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A guide to Sydney Harbour cruise boats
Sydney Harbour CruisesBoat Types
- Sydney Harbour
- Captain Cook Cruise
- Sightseeing Cruises
- Whale Watching Sydney with Lunch
- Dolphin Cruise
- Whale Watching Sydney Season
- Whale Species
- Whales
- Hyams Beach
- Dinner Cruises
- Lunch Cruises
- Vivid Sydney Cruises
- New Year's Eve Cruises
- Jet Boat Rides
- Boarding Points
- Plan Your Visit
- Timings
- Map
- Departure Points
- Best Time for Whale Watching Sydney
- Best Whale Watching Spots
- Season
- Top Attractions
- Boat Types
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tickets
- Sydney Opera House Tours
- Scenic World Tickets
- Sydney to Blue Mountain Tours
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruises
- Sydney Tower Eye Tickets
- Taronga Zoo Tickets
- Sydney Zoo Tickets
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Tickets
- Featherdale Wildlife Park Tickets
- Madame Tussauds Tickets
- Big Bus Sydney Hop-on Hop-off Tours
- Skydive Sydney Tickets
- Luna Park Tickets
- Australian National Maritime Museum Tickets
- Australian Reptile Park Tickets
Contents
Whether you are big on adventure or just want to relax, a Sydney Harbour cruise is available for all occasions. Sturdily built and packed with amenities, Sydney Harbour cruise boats are designed to give you a safe and comfortable experience. Scroll down to explore the different boat types available for Sydney Harbour cruises and find the perfect option for your experience.
The right vessel for your Sydney Harbour cruise
With a variety of options available for Sydney Harbour cruises, each cruise vessel is specially designed to cater to the needs of your cruise. Here are some boats used for various types of cruises.
Sightseeing cruises
Boats used: Catamarans, luxury cruisers
Sightseeing cruises usually last 1.5–2.5 hours. Catamarans and cruisers cover multiple spots quickly, while Tall Ships sail at a slower pace, giving you more time to enjoy Sydney’s iconic landmarks and capture stunning photos of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and sparkling harbour views.
Lunch & dinner cruises
Boats used: Luxury cruise liners
Lunch and dinner cruises need stability, amenities and power, making super cruisers, luxury cruisers and other first-class vessels perfect.
Whale-watching cruises
Boats used: Cruisers, catamarans, custom whale-watching vessel
Whale-watching cruises need sturdy vessels with good viewing areas, both indoor and outdoor. Therefore, cruisers and catamarans are good choices. Custom vessels are useful for providing a safe environment for whales and dolphins.
Ferries or HOHO cruises
Boats used: Catamaran
Catamarans are great for HOHO cruises or as ferry vehicles because of their stability. They travel fast, have capacities of 40-60 people and are great for those who are sensitive to the rolling motion of most boats, making them the perfect transportation vehicle.
Luxury cruises
Boats used: Luxury cruiser
Luxury cruisers are filled with amenities like a galley, stage, dance floor, bar, private balconies, open-air decks and much more. These boats are spacious, remain sturdy atop waters and have multiple decks for views from various vantage points.
Sydney Harbour cruise boat types explained
Catamaran
- Ideal for: Small groups, sightseeing, whale-watching
- Av. cruise speed: 12 knots
Twin-hull boats cruising at around 12 knots, accommodating 20–70 guests. Their stability makes them perfect for first-time cruisers or anyone seeking a smooth, comfortable ride while enjoying harbour views.
Luxury catamaran
- Ideal for: Sightseeing, big groups, parties
- Av. cruise speed: 12 knots
Offering the stability of a catamaran with amenities like restrooms, Wi-Fi, and wheelchair access, they’re ideal for parties and meals on board thanks to their smooth, stable design.
Cruiser
- Ideal for: Sightseeing, whale-watching
- Av. cruise speed: 14 knots
Smaller than a full-fledged yacht, these boats accommodate 20–30 guests, offering spacious seating and lounging for sightseeing. They require skill to operate but are low-maintenance in saltwater.
Rocket ferry
- Ideal for: Whale-watching, sightseeing, transfers
- Av. cruise speed: 12 knots
Stable, high-speed vessels with indoor seating and open-air viewing areas, accommodating around 148 guests and equipped with amenities like toilets.
Whale-watching cruiser
- Ideal for: Sightseeing, whale-watching
- Av. cruise speed: 14 knots
Modified cruisers with reduced noise and speed to avoid disturbing marine life, featuring large enclosed windows and open decks for optimal wildlife viewing.
Tall ship
Ideal for: Parties, lunch and dinner cruises
Av. cruise speed: 6 knots
- Tall ships are traditionally rigged sailing vessels that may accommodate 100-120 people and give you a taste of yesteryear nautical adventures.
- They are usually older vessels that have been restored and re-rigged using modern technology and materials.
Book your Sydney Harbour Cruise
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Harbour cruise boats
What kind of boat will I sit on my dinner cruise?
Dinner cruises can be set up on many different kinds of boats: First-class vessel, AC super-cruiser Sydney 2000, Tall ships, Luxury cruise liners, etc. are a few examples. The boat you will get to cruise on will be mentioned in your voucher.
I’m looking for a luxury cruise. What boat will it have?
Luxury cruisers and super-cruisers like the Sydney 2000 usually have luxury cruise tours. There are also luxury catamarans that can offer an opulent experience.
What is a mid-range boat type I can pick for a cruise?
Catamarans, cruisers, speedboats and tall ships are some mid-range boats that will give you a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
How fast will the ferry go?
Ferries are fairly fast vehicles with cruising speeds of about 12 knots. However, they can sometimes get as fast as 50 knots.
Which are the fastest among the Sydney Harbour cruise boats?
Among the Sydney Harbour cruise boats, speedboats are the fastest. Their average cruising speed is about 30-50 knots but they can go much faster full throttle.
I have motion sickness. What kind of boat should I pick?
If you have motion sickness, you may want to pick a larger boat as the rolling is less prominent in large vessels. Apart from that, catamarans are great options because of their relative stability provided by their twin hulls.
What is the most unique Sydney Harbour cruise boat experience?
For the most unique Sydney Harbour cruise experience, go whale-watching in a Tall Ship. This is a bang for your money because not only can you see whales in their natural habitat but you will also be able to experience sailing in a restored boat that once sailed during the golden era of nautical adventures.
Do the Sydney Harbour cruise boats have toilets?
Most Sydney Harbour cruise boats have toilets in them. Rocket ferries, Sydney 2000 and a number of others even have accessible toilets.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
Policies vary by operator. Some vessels offer catering options, while others may allow BYO. It's best to confirm with the specific cruise provider.
Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
Many modern vessels are equipped with wheelchair access, but it's essential to verify with the cruise operator beforehand.