Whale Watching on EXTREME - Circular Quay Departure - Agent
Category: Whale Whale Watching
Region: North Sydney Council Sydney
State: NSW
Duration:
2h
Forget the old, boring, slow whale watching cruises! Ocean Extreme offers the most fun and exciting whale watching tour around. Choose from the two of Sydney’s fastest vessels. Whale sightings are guaranteed.*
Operated By:
You’ll be taken on an exciting and unforgettable journey to see the whales in their natural habitat on a giant purpose-built, rigid inflatable vessel.
Your high-speed whale watching boat transfers from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf to pick up more passengers before turning up the power and blasting towards the open ocean. After punching through the heads and into the South Pacific, you’re taken on a high-speed cruise out to see the whales – your skipper is in constant contact with other boat drivers to find the most friendly and approachable whale pods.
*All passengers must be at least 12 years old.
Tour departs from the Cambell’s Cove Pontoon at Circular Quay. Passengers must arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
We require at least 48 hours notice for any cancellations or to reschedule.
For directions to our departure location type “Campbell’s Cove Pontoon” into google. You must arrive 20 minutes prior to the departure time listed on this confirmation.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Wind/spray jacket if you have one. If you don’t have a jacket you can wear one of ours. You will still need to dress warmly underneath our jacket.
- It is advised to wear/bring multiple layers of clothing. The temperature offshore can be significantly colder than on land. If it is a very cold day we recommend beanies/balaclavas, gloves, jackets etc. It is always better to be too warm than too cold.
- Sunglasses are essential. Even if it’s not sunny! It is mainly for the wind.
- Sunscreen.
- Cameras are brought onboard at your own risk. We generally do not get wet, however this cannot be guaranteed.
- We have an area where bags can be stowed safely.
- If you are prone to motion sickness please visit a pharmacy to enquire as to the appropriate remedy before travelling.
- Please do not bring coffees or food.
Please make use of the restrooms at Circular Quay before boarding.
**If whales are not spotted on a whale watching tour, each passenger will be issued with a credit to come on another whale watching tour in the same season. The credit expires at the end of the season and must be used by the original participant (non-transferable).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
**If whales are not spotted on a whale watching tour, each passenger will be issued with a credit to come on another whale watching tour in the same season. The credit expires at the end of the season and must be used by the original participant (non-transferable).
Share:
On our second attempt, the weather was beautiful and we saw around six different whales. The experience was truly unforgettable! The crew was amazing—very friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer all our questions.
100% recommend!
read moreread less
Lucia
11 Sep 2025
read moreread less
John
01 Aug 2025
Had an incredible time( with Mom) with Ocean Extreme! The staff were super experienced and calm, made us feel safe the whole way. We were also lucky to have a super sunny day, so don’t forget sunscreen. It was windy out, but the windshields worked great. The whole trip was a TOTALLY worth it one.
read moreread less
Wazhuoma
31 Jul 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed whale watching with Ocean Extreme. We were very lucky to see 2 whales fully breaching - although seeing whales fully breaching is not guaranteed when whale watching. Our guide Sean was full of great whale facts. We appreciated the professional photos sent to us after our trip. Thank you to Martin for driving the boat so capably.
Highly recommend Ocean Extreme for whale watching in Sydney.
Highly recommend Ocean Extreme for whale watching in Sydney.
read moreread less
Ciara
22 Jul 2025
read moreread less
TraceyR1128
15 Jul 2025
AMAZING!! Boats are modern and quick…we got out to the whales in no time. As we watched two humpbacks do some nice flute dives, our guide spotted two whales breaching, so we heading off to see them. We must have seen 50 full breaches!!! Just awesome!! They smacked their pectoral fins, and lept high so many times!! Just wonderful. Our guide, Kathy, was super nice and knowledgeable…given the “show” was so spectacular, she stayed out longer than the allotted time. Wonderful afternoon!!!
read moreread less
Rob
14 Jul 2025
read moreread less
Olgaostrovsky
13 Jul 2025
We were lucky to see a mother and a calf breach several times absolutely breathtaking and a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Great views of the Opera House and harbour as you come back in!
