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If you’ve caught David Attenborough’s latest doco Ocean, chances are you’ve been dreaming about whales. And if you’ve never seen a humpback in real life, here’s your sign. Sydney’s whale season is in full swing, and we’re living in one of the only cities in the world where you can be in the open ocean with migrating whales just 15 minutes after leaving the wharf. Beaches COVERED caught up with Whale Watching Sydney’s official photographer, Ted Lamb, to get the inside scoop.
Living on The Beaches, we’re pretty spoiled when it comes to nature, but even then, seeing a humpback whale up close and personal never gets old. Every winter, tens of thousands of whales cruise past our coastline on their annual migration, and from May to November, you can hop on a Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and — for the first time this year — Palm Beach.
“Sydney is the only place in the world where you can take a 15-minute boat ride and be in the open ocean with a chance of seeing whales,” says Whale Watching Sydney’s onboard photographer, Ted Lamb.
At the start of the season, the whales are coming from Antarctica, where they’ve been breeding, and heading north to feed. The cruises head out through the heads, with marine naturalists and scientists on board offering expert commentary.
Whale numbers are growing every year — Ted estimates 45,000 to 50,000 humpbacks are heading up the coast this season. So chances are, you’re in for a show.
“Every cruise is very different. Sometimes they’re breaching, and other times, we get a mum and calf swimming laps around the boat. On one trip, I was covered in whale snot when one exhaled right next to us,” he laughs.
While boats must stay at least 100 metres from the whales, the curious creatures often come closer on their own.
“We idle the engines and let them decide if they want to check us out,” Ted explains.
“When a bus-sized animal launches out of nowhere, it’s pretty wild.”
CHOOSE YOUR CRUISE
If you’ve lived on The Beaches for years and haven’t experienced whale watching yet, this is the season to go. No long drives, no fuss. Just grab a jacket, jump on board, and you’re there.
“Most cruises will definitely see the blow from a whale, but if that’s all you see and you don’t spot a whale on your first cruise, don’t stress — you’ll get a free return trip,” explains Ted.
You might also spot dolphins or seals cruising past. And while seasickness is possible (you are in the open ocean, after all), the team is always ready to help — and the thrill of being so close to these animals is absolutely worth it.
With over 30 years of experience, Whale Watching Sydney offers two great options on a custom-built fleet of boats:
• 2-hour Express Cruise for a fast, open-air adventure
• 2.5-hour Discovery Cruise for a more relaxed experience
Ready to see whales up close? Book your cruise now!
Whale Watching Sydney
Wharf 6, Circular Quay
Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
Palm Beach & Ettalong
📞 1800 326 822
📸 @whalewatchingsydney
🌐 www.whalewatchingsydney.com.au
