• Comfy shoes

• A jacket for the cool air

• A camera

• Credit or debit card for bar purchases (no cash)

The whale guarantee allows each passenger of a whale-watching cruise that did not successfully watch whales to return on another whale-watching cruise during the same year (or the following year if the unsuccessful cruise was within two weeks of the season ending) with a whale-watching return voucher.

Whale Watching return vouchers are stand-by tickets only, and priority is given to paying customers. They are issued to each booking via email after the cruise.

Please redeem your whale watching return voucher in advance via phone at 1800 326 822 or at one of the ticket offices at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. Return Vouchers can not be exchanged for a refund.

By seeing whales, the Operator means that they find and approach at least one whale and have at least two confirmed sightings on the surface at a reasonable distance. They want you to have the best whale-watching experience possible, and it is at the crew's discretion to issue return vouchers. Sometimes they may still offer the guarantee in the rare case that they technically see whales but feel it was not a good enough experience.

99% of the whales seen in past seasons have been Humpback whales. Occasionally you might see Southern Right whales (usually in August / September). If you get extremely lucky, you may see some Killer or Blue whales (only two or three sightings over the last ten years).

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

It is totally random! Whales can do anything at any time during the day. Generally, calmer sea conditions mean a more enjoyable cruise for passengers, so checking the 7-day weather forecast can give a good indication of whether the morning or afternoon cruise will have more suitable conditions. 

Rain is no problem on the 3 hr Discovery Cruise, as there is plenty of climate-controlled cabin space on board so everyone can be warm and undercover.

This tour is wheelchair accessible.

Disabled toilets on-board