Our guide (sorry, I’ve forgotten his name) was fantastic really knowledgeable and a fun guy.
Highly recommend Ocean Extreme for your whale watching adventure!
read moreread less
catp79
07 Jul 2025
read moreread less
Bethany
28 Jun 2025
I was recommended Ocean Extreme by a friend. She did her research, and went on a couple of other tours but said these guys were the best in Sydney and she’s right. She didn’t see whales on her first tour but did on her second free one because of their “whale sighting guaranteed” policy.
My family and I went on the 8am Extreme boat with Blake. It was a beautifully clear day and we managed to find 3 pods of whales, one of which was very active. We got to see 3 breaches and there were plenty of tail flips. Had a fantastic time, it was a phenomenal experience! Might come back and do it again next year.
My family and I went on the 8am Extreme boat with Blake. It was a beautifully clear day and we managed to find 3 pods of whales, one of which was very active. We got to see 3 breaches and there were plenty of tail flips. Had a fantastic time, it was a phenomenal experience! Might come back and do it again next year.
read moreread less
Martha
21 Jun 2025
A must do if you are here during the migration season. We had heaps of fun riding in their vessel - Extreme at speeds above 40knots (I’m guessing here). We spotted a pair of humpback whales during our 8am sailing. There were tail flips but no whale breach 😅 nonetheless it was an unforgettable experience coming so close to the humpbacks.
read moreread less
Ben
26 May 2025
read moreread less
Craig
21 Nov 2024
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and experienced out on the seas. Despite the conditions being a bit choppy our guide was able to bring us in and out of the harbour (at speed!) comfortably whilst it still being a thrilling experience.
read moreread less
Lucy1066123
07 Nov 2024
read moreread less
Valerie
03 Nov 2024
read moreread less
Jana
02 Nov 2024
This is THE ONLY valid option to experience whale watching in Sydney, because this company is amazing! Do not take in consideration other companies because they are a waste of money and time. Ocean Extreme is fantastic, the boats are not too big so you can actually go closer to the whales and enjoy the Australian waves! The guy explained a lot about the whales and he was friendly and kind. The experience was great and I totally recommend doing the whale watching with Ocean Extreme. I took beautiful videos but can’t upload them here.
read moreread less
Deborah
30 Oct 2024
It was a fantastic experience from start to finish. We had a great view of humpback whales tail-slapping, and swimming towards our boat.
2 hours time was just right, we had plenty of time to spot and follow the whales without being rushed.
Sean, our guide, gave us plenty of insights into whale behaviors.
After the trip, we got whale photos from the day, which added a nice touch to the experience
2 hours time was just right, we had plenty of time to spot and follow the whales without being rushed.
Sean, our guide, gave us plenty of insights into whale behaviors.
After the trip, we got whale photos from the day, which added a nice touch to the experience
read moreread less
Elvira
30 Oct 2024
Manly on a rib with unfeasible amounts of thrust sitting on bows and enjoyed bouncing over the swell. At sea saw a pod of three humpbacks which we followed for an hour or so - magical. Recommended - but not if you get seasick or don’t like wind (and sea spray) in your hair.
read moreread less
Sam64london
28 Oct 2024
The tour was incredible and definitely worth it. The experience of our guide Blake really showed, he was able to get us in great positions to view the whales and even spotted a pair of large sea Eagles on the way back into the harbour!
Would definitely recommend!
read moreread less
Luc
27 Oct 2024
Had a wonderful time. I would seriously pick this experience. We saw whales but the best bit was cruising in our navy seal boat. Awesome guys 5 stars from us
read moreread less
erika
16 Sep 2024
Another great voyage with the Ocean Extreme team. They have a unique blend of wonderful team members who are skilled mariners, safely navigating the sometimes crazy Tasman Sea. They have a fondness for the whales and regale us with tidbits of information while we wait for the whales to surface again, keeping us entertained throughout the voyage. Their small boats mean we are closer to the water for the best views, and they are uniquely equipped to move from place to place when whale activity is seen. Great people offering a great service for a great price.
