Travel bucket list idea:

Sailing & Boating on Sydney Harbour

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Bucket List Experience

Credit Shutterstock.com/Kevin Hellon

Last updated: 24 June, 2023

Sydney’s harbour is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world, so getting out and exploring on the water – be it by yacht, motorboat, jetboat or even sea kayak – is a must-do.

A range of boating options is available, from short sightseeing pleasure cruises, to days spent moored up (and swimming) off hidden sandy coves, to romantic sleepovers on board.

If you don’t fancy the cost or are not enamoured of boats, at least take the Manly ferry from Circular Quay and back for a similar, if less intimate, harbour experience. For a mere few dollars, it’s outstanding value.

Sail in a tall ship

For a more cultured (if touristy) twist, try a 2-hour sailing cruise aboard a vintage tall ship. It’s not as intimate, as you’ll be sharing the experience, but you’ll learn about Sydney’s maritime history and can help hoist the sails.

Spend the night on the water

EastSail offer an (expensive) opportunity to spend a romantic night on the harbour. The Overnight Indulgence package includes a private evening sail, a safe anchorage, dinner and breakfast. Your skipper will leave you overnight, return in the morning and sail back you to the marina. Choose from a yacht or motor cruiser.

Logistics

Price from: £40

Minimum age: Any

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

There are a number of pleasure cruise operators based at Darling Harbour, but these tend to be the touristy options (which are still fine). A better option though is to head to EastSail, based at the marina in the picturesque Rushcutters Bay, a 10-minute cab ride from the city or the Woollahra Sailing Club at the equally pretty Rose Bay, a further 5 minutes along the coast. If you want to try sailing, both offer a 2-hour ‘taster’ sailing lesson.

When to do it

Charter and sailing lessons are available all year round by private arrangement.

There’s never a bad time to be on the water, though July to October is best if you plan on swimming, otherwise the water is too cold.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise

Sydney

Cruise Sydney Harbour and watch Sydney light up on an early-dinner sunset cruise aboard MV Sydney 2000, the most prestigious cruising restaurant on Sydney's waterways. Whether you're enjoying an early pre-theatre dinner or wanting to complete your Sydney sightseeing in style, you'll enjoy the MV Sydney 2000's relaxed atmosphere, first-class service, fabulous food and superb views of Sydney Harbour.

Price: A109

Min age: 0

Rating 4.07 / 5 [700 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

Sydney

Book a table for a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise aboard the our flagship vessel MV Sydney 2000. The choice is yours whether you embark at Circular Quay or King Street Wharf on your 2-hour Sydney dinner cruise. Take your seat as you float past the floodlit Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while a team of international chefs prepare a four-course dinner, including canapés, for you to enjoy.

Price: A139

Min age: 0

Rating 4.15 / 5 [646 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride on Thunder Twist

Sydney

Experience what jet boating is all about on Australia's most exciting Jet Boat! Get ready to hold on tight as the 'Thunder' opens up with amazing stunts and wild spins through Sydney Harbour.

Price: A85

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [623 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride

Sydney

Feel your adrenalin rush on a 30-minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride. As the jet boat powers across Sydney Harbour, see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge from a different perspective, and experience the thrill of on-water maneuvers like 270-degree spins . This is Australia's most popular jet boating adventure, blasting off from Circular Quay every hour, every day.

Price: A80

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [338 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise

Sydney

Step aboard the beautiful Southern Swan or the magnificent Soren Larsen and set sail on this twilight dinner cruise like the early settlers all those years ago. There is no better way to end the day than this sublime Sydney Harbour dinner cruise.

Price: A109

Min age: 0

Rating 4.22 / 5 [316 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

SEE ALL RECOMMENDED TOURS & TICKETS

Destination guides

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Sydney

New South Wales, Australia

One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people. Home to the eye-popping Opera House and the indescribable Sydney Bridge Climb.

Website >

More details >