Sydney Boat Tours

The most famous face of Sydney is the one that includes the skyline of the coast and also the buildings near Darling Harbour, so one of the alternatives to get to know the city is to opt for a boat tour. Here are the best options available.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

9 min read

Sydney Boat Tours

Cruise Sydney |©Tony Shertila

Sydney stands out for its beaches and its emblematic buildings that make it one of the most important global cities in Oceania, but it is also famous for its harbor and the coast that surrounds the bay. One of the alternatives to get to know this profile of the city is to opt for a boat tour and the options are varied.

Among the best activities you can do in Sydney are a speedboat ride around the harbor, a sailboat cruise, a dolphin and whale watching tour, a hop on-hop off cruise with stops at different points of the bay and a sunset sunset cruise.

1. Speedboat ride on Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour Bridge|©Phillip
Sydney Harbour Bridge|©Phillip

If in addition to knowing the Sydney Harbour you want to live an exciting experience, you can not miss a speedboat ride, an alternative that combines the adrenaline of speed with the beauty of the iconic seascapes of the city. This tour will offer you the opportunity to explore the waterfront of the port from a unique perspective, gliding at full speed through the waters surrounding the most famous Opera House in the world.

The speedboat ride offers not only thrills, but also the chance to get panoramic views of the Sydney skyline. The combination of the speed of the water and the sea breeze creates an unmissable experience for the participants. In addition, the expert local guides will tell you live interesting facts and anecdotes about the iconic sites along the way.

This speedboat ride is an ideal choice for those looking for a dose of adventure while exploring the city from the water on one of the best tours in Sydney.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 51 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 30 minutes.

Book a speedboat ride

2. Sailboat cruise on Sydney Harbour

Sailboats|©Anne Tuck
Sailboats|©Anne Tuck

There are many ways to explore the Sydney Harbour area, but one of the most eclectic is to opt for a sailboat tour. This option allows you to participate in an elegant and relaxing old-fashioned sailing experience that combines the serenity of sailing with the sights of the city's iconic sites. Aboard a spacious sailboat, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of sailing while gazing at the city's skyline stretching beyond the Sydney Bridge.

During this adventure you will be able to relax on deck while enjoying the natural beauty of the harbor. In addition, many of these cruises offer quality catering options, allowing passengers to sample unique dining alternatives while cruising the scenic waters of the Australian coastline.

The advantage of a large sailboat cruise is the ability to access quieter areas away from the hustle and bustle of the harbor, creating an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Whether enjoying a romantic sunset or exploring the beauty of the harbor under the moonlight, this type of cruise offers a unique experience, regardless of whether you choose to tour Sydney during the summer or winter.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 43 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 1 hour and a half.

Sailing in a sailboat in the harbor

3. Lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour

Sydney Lunch Cruise|©Alejandra Pérez Espinosa
Sydney Lunch Cruise|©Alejandra Pérez Espinosa

Participating in a Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise is a gastronomic and scenic experience that combines culinary delights with views of the city's iconic landmarks. Aboard a comfortable vessel, passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy a gourmet lunch while cruising the crystal clear waters of the bay.

Lunch menus on these cruises often highlight the freshness of local ingredients and gourmet cuisine, creating a unique dining experience. Panoramic views will also include the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a tour of some of the beaches that line the bay, such as Bondi Beach.

In addition to culinary delights, these cruises often feature live entertainment, creating a lively and festive atmosphere on board. Live musicians or live performances add a special touch to the experience, making the lunch cruise a unique occasion to enjoy the local culture while cruising one of the most picturesque bays in the world.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 90 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 2 hours and a half.

Book a cruise with lunch

4. Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

dinner cruise dinner|©Alejandra Pérez Espinosa
dinner cruise dinner|©Alejandra Pérez Espinosa

If you want an option that combines the rich gastronomy of the region with a romantic experience, you can opt for a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. These tours will take you out to enjoy dinner while you cruise the waters surrounding the Opera House, Sydney Bridge and other Downtown landmarks that can be discovered from the deck of the ship.

This type of cruise offers a unique perspective of the city, transformed by the night lights that give life to its iconic landscapes, but also allows you to discover the gastronomic specialties of the Australian coast. From fresh seafood to gourmet dishes, you will be able to delight yourself with exquisite quality dishes.

Usually, the atmosphere on board these dinner cruises is complemented by live entertainment, such as live music shows or artistic performances, which adds a romantic touch to this experience that is ideal to discover as a couple. In addition, if you are planning to visit Sydney during the Christmas or festive season, you can also find themed or seasonal menus on these cruises.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 117 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 3 hours.

Book a dinner cruise

5. Private cruise along the coast of Sydney

cruise in Sydney|©Dennis Sylvester Hurd
cruise in Sydney|©Dennis Sylvester Hurd

If you are one of those who prefer to delimit your own itinerary and organize your own time, then a private cruise along the coast of Sydney will be an ideal experience for you. This personalized and exclusive alternative, in which you can choose the times and itinerary of the sea crossing, will allow you to make the most of your time in the city and also to optimize the tour.

The possibility to choose the timetable will allow you to enjoy the beauty of Sydney at the time that best suits your plans and preferences. Whether for a romantic sunset or a daytime exploration, the private cruise provides the flexibility to suit any special occasion. In addition, the ability to select the itinerary allows you to explore specific sites along the coast, such as secluded beaches or quiet coves where you can stop.

This type of private cruise not only offers an exclusive experience in terms of schedule and itinerary, but also provides an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, with the ability to enjoy the company of friends or loved ones in a private setting. It could also prove to be a very interesting option if you are planning to visit Sydney with children or family.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 650 euros including crew and site for a group of up to 6 people.
  • Duration: about 4 hours.