read moreread less
Andy
08 Sep 2024
Ocean Extreme offers a thrilling experience that’s hard to beat! The up-close views of the wildlife were incredible, and the whole adventure was unforgettable. I also appreciate their great booking policy—when our first trip didn’t go as planned, they offered us a free rebooking for the next day. The second time was the charm, and we were able to see the whales, which was absolutely amazing. Highly recommend this for anyone looking for an exciting and memorable adventure!
read moreread less
Daniel
31 Aug 2024
read moreread less
MM2_Scott
29 Aug 2024
read moreread less
Alison
23 Aug 2024
read moreread less
katierF6059DU
15 Aug 2024
We spend a magic morning with my boyfriend. Thank you to the crew, they even gave us extra time to watch whales
✨ I really recommend to choose them ✨
read moreread less
Elsa
07 Aug 2024
read moreread less
megan
04 Aug 2024
read moreread less
chrismB483II
20 Jul 2024
If you want to go out to sea (no pun intended) with professionals who know what they’re doing, where to go to see these whales and have so much useful knowledge about whales - Ocean Extreme is the absolute best! We went on the smaller and faster of these speed boats with Tane at the wheel and in charge of our fun and safety. Tane was amazing- He was so patient and really wanting us to receive a great experience from our 2pm booking, he even stayed out longer, sow we could have the ultimate experience. We ended our tour, seeing a whale breach the water! (Photo enclosed). It was so good. I would also like to thank Ocean Extreme for the extra jackets, I brought a jacket, but having the extra jacket from them on, kept me definitely warm! I am going to bring my tourist family members to this experience as they will love it! Book it in and have this experience with Ocean Extreme asap as they fill up fast too. Happy whale watching!
read moreread less
Joana
27 Jun 2024
Amazing experience, Thank you to Blake for showing us an amazing morning watching these beautiful giants of the sea. Blake who is also the owner of the business was extremely knowledgable and almost had a sixth sense about where the whales would be. I will be back in October for another day out when they whales migrate through Sydney again. Also thank you to Sean for his fabulous Irish humour :)
read moreread less
Kerry
20 Jun 2024
Sean and Martin provided a great experience, from making sure we had as many opportunities as possible to see the whale pods during the excursion, to sharing their expert knowledge on these majestic creatures and even making sure each guest was as comfortable as possible. Highly recommended.
read moreread less
Arun
11 Jun 2024
Ocean Extreme honored their 'see a whale guarantee' after a whale no-show. We were able to rebook before leaving Sydney with no hassle and had the most amazing experience. All the staff are friendly and the boat trip was so much fun... With whales and dolphins to make a truly memorable experience ❤️
read moreread less
Sara
05 Jun 2024
Incredible experience!!! We saw a pod of 3 whales!!! Staff were great and very informative, we had the best day with ocean extreme on the orca boat!! Perfect way to end our trip in Australia???? Highly recommend !!
read moreread less
frejadaviesjones
27 May 2024
read moreread less
dawnredstone
11 Dec 2023
read moreread less
Chris
23 Oct 2023
Brilliant! Magnificent! Awesome! Words is not enough to describe the experience of whale watching with Ocean Extreme. We saw several humpback whale cubs and adult whales. They did everything whales do on Discovery Channel or National Geographic shows: jumping out of the water, beating their tails, water spraying, even singing. Boat is fast and comfortable, crew is very friendly and professional, group is small so there’s no need to jostle to get perfect views. Trip took about two hours, that was enough. Can absolutely recommend Ocean Extreme for whale watching in Sydney????
read moreread less
Kei
13 Oct 2023
read moreread less
Keirein
13 Oct 2023
read moreread less
Ivona
11 Oct 2023
We felt safe at all times!!
Honestly a memory our group won’t forget!! You won’t believe the size of them until you see them up close, which this experience offers!!
Everything before the experience was explained fantastically I.e locations, what to bring etc
The four of us would highly recommend!
