Discover the best way to see and explore Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises

We believe Sydney Harbour is the most beautiful in the world, but there is so much more to our waterway beyond the natural beauty. Wildlife and whale watching, islands and beaches, hidden coves and fishing villages all make up a vibrant living harbour. Palatial waterfront homes dot the foreshore, as do many of Sydney's most popular attractions including Taronga Zoo and SeaLife Aquarium. Our Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruises and tours are world-famous, with a wealth of awards and over a million thrilled guests. Let us show you our home and playground.

  • PREMIUM EXPERIENCE
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    Premium Sightseeing

    See Sydney in style- The world’s most beautiful Harbour, deserves the very best cruise to experience it.

    Our new range of premium sightseeing experiences are like nothing you have experienced before on Sydney Harbour. Amazing views, choice of premium reserved lounge seating and a delectable choice of tasting plate and beverage options available day and night.

    • 2 Premium Cruises to choice from - day and night
    • Premium Harbour Experience - 4 departures from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
    • Cocktail Harbour Bar - 4 departures from 5:00pm to 7:30pm
    • Premium reserved Lounge or Table seating on Ocean Deck

    From $65.00 per adult

    Normally $75.00. Save $10.00.

  • 55 Year Cruise to Win website banner tablet V3

    Celebrating 55 Years on Sydney Harbour

    Join us as Captain Cook Cruises celebrates over five fantastic decades of cruising Sydney Harbour!

    This milestone year is packed with exclusive events, exciting competitions, and up to $24,000 Cruise Cash to be won.

    Cruise to Win
    Simply book and cruise with us in 2025 and have an active Captain's Club Membership - the more times you cruise, the more chances you have to win!

    Visit Our Story page for full details.

  • SIGNATURE SIGHTSEEING
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    Classic Sightseeing

    Classic Cruises - Discover the most beautiful Harbour in the world with our range of sightseeing cruises passing the world-famous icons of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, stunning blue bays, hidden beaches, island national parks, towering headlands, botanic gardens, and the homes and playgrounds of the rich and famous.

    • 2 Classic Cruises to choose from - rocket or relaxed sightseeing
    • Rocket Sightseeing - fully flexible departures throughout the day
    • Harbour Experience - 4 departures daily from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
    • Family Bonus specials

    From $28.00 per adult

    Normally $33.00. Save $5.00.

  • WILDLIFE
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    Whale Watching

    17 May - 02 November 2025

    AS SEEN ON CHANNEL 7 NEWS

    Sydney is the envy of Australia with a whale watching season that lasts over five months of the year. Over 20,000 Humpback whales make the 3,500km journey from sub-Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef every year.

    • Approx. 2.5 hour cruise
    • Expert commentary
    • Family friendly, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating
    • No Whales? Cruise again FREE. Whale sighting guaranteed or cruise again for free*

    From $69.00 per adult

    Normally $95.00. Save $26.00.

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    Taronga Zoo Express

    Visit Australia’s most famous zoo, situated right on Sydney Harbour. The Taronga Zoo Ferry Express is the fun way to travel to the Zoo onboard a rocket ferry with express entry on the Sky Safari cable car directly from the wharf.

    • Entry to Taronga Zoo
    • Return ferry from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Manly or Watsons Bay
    • The fun way to travel to the Zoo aboard a rocket ferry
    • Digital commentary and free wifi

    From $75.00 per adult

    Normally $79.00. Save $4.00.

  • GREAT VALUE
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    Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer

    When in Sydney travel like the locals do, on the harbour highway with the official Sydney Harbour Explorer. Up to 6 destinations, one easy to follow ferry timetable, expert local assistance and the flexibility to hop-on and hop-off as you like.

    • Approx 90-minute round-trip circuit of the Harbour
    • Commentary
    • Choice of 1 or 2 day passes
    • Combine with attractions

    From $44.00 Per adult

  • Big bus sydney 0110 bondi

    Big Bus & Cruise Combos

    The fun and easy way to explore Sydney your way. Big Bus and Captain Cook Cruises have combined to create the ultimate hop-on, hop-off sightseeing experiences!

    • Explore Sydney City, beaches and attractions the fun and way
    • One day cruise and two day bus combo
    • Multilingual commentary and helpful onboard guidance
    • Easy to follow timetables

    From $125.00 per adult

  • LOCAL FAVOURITE
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    Shark Island Ferry

    Visit Shark Island one of Sydney's most spectacular picnic destinations. Return rocket ferry services between Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly and Shark Island. Includes National Park fees.

    • Return Ferry inclusive of NPWS landing fee
    • OpalPay accepted onboard
    • Free Wi-Fi

    $20.00 per adult

  • Family mum and kids children daughter having Top Deck Lunch on dining table with food

    Family Bonus

    Who doesn't love a freebie, especially when you are running out of kids activities. Head to Sydney Harbour where our family bonus cruises offer one child 4-15 years free with every full paying adult.

    One child FREE
    with every adult on selected sightseeing cruises

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    Sydney Attraction Tickets

    Sydney's world-famous attractions are all centred around the spectacular Harbour and beaches. Taronga Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo and Madam Tussauds Sydney. And if you want to explore by land, Big Bus offers fabulous open top experiences.

    • Attraction entry
    • Skip the queue and pre-pay

    From $53.00 per adult

Our commentary brings Sydney alive

Our service and commentary sets the benchmark on Sydney Harbour. Experience Sydney through the eyes of a local as our commentaries take you through the past, present and future. Above all, we make them entertaining, interesting and fun.