6. Dolphin watching cruise at Port Stephens from Sydney

Dolphins in the water|©Dolphin Swim Australia
Dolphins in the water|©Dolphin Swim Australia

Port Stephens, located a few hours north of Sydney, is known to be one of the best places to see dolphins in their natural environment. During this cruise, which starts in the capital of New South Wales, you will have the unique opportunity to witness the activity of these animals as they swim in the crystal clear waters of the bay during these full day excursions.

Dolphin watching is the main focus of this cruise, and the experience is enhanced by live narration from expert local guides who will share with you knowledge about the marine life and local ecology. Port Stephens is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, increasing the chances of close encounters during the tour.

In addition to dolphins, other marine species such as whales, turtles and seabirds can be spotted, further enriching the experience.

The cruise not only offers dolphin-spotting moments, but also provides time to enjoy the sights of Port Stephens and its surroundings. The bay is noted for its natural beauty, with golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters that create an ideal setting for this marine adventure. In addition, during the journey north you will be able to see some of Sydney's best beaches on the way.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 107 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 12 hours.

7. Sydney Harbour Sunset Sunset Cruise

Sydney Sunrise|©Graeme Williams
Sydney Sunrise|©Graeme Williams

Embarking on a Sydney Harbour sunset cruise will treat you to a captivating experience that combines the natural beauty of the sunset with the iconic views of the city. This type of cruise offers passengers the opportunity to witness the magical transformation of the city's sky and skyline as the sun slowly sets over the harbor waters.

The sunset over Sydney offers a vibrant palette of colors that reflect off the harbor waters, creating a visually stunning backdrop, especially if you plan to visit the city in the summer when the skies are clear. Many of these cruises offer observation areas on deck and panoramic windows, ensuring that every passenger has a privileged view to appreciate the natural spectacle.

The Sydney sunset cruise experience also often includes dining options, such as light dinners or snacks, allowing passengers to enjoy a delicious culinary experience while reveling in the beauty of twilight.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 115 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 4 hours.

8. Hop on-hop off cruise with stops along the coast of Sydney.

Hop On Hop Off Harbour|©Ebroh
Hop On Hop Off Harbour|©Ebroh

The hop on-hop off cruise with stops along Sydney's waterfront is a unique way to explore the city from a maritime perspective, offering travelers the flexibility to hop on and off at various strategic stops along the coastline. On these shuttles you will have the freedom to choose your own itinerary, stopping at iconic locations such as Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo and other sites.

The hop on-hop off feature allows participants to tailor their experience according to their preferences and time available. They can explore museums, enjoy local cuisine on the waterfront, relax on the beaches or visit tourist attractions, knowing that another cruise will be available to take them to their next stop. This type of cruise provides a convenient and efficient way to discover Sydney's diversity, from its vibrant city life to its breathtaking seascapes.

These cruises are generally available in one- or two-day alternatives, with four and six total stops, so you' ll find an option that fits your travel plan without too much effort. In addition, some of the hop on-hop off cruise services are available on city sightseeing passes, so you can save money on these activities if you opt for these cards.

Interesting details

  • Price: approximately 35 euros per person for the cheapest option.
  • Duration: will depend on the alternative chosen, but the passes are for one or two days with a predetermined number of stops.

Buy tickets for Taronga Zoo

9. Private evening cruise along the Sydney coastline

NIGHT CRUISE|©Jennifer Lau
NIGHT CRUISE|©Jennifer Lau

A private night cruise along Sydney's coastline is an exclusive maritime experience that combines the beauty of the nighttime scenery with the privacy and elegance of a personalized journey. Aboard a private boat, you can enjoy the city lights reflected in the waters of the harbor, creating a magical and romantic setting. This type of cruise offers an intimate and unique experience, ideal for special celebrations or marriage proposals.

The flexibility of a private night cruise allows passengers to customize their experience, from the choice of departure time to the route the boat will take. Whether it's exploring the twinkling lights of iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House or the Sydney Bridge or enjoying a moonlit dinner, every detail can be tailored to the individual tastes and preferences of visitors.

In addition to panoramic views and privacy, many private evening cruises also offer dining options with chefs on board. From gourmet dinners to customized hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, these cruises create a unique culinary experience that complements the beauty of the illuminated city in one of the best things to do at night in Sydney.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately €875 including crew and site for a group of up to 6 people.
  • Duration: between 4 and 5 hours.

10. Whale watching cruise from Sydney Harbour

whale watching at sea|©Jeff Lewis Sydney
whale watching at sea|©Jeff Lewis Sydney

The coasts of Sydney and Northern Australia present the ideal scenery to discover a hundred species of whales, so one of the best alternatives is to participate in a whale watching cruise. This marine adventure will allow you to witness the majesty of these ocean giants in their natural habitat at various sites along the coast, one of the most popular destinations being Jervis Bay National Marine Park.

During the cruise you will have the opportunity to spot several species of whales, including humpback whales and killer whales, as well as dolphins and other sea creatures. The expert guides who will accompany you on board will provide you with information about the biology and behavior of these creatures, enriching the whale watching experience.

In addition, the cruise not only focuses on the whales, but also allows you to enjoy views of Sydney's coastline and landmarks.

Other whale watching spots near Sydney include Ku-ring-gai Chase National Marine Park. Whale watching season is usually between May and November, with the months of September and October being particularly conducive to witnessing the humpback whale migration.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 175 euros per person.
  • Duration: between 6 and 7 hours.