Australia · BOAT TOURS IN SYDNEY
Itineraries always run a day short. These 15 boat tours in Sydney are worth the slot they take, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes rather than an evening.
Big Bus Sydney hop-on hop-off with optional Captain Cook harbour cruise. See Opera House, Bondi Beach, and waterfront skyline views.
“It's an excellent way to get to know the city of Sydney and a bit of its history. I recommend this activity!”
2h45 humpback whale cruise from Circular Quay with live commentary, landmark views, and complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate onboard.
“The boat trip was amazing! Captain and crew were very informative and polite. The views of the whales and dolphins spotted were spectacular. Would 100% recommend to anyone.”
Full-day Blue Mountains tour from Sydney with Sydney Zoo, Scenic World, Three Sisters, and a Parramatta River ferry cruise to Circular Quay.
“Went on the Blue Mountains tour yesterday, and it was the best money spent! Our driver Les was the BEST! Very informative, very helpful. He was a fantastic driver, probably the best I've seen driving and acting as tour guide. Got us evRead more”
A 90-minute Sydney Harbour cruise with live skipper commentary, Opera House and Bridge views, plus tea, coffee, biscuits, and fruit.
“this was such a fun and informative activity. Our guide Ron was very informative and enjoyable.”
Sydney Harbour sunset dinner cruise from Darling Harbour with window seats, a 3- or 4-course meal, and live music on weekends.
“Dinner was average at best. Fish was dry. The waitress did not come back to check how it was. I had to get her attention to ask for butter and told her the fish was terribly dry. She brought cold butter, but no other resolution was offered.”
Sydney Harbour dinner cruise on MV Sydney 2000 with Opera House views, live music weekends, and 3, 4, or 6-course menus.
“Highly recommend as a good way to see the sights of Sydney from the water and enjoy a high quality and tasty dinner. Superb yacht.”
4-hour Sydney whale cruise with breakfast or BBQ lunch, live naturalist commentary, and harbour sights, plus free return if no whales.
“A must do for anyone visiting Sydney. It was exciting to watch the whales in their natural habitat splashing out like dolphins. I loved it and will do it again.”
30-minute Thunder jet boat from Circular Quay: spins, wave riding, Opera House and Luna Park views. Ponchos, lockers included.
“I live in Sydney and have gone by this a thousand times, but never tried it until a friend asked about it. Thank goodness they did. It was so much fun!! And more of a tour + extreme boat ride which I liked.”
2.25-hour Sydney Harbour cruise from Circular Quay with live commentary and a buffet lunch, passing Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
“Fantastic cruise. Plenty of yummy food. Ellen our guide was so lovely and informative. Good priced beverages. Overall excellent experience 🥳”
Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour: 2-hour night sail with 4-course dinner, floodlit bridge and Opera House views.
“It was a rainy last day in Australia. Like everywhere we go. We like to end it if possible on an evening cruise. The boat was somewhat dated like some has said. They do have a small selection of liqour. I drink whiskey. It went from Jack Daniels stRead more”
A 2-hour express whale cruise from Circular Quay on Fantasea Crystal, with fast open-ocean access, deck views, and guaranteed sightings.
“Perfect, the whales where around us all the time, beautiful spectacle, 100% recommended, only advice is to go with very warm clothes because is freezing outside the boat”
1 hour harbour cruise from Circular Quay with commentary and views of the Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Fort Denison, and the Harbour Bridge. From $23.
“Great hour spent taking in all the sites around the Opera House & Harbour bridge, great commentary as well.”
A 1.5-hour Sydney Harbour cruise with live narration, front-row views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Luna Park, plus coffee or tea.
“Great cruise. Very entertaining narration throughout. Plenty of room outside and inside the ship which is good on hot days. Water provided, left and returned on time (90 minutes).”
Guided day trip from Sydney to Blue Mountains National Park, with Sydney Zoo, Scenic World, Three Sisters, and a Parramatta River ferry return.
“An absolutely fantastic trip, the guide Less was very thorough and caring and gave us the best of the Blue Mountains”
Sail from Darling Harbour for small-boat humpback whale watching in Sydney, with harbour views, live commentary, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“Experience of a lifetime! Friendly and informative staff on and off the boat. We saw dolphins and whales and I was lit up like a kid on Christmas morning! If you’re thinking about it, just do it! Absolutely worth it. I went solo and did the 12pm ride. Pack a rain jacket and a hat!”
Pick a coast, a city or a kind of day.
