General Whale Questions
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99% of the whales seen in past seasons have been Humpback whales. Occasionally we see Southern Right whales ( usually in August / September ). If you get extremely lucky we may see some Killer whales or Blue whales ( only two or three sightings over the last 10 years )
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Yes, there is plenty of rail space onboard our vessels! They are custom built whale watching vessels, with outside viewing areas over 3 levels on our 3hr Discovery Cruise and one open cabin with 360 degree viewing on our 2hr Adventure Cruise.
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Everyone has their own 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 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.
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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 above 7 day weather forecast can give a good indication if the morning or afternoon cruise will have more suitable conditions. How about you join us for both the morning and afternoon cruise!
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Rain is no problem on on our 3hr Discovery Cruise, as we have plenty of climate controlled cabin space on board so everyone can be warm and undercover.
Totally Wild is more exposed to the elements, but has a roof and clear covers that can be rolled down if needed
Whale Guarantee
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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 2 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 1800 326 822 or at one of our ticket offices at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. Return Vouchers can not be exchanged for a refund.
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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 whale watching experience possible and it is at the discretion of the crew to issue return vouchers. Sometimes we may still offer the guarantee in the rare case that we technically see whales but feel it was not a good enough experience.
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In the unlikely event whales are not watched successfully on a cruise you redeemed your return voucher on, then we will issue another whale watching return voucher.
We want you to have a good whale watching experience and will keep inviting you back until you do.
Migaloo
Guests on our 21 September 2017 whale watching cruise were amazed and delighted have a unique opportunity to witness Australia’s most recognised humpback whale Migaloo!
Up until 2011 Migaloo was the only known all white Humpback Whale in the world, since then incredible images have arisen of a 100% all white baby humpback calf who has been unofficially named MJ (Migaloo Junior).
Migaloo is protected under Australian law and is part of the Australian East Coast humpback whale population.