Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Morning or Afternoon Departure
4.5

Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Morning or Afternoon Departure

By Oz Whale Watching
Recommended by 91% of travellers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 0-99, max of 80 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Restroom on board
  • Live commentary
What's not included
  • Hotel Transfers
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Private transportation


Start:
  • Sydney Princess Cruises, Eastern Pontoon, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
    Please check in 20 minutes prior to departure. Eastern Pontoon is a wharf on the water's edge (on the same side as the opera house).
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infant seats available
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5951P10

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • 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 80 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: 5951P10

    From
    AU$55.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • Eastern Pontoon, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
      Please check in 20 minutes prior to departure. Eastern Pontoon is a wharf on the water's edge (on the same side as the opera house).
    • 1
      Once on board you will cruise and discover all the history and heritage of Sydney Harbour.
      Pass by
      Sydney Opera House
      Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
      Sydney Harbour Bridge
      Luna Park Sydney
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Oz Whale Watching
      1,523
      Australia
      Joined in July 2012
    • edwardbY7619OI
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Cruisin!
      Nice lunch and great cruise. Tour guide did an excellent job giving the history for the 2-hour tour! Essential when you arrive to get the lay of the land!
      Written 23 January 2025
    • SueMo_11
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An excellent way to be introduced to Sydney.
      Couldn't ask for a better way of seeing the Sydney Harbour area from the water. It was our first full day in the City and we came up trumps. Beginning with an excellent buffet lunch on board ( not the skimpy portions experienced elsewhere in the past) we were given a full description of what we were seeing mixed with a history of how the city came into being. The guide Ron, a 7th generation Aussie, was able to give us a clear insight into Sydney in our own mutual first language (English) which often doesn't happen on tours. This meant we were able to relax completely and benefit greatly without straining to understand. Would recommend this tour to anyone.
      Written 21 January 2025
    • 206DavidP
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Something Special
      We were amazed at the number of people queuing for this cruise which we had booked several months ago . We were unaware that this was the final cruise of the Seasonal migration of Whales to the southern ocean . We were a bit concerned that there would be insufficient seats and also we did not have any great expectations regarding the BBQ lunch . However we boarded with everyone else and we had been worrying over nothing . There was ample seating and the the Lunch was terrific with plenty of delicious food and enough for seconds . There was a dedicated expert to give us commentary as we cruised through the Harbour as lunch was served . After lunch service we ventured out into the quite Heavy swell , about 3 mts . Glad we had Lunch inside the Harbour . We headed south for about an hour with no sign of Whales , however the Skipper received a call from another Boat to say that a Mother & Calf had been spotted near the Heads . We turned and made our way back and we spotted the pair of Whales as they crossed the entrance to the Harbour , occasionally breaching and waving with the huge Flippers . The Calf was especially active as if Mother was encouraging it to perform for us . Suddenly 2 large Males also appeared , so now we had 4 whales in view . We kept pace with them as they headed south until , sadly , it was time for us to return to the Harbour . As we made our turn the skipper sounded his Horn 3 times and the Whales waved us goodbye with their Flippers , as if they had been trained to do that . What a special Day . We managed to get some good video of the Whales . This will go down as something we will remember .
      Written 11 January 2025
    • loul2025
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      a great way to see Sydney
      amazing views. great weather. thankful for the constant warnings ( and availability) of using sunscreen, ect. managed to snag a small table in the shade at the stern. food was great for the price, though one has to be careful getting from the buffet to one's spot on a moving boat. running commentary was enjoyable, and i usually don't like such things. a great way to spend a couple of hours and a great way to see Sydney
      Written 10 January 2025
    • Mary I