Thank you once again to Shaun and the team!
read moreread less
AFPCustomerService
01 Oct 2023
Amazing experience. Have learned lots of whale biology. Staff was amazing. Although we didn’t see the breaching but still an amazing experience
read moreread less
Jarry
27 Sep 2023
read moreread less
LEIA
27 Sep 2023
Mike and Julie
Swansea, Wales.
read moreread less
Michael
19 Sep 2023
Love, love, love !
We go every year and it's always amazing.
I highly recommend the trip and they guarantee that you will see a whale. If you don't see it, they will issue you a voucher for the same season.
It's magical. I highly recommend it. It's much better than those big boats
We go every year and it's always amazing.
I highly recommend the trip and they guarantee that you will see a whale. If you don't see it, they will issue you a voucher for the same season.
It's magical. I highly recommend it. It's much better than those big boats
read moreread less
Bruna
18 Sep 2023
read moreread less
leoniebayley
14 Sep 2023
read moreread less
Discover595132
13 Sep 2023
Unforgettable experience. Their knowledgeable crew ensured we got up close and personal with magnificent whales, making it a truly thrilling adventure.
read moreread less
Tomasz
12 Sep 2023
read moreread less
Dasun
02 Sep 2023
read moreread less
chris92009
18 Aug 2023
Wonderful experience today ☺️beautiful scenery that makes me feel relax ???????? didn’t get wet at all,captain Blake did provide us the jacket to keep us warm.the whales are really close to the boat ???? unfortunately didn’t saw breaches and the tails coming up high.Captain Blake is a great and friendly person ???? He sent us the photo that he shot to our email at the end of the trip ☺️ would recommend to my friends,and also I wanna ride with this boat again ????
read moreread less
Viavia
12 Aug 2023
Such an exhilarating experience! The speedboat is super fun and you get some really close encounters with the wale. Saw three whales mugging our boats, swimming underneath us and doing spy hops and it’s a special memory I’ll cherish for ever. I already booked another trip, that’s how much I enjoyed it ????
read moreread less
F.H.F.
03 Aug 2023
We were on the Osprey boat and it was great fun. Small groups are much better than large commercial trips.
Would highly recommend.
read moreread less
612happyholidayer
31 Jul 2023
read moreread less
Tom
25 Jul 2023
read moreread less
FIONA
17 Jul 2023
It was an incredible experience! The pod we followed was a small one made up of 2 whales but we got plenty of breaches and fin slapping. We were fortunate enough to have a beautiful sunny weather with no clouds in the sky (we did the 8 am session). Our guide entertained us with interesting whale facts during the downtime as well. You also get a good view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House on the way. Definitely a highlight of our trip to Sydney.
read moreread less
Mae
16 Jul 2023
read moreread less
Gow
16 Jul 2023
Even better, at the end of the tour you get a copy of the photos taken on the day so you can put your phone down and enjoy these majestic animals knowing full well that someone else is capturing the moment- and with a much better camera.
read moreread less
honeymisshoney
16 Jul 2023
Best adventure! The staff is nice and friendly. When my view was blocked by the person in front, he gave me a box immediately that I can stand, it’s really helpful. Also he told us lots fun facts of the whales, pretty interesting. This trip definitely worth 10 out of 10. Highly recommend.
read moreread less
Linna
11 Jul 2023
read moreread less
Lynne
11 Jul 2023
I always want to stay out longer, but this is a great way to get just a little more time because the vessel is quite quick to get out of the heads. It would be even better if we didn't have to stop by Manly. It is also easily manoeuvrable.
read moreread less
Nina
08 Jun 2023
This was an awesome addition to our Sydney vacation. Blake was very informative and courteous to the guests that had sea sickness. We didn’t get to see any whales breach out of the water but we encountered several different pods of whales that were surfacing. I was impressed that he didn’t try to get too close to them and allowed them to cross our path. Very exhilarating boat ride. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to see the whales and have fun getting out and back.
read moreread less
Jason
08 Jun 2023



































