A water wonder: Top sailing and cruising experiences on Sydney Harbour
Manly Sailing, Manly
Whether you’re on a jet boat or a floating restaurant, sailing a tall ship or embarking on an ocean cruise from one of Sydney Harbour’s ports, there’s something magical about exploring Sydney from the water.
- 4 min read
Sailing tours
Hoist the sails and harness the wind with a Manly Sailing experience. Offering unique and educational adventures, you can choose your pace, whether it's learning the ropes or relaxing on deck to enjoy the salty breeze. Based in the stunning surrounds of Manly Cove, the friendly crew makes it easy to dip a toe – or to dive headfirst – into sailing life. And, if you're around during the famed Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, book your own yacht (skipper included) – there's no better vantage point than from the water itself, where you’ll feel the excitement up close. Across the harbour, you'll find Sydney by Sail. Whether you're keen to take the helm or prefer to sit back and soak in the sights, the three-hour sailing experience caters to all.
For history and heritage
Step back in time aboard vessels that whisper tales of days gone. Sydney Harbour Tall Ships offers an authentic sailing experience on beautifully restored ships, where you can choose to help hoist the sails and steer the ship (and climb the mast!) or just sit back and feel the creak of timber beneath your feet as you glide past the city skyline. Tours that delve into Australia’s convict past and take you to Me Mal Island (Goat Island) are also available for history buffs.
The volunteer-run Sydney Heritage Fleet Cruises invites you to explore a floating museum of lovingly preserved vessels, each with its own storied past. From steamships to schooners (a sailing ship rigged with fore-and-aft sails on its two or more masts), some of these vessels date back to the early 20th century and are a celebration of Australia's rich maritime legacy.
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships, Circular Quay
For Aboriginal culture
Immerse yourself in the world's oldest living culture by experiencing a Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruise. Once you’re aboard the Mari Nawi (‘big canoe’), you'll be guided around the harbour's sacred sites, hearing stories passed down through generations. Experience traditional performances and gain insights into the deep spiritual connection the Aboriginal people share with these waterways while you take this very special journey through time and tradition.
Guests arriving to Be-lang-le-wool (Clark Island) on a Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruise
Lunch and dinner cruises
Why settle for a waterfront restaurant when you can dine on the water? Captain Cook Cruises offers a luxurious two-course à la carte lunch paired with Australian wine and 360-degree harbour views, while Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney’s lunch and dinner menus set Australian ingredients against quintessential Sydney views.
Looking for an evening of showtunes and glamour? Sydney Showboats combines a delicious dinner with a dazzling cabaret show, all set on board a historic paddlesteamer.
Special occasions like Vivid Sydney and New Year's Eve are best seen from the water, with specialised cruises from EastSail and Fantasea – which also offer a comprehensive roster of cruises year-round – serving up canapes, cocktails or all-inclusive dinners with front-row seats to the city's most stunning displays.
If you're craving a more private, bespoke dining experience, Sydney Luxury Cruises can whisk you away to your favourite waterfront restaurant, or can set up an exclusive picnic for two (with flowers and music) on the edge of Lavender Bay.
Jet boating
For those who believe that speed is of the essence, jet boating on the harbour is the adrenaline rush you've been looking for. Oz Jet Boating promises spins, slides and spray beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge at heart-racing speeds.
Thunder Jet Boat takes you on a wild ride, combining sightseeing with high-octane thrills. And, with Harbour Jet, you'll experience the harbour's iconic sights at a blistering 75 km/h, complete with fishtails and power-brake stops that'll leave you exhilarated.
Whale watching tours
From May to November, the harbour becomes a gateway to the majestic ballet that is the migration of humpback whales. Ocean Extreme offers intimate tours that get you up close and personal with these gentle giants, while Whale Tales Whale Watching is a family-run business combining storytelling with sightings on small-scale tours. Sydney Whale Whisperer lives up to its name, providing fascinating insights on its intimate, custom-built vessel.
Oz Whale Watching pairs the excitement of whale-spotting with a barbecue lunch buffet, so you can enjoy a sausage or two while you watch humpbacks leap from the water. Whale Watching Sydney has been running tours for more than 30 years and offers a whale guarantee: in the unlikely event you don’t spot a whale, you’ll score a free return trip. And Sydney Harbour Boat Tours keeps its tours capped at 10 people, so you’ll feel like you’re the only ones in the water with the 40,000 whales that migrate annually.
Boat hire and private charters
Sydney Harbour has enough hidden nooks and secret coves to delight, excite and intrigue everyone. A private boat charter offers a more personalised maritime experience, so you and your group can take in your pick of the harbour’s many wonders. Sea Sydney Harbour offers tailored cruises that are perfect for birthdays, hen’s nights, work events or other intimate parties. Lifestyle Charters offers fine dining cuisine and expertly selected wines on stunningly appointed luxury vessels.
Lifestyle Charters - Credit: Karina Illovska
As the name suggests, Local Eyes, now part of Localing Tours, gives you the opportunity to see Sydney through the eyes of a local, with bespoke experiences that showcase the harbour's hidden gems.
With multiple floors – each equipped with kitchen, cocktail bar, dancefloor and sweeping views, The Jackson is one of the most elegant and party-ready superyachts on the harbour. And, with Any Boat, your private cruise options are as vast as the harbour itself, the company offering a range of customisable cruises on a fleet of boats that can cater to every whim and fancy.
