The Whales

Whale Migration off the Sydney Coast

Sydney is a great location for Whale Watching. Starting around May, Whales travel from their feeding grounds above Antarctica, up to the much warmer Queensland waters to give birth and mate. Using the Inshore Northern current to migrate up to their breading grounds, they can be seen 3 nautical miles (5.6km) from the shore. On their return to their feeding grounds in the spring, they use the East Australian current and can be seen off shore from anywhere between 3-20 nautical miles from land.

Marine Life off the Coast of Sydney

Humpback Whales

These are the whales that are most frequently spotted off Sydney’s Coast. Humpback adults can grow anywhere between 12-16 m in length and weigh around 36,000kgs. They are Baleen whales, which means they do not have teeth. They filter their food, which consists of krill, plankton and small fish, in between baleen plates which hang from their jaws. They consume around 1-1 1/2 tons of food per day.

Humpbacks are dark grey or black in colour with white patches on their bellies, fins and fluke (tail) that are distinctive to each whale. They have 2 blowholes and a small dorsal fin. They often travel, breed and eat in small groups or independently.

Southern Right Whales

Southern right whales are best identified by their callosities (unique markings) located on their heads. They are dark grey or black in colour. Like Humpbacks, Southern Right Whales are also Baleen whales. They can grow to 17m long and weight up to 100 tonnes. Southern right whales tend to breed in the waters of the Great Australian bite, but can be seen traveling up the coasts of Australia.

Other Whales We May Encounter

False Killer Whale the false killer whale is very similar to the killer whale, or orca, in appearance and characteristics. They have a large distribution, preferring tropical and warm waters.

Minke Whale of all the Baleen whales, Minke are the second smallest. Minke whales can swim at speeds of 20-30km/h.

Fin Whale are the second largest of the Baleen whales and are an endangered species. They are very slender creatures and are one of the fastest swimming cetaceans, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h.

Dolphins, Dolphins, Dolphins

While out looking for whales, there is a good chance we’ll spot some Dolphins too! The most frequent type of Dolphin we’re likely to encounter is the Bottlenose Dolphin. They are mostly grey in colour but can range anywhere from a bluish-grey to black. Bottlenose dolphins are playful species and are very curious. We’ll could also spot Common Dolphins. Common dolphins are smaller than the Bottlenose dolphin they have dark backs and a white belly. Common dolphins are the fastest swimmers of all cetaceans and can reach speeds of up to 40km/h. They love to bow ride, where they will catch the pull of the water at the bow of the vessel and ride with the boat.