Top Sydney On the Water

Seeing Sydney Harbour in a limited amount of time works best from the water, without the crowds around you. This private cruise places you aboard a luxury vessel with the itinerary handled for you, allowing time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House as you cruise the harbor, enjoying the breeze and a glass of sparkling wine along the way.

Spice up your 4-hour Sydney sightseeing cruise by adding a Latino flavour! Marvel over iconic landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as you glide around Sydney Harbour, then turn your attention to the dazzling on-board entertainment. Tuck into a delicious buffet dinner, accompanied by live music and dance, and make the most of the licensed bar (own expense).

Discover the history of Sydney on a 2.5-hour walking tour and pub crawl in The Rocks. Your knowledgeable and entertaining guide takes you to four of Sydney's oldest pubs where you try a different glass of craft beer, cider, or wine in each venue. Learn about the early days of the British colony in Australia and hear the stories of these old-time pubs as you enjoy their rich atmosphere and tasty drinks.

Explore the waterways of Sydney’s Middle Harbour by kayak on a self-guided tour where you set your own course. You can paddle to pristine beaches, pass by Garigal National Park, or glimpse the Pacific Ocean through the Heads. Located in Mosman, just 5 miles (8 km) from Sydney, the kayak rental office provides paddling instruction and gear. Use of lockers, showers, and changing rooms is included.

Explore the Taranga Zoo and gain access to the Sydney Harbour Hopper route with this tour. Enjoy entry to Taranga Zoo and a 24 or 48-hour pass on Fantasea Cruising's Sydney Harbour Hopper route, cruising between Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Taranga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and Manly. Delight in seeing over 4,000 animals at Taranga Zoo, including native Australian wildlife and rare exotic species, all while soaking in views of Sydney Harbour.

Understanding Sydney’s layered history can be difficult without local context, particularly in areas shaped by both Indigenous heritage and European colonies. This guided pub walking tour explores The Rocks, an area with deep cultural significance, through stories connected to its long-standing pubs. Walk between venues with a local guide, enjoy four included drinks, and learn how social gathering places reflected changing communities over time.

Make the most of a day in Sydney by combining wildlife encounters and harbour views in one easy itinerary—without organizing separate tickets or transport. Start with a whale-watching cruise featuring live commentary, then visit Taronga Zoo to see native Australian species up close. Finally, relax on a scenic ferry ride back across Sydney Harbour, taking in skyline views along the way.

Be sure to put a performance by Opera Australia at the iconic Sydney Opera House on your Sydney itinerary. See classic operas by composers like Massenet and Verdi, as well as iconic Broadway musicals, depending on the season. Take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour while enjoying drinks or a meal (own expense) at one of the Opera House's fine dining venues before or after the performance to top off this unforgettable experience.

Located on the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of fascinating animals, including Australian natives such as the koala, kangaroo, and platypus. Check the schedule for daily keeper presentations, or book an animal encounter or guided tour (own expense) for a more in-depth experience.

Most harbor cruises focus on modern vessels, making it easy to miss Sydney’s maritime heritage. This afternoon sailing experience offers a different perspective aboard a historic tall ship on Sydney Harbour. Learn about traditional sailing and the ship’s history as you cruise past landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and Fort Denison. Enjoy open-deck views for photography, and choose whether to climb the mast for an added thrill (own expense).

Start your day in the most spectacular way possible on our Middle Harbour SUNRISER Sea Kayak Tour—a guided sunrise experience that reveals Sydney at its calmest and most beautiful. Paddling in the protected waters of Middle Harbour, a stunning offshoot of Sydney Harbour, this tour explores a variety of scenic locations depending on the conditions. We launch just before sunrise and glide across glassy water as the sun rises over Sydney Heads, bathing the harbour in golden light. We may paddle toward Grotto Point Lighthouse, slip into the peaceful coves of Chinaman’s Beach or Cobblers Beach, or cruise across to Balmoral. Wildlife sightings are common, and the early morning stillness makes this a truly special experience. We pause at a beautiful shoreline spot to enjoy a hot coffee and a light breakfast, including fresh fruit and juice. We use premium double sea kayaks—lightweight, stable, & smooth—perfect for relaxed touring. We are a proud members of the Tourism NSW Hall of Fame.

