Whale Watching Cruises Sydney Australia

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General Whale Watching questions are answered here

Question: What types of whales will I see?

90% of the whales seen in past seasons have been Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) the next most common are the Southern Wright whales ( Eubalaena australis) others much harder to find are Minki Sperm and Blue whales (normally only seen once a season)

Question: Will I see Migaloo (the white whale)?

Only if we are very lucky and then only on 2 or 3 trips of the year. Each whale swims past the Sydney coast over a 6 hour period, so they may pass us in the nighttime when no one is watching. On the upside we have two chances each year to see migaloo, once on the northern migration and again on the southern migration.

Question: Will I be able to touch the whales?

Its very unlikely, but its up to the whales. As responsible whale watchers we don't approach to within 100m of the whales. That doesn't mean the whales can't come to us if they want, but if they do, they rarely touch the boat or come close enough for someone to reach out and touch them.

Question: Will there be room for me to see the whales?

Yes, there is plenty of rail space on Ocean Dreaming, you could line the rails with our full compliment of passengers and there would still be room to see.

Question: Where is the best position on the boat?

Everyone has their favorite position, the front deck and bridge deck sides are great spots, and flybridge deck is the highest point (so you can see further), the bridge deck aft is great for those that prefer a bit more protection, but you can see everything from the cabin windows on the main deck from the comfort of the high back cushioned chairs.

Question: What happens if it rains?

Rain is no problem, we have plenty of climate controlled cabin space on board so everyone on board can be warm and undercover.

Question: What about motion sickness, will it be rough?

We are in the ocean, but the bigger the boat, the less you feel it, that's why we have the biggest whale watching vessel in New South Wales, to make your cruise the most comfortable experience possible. If you are still concerned, we recommend you seek out a preventative remedy that works for you and eat lightly before embarking.

Question: Are there toilets on board?

Yes, Ocean Dreaming is a large vessel with all the facilities you would expect, including separate men's and women's toilets.

The whale guarantee allows each person with a valid ticket (excludes Free of Charge passengers) on a cruise that does not see whales to return on another cruise latter in the same year as a Standby Passenger.

Question: what does a Standby Passenger mean?
You can only be confirmed on your return cruise 24 hours before departure, pending availability. You can put your name on the wait list for a particular cruise as soon as you like, but that does not automatically confirm you on that cruise. The wait list works on a first come, first serve basis.

We understand some people have limited time in Sydney and just can't make any other day so we try our best, but it is not always possible.

(Tip: Just like the airlines, it is best easiest to get on weekday cruise rather than weekends or public holidays)

Question: what's the definition of “seeing whales”?
By ‘seeing whales' we mean that we find and approach at least one whale and we have at least 2 confirmed sightings on the surface at a reasonable distance.

We want you to have the best experience whale watching we can offer you, every cruise is different and we think that's part of the attraction of ecotourism, but we can still offer the guarantee in the rare case that we ‘see whales' but feel it was not good enough (in this case its completely at our discretion)

Question: does a dolphin count as a whale?
Only if it is really big. But seriously, no, we don't count dolphins as ‘seeing whales' even thought they are of the same family of cetacean and we do see them on many trips.

Question: if we are 2 or more that booked together, do we have to come back as a group?
No, you can wait list to come on separate days if you like.

Question: what happens if I still don't see a whale on my return trip?
In the unlikely event that happens, then we give you another free standby ticket. We want you to have the experience with the whales, and we will keep inviting you back until you do.

Question: can I give my standby ticket to anyone else?
No, we reissue your standby ticket with your name on it. The idea is that if you missed out on seeing whales, you should be the one to come back and enjoy it.

Questions: can I get a refund instead of a free return trip?

No, we understand some people can't come back if they are traveling or for other reasons, but each time we go out on a cruise to find whales we do our upmost to find them for you.

Question: can I use my standby ticket next year?
No, the ticket is valid only for the year it is issued in (excepting the very last trip of the year).

Whale Watching Checklist, In choosing a trip some tips and things to consider, based on questions we have been asked.

Question: Can some boats get closer to whales than others?
No, Everyone, and that includes recreational boater follow the same regulations, 100m from the whales is as close as the rules allow any boat to approach. If someone is promising to get closer than this they will be breaking the law.

Question: Will a smaller boat mean we are closer to the whale, and will see more?

No, a smaller boat means you are closer to the water, not closer to the whales. The higher up you are, the better the viewing angle you get to see the whales.

Question: Does a bigger boat mean we be fighting the crowd?

No, Ocean Dreaming is surveyed for 475 passenger in the harbour, out in the ocean we only take 50% of that compliment as a maximum. So there is always plenty of space. In fact, you can be more crowded on a smaller vessel.

Question: Is Morning or Afternoon better?

It really depends on the day, sometimes the wind is blowing in the morning but drops off in the afternoon and vise versa. The whales don't seem to be more or less active as the day progresses (you can check that on our sightings page).

Question: What are the important things to look for in a whale watching boat?

In order of importance:-

Rail space, and decks where you can see all around the boat and especially ahead of the boat.

Protection, if there is any wind or rain, being stuck on an exposed deck for 50 minutes on the trip back to the harbour is no fun.

Size, the bigger the better, size means less movement in the ocean, greater comfort and facilities on board.

Speed, you want to spend as much time as possible watching whales.

We hope this answers all your questions, if you have others please contact us here