Sydney Tours
Sydney Harbour Experience Sightseeing Cruise
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Sydney Harbour Experience Sightseeing Cruise

By Captain Cook Cruises
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About
Take in Sydney's highlights from the water during a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise. Take in landmarks including Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, and other major attractions. Upgrade to the Premium Harbour Experience you'll get to enjoy a house beverage and a Cheese and Charcuterie board to share.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Audio guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Upgrade to the Premium Harbour Experience to include a house beverage of your choice and an Australian Cheese & Charcuterie board to share
  • Gain insight into the harbor’s history and heritage from the on-board commentary available directly through your smart phone
  • Enjoy uninterrupted views of top city attractions such as Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge

  • 1.5 hour cruise on Sydney Harbour
  • Guided commentary available directly through your smartphone
  • Spacious outdoor open decks to capture the perfect Instagram moments
  • Light snacks and beverages available for purchase onboard
  • Cheese & Charcuterie Board to share, choice of house drink & reserved seating -select Premium option


Start:
  • Circular Quay Wharf 6, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
    Departs Wharf 6 Circular Quay. Please look for the Captain Cook Cruises ticket office on the wharf,
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3378MIDDLE

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Guests under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult 18 years+
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3378MIDDLE

    From
    AU$49.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
      Departs Wharf 6 Circular Quay. Please look for the Captain Cook Cruises ticket office on the wharf,
    • 1
      Boarding location for your cruise.
      Pass by
      Sydney Opera House
      Sydney Harbour
      Sydney Harbour Bridge
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Captain Cook Cruises
      2,944
      Australia
      Joined in December 2019
    • Laura W
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent experience.
      Excellent. Humpback whale mother with her calf, as well as their escort. They came up numerous times. They came really close to boat, so we could not move until they were away. The guide was absolutely excellent. Made sure everyone got a view and was extremely informative with all my questions. Went Sunday Oct 6, 2024.
      Written 8 October 2024
    • ellenells
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience
      Great experience! Although the menu was very limited, the views of the harbour are magical and worth every penny. The staff were very helpful and everything ran smoothly.
      Written 6 October 2024
    • HelenG50
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Just amazing
      Brilliant morning whale watching. We found a mother and calf very quickly. After a deep dive to feed they both came to the surface multiple times breaching and flapping their tails. Our guide Paul was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the whales and the ocean with lots of great information and funny anecdotes. Highly recommend
      Written 4 October 2024
    • Wally-Singapore
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Whale of a time on this cruise
      Boat left the from Wharf 6, Circular Quay and headed out of the harbour. Spotted some dolphins playfully escorting us out of the harbour. Sea was reasonably calm and we got our 1st whale sighting within minutes of exiting the harbour. Just seeing these majestic animals is amazing. Whatever photos taken just doesn't do justice to witnessing them in person. We spent the next 2 hours moving from one locationto the next where whale pods were sighted and it was great seeing these animals just doing their thing. All too soon it was time to head on back, but not before we did a slight detour to see some NZ fur seals basking on the rocks at the entrance to the harbour. Would recommend this rather informative and amazing cruise to anyone looking for something to do in Sydney
      Written 30 September 2024
    • philipxmalain
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Shouldn’t happen in a special day for someone like me
      Today is my birthday, which for me is a special day in a year. There is one time. But I don‘t feel like it’s a special day at all because of this time. I have booked a sunset premium dinner cruise. Additional booking to sit by the window and services about the cake also. I paid everything as full price. I feel so sad and unhappy on my own birthday on this cruise. Because I sat Table No. 163 was the window seat, but next to it is the door. People walk in and out all the time. I feel that there is no peace of eating at all duration of the cruise running. Starting from 5:30 pm finished around 7:00 pm that was about an hour and half but I did not get my birthday cake yet till cruise stopped. Not a good moment for my birthday in this year. So for anyone who is going to book this cruise please give it a second think and I hope you won’t have experience it like me.
      Written 28 September 2024
    • melk2024
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful Dinner Cruise
      Attentive and organised service. Thanks to the waiter Kingston, who looked after us very well! Beautiful night views and lively dinner, particularly since there was only two hours to get everything out, the crew did a great job.