Spend a memorable Christmas Day in Sydney on board a cruise on the harbor. Enjoy a buffet with seafood, roast meats, salads, and desserts. Dance to Christmas music while admiring great views of the harbor. The cruise makes a good gift, and is a fun way to spend the day with travel companions or friends and relatives.

Thrill-seekers visiting Sydney need look no further than the Thunder, a high-powered jet boat that can reach speeds of almost 50 mph (75 kph) plus perform slides, twists, fishtails, power brake stops, and 270-degree spins. Don your ponchos and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime as you zip through Sydney Harbour, passing the iconic Opera House, and head towards Manly with tunes pounding from the state-of-the-art speaker system.

Catching views of Sydney Harbour at sunset requires careful timing and planning. This private sunset cruise secures your preferred date and places you aboard a personal vessel with a skipper handling the route. Cruise the harbour as the light changes across the skyline, taking in views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the surrounding waterfronts. Australian sparkling wine and a gourmet cheese platter are included for a truly luxurious experience.

Sydney is built along the water, and to get the best views of the skyline, you really need a boat. Combine an evening cruise with a multi-course dinner for an elegant way to explore Sydney Harbour. Enjoy live music as you glide past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and see the city at its best, from an uncrowded vantage point.

Discover the breathtaking views and magnificent waterfalls of the Blue Mountains without the crowds by delaying your morning departure from Sydney. Spend the day on guided bushwalks through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape, admiring the views from lookout spots. This tour is timed so you miss the worst of the Sydney traffic and linger at the Three Sisters around sunset, after the crowds have disappeared.

Enjoy the ultimate viewing platform for the Sydney VIVID festival during a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a buffet-style meal and a cash bar as your boat sails around the harbor. Take in spectacular views of iconic sights, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, as they transform with light art projections by international artists.

Ahoy, me hearties! Don your finest pirate gear and join Captain Pineapple and the gang aboard an 1850s-style sailing ship for the ultimate family-friendly Sydney Harbour cruise. See the essential sights, from the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House to Fort Denison, as you hunt for gold, fire cannons, and help hoist the sails and steer the ship. You can even climb the mast for an additional fee.

Set sail around Sydney Harbour on this private 3-hour sailing experience from Manly and see Sydney’s iconic skyline from the water. Take the helm and learn the ropes under the guidance of your private skipper; marvel at landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House; or relax on deck as you cruise out to sea.

Head to The Rocks to learn about Sydney’s colorful past. Your historian guide will regale you with stories of the first convicts to arrive in Sydney, their early experiences in Australia, and how they ultimately transformed a shanty camp to an enduring settlement. Listen to tales of street gangs, visit the Customs House, and check out maps and murals of old and new Sydney.

Enjoy an evening of fine dining and spectacular views on a dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour. Indulge your tastebuds with a meal that includes six superb courses accompanied by Penfolds gold selection of bin and vintage wines and a full open bar. Listen to live music on weekends while soaking in iconic sights of Sydney such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Discover Sydney’s local fur seal colony during this private kayak tour. Gear up and paddle out to the seal colony where you can observe the animals in their natural environment for as long as you want. Then, head to Pittwater to enjoy a gourmet lunch on a secluded beach, a perfect way to spend a day in Sydney.

Take a break from city sightseeing and enjoy a leisurely kayak with this double sea kayak rental. Book your timeslot and grab your gear to begin your paddle through the Middle and North harbors. The time is yours to choose how you want to explore; paddle through the calm waters, stop at one of the many beaches, or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in a secluded spot near Mosman.

Treat your loved ones to a progressive lunch that travels by motoryacht to the most scenic parts of Sydney Harbour. Get great views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge as you cruise to Watsons Bay for your appetizer course at a classic waterside eatery. Continue past Middle Head to Balmoral where you stop at your second waterfront restaurant for your main course. Return to your boat for the cheese course. Sparkling wine and other drinks are included.