Sydney Boat Tours

Sydney is known for its beaches and iconic buildings that make it one of the most important global cities in Oceania, but it is also famous for its harbour and the coastline around 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.

Some of the best things to do in Sydney include a speedboat ride around the harbour, a sailboat cruise, a dolphin and whale watching tour, a hop on-hop off cruise with stops at different points in the harbour and a sunset sunset cruise.

If you're looking for a thrilling experience in addition to exploring Sydney Harbour, you can't miss out on a speedboat ride, an alternative that combines the adrenaline of speed with the beauty of the city's iconic seascapes. This tour will give you the opportunity to explore the waterfront of the harbour from a unique perspective, speeding along the waters surrounding the world's most famous Opera House.

The speedboat ride not only offers thrilling 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 participants. In addition, expert local guides will provide live commentary and anecdotes about the iconic sites along the way.

This speedboat ride 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

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

There are many ways to experience the Sydney Harbour area, but one of the most eclectic is to opt for a sailboat cruise. This option allows you to partake 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'll have the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of sailing while gazing out over the city skyline that stretches beyond the Sydney Bridge.

During this adventure you'll be able to 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 dining options while cruising the scenic waters of the Australian coastline.

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, whether you choose to cruise Sydney during the summer or winter.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 43 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1.5 hours.

Joining 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 harbour.

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 harbour, such as Bondi Beach.

In addition to the 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 opportunity 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 2.5 hours.

If you want an option that combines the rich gastronomy of the region with a romantic experience, you can opt for a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise. These cruises will take you out to enjoy dinner as 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 bring its iconic landscapes to life, but also allows you to discover the gastronomic specialities of the Australian coastline. From fresh seafood to gourmet dishes, you'll be able to indulge in exquisite quality dishes.

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 which is ideal to discover as a couple. Plus, if you're planning to visit Sydney during the Christmas or festive season, these cruises also offer themed or seasonal menus.

Interesting details

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

If you're someone who prefers to define your own itinerary and organise your own time, then a private cruise along the Sydney coastline is the ideal experience for you. This personalised and exclusive alternative, where 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 optimise your trip.

The choice of times allows you to 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, 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 off.

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 chance to enjoy the company of friends or loved ones in a private setting. It could also be a great option if you are planning to visit Sydney with children or a family.

Interesting details

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

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 New South Wales capital, 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 spotting is the main focus of this cruise, and the experience is enhanced by live narration from expert local guides who will share with you insights into 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 the 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 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 creating an ideal backdrop for this marine adventure. You'll also be able to see some of Sydney's best beaches en route as you head north.

Details of interest

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

Embarking on a Sydney Harbour Sunset Cruise is 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 city's sky and skyline as the sun slowly sets over the harbour waters.

The sunset over Sydney offers a vibrant palette of colours reflecting off the harbour 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 on-deck viewing areas 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 dining or snacks, allowing passengers to enjoy a delicious culinary experience while taking in the beauty of the twilight.

Details of interest

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

The Sydney Hop On Hop Off Harbour Cruise 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 shuttles you'll have the freedom to choose your own itinerary, stopping at iconic locations such as Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo and more.

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 ship 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 stunning seascapes.

These cruises are generally available in one or two-day alternatives, with four and six stops in total, so you' ll find an option to suit your travel plan without too much effort. In addition, some of the hop-on-hop-off cruise services are available on the city's 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: Depends on the alternative chosen, but the passes are for one or two days with a predetermined number of stops.

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 personalised journey. Aboard a private boat, you can enjoy the lights of the city reflected in 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 evening cruise allows passengers to customise 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 dining to snacks and customised 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 euros including crew and venue for a group of up to 6 people.
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

The coasts of Sydney and Northern Australia present the ideal backdrop for discovering a hundred species of whales, so one of the best alternatives is to take part 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 locations along the coast, with 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 behaviour of these creatures, enriching the whale watching experience.

In addition, the cruise not only focuses on the whales, but also allows you to enjoy the sights 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 September and October being particularly good months to witness the humpback whale migration.

Details of interest

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