Oceanic Nature Watch Adventure

These tours are run by the Sydney Pelagic Group Cooperative comprising four local birders who are keen to keep these pelagics operating, and will continue to run as long as the support of the local and overseas birding fraternity continues.

There will be enthusiastic guides, spotters & photographers on board to make your day a memorable one.

We are taking bookings now for 2025.

View the Species list

Bookings

To book your place please call:
Greg McLachlan
0405 578 967
contact@sydneypelagics.info

Or David Mitford
0408 905 666
contact@sydneypelagics.info

You will need to provide a credit card number on which to hold your booking.

PAYMENT IS BY CASH ON THE DAY
$170 per person

Please note: to change or cancel your booking you will have to give at least 5 working days notice. Bookings are fully transferable so if you suddenly can’t make it get someone else to come along.

Please also read the Liability Disclaimer. Your participation on a tour is deemed as acceptance of the conditions noted in the disclaimer.

Tours are weather & numbers dependent. If a tour is cancelled you will have the opportunity to be rebooked at a future date.

We will send an email on the Friday afternoon before the Saturday confirming that the weather/sea conditions are OK for the tour to proceed. If unsure please call Greg 0405 578 967 or David 0408 905 666 on the afternoon of the day prior to the tour if the conditions look marginal.

Pick up

Mosman Bay Wharf at 06.45am
Avenue Road, Mosman. The wharf is located at the end of Avenue Road in Mosman. There is unrestricted public parking adjacent to the wharf.

Double Bay Wharf at 07.00am
Bay Street, Double Bay. The wharf is situated in Steyne Park, Double Bay. Access is via New South Head Rd Double Bay. The public wharf is at the end of Bay Street.

All day free parking is available in designated areas near the wharf in Bay Street and Ocean Avenue.

Do not panic if we are not at your pick up location exactly on time - delays can occur. If you are running late call Greg on 0405 578 967 or David on 0408 905 666 to let us know where you are.

What to bring

Binoculars
A small pair of good quality binoculars, 8-10X magnification is advised.

Camera
There will be opportunities to photograph birds at close range, although lenses up to 300mm or even 400mm are useful. Cetaceans can be both close & far away. Bring plenty memory cards. Tripods /monopods are of minimal use due to the motion of the boat. Cameras hand held using image stabilisation and fast shutter speeds will get you really good results. There are usually many experienced photographers on board who are always willing to lend a hand on camera settings etc if you need it. Do not hesitate to ask.

Warm and wet weather clothing
A water/wind proof jacket for days when there is a lot of spray. Many also prefer to wear waterproof footwear. A hat and sunglasses are essential, especially in summer.

Food and drink
Please bring water with you as well as bite to eat.

Sun Screen Sun block (15+) even in winter

Monthly statistics for the Sydney trips
Species Statistics.

Species checklist
Download and print a checklist to bring with you on the day.

Seasickness
If in doubt about your “sea legs”, consult your doctor or pharmacist as to the remedies available. Remember you will be in the open ocean where the wave height and swell will rarely be minimal. Hints on how to prevent seasickness.

Relax & enjoy the adventure.