10 Best Boat Trips in Sydney

Sydney stands out for its beaches and iconic buildings, making it one of the most important global cities in Oceania, but it is also famous for its harbour and the coastline surrounding the bay. One of the best ways to get to know this side of the city is to take a boat tour, and there are many options to choose from.

Among the best activities you can do in Sydney are taking a speedboat ride around the harbour, going on a sailing cruise, taking a dolphin and whale watching tour, opting for a hop-on hop-off cruise with stops at different points around the bay, and discovering the sunset on a sunset cruise.

If, in addition to exploring Sydney Harbour, you want to enjoy a thrilling experience, don't miss out on a speedboat ride, an alternative that combines the adrenaline rush of speed with the beauty of the city's iconic seascapes. This tour will give you the opportunity to explore the coastal area of the harbour from a unique perspective, gliding at full speed through the waters surrounding the world's most famous opera house.

The speedboat tour not only offers thrills, but also the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the Sydney skyline. The combination of the speed of the water and the sea breeze creates an unforgettable experience for participants. In addition, expert local guides will share interesting facts and anecdotes about the iconic sites along the route.

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

Details of interest

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Price: £31
• Recommended if... you're looking for an adrenaline-filled experience and stunning views of the city from the water.

There are many ways to explore the harbour area in Sydney, but one of the most eclectic is to opt for a sailing trip. This sailing cruise around Sydney Harbour offers an elegant and relaxing old-fashioned nautical experience, combining the serenity of sailing with views of the city's iconic landmarks. Aboard a spacious sailboat, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of sailing while gazing at the city skyline stretching beyond the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

During this adventure, you can relax on deck while enjoying the natural beauty of the harbour. In addition, many of these cruises offer quality catering options, allowing passengers to sample unique culinary alternatives as they sail through the scenic waters of the Australian coast.

The advantage of a large sailing cruise is the ability to access quieter areas away from the hustle and bustle of the harbour, creating an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Whether enjoying a romantic sunset or exploring the beauty of the harbour 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

• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Price: £71
• Recommended if... you are looking for an intimate, relaxing experience with traditional charm.

Take part in a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour for a gastronomic and scenic experience that combines culinary delights with views of the city's landmarks. Aboard a comfortable boat, passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy a gourmet lunch while sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the bay.

The lunch menus on these cruises typically highlight the freshness of local ingredients and gourmet cuisine, creating a unique dining experience. The panoramic views also include the Sydney Opera House, the city 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 offer live entertainment, creating a lively and festive atmosphere on board. Live musicians or performances add a special touch to the experience, making the lunch cruise a unique opportunity to enjoy the local culture while sailing through one of the most picturesque bays in the world.

Details of interest

• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: £74
• Recommended if... you fancy a meal with incredible views and entertainment included.

If you want an option that combines the region's rich cuisine with a romantic experience, you can opt for a dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour. These cruises will allow you to enjoy dinner while sailing through the waters surrounding the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and other iconic Downtown landmarks that can be discovered from the deck of the boat.

This type of cruise offers a unique perspective of the city, transformed by the night lights that bring its iconic landscapes to life, but it also allows you to discover the culinary specialities of the Australian coast. From fresh seafood to gourmet dishes, you can indulge in exquisite cuisine.

The atmosphere on board these dinner cruises is usually complemented by live entertainment, such as live music shows or artistic performances, adding a romantic touch to this experience that is ideal for couples. What's more, if you are planning to visit Sydney during Christmas or the festive season, these cruises also offer themed or seasonal menus.

Details of interest

• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Price: £99
• Recommended if... you are looking for a romantic evening with good food and spectacular views.

If you prefer to plan your own itinerary and organise your own schedule, then a private cruise along the Sydney coast is the ideal experience for you. This personalised and exclusive alternative, where you can choose the times and itinerary of your sea voyage, will allow you to make the most of your time in the city and also optimise your trip.

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

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

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £560 including crew and accommodation for a group of up to 6 people.
• Duration: around 4 hours.

Port Stephens, located a few hours north of Sydney, is known as one of the best places to see dolphins in their natural environment. During this cruise, which departs from the capital of New South Wales, you will have the unique opportunity to witness these animals swimming 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 commentary from expert local guides who will share their knowledge of marine life and local ecology with you. Port Stephens is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, increasing the chances of close encounters during the tour.

In addition to dolphins, it is possible to spot other marine species, such as whales, turtles and seabirds, further enriching the experience.

The cruise not only offers dolphin sightings, but also provides time to enjoy the views of Port Stephens and its surroundings. The bay is renowned for its natural beauty, with golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters creating the perfect setting for this marine adventure. What's more, during the journey north, you'll be able to admire some of Sydney's best beaches along the way.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £90 per person.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.

Embark on a cruise around Sydney Harbour at sunset for a captivating experience that combines the natural beauty of the sunset with iconic views of the city. This type of cruise offers passengers the opportunity to witness the magical transformation of the sky and the city skyline as the sun slowly sets over the harbour waters.

The sunset over Sydney offers a vibrant palette of colours that are reflected in the harbour waters, creating a visually stunning scene, especially if you plan to visit the city in 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 experience of a sunset cruise in Sydney also often includes dining options, such as light dinners or appetisers, allowing passengers to enjoy a delicious culinary experience while delighting in the beauty of twilight.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £115 per person.
• Duration: around 4 hours.

The hop-on hop-off cruise with stops along the Sydney coast is a unique way to explore the city from a maritime perspective, offering travellers the flexibility to hop on and off at various strategic stops along the coastline. On these boats, 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 to their preferences and time available. They can explore museums, enjoy local cuisine on the wharves, 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 offers a convenient and efficient way to discover the diversity of Sydney, from its vibrant city life to its stunning seascapes.

These cruises are usually available in one- or two-day options, with four to six stops in total, so you'll easily find an option that fits your travel plans. In addition, some hop-on hop-off cruise services are available on :::link|text=city sightseeing passes|element=sc-136-1698:::, so you can save money on these activities if you opt for these cards.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £35 per person for the most economical option.
• Duration: depends on the option chosen, but passes are for one or two days with a predetermined number of stops.

A private night cruise along the Sydney coast is an exclusive maritime experience that combines the beauty of the night-time landscapes with the privacy and elegance of a personalised trip. On board a private boat, you can enjoy the city lights reflecting off the waters of the harbour, 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 personalise their experience, from choosing the departure time to the route the boat will follow. Whether exploring the twinkling lights of iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House or the city bridge, or enjoying a moonlight dinner, every detail can be tailored to the individual tastes and preferences of visitors.

In addition to panoramic views and privacy, many private night cruises also offer dining options with chefs on board. From gourmet dinners to personalised appetisers 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 £775 including crew and venue for a group of up to 6 people.
• Duration: between 4 and 5 hours.

The coastlines of Sydney and northern Australia are the ideal setting for discovering hundreds of whale species, making a whale watching cruise one of the best options. 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 Marine National 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 marine creatures. The expert guides who accompany you on board will provide information about the biology and behaviour of these creatures, enriching the sighting experience.

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

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

Useful information

• Price: approximately £150 per person.
• Duration: between 6 and 7 hours.