Best Sydney Harbour Boat Tours
AHOY MATEYS! Not to brag, but I’ve been on my fair share of boats in Australia. And it’s not because I’m a fancy cat or a sailing enthusiast - it’s ‘cause I’m *not* a good swimmer.
So what better way to explore Australia’s vast watery expanse than from the safety of a boat?
Whether you’re a tourist or an Aussie looking to do some sightseeing, here are some of the best (and coolest!) boat tours on Sydney Harbour.
Sydney Tallships
Offering a unique historical experience on board the Southern Swan or the Soren Larsen, Sydney Tallships provide a variety of cruises including brunch, afternoon discovery, and evening wine and canapés options. These cruises offer a hands-on experience where you can help sail the ship or relax and enjoy the views. Plus the ships are GORGEOUS.
Captain Cook Cruises
Imagine sipping your tea and nibbling on dainty sandwiches while the Opera House and Harbour Bridge glide by. Weeeelll, if that sounds like your jam, Captain Cook Cruises will transform this daydream into reality with their high tea cruises.
It's the perfect blend of British x Aussie flair. Not into tea? They offer lunch and dinner cruises too, where you can dine with the Sydney skyline twinkling in the background.
Thunder Jet
Now, for those of you with a thirst for thrills, the Thunder Jet is where it’s at. Zoom around the harbour, wind in your hair, spray on your face, and the adrenaline pumping as you execute fishtails and power-break stops (or just try not to fall over—an underrated skill!). It's literally a rollercoaster on water. Yeehawwww.
Icons, Bay & Beaches
If you’re looking for something more intimate, The Sydney Icons, Bays & Beaches Cruise is a small group tour (max 12 people) that will help you discover the biggest hits of Sydney Harbour.
Hop On, Hop Off Cruises
If you crave a lil bit more freedom, then hop-on, hop-off cruises are your best bet to experience a taste a bit of everything at your own pace.
The two hop-on, hop-off boat services in Sydney:
They both have pretty similar services and both stop at Circular Quay, Barangaroo, Taronga Zoo, and Watsons Bay.
Whale Watching Tours
Whale watching is always a hoot, and if you’ve never done it, there are a few options in Sydney:
Ocean Extreme Whale Watching offers high-speed trips on a vessel that is nice and close to the water. (Passengers must be over 12 years old.)
Captain Cook offers a 2.5 hour whale cruise that comes bundled with a hop-on, hop-off cruise. (Best suited if you’ve got mobility issues.)
The MV Jerry Bailey cruise sees you out on the water for 4 hours on an old-school catamaran.
Whether you're interested in history, luxury dining, or simply enjoying the harbour views, Sydney's boat cruises provide a memorable way to explore one of the world's most beautiful harbours.
