Sightings of humpback whales have been reported at various locations along the east coast, indicating that their northerly migration has begun.
Numbers of migrating whales have increased over the last few years with current estimates that over 9000 whales will be heading past Sydney this season. In addition, whales seem to be becoming more familiar and comfortable with the boats, which bodes well for an amazing experience this winter.
Sydney Sailing
Sydney Sailing offers personalised tours.
We only take a maximum of 12 people.
Book your whale watching adventure with Sydney Sailing for a truly unique experience. Whale watching is an emotional experience, best enjoyed from the comfort and peace and quiet of a luxury sailing yacht. No noisy engines, no crowds...just you and the whales!
Sydney Sailing has been operating whale watching charters since 2002.
Your vessel Megan Elyse
Megan Elyse is a 47 ft Beneteau a luxury sailing yacht which has been further modified to make it even more comfortable and practical for whale watching
. Champagne seats at the back ideal for non-sailors!
. The sailors or would-be sailors on board are welcome to have a steer or trim the sails. Our experienced skippers and deckhands love to show people the ropes!
. Fully enclosable cockpit should the weather become inclement
. Electric toilets
. A good sized engine means that you can get to the whales quickly if needed
Due to its' deep keel, a sailing yacht is more stable if the sea becomes rough...a wise choice for those prone to sea sickness!
But most importantly you want to watch the whales... a maximum of 12 people on a 47 ft yacht guarantees an unobstructed view at all times.
The trip
. FRI, SAT and SUN (with extra midweek trips if booking for a group of 12)
. Departs 9.00am or 1.30pm
. 4 hour trips
Pick up locations
View Sydney Sailing Whale Watching Walsh Bay in a larger map
Pick up Walsh Bay in the City (5 min walk from Circular Quay, just the other side of the Harbour Bridge, next to Pier 1). Parking available nearby.
The trip from Walsh Bay to the Heads takes in some of Sydney's major landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Kirribilli House, Fort Dennison etc
Alternative pick up locations available for groups of 12
Rates
. Cost $120 pp
. 10% discount for children under 12
How to book:
Free Call 1800 043 993
Book individually or with a group of friends. We take up to 12 people.
Corporate bookings also welcome
Cash or all major credit cards accepted (3% surcharge)
Gift vouchers available
FAQ's
Do you guarantee whale sightings?
Obviously whales are wild animals so it is impossible to know exactly where they are at any given time. However, the numbers of migrating whales are now so large that the probability of spotting at least one on a 4 hour trip is very high. Our skippers are in regular contact with the experts and often get a good tip off!
Sydney Sailing had a 100% success rate in 2008. If you are very unlucky and don't see whales on your trip, we will re-book you on to another trip free of charge (one extra trip only, to be taken the same season with exact date to be determined by Sydney Sailing and subject to availability).
What should I bring?
. Camera
. Warm clothes
. Non-marking shoes
. Rain jacket
. Sunglasses
A great sense of humour
What happens if the weather is bad?
If it rains, the skipper will enclose the cockpit with "clears" so you will not get wet. The boat can still sail with the clears up, and you will still be able to see the whales!
If the skipper determines that the winds are too strong or the sea state too rough, the trip will be cancelled and we will book you onto another trip.
Can we bring lunch or snacks?
Tea/Coffee and biscuits will be available on board.
We suggest you eat a light meal before departure. If you are keen to have something more substantial on board, we recommend you bring sandwiches.
No alcohol is to be consumed on the trip and we recommend you don't drink alcohol before the trip.
What is the cancellation policy?
See terms and conditions.
A no-show on the day itself will be charged the full rate.
What if I get sea-sick?
If you are prone to sea-sickness we suggest you take a remedy before sailing. If you still feel unwell on the boat the skippers have plenty of tricks for overcoming your condition!
Australian Whales
Each year most of the large whales in the southern hemisphere follow a general migration pattern. Summer is spent in the cold waters of Antarctica, where they feed on enormous quantities of the prawn-like krill. In autumn, as the temperature falls and ice begins to form on the sea surface, the whales begin their northward migration to more temperate, sub-tropical and in some species, tropical waters to give birth and to mate before returning to Antarctic waters at the end of spring
30 different species of whales can be found in Australian waters. The 2 species most commonly seen off Sydney are the Humpback and the Southern Right as they migrate relatively close to the coastline.
Since the end of the Australian whaling industry in 1978, Australia has become a world leader in the protection and conservation of whales. Both the Humpback and the Southern Right are among 5 species listed as threatened by the Australian government. Recovery plans are in place to ensure their long term survival, and whale watching guidelines are also in place to ensure that no distress is caused to the whales. It is an offence to kill, injure or interfere with a cetacean in Australian waters.
Spotting the Humpback and Southern Right:
Both are large whales, growing up to 17m in length (so some of the whales you see will be bigger than the boat!)
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Welcome to Sydney Sailing Yacht Charters
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Explore the world's famous harbour in style with your staff/clients or family/friends. Sydney Sailing takes you for a sail on it's luxury Beneteau 47.3 "Megan Elyse". We offer a day, half-day of evening sailing in our Luxury yacht fitted with all the equipment you will need to ensure your safety, and comfort, and that of your party. Take the wheel, trim the sails, or simply relax and enjoy the magnificent setting of Sydney Harbour.
