Sydney’s coastal waters are famous for their lively marine life, especially dolphins. With its accessible harbors and nearby protected bays, Sydney offers some of the best opportunities in Australia to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Whether you prefer a relaxing boat cruise, a private day trip, or an active sandboarding adventure combined with wildlife spotting, there’s a tour suited to your style. We particularly like the From Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Tour and Dolphin Watching Cruise because of its combination of a scenic boat ride and the chance to wander Hymas Beach’s famous white sands, plus the friendly reviews that praise the trip’s fun and informative guides. For a more comprehensive day, the Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip offers a longer experience with the chance to see wild koalas, enjoy a dolphin cruise, and try sandboarding, all just a couple of hours from Sydney.
Sydney’s proximity to pristine beaches and well-protected marine parks makes it an ideal base for dolphin tours. Whether you’re after a quick half-day excursion or a full day immersed in marine wildlife, the options are plentiful. Below, we’ve outlined the top seven dolphin watching tours, each with its own unique appeal, so you can pick the one that best fits your schedule and interests.
1. From Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Tour and Dolphin Watching Cruise
This full-day adventure takes you south of Sydney to the stunning Jervis Bay, renowned for its clear waters and pristine beaches. The tour includes a boat cruise in the turquoise waters, where you’ll see playful dolphins swimming alongside. After the cruise, you can stroll along Hymas Beach, famous for having the world’s whitest sand. The area is also perfect for spotting native birds and wallabies, making it an ideal mix of wildlife and relaxation. The trip’s highlight, according to reviews, is the chance to see many dolphins splashing and frolicking close to the boat, with a consistent success rate.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day away from Sydney with plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. The boat cruise offers a relaxed yet interactive experience, and the visit to Hymas Beach provides a scenic spot for picnics or just soaking up the sun. At $94 per person, it’s a good value for a full day of activities. The reviews emphasize the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery, making it a top choice for families and wildlife lovers alike.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded trip combining dolphin sightings, beach time, and scenic views, ideal for those wanting a taste of Australia’s marine and coastal beauty.
2. Jervis Bay & Dolphins Cruise – One Day Tour
This five-star-rated tour offers a full day exploring Jervis Bay, with a focus on dolphin sightings and beach relaxation. It’s designed to simplify travel logistics, with transportation from Sydney included, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the hassle of planning. The tour features a 1.5-hour dolphin cruise, where you’ll learn about the marine environment and watch pods of dolphins in their natural habitat. The itinerary also includes free time at Huskisson, a charming seaside village, and a walk along the Hyams Beach White Sand Track, known for its stunning sands and tranquil vibe.
Guests rave about the small group size and the flexibility of the guide, especially noting how the trip was adjusted due to weather. The $107.80 price includes the cruise, and reviews highlight how the experience mixes wildlife with leisure. This tour is perfect for travelers eager for a relaxed, educational day with plenty of dolphin encounters.
Bottom Line: An easy, all-in-one day trip with excellent reviews, great for families, couples, or anyone wanting a hassle-free wildlife and beach experience.
3. Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip
For around $145, this 12-hour tour takes you north to Port Stephens, a renowned wildlife and outdoor activity hub. The highlight is the 90-minute dolphin cruise on the calm waters of Port Stephens, where you’re likely to see dolphins, with some lucky tours spotting whales depending on the season. Afterward, you’ll visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to observe wild koalas in their natural environment—a rare chance to see these iconic animals in the wild.
The tour also includes sandboarding on the impressive sand dunes of Anna Bay, and scenic views around Lake Burley Griffin. The combination of wildlife, outdoor adventure, and scenic exploration makes this an appealing option for active travelers. The reviews praise the friendly guides and the variety of experiences packed into one day.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a longer, more diverse experience, with wildlife, adventure, and stunning scenery all in one trip.
