydney. Whale watching sydney 2020 all you need to know before. Explorer is a custombuilt 17 metre powered catamaran with three unobstructed 360 degree viewing decks.
We are glad to hear you had a wonderful time on our whale watching cruise. The sea is not calm and bumpy in the end of the whale watching season. Jan 27, 2015 the 5 best places to see the winter humpback whale migration hawaii, mexico, and california are hot spots for viewing the marine mammals on their annual journey. If you think of going to australia around december or january, visit the southern coast as well a pretty good spot to watch blue whales. The ultimate guide to whale watching in sydneys waters. Sydney whale watching offers 100% whale sighting rates, and guarantees a free return cruise if you dont see a whale. Whale watching off sydney heads is an exhilarating adventure, an awe inspiring treat that you will remember. Northern migration edit from april to mid august the humpbacks are heading north to give birth and mate in the waters of the coral sea.
Weve selected the six best whale watching places in sydney. Best custom built, fast and spacious vessels to give you the best day possible out at sea. The whale watching season in sydney runs from late may to early november. The 5 best places to see the winter humpback whale migration hawaii, mexico, and california are hot spots for viewing the marine mammals on their annual journey. Oct 01, 2015 end of junejuly and then october is probably the best time of year for whale watch in sydney. August looks like quite month in this chart, but is not because there are no whales. Departure is from circular quay or darling harbour and there are morning and afternoon sessions. Sydney ferries services to darling harbour depart circular quay wharf 5 every half hour. Oz whale watching brekkie with the whales sydney princess.