FAQs

If there is moderate, widespread rain we will cancel the tour. If there are only a few scattered, light showers the tour will most likely still go ahead. 

It can also get canceled if it is too windy or the swell is too big. If the tour is canceled you will be contacted on the contact number you provided when you made your booking. We always try to give as much notice as possible.

Just pick a date and time that suits you on any boat. All our boats offer a similar experience and we try to ensure that we are all watching the same whales. Once you have been out with us once you will start to prefer one boat over another. Each boat appeals to different people and you won’t know until you book and come down to the wharf and check them all out and have a turn on one. We are happy to swap boats for you on the day if we have availability.

Yes, both vessels have a cabin onboard the boat where belongings can be safely stowed.

Generally from May to October it is important to dress very warmly. The wind chill created by the speed of our boats is very strong. We recommend lots of layers. We supply good quality wind/spray jackets for every passenger however it is important you dress warmly underneath the jacket. On really cold days we recommend beanies and gloves. Sunglasses are highly recommended on every trip no matter what the weather forecast. Closed shoes are required, preferably flat ones. On Extreme and Orca the seats on the boat are a straddle type; so ladies, we recommend pants instead of dresses and skirts.

You do not need to print out your ticket. We will just ask the booking name when you arrive. We recommend everyone brings sunglasses and to dress warmer than you think. Water bottles are fine to bring along and we have storage for bags on both vessels.

Unfortunately not, sorry 🙁

Extreme and Orca vessels have a minimum age of 12 years while Osprey vessel has a minimum age of 6 years.

We have a strict 48 hour cancellation policy. Within 48 hours of your scheduled departure you are unable to cancel or move your booking. Up until 48 hours before your departure you are entitled to cancel your booking for a 2.5% cancellation fee. Up until 48 prior to departure you are welcome to move your booking or place your booking ‘on hold’ for no charge. Please email bookings@oceanextreme.com.au to do so. Private hire bookings have a 7 day cancellation policy and 10% refund fee. No charge for rescheduling or placing bookings on hold (provided 7 days notice).

Parking can be tricky around Circular Quay so we don’t recommend driving. The nearest car park is at the Argyle. There is also parking underneath the Opera House, however, be aware it is at least a 12-minute walk from there to our departure location on the other side of the Quay.

Parking in Manly is easier. There is a big council carpark underneath Coles on Wentworth St. 5 minute walk from the wharf.

Our Circular Quay departure location is called Campbell’s Cove Pontoon. It is located on the Western side of Circular Quay at the end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal in front of Squire’s Landing pub. This is just a departure location. We don’t have an office here. Your boat will be waiting at the pontoon at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Approach the driver to sign in.

If you have booked a whale watching trip from Manly Wharf the departure location is the Manly Kayak Centre which is located in front of Manly Wharf Hotel. If you wait near the hotel you will see the boat approach. You can’t miss it. Please wait at the Manly Kayak Centre at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick up time.

At Rose Bay we pick up from the floating wharf next to the Rose Bay Boat ramp. Located next to Rose Bay Wharf. Again please arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time to wait for the vessel to arrive from Circular Quay.

The whale watching season runs from mid May until mid November each year. We operate 7 days a week throughout the season (weather permitting).

We depart from Circular Quay on weekends at 8:00am, 11:00am and 2:00pm and Manly Wharf at 8:15am, 11:15am and 2:15pm.

On weekdays we depart Circular Quay at 11am and Manly Wharf at 11:15am. During busy periods, such as school holidays, we will often open an afternoon session on weekdays.

Head to the bookings page to see what times are available on a particular day.