4. Port Stephens Private Tour From Sydney, with Dolphin/Whale Cruise Options
This private tour offers a tailored day in Port Stephens, with personalized attention from your guide. For $322.56 per person, you’ll be picked up directly from your Sydney accommodation, saving time and hassle. The tour includes options to join a dolphin or whale cruise (season-dependent), with the chance to see marine mammals in their natural environment from a triple-decker catamaran. You can also opt for a sandboarding session or a 4WD tour of the dunes, making it highly flexible.
Guests appreciate the customizable itinerary and the luxury of private transport, especially those traveling in small groups or with specific interests. The port visit includes scenic viewpoints like Gan Gan Lookout, and the overall experience offers a relaxed yet exclusive feel.
Bottom Line: The best choice for travelers seeking a personalized, private experience with flexible options and no crowds.
5. Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin Cruise
This full-day private adventure offers a dolphin cruise, scenic Gan Gan Lookout, and optional sandboarding or 4WD experiences. Priced at $502.33, it’s a premium option for those who want an intense, customized day. The tour includes a crossing over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and visits to Nelson Bay, where you can see the dolphins aboard a booming catamaran with a high success rate for sightings.
Guests mention the informative and attentive guide, as well as the opportunity to enjoy up-close wildlife encounters. The flexible itinerary includes stops at Little Beach Reserve and optional adventure activities, making it suitable for active travelers or families with specific interests.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an exclusive, fully tailored day with a focus on marine life and scenic vistas.
6. Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise and Koalas – Mandarin
This 12-hour full-day tour provides a dolphin cruise on Port Stephens and a chance to see wild koalas at the sanctuary. Tailored for Mandarin speakers, it includes water, snacks, and an Aussie-style lunch. The tour’s key feature is the dolphin discovery cruise, where you’ll see pods of dolphins racing alongside the boat, and the opportunity to observe wild koalas in their natural environment.
Guests praise the smooth organization and the chance to combine marine and land wildlife. Ideal for families or groups interested in nature and animals with cultural familiarity, at $145 per person, this tour offers good value considering the comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for Mandarin-speaking travelers or those wanting a full day dedicated to wildlife with comfortable logistics.
7. Sydney: Dolphin Watching and Sandboarding in Port Stephens
This 10-hour tour emphasizes dolphin sightings and sandboarding, with a focus on eco-friendly carpooling. For $234 per person, it offers a more casual, environmentally conscious way to experience Port Stephens. The highlight is the opportunity to spot dolphins in their natural habitat, combined with the thrill of sandboarding down the dunes.
Reviewers note that the carpooling reduces the tour’s footprint and adds a social element. It suits travelers who want a fun, active day without the need for a full, structured itinerary. It combines wildlife with outdoor adventure in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for eco-conscious travelers seeking a balanced mix of wildlife and outdoor fun.
$234 per person
How to Choose the Best Dolphin Watching Tour in Sydney
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a full day of relaxation, the Jervis Bay or Port Stephens trips are excellent. If you prefer a private, customized experience, the Port Stephens private tour offers flexibility. Want a combination of wildlife, adventure, and scenic views? The Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding is a great pick.
Think about whether you want to include additional wildlife encounters, like koalas or whales, or focus solely on dolphin sightings. Check the reviews for the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, especially if you’re traveling with kids or in a small group.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer), to secure your preferred date and tour option. Many tours include hotel pick-up, saving you travel time, and some offer season-dependent activities, so it’s worth confirming your travel dates beforehand.
Final Thoughts
From scenic cruises at Jervis Bay to private tailored adventures in Port Stephens, Sydney offers a wide range of dolphin watching experiences. For most travelers, the From Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Tour and Dolphin Watching Cruise and Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding stand out for their combination of value, scenery, and wildlife encounters.
If you’re after a more exclusive, customizable day, the private tours provide excellent options. Meanwhile, those traveling with a focus on wildlife and outdoor activities will find plenty to love in these carefully curated experiences. No matter your choice, booking early ensures you’ll get a spot in these popular tours—so don’t delay your marine adventure in Australia’s most beautiful waters.