REVIEWED · SYDNEY CATAMARAN CRUISES
Good sydney catamaran cruises sell their best departures weeks out. Below: the 11 to book early, what each includes, and the detail that separates them.
Cruise from Darling Harbour aboard Fantasea Avalon, a fast, purpose-built catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. You reach the open ocean in about 30 minutes, then search for humpback whales with an English-speaking crew. Tea, coffee, and water are included, and an onboard photographer captures key moments for purchase.
“Great we saw few humpback whales , one of them was jumping.”
Board the catamaran Kirralee at Man O'War Steps for a relaxed one-hour loop around Sydney Harbour. You will pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour, with indoor and outdoor seating, a grazing platter, and one soft drink or water. The English-speaking crew may include Phil, Emily, Yolanda, or other friendly team members.
“10/10 experience. Lovely cruise experience, everything was smooth, the crew made sure we had a great time and a smooth sail. They were helpful and patient with everybody taking photos and the snacks were a great finishing touch to an overall brilliant cruise. Highly recommended”
Board the 55-foot Whitehaven at Darling Harbour for a 90-minute Vivid Sydney cruise capped at 70 passengers. You’ll receive a welcome drink, see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge lit up, and move between indoor and outdoor decks. Hot canapes and drinks are available to buy, with English-speaking crew onboard.
“What a great way to enjoy not only 2 of our most famous icons but then to also have large parts of the VividSydney display from the water it was amazing, highly recommend to anyone.”
Cruise Sydney Harbour for 90 minutes aboard Kirralee, a 35-foot catamaran carrying up to 26 people. With a skipper, host, antipasto, one cold non-alcoholic drink, and no BYO corkage fee, you’ll pass the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, gardens, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour during Vivid Sydney.
“Really great tour and they don’t cram you in like sardines like I’ve seen some of the other larger boats do. Highly recommend dressing with extra layers as it can get really cold out on the water during the time vivid is on. The boat was incredibly clean, staff were really friendly and the platter and soft drinks provided were generous. We took a bottle of wine but with the weather being so cold we decided to keep our hands in our pockets. Perhaps the earlier session would have been a little bit warmer.”
Board Fleetwing II at Pier 2, Walsh Bay, for a 90-minute Vivid Sydney cruise past the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Luna Park, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour. You get canapes and one beer, wine, soft drink, or juice, with indoor and outdoor seating, a licensed bar, and a restroom onboard.
“People were kind…food was plenty…tour was nice…all good on time/punctual. Great communication when wharf location was changed.”
Take a private 3 or 4-hour catamaran cruise around Sydney Harbour with an experienced skipper and deckhand. Cruise beneath the Harbour Bridge, pass the Opera House, then anchor in a quiet cove. You can bring food and drinks, use the onboard BBQ for an added cooking fee, and arrange pickup and drop-off points around the harbour.
“We had the best time ! I highly recommend to have this amazing. Experience. They even let my kids have a go at driving the boat .”
Spend 90 minutes aboard Heaven, a multi-level catamaran limited to 40 passengers, cruising Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney. You’ll pass the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay, Luna Park, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour, with roaming canapés, one complimentary drink, a licensed bar, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
“Great views of the harbour - the bridge, the city and the Opera House! And wonderful way to enjoy the Sydney Vivid lights and friendly crew. Fun!”
Join Sea Sydney Harbour aboard Kirralee, a 10.5-metre catamaran limited to 30 people. From 6pm, enjoy a fresh BBQ, snacks, and Sydney Harbour views before anchoring for the 9pm and midnight fireworks. Bring your own alcohol with no corkage fee, and expect attentive crew members such as Phil and Justin.
“Since we didn’t feel like the crowds at the viewpoints, we decided to take a boat trip with the Kirralee. After finding an anchorage with good views of the Habour Bridge, we had a typical Australian barbecue to refresh ourselves. The crew looked after us great and we felt very comfortable on board. It was an unforgettable evening in a relaxed atmosphere.Auto-translated”
Board a 10.5-metre catamaran at Man O War Steps beside the Opera House for a one-hour Sydney Harbour cruise. You’ll pass the Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Luna Park, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour while enjoying Aussie bites, one drink, music, and indoor or outdoor seating. The boat carries up to 26 people and has no guided commentary.
“i really loved this experience.Absolutely great time, best crew ever! Good free food and drjnks, so yummy. Woohoo”
Board your private catamaran at Aquarium Wharf in Darling Harbour for a 60 or 90 minute Sydney Harbour cruise. You can bring light snacks and drinks with no corkage fee, choose indoor or outdoor seating, and pass beneath the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The boat suits groups of up to 15.
Meet at Man O’War Steps beside the Sydney Opera House for a relaxed one-hour cruise aboard Kirralee. With up to 26 passengers, you’ll see the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour while enjoying an Aussie grazing platter, soft drink, or water. BYO alcohol is welcome with no corkage fee.
“Perfect, the staff were lovely and picky bits delicious.”
Pick a coast, or pick what happens on board.