      Written 28 September 2024
    • Debbie d
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Disappointing better to just do a night cruise
      Seating. Tables empty near the window but told these were not available and to ask later. Rushed - waiter kept trying to move us through our meal to complete. Meal was average the Barramundi was nice out of the 3 courses. No consideration for people with injuries. Put on the top floor toilets on bottom floor. Lights after sunset were worth seeing but overall cost was excessive for service provided.
      Written 22 September 2024
    • NorthStar550295
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Breathtaking views
      Amazing experience. You can do things you like on your own pace. The views are breathtaking! Highly recommend to everyone, especially families with kids.
      Written 20 September 2024
    • Edwina M
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Time at 4 stops was long and due to schedule only able to visit at 3 stops. Left at 0900am, estimated return after 700 pm. I got
      No commentary along the boat ride. Left it up to individual to download app. Would be so easy for tour to have this set up so we could relax and listen without hassle.
      Written 11 September 2024
    • Cathryn D
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Perfect way to enjoy the harbour.
      It was a fabulous way to see and enjoy the harbour. We were fortunate with great weather too. Staff were attentive and the food and service lovely.
      Written 6 September 2024
    • CFM555
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Unable to reach Manly due no ramp
      Very good tour of the harbour The four stars are due to there being no ramp, to enable us with disabilities to get off, at Manly
      Written 31 August 2024
    • denty632
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great convenient option for families with kids
      Really easy trip. Toranga Zoo is very good, so good, at times it was hard to see the animals! I’m sure you could do this cheaper just buying a normal ferry, bus and entry ticket but the convenience was great! wished we’d got the earlier ferry out and then back to to tonga to get a full cruise of the harbour!
      Written 20 August 2024
    • 501nicko
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Underwhelming
      It felt like We were dining in food court. The singer was way too loud and the sound system she was using was cheap and nasty.We struggled to hear each other over dinner . The food was average and extremely small for what we paid.Staff were pleasant but far too rushed to be attentive.Could not recommend this to anyone for the price.
      Written 17 August 2024
    • roslync870
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Poorly done.
      Bought premium 3 flights of stairs and no flexibility with meals. Couldn’t even get cream with desert. Fish very dry. Ordered coffee took so long arrived back to wharf so couldn’t drink it. Canapés stone cold. Wish I hadn’t went.
      Written 17 August 2024
    • gregi276
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Avoid this tour option!
      Tour costs more than if you pay for the admission at the zoo and take the public ferry to and from. Tour has limited trips to and from zoo.
      Written 17 August 2024
    See all 2,944 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    4.0
    4.0 of 5 bubbles72 reviews
    Excellent
    41
    Very good
    19
    Average
    6
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    6

    Vernman
    Joplin, MO240 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Somewhat of a disappointment. The boat itself wasn’t bad. A little worn but nothing too bad. The main problem I had was the filthy windows. We paid a premium price for an inside space to view the sites of the harbor, but literally could not talk a photo through the streaked and dirty windows. Also, there was not commentary unless you download an app and listen through you phone. If you didn’t bring ear buds this was sort of useless. The food offerings were okay and reasonably priced. All in all not a terrible disappointment but certainly not what we had expected ether.
    Written 5 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Vernman We are very disappointed to hear that you were dissatisfied with your experience onboard with us and we did not meet the high standards you have come to expect of Captain Cook Cruises. We always aim for the highest standards and take seriously the feedback of our valued customers - your feedback has been passed onto the relevant departments. We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss further, may we ask that you email us at feedback@captaincook.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Regards, The Captain Cook Team Sydney
    Written 6 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Stephen Moore
    Maidstone, UK17 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2023 • Couples
    We did the guided turn around the inside of the opera house which was fascinating, our guide was amusing and educational . We also sWthe stage hands setting up for an evening performance which was amazing as we saw the massive lifts they useto bring up props from below the main stage.
    Well worth the cost.