You'll also find Sydney Sailing is perfect for corporate entertainment. Escape the office for a few hours to build company spirit or entertain your clients with a beautiful harbour cruise. We even offer special corporate sailing packages, where participants can learn to sail or match race. |
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So plan your own tour or simply pick one of our packages - see the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, together with all the other beautiful settings of Sydney Harbour, before enjoying a swim at one of the many nearby beaches. Drop the anchor to enjoy a meal.
"Megan Elyse" is ideal for anniversaries, corporate functions or private functions, teambuilding, sailing regattas and other events. If the weather turns "Megan Elyse" has the possibility to cover the cockpit totally, without losing its view and can take up to 20 people. City pick-ups are available! |
Our luxury Yacht is based in the city.
To find out more about our Charters, visit our Charter section on the website.
All you need to bring is a hat, sunglasses, camera, suntan lotion and your party. |
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Sydney Sailing Private
Charters
Sydney Sailing offers skippered
sailing charters on Sydney Harbour on our luxury Beneteau
47.3 "Megan Elyse" sailing boat. No sailing experience
is required but if you can sail or would like to learn
to sail, your skipper will encourage you to help sailing
the boat. Take the wheel, trim the sails or simply relax,
before enjoying a swim at one of the many nearby beaches
in Sydney Habour.
We sail past all Sydney's famous
landmarks on the way sailing to the Opera House and
Sydney Harbour Bridge. A powerful diesel engine allows
us to motor in close to luxury waterfront homes and
provides an alternative to sailing for people who like
the comfort of a sailing boat but don't enjoy the sailing
yacht heeling over.
All you need to bring is a hat,
sunglasses, suntan lotion and your family/friends. Premium
onboard catering is available for the Sydney Sailing
harbour cruises or you can simply bring your own food
and drink. Sailing is a perfect way to relax and socialise
in Sydney Harbour.
Gift Vouchers are available at
Sydney Sailing for whale watching and make an ideal
birthday or Christmas gift for someone who enjoys outdoors
sailing recreation. |
Sydney Sailing corporate
sailing charters
Do your staff need rewarding,
your clients thanking?
Sydney Sailing offer several corporate racing packages
for you and your team.
What better way than a day on the Harbour cruising under
sail or in teams pitched against each other in a race.
For you, your company and clients
we can organize a team bonding day, a multi vessel regatta
or a simple sail with lunch at a picturesque harbour
beach. If you would like to make your own itinerary
or have any special requests, just ask!
Sydney Sailing provide professional
friendly and experienced skippers for your safety and
enjoyment, so sailing experience is not necessary.
The perfect employee incentive
program, ideal for teambuilding.
In today's high pressure corporate world there's no
better way to let off steam and boost team morale than
a sail on Sydney Harbour. Escape the office for a few
hours to build company spirit or entertain your clients
with an evening cruise.
We offer special corporate packages,
where participants can learn to sail or match race.
Sydney Sailing offers premium onboard catering or you
can simply bring your own food and drink. |
Whale Watching Sydney
Sailing (2007)
Follow the migration patterns
of the Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whales in
Sydney with Sydney Sailing during late May till early
August on our luxury Beneteau 47.3ft "Megan Elyse" sailing
boat.
Our three hour Whale Watching
trips leave daily from the King Street Wharf at 10am and 1:30pm.
Sydney Sailing is one of the only
“sailing” companies to offer whale watching
from Sydney Harbour by sailboat.
Sydney Sailing will take you and
your friends out to see the whales on its luxurious
Beneteau 47.3ft sailing yacht. “Megan Elyse”
is fully equipped with bathrooms, hot and cold water,
a state of the art navigation system, large fully equipped
galley as well as a tremendous sound system.
Take the wheel, trim the sails
or simply relax on the spacious decks. Our half a million
dollar, luxury sailing yacht allows you to view these
magnificent creatures in style.
The other advantage to sailing
onboard our beautiful sailing yacht is that although
regulations require us to stay 100 meters away from
the whales, it is possible that without an engine on,
these incredible animals think that we are another whale.
Last year we were sailing and all of a sudden someone
said “look behind you”. We all turned to
see two Humpbacks right behind the boat, swimming with
us as if we were part of the pack.
Sydney Sailings “Megan Elyse”
is the only option for silence under sail. Also on Beneteau
47.3ft “Megan Elyse” sailing yacht we will
only take up to 12 passengers per whale watching trip,
allowing for a more personal and intimate experience
with nature’s most wondrous creatures. You really
do feel like you’ve stepped back into prehistoric
times when you get up close and personal to these beasts
and it is very emotional to share such an intimate moment
with nature.
As well as Humpbacks Whales, we
sometimes see Southern Right Whales, Dolphins and Minke
Whales. Australian Fur Seals and Fairy Penguins occasionally
make an appearance as well.
By August, about 2000 whales will
have passed Sydney on their way from Antarctica to their
breeding grounds near the Great Barrier Reef. Make sure
you see one! Call us today.
Sydney Sailing had a 98% whale
watching success rate in 2008. |
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