Explore Sydney Harbour on a Boat Cruise or Tour

Boat cruises and tours are the best way to sea Sydney (see what we did there? ). Not only will you get a chance to see the main sights like the opera house and harbour bridge, but you’ll also get a memorable experience.

With Sydney Harbour Days, you can choose a boat cruise that works for you and your group. So, if you’re looking for that special romantic sunset cruise, want to explore all the hidden coves and beaches, or enjoy a fun afternoon on the water, we have a boat cruise for you.

Your Sydney Harbour wharf location will differ depending on your boat cruise or tour. Most boat cruises start from King St wharf in Darling Harbour, but some pick up from closer to Circular Quay or around the Rocks. Please read the tour description and check your tickets for when to meet your boat and where. For a map of the most popular Sydney wharfs, you can visit this handy page here. 

Besides a fantastic time on the water, you can expect to see all the beautiful sights on Sydney Harbour. Most boat cruises will head past the Sydney Opera house and Harbour bridge, so make sure you have your camera ready for that incredible photo with these landmarks in the background. In addition, boat cruises that include food and drinks will typically find a calm area so you can enjoy your menu of delights. Sailing past Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and even some of the historical forts are other sights you can expect to see on your Sydney Harbour boat tour.

In bad weather, boats still tend to go out. Boat cruise cancellations don’t occur in rainy weather unless deemed unsafe. For a complete list of cancellation policies, please read each boat cruise’s terms and conditions carefully.

Many people ask, can I swim in Sydney Harbour? The answer is yes, you can!

Some of our boat tours allow you to go for a swim. The ‘Sydney icons, bays & beaches cruise’ and’ Sydney Harbour Secrets cruise’ do have beach stops and allow for a quick swim. Some of our other lunch and dinner cruises do not allow swimming as they are on a tighter schedule. Please read the boat cruise description for more information.

The boat tours we have selected offer a variety of experiences. You can choose from lunch, dinner, sunset or sightseeing cruises. For each boat cruise, what comes included will be different. Please read the tour description carefully to ensure what to expect on the water.

The boat cruises will have a bathroom on board or have a stop in the tour where you can find restroom facilities.

Please remember that these are marine toilets for boats with bathrooms on board. Only put what comes out of you into the toilet. Make sure you read any instructions in the bathroom for how to properly operate the restroom or check with the crew on board.

Each cruise is different, so read the what to bring section in the boat cruise description.

Your boat cruise will be on the harbour. Dress appropriately for the weather. On sunny days, bring a hat, sunnies, and sunscreen. For cooler days, make sure you have something warm. Most boats will have an area inside for cover. Bring comfortable shoes and heels are typically not allowed on the ship for safety reasons and to make sure it doesn’t damage the floor.

If your boat cruise allows for swimming, bring a towel and swimwear.