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Christmas Lunch on the Harbour.
      Easy to organise, welcoming staff. Separate tables for couples and groups of family/friends. Tables nicely presented with crackers etc. Seafood was delicious and constantly replenished - oysters, large prawns smoked salmon all beautifully served. I didn’t eat the hot food but it looked good. Wine, bubbly , soft drinks and coffee all freely available. The sea was a mill pond, the sun shone from a blue sky - perfect, thank you Sydney Princess Cruises.
      Written 26 December 2024
    • dogspocket
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great cruise, get in early for food!
      The cruise was interesting and to see the harbour you need to be on the water; the cruise length was ideal and we wanted the ability to combine with a meal so all boxes ticked. The food was very good and the on-board drinks prices very reasonable, but -1 star because the buffet started to run out before everyone had a chance to eat. Still would recommend the cruise, but get in early for your food!
      Written 22 December 2024
    • Coliesta V
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great trip and we saw whales!
      Fantastic guides and a great experience! I would highly recommend that you take sea bands or some type of Dramamine because we had about five people got violently sick on the boat because of the choppy water/motion sickness. It’s no joke and was tough to listen to. Take something for sea sickness before you go.
      Written 30 November 2024
    • roxannag250
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Would book again!
      Service was great, food served was delicious, staff was very attentive and friendly. Emcee was personable and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend!!
      Written 25 November 2024
    • Experience462597
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Delicious in every way!
      A lovely relaxing tour, great commentary and an unexpectedly delicious lunch. Lovely friendly service from everyone - highly recommended 😊
      Written 25 November 2024
    • Eddie P
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Enjoyable two and a quarter hours.
      A very well organised team. Cruise Commentator Emma gave a great description and history of the landmarks that we passed. The buffet was very nice and plentiful. I would recommend this cruise.
      Written 18 November 2024
    • Sabari1212
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Must try and best organiser.
      Amazing experience. must try. staff was super friendly and quite supportive. in the cruise food was also really really good. they made sure that we could see Whales. spent quality 3-4 hrs in deep sea. we even saw dolphins going in front of our ship. the sea was turbulent. had best experience of my life.
      Written 10 November 2024
    • Laura B
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Cancelled!
      Cancelled due to mechanical issues, I was never informed of the cancellation B4 we got to the kiosk- very unprofessional. I planned the entire day around the excursion.
      Written 9 November 2024
    • rodt943
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful day on the Harbour.
      Totally enjoyable few hours on the Harbour. Blessed with a beautiful sunny day and the good fortune of getting an outside table. The commentary was good and clear but with nice breaks between explanation while relaxing music played. The lunch was standard fare but ample in size. I was surprised to be charged for soft drinks but that's Sydney. The only thing that was weird was the passengers were allowed to smoke on the front of the boat. Lovely view, comfortable boat professionally operated.
      Written 8 November 2024
    • Makattak59
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A Beautiful Day for Whale Watching
      The trip is worth it if you are patient to see the whales. Some days they are more active than other days. We saw the whales but they were up and down very quickly. We did not have any great photo opportunities on our trip. If you get seasick, reconsider going on the trip. The crew were fabulous.
      Written 5 November 2024
    • Capt_Fred_FL
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to see the highlights of the harbor
      We chose this tour to get an overview of the greater Sidney area. The boat is roomy with two enclosed seating decks and an open observation deck at the top. Our tour guide was excellent and provided continuous commentary about the harbor and the surrounding areas. The buffet lunch was quite good and actually exceeded our expectations. The bar drinks are extremely reasonable, certainly the cheapest in the Circular Quay. This is a great way to get out into the harbor for sightseeing while getting some lunch at the same time.
      Written 4 November 2024
    See all 1,523 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.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles160 reviews
    Excellent
    117
    Very good
    29
    Average
    3
    Poor
    6
    Terrible
    5