    Written 6 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Fettler-UK, It looks like this review is for the Sydney Opera House. We provide sightseeing and dining experiences on stunning Sydney Harbour as well as transfer services. Great to hear you enjoyed your experience at the Opera House! Regards, Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 9 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Dale G
    Milford, IA16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2019
    This 2 hour Sydney Harbour Cruise is very informative and enjoyable. The tour guide narrated everything we were seeing giving history of the area along with current events. She was very personable and would walk around the deck and answer questions. The boat was very comfortable and the ride very smooth. The scenery was beautiful and many wonderful opportunities for pictures of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Snacks, coffee, and tea were provided. It was a very pleasant experience.
    Written 8 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear 870daleg, Thank you for your review of your Captain Cook Cruises experience. Our cruise offers live, personalised commentary providing insights from our highly experienced commentator. As you’re aware, finding the right balance between providing information, humour and interactions can be difficult as each customer has tastes and preferences, so we’re glad that you enjoyed this aspect of your cruise. Thank you once again for your feedback. Kind Regards, Head of Customer Service Captain Cook Cruises
    Written 17 February 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    LC808
    3 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2023
    Our cruise was cancelled twice. Such a waste of half a day. Our guided tour cruise with charcuterrie and champagne was scheduled for 2pm. We got our tickets early at 12:30 pm. We were told to board at the dock at 1:50pm. We waited at the dock at 1:50pm until a few minutes after 2pm to find out that it was cancelled because of engine problems. The office rescheduled our cruise to 3:30pm. We walked around until then. We watched the boat arrive and unload passengers. As we were about to board, the staff told us that our 3:30pm cruise was cancelled because they ran out of food. They offered us a full refund and a free rocket express cruise at 3:50pm. The rocket express cruise was not a guided tour. It was literally a ferry service to Manly Beach, Watson Bay, and Shark Island. We couldn't get off the boat until we returned to Circular Quay at 5:30pm. I would recommend booking a tour with another company rather than dealing with the cancellations. The only positive was that they didn't fight us on getting a full refund. However, we wasted 5 hours when we were in Sydney for only 2 days. Definitely could've spent our time elsewhere.
    Written 21 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are sorry to hear you have had this experience with Captain Cook Cruises, unfortunately we had a mechanical issue on this day and understand this caused delays to our schedule. On behalf of the Sydney team, please accept our sincere apologies for your experience. We ask the you please reach out to us via email, feedback@captaincook.com.au to discuss next steps. Regards, The Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 26 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Dinah M
    Houston, TX9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020
    We specifically wanted a cruise during the daytime that did NOT involve a meal, and this tour fit the bill. It was a beautiful day to sit on the upper deck and see the entire Sydney Harbor, with excellent commentary by the Captain Cook guide, Elizabeth. She not only pointed out landmarks, but included very interesting historical facts and stories that made the cruise very enjoyable. So enjoyable that we never went down to the dining room to partake of the coffee and sweets that were included in our tour! I would highly recommend this tour, no matter how much time you have to spend in Sydney.
    Written 22 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Dinah M, Thank you for your review of your Captain Cook Cruises experience. Our Harbour Story Cruise offers live, personalised commentary providing insights from our highly experienced commentator. As you’re aware, finding the right balance between providing information, humour and interactions can be difficult as each customer has tastes and preferences, so we’re glad you enjoyed this aspect of your cruise. Thank you once again for your feedback. Kind Regards, Head of Customer Service Captain Cook Cruises
    Written 3 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Tanyaargo
    Denver61 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2024 • Couples
    Nice, short, basic cruise. Would book Main Harbor cruise instead. Cheese plate was nice. Not too crowded. Audio guide was good. Live music made it difficult to hear audio guide
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Tanyaargo, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed aspects of your cruise. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the live music making it difficult to hear the audio guide. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we will take it into consideration to ensure a better experience for our guests in the future. We appreciate your patronage and hope to welcome you aboard again soon for another cruise on Sydney Harbour. Best Regards, Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 4 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Mini23
    Newcastle64 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2022
    Lovely 90 minute cruise onboard the Captain Cook. The cheese platter was fabulous and the glass of wine included was average but appreciated. For $55 it was good value but we were very disappointed there was no commentary. We tried to listen with the app but it was slightly difficult to follow and not loud enough for us all to listen. It would of been anti social if we all used air buds. Overall staff, vessel, value & experience was great.
