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Best Cruises & Boat Tours in Sydney
Explore the top-rated cruises & boat tours in Sydney. Our curated guide features 8 highly-rated experiences, averaging 5 stars, to help you plan the perfect visit.
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Top 8 Ranked
Best Cruises & Boat Tours in Sydney
Our expertly curated list of the best cruises & boat tours in Sydney, ranked by traveler reviews and ratings.
#1
Top Rated
Private Catamaran Hire on Sydney Harbour
5 (32)
From $1725 AUD
Providing the perfect vessel for private charters for up to 30 guests to celebrate any occasion or to have a relaxing day out on Sydney Harbour. Gather a group of friends, family or work colleagues and enjoy the benefits of chartering a boat privately and tailoring your time on the water to your preferences. Kirralee is a spacious catamaran that provides an open plan on board. The 10.5 metre Seawind Resort 1050 is an Australian designed and built sailing catamaran. They each have a large internal cabin and cockpit area with easy access to the front bow area. The vessel has a good mix of indoor and outdoor space and allows guests to sit comfortably or move with ease while cruising Sydney Harbour. BYO food and drinks. BBQ facilities are available on board, so food can be cooked fresh by our crew. Menu options are available for an additional fee. Timing of the cruise is flexible pending availability. If an alternate time is preferred contact the team.
#2
Top Rated
Sydney: PRIVATE City Highlights & Ocean Front Luxe Tour (4h)
5 (21)
From $505 AUD
Discover Sydney’s most iconic sights in effortless style. This half-day private tour blends luxury, culture, and coastal beauty—from the historic laneways of The Rocks to the architectural marvels of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the glamour of the Eastern Suburbs, and the dramatic cliffs of The Gap, gateway to Sydney Harbour. Stroll the golden curve of Bondi Beach, admire the Victorian terrace houses of Paddington, and take in the contemporary charm of the Harbour Shore. Uncover stories of Aboriginal heritage, colonial history, and modern-day vibrancy. Ideal for first-time visitors, cruise guests, or those with a few golden hours before settling into your hotel—this tour offers a relaxed yet enriching start to your Sydney stay.
#3
Top Rated
The Top Ten Hidden Harbour Beaches Tour with Jen
5 (19)
From $180 AUD
G'day I am your local host, Jennifer. We pay our respect to the Gadigal and Bidjigal clans, who have resided on this land on which we live and work for thousands of years before us. This can be booked as a private tour for your group. Join me on a fun filled 3 hour tour, walking, talking and driving through the hidden gems of the area. We hop in and out of the car to get the best views whilst hearing local history & interesting facts. We drive through the luxurious residential areas on the harbour foreshore which is home to some of the most expensive real estate in Sydney. After the tour I can drop you off in Bondi to shop in the eclectic streets that the locals love. Have a swim at famous Bondi Beach. Catch a glimpse of the TV show stars of "Bondi Rescue" if you are lucky. Enjoy lunch at the Icebergs Ocean Pool, and continue on to the scenic coastal walk. Option to return you to the Ferry Wharf where we began. "Live Like a Local with us and go where the buses can't go"
#4
Top Rated
Port Stephens Private Tour From Sydney, with Dolphin/ Whale Cruise Options
5 (8)
From $495 AUD
Go Beyond Tours will let you experience the wonderful beaches and beautiful sheltered bays, perfect spot to be relaxed, exhilarated, enchanted and amazed all in one day! With its idyllic golden beaches, a vast blue bay and many sublime beautiful inlets welcome to paradise. Sandy beaches, national parklands and rugged coastlines. Port Stephens is the perfect place to get in touch with nature. The region is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins, and you can choose to join a tour departing from Nelson Bay which offers dolphin watching opportunities. Choose to view the magnificent creatures from the viewing deck, or in summer for the more adventurous you can also get even closer via the boom net attached to the back of the boat. See majestic Whales on a cruise during their annual migration season, between June and November. . Other outdoor activity include the option of the not to be missed fun activity of Sand boarding down the huge Sand Dunes at Anna Bay or ride a Aussie camel
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#5
Top Rated
Private BYO Sydney Harbour Catamaran Cruise - 60 or 90 Minutes
5 (8)
From $1000 AUD
Kirralee is a spacious catamaran that can accommodate for up to 30 guests. The 10.5 metre Seawind Resort 1050's are Australian designed and built vessels and can be used for sailing (upon request) or motoring across the harbour. The vessel has a great mix of indoor and external areas and allows for guests to sit comfortably or move with ease while cruising Sydney Harbour and taking in the iconic views. Sightseeing cruises onboard Kirralee are a great way to explore the sights across Sydney Harbour and you have the flexibility to customise your cruising path. The vessel is also a great option for relaxing harbour transfers for corporate events or weddings. With pick up and drop off locations across the harbour according to customer convenience, why not get from A to B by boat? Generally, most wharf locations can be reached within 60-90 minutes. This cruise allows for BYO of food and beverages. Alternatively, catering can be organised for an additional fee.
