There is something really special about a Sydney Harbour cruise. Seeing the city from the water is hard to beat and while the ferries are fabulous, the city looks even more beautiful when you can really spend some time soaking it in, in comfort, on a leisurely harbour cruise. After 20 years of taking guests and visitors on these cruises, I can honestly say we have done dozens of them. Here are my top recommendations.

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Whether you’re a traveller new to Sydney’s shores, a passenger on a cruise ship or a proud local, time out on the harbour is always memorable. With a wide range of cruises available, there’s no excuse not to climb aboard!

Ask a local and they might tell you to forgo a cruise and take a ferry ride instead. I say do both, while the ferry is great, and you should take as many as you have time for, a harbour cruise is a special experience that allows you to spend more time on the water, see parts the ferry routes don’t cover, and learn more about the history of the city and its iconic waterway.

Check out these great Sydney Harbour cruise experiences and see which one suits you best.

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruises

As a local, you forget just how beautiful it is on the harbour at night. We only go on a dinner cruise for a special birthday or if we have visitors in town. Whether you are here for a quick visit or have spent your entire night here, it’s a lovely way to spend the evening.

Nothing is nicer than sipping a glass of champagne while you watch the harbour turn from day to evening. Several companies offer dinner cruises on Sydney Harbour, and the quality and offerings vary.

When choosing a cruise, you can find some with a drinks package (wine, beer and soft drinks). Captain Cook allows you to pay extra for a window seat for front-row views of the cityscape sparkling as you enjoy your dinner.

Tall Ships Cruises

Step back in time onboard the authentic 1850s tall ship. Imagine you are sailing into Sydney Harbour with a new cargo for the colony. 

The crew are happy to explain how they sail the boat and you can even pay a little extra for a climb-the-mast experience if you dare. Our Captain told us a little about the history of Sydney and our two-hour cruise was a perfect way to see the harbour for the first time or as a local, appreciate how lucky we are.

Sydney Tallships have two vessels, the Southern Swan and the Soren Larsen. Watch the action unfold or pitch in and help. The choice is yours.

I have enjoyed the Twilight cruise and the dinner cruise and thought they were both great value for money. I highly recommend this experience!

All cruises leave from Campbells Cove in the Rocks and book out early in peak season.

There is no fancy seated dining. Instead, you enjoy time on deck on a historic vessel that lets you imagine life in colonial Sydney.

Sydney Harbour High Tea Cruises

High teas, morning tea or afternoon tea, whatever you call it, these sweet treats have always been popular for special occasions, but they are also a lovely way to catch up with friends or give your feet a rest after a long day of sightseeing. 

They are great for the first half of your hen’s day with aunties and grandmothers before you party with your girls. They are also great for landmark birthdays and Mother’s Day.

Planning your Sydney vacation? Check out our guide for 7 perfect days in Sydney.

Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruises

Get the full Sydney experience on a seafood buffet lunch cruise as you feast on prawns, oysters and more while you travel around the harbour. Learn more about Emerald City from the experienced onboard staff who offer interesting commentary throughout the journey.

Once you have finished lunch, you still have plenty of time to head on the deck and snap the harbour’s icons.

Jet Boating

If you prefer a bit more of an adrenaline rush when you hit the water, this one is for you! The bright yellow Thunder Jet will have you zipping around the harbour and get you right up close to its most famous sites.

This ride lasts 30 minutes and comes complete with a great soundtrack and a poncho to keep you dry as you twist, turn and fishtail your way around the harbour.

Check out the Thunder Boat Thrill Ride and experience the harbour’s wild side!

Small Boat Tours

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 and even get your feet wet!

If the swell is not too high, the boat will stop at Quarantine Station and you can visit the museum there. An alternate stop is the beautiful Parsley Bay. There is also the option to stop at Watsons Bay. Regardless, the stop allows time to visit the local cafes for some morning tea. This cruise is not wheelchair accessible.

Sydney Harbour Hop On Hop Off Cruises

If you want to spend a few days exploring the bays and islands of the harbour, then these services are a great idea. They require a bit of planning and some stops can be reached via public ferry, but these HOHO ferries allow you to forget about working out ferry routes and make a day on the harbour easy!

There are two operators and not a lot of difference between them in service or price. They both stop at Circular Quay, Barangaroo, Taronga Zoo, and Watsons Bay. The Captain Cook service stops at Shark Island and Manly. The Fantsea HOHO does not include these two stops, but it includes access to the Manly Fast Ferry in the price of your ticket.

Read our list of 25 free things to do in Sydney on your first visit.

Whale Watching Cruises

If you find yourself in Sydney between May and November, you might like to combine your Sydney Harbour experience with some whale watching.

During the peak months, there are spectacular sightings off Sydney Heads almost every day and there are several cruises on offer depending on how good your sea legs are!

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