    Written 28 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Frances O, Thank you for your review of the Captain Cook cruise. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the lovely 90-minute cruise and found the cheese platter to be fabulous. We apologize for the disappointment regarding the lack of commentary, but we found more passengers were happier conversing without it playing out loud. We appreciate your feedback regarding the app and will take it into consideration for future improvements. We're pleased that you found the staff, vessel, value, and overall experience to be great. Thank you for choosing to cruise with us, and we hope to welcome you on board again in the future. Regards, Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 22 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Whyarentyouhere
    Brisbane, Australia13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely on the Harbour. Did feel as tho half the trip was taking people back to Barangaroo warf and then dropping us back at circular key. Commentary was on our phone and didn’t match the trip we took or at least I found it difficult. As we had to share the commentary by putting the phone on the table, the lovely entertainment singer on board meant we couldn’t hear it properly. Soooo, in summary, the trip was great if you wanted a nice drink and snack (good service) whilst on the water. If you are looking to educate your children then probably not the best option.
    Written 16 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Whyarentyouhere, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy that you found the trip enjoyable, especially while cruising the harbor. We're sorry to hear about the inconvenience caused by the commentary and its alignment with the tour. Your feedback regarding the phone commentary and its coordination with the live entertainment onboard has been noted. We strive to ensure all aspects of our cruises meet our guests' expectations and will consider your insights for improvements. We're glad you appreciated the service and the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant drink and snack while on the water. Should you have any further feedback or queries, please feel free to reach out. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience. Best Regards, Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 17 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    PaulGian
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2023 • Family
    Sydney is an amazing city with incredible sites. We had the opportunity to enjoy NYE on a boat in Sydney Harbour marvelling the extravagant fireworks display. Farewelling one year and welcoming another on the harbour is an incredible feeling. It is a stunning city where you can walk and discover all points of the CBD circumference and its adjacent inner city suburbs like Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst, Surrey Hills etc. The Opera House is such an amazing architectural feature that is an incredible structure. We love how the CBD has pockets of preservation of its history that tourists can enjoy compared to other cities which are overtaken by new high rise buildings. Easy visits to Coogee, Bondi and Manly are breathtaking places yet so accessible to the city. Enjoyed great food at places like Bar Totti's and Thai Tharee. The down side for coffee lovers - so difficult to find a great cup of coffee. Macchiato and the Associate Espresso Bar the exceptions.
    Written 13 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi WANGTTI, Thank you for sharing your delightful experience and highlighting the beauty of Sydney. We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time celebrating NYE on our boat while marveling at the spectacular fireworks display. Sydney's iconic sites, including the Opera House and the diverse neighborhoods, truly make it a stunning city to explore. We appreciate your observations about the preservation of historical pockets in the CBD, providing a unique charm. It's fantastic that you explored nearby attractions like Coogee, Bondi, and Manly, enjoying their breathtaking beauty. Your culinary experiences at places like Bar Totti's and Thai Tharee sound wonderful, and we appreciate your feedback on the coffee scene. We'll certainly consider this aspect for improvement. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more unforgettable experiences in Sydney. Best Regards, Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 16 January 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Jim V
    Chippewa Falls, WI25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a 2 hour tour of the Sydney Harbour. The tour guide provided a lot of interesting information about the Harbour and all of the surrounding area. It gives a visitor an idea of how big the Harbour is. It also give good views of the buildings built on the Harbour. A good tour for any visitor to Sydney.
    Written 25 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Jim V, Thank you for your review of your Captain Cook Cruises experience. Our cruise offers live, personalised commentary providing insights from our highly experienced commentator. As you’re aware, finding the right balance between providing information, humour and interactions can be difficult as each customer has tastes and preferences, so we’re glad that you enjoyed this aspect of your cruise. Thank you once again for your feedback. Kind Regards, Head of Customer Service Captain Cook Cruises
    Written 3 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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