Cruising is the fastest way to make sense of Sydney, and this list gathers the harbour trips I’d pick, from 90-minute loops to long lunches. Nearly all leave from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, both steps from a train station. Morning departures get calmer water and softer light on the Opera House.
Discover Sydney’s highlights with this hop-on hop-off tour, featuring iconic sights, a ferry cruise, and flexible exploring options for a memorable visit.
Most Popular★ 4.4“I appreciated the pace and I was able to easily get on and off the buses.”
★★★★★★★★★★
2,697 reviews1 - 2 daysFrom $51by Big Bus Sydney
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Experience close-up encounters with humpback whales on a 165-minute Sydney cruise, complete with expert guides, panoramic views, and onboard amenities.
★ 4.2“Absolutely incredible whale-watching experience! This was such an amazing experience — truly one of the highlights of our trip to Sydney! The tour was perfectly organised from start to finish, with clear communication and easy pick-up arrangements. Everything ran smoothly, and the crew made sure…”
★★★★★★★★★★
1,790 reviews2.8 hoursFrom $63by Sydney Harbour Attractions
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mountains on an unforgettable day trip. Cruise along the Parramatta River and immerse yourself in nature's wonders.
★ 4.5“Basic Tour includes transportation and a guide. The zoo and Scenic World are pay as you go options. This is good because you can decide at yhe time. Prices are discounted and entrance is as a group. Our guide Bruce was excellent and provide lots…”
★★★★★★★★★★
1,585 reviewsFrom $68.14by Oz Trails & Sydney Exclusive Tours
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Discover the hidden beauty of the Blue Mountains on an unforgettable day trip. Cruise along the Parramatta River and experience nature's wonders like never before.
★ 4.5“Basic Tour includes transportation and a guide. The zoo and Scenic World are pay as you go options. This is good because you can decide at yhe time. Prices are discounted and entrance is as a group. Our guide Bruce was excellent and provide lots…”
★★★★★★★★★★
1,585 reviewsFrom $68.14by Oz Trails & Sydney Exclusive Tours
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sydney Harbour on a morning or afternoon sightseeing cruise. Discover iconic landmarks and soak in the stunning views. Book your adventure now!
★ 4.7“Outstanding way to see the surrounding area from the water with very good running commentary. Views of Opera House and Bridge were unmatched.”
★★★★★★★★★★
1,520 reviews1.5 hoursFrom $38by Sydney Princess Cruises
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mountains on a Parramatta River Cruise from Sydney. Unforgettable sights await you in 2023! Don't miss out, click now!
★ 5.0“This was an amazing not to miss experience. Stunning views and great tour guide. Definitely recommend it!”
★★★★★★★★★★
1,481 reviewsFrom $182.90by Chapman Tours Pty Ltd
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Experience a breathtaking sunset over Sydney Harbour on a magical dinner cruise. Indulge in delicious cuisine, stunning views, and create unforgettable memories. Book your unforgettable evening now!
★ 4.0“It was a great way to see Sydney Harbour from the water. The timing is too early for a 'Sunset' dinner in Summertime but it was still a great experience dining with good food on a ship. Wait staff were attentive and helpful. We had…”
★★★★★★★★★★
1,122 reviewsFrom $89.66by Captain Cook Cruises
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Experience stunning Sydney Harbour views with fine dining, live music, and optional wine pairings on this popular dinner cruise aboard MV Sydney 2000.
★ 4.4“Great service. Generous meal. Reasonable drink prices. Good duration. Great ammenities.”
★★★★★★★★★★
925 reviews105 minutes - 3 hoursFrom $88by Captain Cook Cruises
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Experience Sydney’s stunning harbor and whale migration with this cruise, featuring onboard meals, expert commentary, and guaranteed whale sightings.
★ 4.5“Absolutely amazing!!! The breakfast was delicious! Service was excellent! The person doing the commentary was great and very informative! I saw SEVERAL whales and several dolphins! Such a beautiful experience!”
★★★★★★★★★★
878 reviewsFrom $74.59by Sydney Princess Cruises
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Explore Sydney Harbour on a 135-minute cruise featuring live commentary and a delicious buffet lunch, perfect for sightseeing and relaxation.
★ 4.7“great host Ron. Food was lovely and overall a great day”
★★★★★★★★★★
804 reviews2.3 hoursFrom $53by Sydney Princess Cruises
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Indulge in a magical evening aboard a Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise. Savor gourmet cuisine, breathtaking views, and create unforgettable memories. Book your unforgettable experience now!
★ 4.0“The scenery was gorgeous and the ship lovely. The boarding process was very confusing with nobody there at the dock to tell people where the ship was or what the process was. Food was okay, not exactly what was described on the website. But staff…”
★★★★★★★★★★
774 reviewsFrom $111.17by Captain Cook Cruises
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Witness majestic whales in Sydney's waters on a 2-hour Express Whale Watching Cruise, where nature's beauty unfolds in unexpected ways.
★ 4.2“Really enjoyed our trip, we were lucky to see 3 pods of whales and I appreciated them keeping a respectful distance while other smaller boats showed disregard for the whales. A highlight of our trip to Sydney, definitely recommend.”
★★★★★★★★★★
756 reviews2 hoursFrom $63by Fantasea Cruising Sydney
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Discover Sydney Harbour's iconic sights and hidden gems on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise from Circular Quay, featuring expert commentary and stunning views.
★ 4.6“Martin was excellent guide very knowledgeable and courteous. I would recommend this. 0”
★★★★★★★★★★
727 reviews1 dayFrom $23by Fantasea Cruising Sydney
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Experience the beauty of Sydney Harbour with our morning or afternoon sightseeing cruises. Enjoy stunning views and make memories that will last a lifetime. Book now!
★ 4.5“The cruise ride was amazing. The local guide who was narrating the history behind every place passing by was interesting. I got to know so many things about Sydney Harbour bridge. My kids also enjoyed”
★★★★★★★★★★
704 reviewsFrom $39.45by Sydney Princess Cruises
Check Availability →Read my full review →
Discover the Blue Mountains from Sydney on a full-day guided tour including scenic views, wildlife encounters, and a river cruise for a memorable escape.
★ 4.6“what a fantastic day we all had..Les was amazing..full of wonderful knowledge and interesting facts..even his jokes were funny 😁...the whole day was absolutely the best”
★★★★★★★★★★
701 reviews10.5 hoursFrom $70by Oz Trails
Check Availability →Read my full review →