The tour that started it all. Extreme is a purpose-built, military-spec rigid inflatable vessel (RIB) built for speed and open-ocean conditions. A completely open design that sits low on the water and puts you as close to the whales as you can get without jumping in.

Extreme was once the fastest commercial vessel in Sydney, and while Orca has since pinched that title, nothing matches the raw, unfiltered experience this boat delivers. Straddle seating keeps you locked in as the hull cuts through the chop on the way out through Sydney Heads.

21 passengers max | Minimum age: 12 years | Adrenaline: ★★★★☆

All the speed and excitement of a high-speed ocean adventure, with the added comfort of a roof, regular seating and a bit more room to move around. Osprey is a 12.5 metre RIB powered by triple 300hp engines with a top speed of 41 knots,, not far behind her stablemates, and more than quick enough to track down the best whale activity in the area.

With a lower minimum age than the other vessels, Osprey is the pick for families or anyone who’d prefer a little shelter without giving anything up on the experience front.

28 passengers max | Minimum age: 6 years | Adrenaline: ★★★½☆

Sydney’s newest and fastest vessel, Orca, carries just 12 passengers and hit a top speed of 49 knot, making it the most personal yet exhilarating whale watching experience on the water.

Straddle seating and an open design keep the experience raw and exposed, and Orca stays in constant communication with Extreme and Osprey to make sure you’re always in the right place at the right time. If availability is limited, it’s usually here first.

Minimum age: 12 years | Maximum 12 passengers | Adrenaline: ★★★★★

– 2-hour whale watching tour aboard your chosen vessel

– Expert skipper and crew

– Whale sighting guarantee (credit issued for a return tour within the same season if no whales are spotted)

– Use of a wind/spray jacket if you don’t have your own

– Transport to and from Campbell’s Cove Pontoon, Circular Quay

– Food and beverages

– A wind or spray jacket – if you don’t have one, Ocean Extreme can lend you one (dress warmly underneath)

– Multiple layers of clothing – it can be significantly colder offshore than on land; on cold days, add a beanie and gloves

– Sunglasses – essential even when it’s not sunny, mainly for wind protection

– Sunscreen

– A water bottle (no glass please)

– Camera or phone – Note: these are brought aboard at your own risk; you generally won’t get wet, but this can’t be guaranteed

Please do not bring food or hot drinks (coffees included) onboard.

Booking & Cancellation Policy

A minimum of 48 hours notice is required for all cancellations or reschedules. Please contact Ocean Extreme directly at [email protected] to make any changes to your booking.

Terms & Conditions

– All passengers must meet the minimum age requirement for their chosen vessel: 12 years for Extreme and Orca, 6 years for Osprey.

– All tours depart from Campbell’s Cove Pontoon at the northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay, in front of the Squires Landing pub.

– Extreme and Osprey passengers must arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled departure. Orca passengers must arrive at least 20 minutes before.

– The pontoon is shared with other operators and has no signage. Passengers should approach the Ocean Extreme vessel driver to sign in on arrival.

– Cameras and personal electronic devices are brought onboard at the passenger’s own risk. While tours generally do not encounter spray, this cannot be guaranteed.

– Food and hot beverages, including coffees, are not permitted onboard. Water bottles are welcome, no glass.

– If whales are not spotted during a tour, each passenger will be issued a credit to return on another whale watching tour within the same season. Credits are non-transferable and expire at the end of the season.

– Ocean Extreme reserves the right to cancel or modify tours due to weather or sea conditions. Passengers will be notified as early as possible and alternative arrangements or credits will be offered.

– Passengers wishing to depart from Manly Wharf should contact [email protected] in advance. This option is not available on all tours or all vessels.

• Please use the restroom facilities at Circular Quay prior to boarding. There are no toilet facilities onboard.

Ocean Extreme offers a whale sighting guarantee. If whales aren’t spotted during your tour, each passenger will receive a credit to join another whale watching tour within the same season. Credits are non-transferable and expire at the end of the season.

Each tour runs for approximately 2 hours. Please arrive at the departure point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for boarding.

All tours depart from Campbell’s Cove Pontoon at Circular Quay. It’s located at the northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, in front of the Squires Landing pub. There’s no signage at the wharf as the pontoon is shared with other operators. Look out for the Ocean Extreme vessel and approach the driver to sign in. If in doubt, type “Campbell’s Cove Pontoon” into Google Maps.

Extreme and Osprey stop at Manly Wharf to collect additional passengers, so a Manly departure may be possible on some tours. Contact Ocean Extreme directly at [email protected] to arrange this. Please note it’s not available on all tours or all vessels.

There are no toilets onboard any of the vessels, so please plan accordingly before you step on.

The tour operates on open ocean, which can involve some swell and movement depending on conditions. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended to take appropriate medication before departure. The vessel is purpose-built for ocean touring and stability, but ocean conditions are always variable.