#6
Top Rated
Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer
5 (10)
From $374 AUD
Discover Sydney’s Northern Beaches on a coastal adventure filled with cliff‑top walks, sweeping vistas, beautiful beaches and vibrant marine and wildlife. Explore the stunning North Shore from Kirribilli House to the Mosman manors. Explore historical old forts with views looking back towards Watsons Bay and South Head. Discover Balmoral, Freshwater and Curl Curl, wander the iconic Shelly‑to‑Manly walk, and enjoy Manly's foodie laneways. Continue to North Head in search of whales and native birdlife, where cliff edge views offer the reality of how large Sydney Harbour is. Explore Long Reef’s otherworldly plateau with its rock pools brimming with shells, barnacles, sea anemones and starfish. Marvel at the striking red clays and maroon rocks as you stroll the rugged coastline spotting pied oystercatchers, white‑bellied sea eagles, kestrels and pelicans. It’s a truly memorable place that feels worlds away. End the day with the option of a scenic ferry ride back to the city.
#7
Top Rated
Australia Day Tall Ships Lunch & Race on Sydney Harbour
5 (5)
From $159 AUD
Join us aboard the one of our historic tall ship vessels Coral Trekker, Soren Larsen or Southern Swan as we take part in the thrilling Australia Day Tall Ships Race. Sit back and watch the crew set sails and battle for line honours or pitch in and help if you want to! Sydney Harbour comes alive on Australia Day. Prepare to be impressed by all the harbour festivities of the incredible Australia Day Regatta!
#8
Top Rated
Sydney Whale Watching on Small RIB
5 (14)
From $149 AUD
Jump onboard Ocean Extreme's smallest most personal vessel for a unique boutique whale watching experience. This vessel has a capacity of only 12 passengers making it the smallest whale watching tour available in Sydney. Experience the thrill of whale watching on a small RIB, offering an intimate and exhilarating adventure that larger vessels can't match. Our high-speed boat ensures you reach prime whale-watching areas quickly, maximizing your time with these magnificent creatures. The tour is led by an experienced crew who provide informative commentary on the whales' behaviors and the marine environment. This unique combination of speed, comfort, and expert guidance ensures an unforgettable and immersive whale-watching experience.
Review counts and ratings based on Viator and Tripadvisor data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cruises & boat tours cost in Sydney?
Cruises & Boat Tours in Sydney range from $149 to $1725, with an average price of $573. The highest-rated option is "Private Catamaran Hire on Sydney Harbour" with a 5-star rating.
What are the best cruises & boat tours in Sydney?
Sydney has 8 cruises & boat tours available, averaging 5 stars across 117 reviews. The top-rated experience is "Private Catamaran Hire on Sydney Harbour".
How do I plan a trip to Sydney?
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