    Natascha
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2024 • Family
    The Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise with Sydney Princess Cruises is a must-do for anyone looking to experience Sydney fully. This cruise provides a unique perspective of the city, offering fantastic photo opportunities with iconic sights such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We were fortunate to have Ron as our guide, who entertained the entire boat with his charm and extensive knowledge. In addition to sharing fascinating historical facts and insights, he provided excellent recommendations on what to see and do, and he was always ready to answer any questions. Thank you for a great time!
    Written 5 January 2025
    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 there, We are so happy to hear you had a fantastic time on your sightseeing cruise! From our informative live commentary to the sights of Sydney Harbour. Thank you!
    Written 9 January 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kathy W
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2024 • Couples
    This tour provides beautiful views of the Sydney area shoreline, including the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Excellent picture opportunities! Our tour guide, Ron, was very friendly and provided lots interesting information on various buildings, and locales. The tour was on time. The provision of free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cookies and apples was also much appreciated.
    Written 9 June 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.

    Keith C
    66 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You catch the boat from a pontoon half way along the opera house side of Circular quay. We did the 18.00 sailing, which at this time of year has the added bonus that on the earlier part of the trip you have daylight for your views, and at the end you see everything lit up, which looks really good. The boat has an open top deck and enclosed lower deck. There is free tea/coffee/hot chocolate from a machine and reasonably priced soft and alcoholic drinks available too. The harbour is very large and there is a constant stream of various ferries dodging each other around Circular quay, which is interesting to see. This cruise doesn't go far from the bridge, but there is plenty of time for Ron's many facts and figures relating to the area and many opportunities for photos of the bridge (you sail under it) and opera house, the stars of the show.
    Written 16 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.

    Darrel S
    Fredericksburg, VA7 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Regrettably, the staff allowed a small group of drinkers onto the boat whose voices drowned out the commentary from the docent. To my knowledge, the staff did not ask the drinkers to be quiet; although several other passengers asked the drinkers to keep quiet multiple times. The cruise itself was visually stunning; but, without the commentary, it lacked context. At the end of the cruise, the docent asked us to give our reviews on trip advisor. So, here it is. This company did nothing to ensure the majority of passengers got what they paid for—instead, they allowed the loud drinkers to disrupt and ruin the experience for the rest of the passengers. If this is what you want out of a Sydney harbor cruise, then use this company. However, if you want to experience the commentary and explanation of what you are seeing, I recommend another company.
    Written 30 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.

    Margaret L
    1 contribution
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Family
    The tour could have provided more information on the area, history etc. the focus was often on the cost of houses in high price areas and restaurant prices. For example neither Mrs Macquaries chair not the aboriginal tours of the preserve in Darling or the origin of The Rocks were mentioned.
    Written 17 September 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 there, Thank you for this feedback. Our knowledgeable commentators love answering guests questions and queries of the harbour when asked!
    Written 19 September 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    drownedwrld
    San Antonio, TX13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2024 • Couples
    We took this cruise our first day in Sydney, in the afternoon. The guide/commentator was knowledgeable and personable. The cruise takes you through Sydney harbor as well as the surrounding bays, like Watson's. The beginning and latter part were the best for me because you see the opera house and harbor bridge from the water rather than land. You basically see a lot of shoreline and homes. She informed us of celebrity/wealthy people houses. That part of the tour bored me a bit. It was a lot of the same thing. There is some history told which was interesting. You see interesting buildings and attractions. They had apples, hot chocolate and cookies as snacks. They also had a bar, from which you could purchase alcoholic beverages. There were issues at times with her microphone going in and out. And, the upper outside deck were not able to hear her commentary. I recommend it if you want good pictures of the opera house and harbor bridge.
    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.

    730Tom
    Falls Church, VA23 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took a 90 minute harbor tour the day we arrived. It was barely adequate - half hearted commentary, slow putter around the inner harbor, uncomfortable seats, etc.

    Much cheaper and rewarding to use the very economical Sydney Ferry system. You can get anywhere and use a guide book or online city tour.
    Written 1 October 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 Tom, It's unfortunate this was your experience and it wasn't the cruise you were hoping for. Thank you.
    Written 10 October 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Muhammad T
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good cruise with a good pace to take photos. Try to be the first to come down to the main deck at the bottom or the top deck (either side doesn't matter as any views are not missed). Good seating arrangements with refreshments and beverages on board.
    Written 1 January 2025
    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 Muhammad, Awesome you had a good cruise with us and got to see all the sights! Thank you.
    Written 2 January 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Renee S
    13 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    This tour was not value for money and didn’t achieve anything more than a ferry trip would. The commentary was outdated and was politically incorrect, basically racism toward our First Nations People. I was embarrassed that overseas tourists were hearing the word ‘aborigines’ used when it shouldn’t be and ‘The Voice’ referendum as a ‘protest by aborigines’. Get with the times Princess Cruises! It’s embarrassing. So much more could be included about the history of the harbour and area than a few famous houses! Poor value for money. Tried to book the Captain Cook one. We missed out. For $10 more including wine and cheese board… don’t bother with this one.
    Written 29 September 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.

    Jim
    Monifieth, UK7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Solo
    Excellent onboard experience with useful and interesting commentary. Free tea and cofee with alcohol served at very reasonable cost. Just make sure taxi drops you off at closest point. Mine did not and I had a 12 minute walk to the boat.
    Written 23 November 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 there, So great to hear you had an excellent cruise with us! Thank you.
    Written 28 November 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Morning or Afternoon Departure provided by Oz Whale Watching

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