Sydney Harbour Cruises

Sydney Harbour looks good from the shore, but it looks even better from the water, the Opera House sails, the Harbour Bridge arch and the waterfront mansions all lined up for you as you glide past. Whether you're after a quick sightseeing loop, a proper sit down meal on the water, or a chance to spot a migrating whale, there's a cruise here for it. Here's what's currently sailing out of Circular Quay and Darling Harbour.

Sydney Harbour Cruise - 90 Minutes

The Sydney Harbour Cruise is the easiest way to see it all from the water, gliding past the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the Botanic Gardens with complimentary tea and coffee and a knowledgeable skipper on commentary.

Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise with Lunch

The Harbour Discovery Cruise with Lunch pairs a relaxed afternoon on the water with a buffet lunch including seafood, cruising past Darling Harbour, the Opera House and the Royal Botanical Gardens over a leisurely two and a quarter hours.

Sydney Harbour Starlight 4 Course Dinner Cruise

The Starlight 4 Course Dinner Cruise is Sydney's most popular dinner cruise, a contemporary a la carte dinner, live music and dancing on weekends, and up to two circuits of the harbour under the city lights. A proper night out for a special occasion or just because.

Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Darling Harbour

The Whale Watching Cruise heads out from Darling Harbour into the open ocean in search of migrating Humpback whales, with dolphins, seals and the odd Orca sighting a bonus. Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you're welcome back on a free return cruise.

Frequently asked questions

Which Sydney Harbour cruise is best for a quick sightseeing trip?

The 90 Minute Sydney Harbour Cruise covers the main icons, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Botanic Gardens, without needing a half day commitment.

Do the lunch and dinner cruises cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, the Harbour Discovery Cruise with Lunch caters for gluten free, halal and vegan diets with advance notice, and the dinner cruise offers a children's menu.

What time of year is best for Sydney whale watching?

Whale watching runs seasonally during the Humpback whale migration, with sightings guaranteed on the Whale Watching Cruise from Darling Harbour or you'll be offered a free return trip.

How long does the Starlight Dinner Cruise run for?

Around 2.5 hours, departing Circular Quay in the evening with up to two circuits of the harbour included.

Is the whale watching cruise suitable for kids?

Yes, it's suitable for all ages, though motion sickness prevention is recommended since the tour heads out into open ocean.

Local tip: book the Starlight Dinner Cruise for a Friday or Saturday night to catch the live music, and check the whale watching season dates before you lock in a date if spotting whales is the main goal.

Sort your Sydney Harbour cruise above, whether that's a 90 minute sightseeing loop, a lunch or dinner cruise, or a whale watching adventure out of Darling Harbour. All good days are waiting.