Upcoming special events and more ways to discover Sydney

  • Mother Child Senior 256533 st

    Mothers Day 2026

    Sunday, 10 May 2026

    Mother’s Day is one of the most cherished times of the year. A day to honour the incredible women who shape our lives. Treat Mum to a beautiful experience with a Mother’s Day Lunch Cruise in Sydney, indulge in a delightful High Tea, or bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day out she’ll always remember.

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    Vivid Sydney 2026

    22 May - 13 June 2026

    2026 COMING SOON

    A spectacular line-up of official Vivid Sydney 2026 on-water cruise and dining experiences. Discover unique vantage points to view the Vivid Lights. Visit multiple precincts and see the full canvas of lights from your Vivid Sydney cruise.

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  • mother child family sightseeing deck - st

    Family Fun with Kids

    Year round

    School Holidays Ideas

    Sydney Harbour is bursting with fun things to do with kids and the whole family. From Taronga Zoo, to nature walks, family picnics to island hideaways, whale watching to high tea at sea, we’ve got your covered.

    On-Water Fun
    For the Whole Family

  • WILDLIFE
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    Whale Watching

    17 May - 02 November 2025

    AS SEEN ON CHANNEL 7 NEWS

    Sydney is the envy of Australia with a whale watching season that lasts over five months of the year. Over 20,000 Humpback whales make the 3,500km journey from sub-Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef every year.

    From $69.00 per adult

    Normally $95.00. Save $26.00.

  • Father Family Senior 56150 ST

    Fathers Day 2025

    Sunday, 7 September 2025

    Father’s Day should be fun and special. It’s a day to show our appreciation for the fathers, grandfathers and father-figures in our lives. Gift Dad a Father’s Day cruise or grab the kids and celebrate with a fun family day out."

    On Sale Now
    From $69 per person

  • Party 94554 st

    Christmas Parties

    12 November - 24 December 2025

    Celebrate your 2025 work Christmas party on Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises. Book a table, private dining room, or charter your own boat. Easy booking, festive menus, and unbeatable views.

    Save another 10% for Groups 10+

    On Sale Now
    From $119 per person

  • Christmas dinner banner desktop

    Christmas Day Lunch 2025

    Thursday, 25 December 2025

    You'll love Christmas Day Lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour. We take the hard work out of preparing the Christmas Day feast and replace it with relaxation, fun, spectacular scenery, great food and wine, and brilliant memories.

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    Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2025

    Friday, 26 December 2025

    Boxing Day is the day millions of eyes turn to Sydney Harbour for the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - one of the world’s greatest ocean races. See all the action as the fleet jockeys for starting position on our Boxing Day cruises.

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    Sydney New Years Eve 2025

    Wednesday, 31 December 2025

    Sydney leads the world on New Year’s Eve, not only because our time zone makes us the first major fireworks and laser display, but because it’s one of the world's best. And the best vantage point is from a Sydney NYE cruise.

    On Sale Now
    From $1,299 per person

  • Senior grandparent couple with grand daughter child on lounge

    Grandparents Day 2025

    Sunday, 26 October 2025

    Grandparent’s Day is a new favourite on the family calendar. It’s a day when generations gather to show our appreciation for the special role grandparents and elders, play in our lives. Celebrate on our Grandparents Day Sydney cruise.

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    Ticket Releases

  • Ferrython Australia Day action on the harbour aerial shot special event non-ccc dnsw

    Australia Day 2026

    Monday, 26 January 2026

    Sydney Harbour takes centre-stage on Australia Day for the Ferrython, Australia Day Live, Australia Day Parade, Tall Ships Race, Australia Day Regatta, Tug and Boat Ballet, flyovers, fireworks and more! Discover our range of Australia Day cruises.

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  • Young couple having drinks celebrating anniversary Gold Penfolds champagne night time Opera House

    Valentines Day 2026

    Saturday, 14 February 2026

    Our Valentine’s Day cruises are designed to impress. Romance your way through the night being seduced by 360˚ water views on spectacular Sydney Harbour.

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    Ticket Releases

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    Seniors Festival 2026

    The NSW Seniors Festival, held annually in March, is the largest celebration for people over 60 in the southern hemisphere. Captain Cook Cruises is proud to support this event annually with a selection of special cruises.

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Stories to inspire!

Our favourite things to do in Sydney help create your ultimate day, afternoon or night out on the Harbour.

Visit our Blog

  • Collage Banner logo

    Looking Back: 55 Years of Captain Cook Cruises

    On Australia Day in 1970, Sydney Harbour witnessed a historic moment as Captain Cook Cruises embarked on its maiden voyage. Fast forward 55 years, and this iconic company continues to sail into the hearts of Sydneysiders and visitors alike, offering unforgettable experiences on the water.

  • Sydney Harbour aerial looking towards the Pacific Ocean - stock

    The natural beauty of Sydney Harbour

    They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but Sydney Harbour is simply gorgeous and it would be hard to find anyone who would disagree.

  • Family whale watching snapping pictures of humpback whales blowing wildlife non-ccc dnsw

    Three things to expect on your first whale watching adventure

    It’s estimated that up to 38,000 whales will pass by Sydney Harbour in 2020 on their way to the Queensland tropics. The best part is that our city boasts some of the most likely spots for you to see Humpbacks, Minke, Orca or even Southern Right Whales as they migrate north while also putting on a spectacular show.

  • Aerial shot of Sydney to Hobart yacht race outside the heads on Boxing Day non-ccc dnsw special event sail

    9 secret spots to look out for on a Sydney Harbour Cruise

    Sydney Harbour is known as the jewel in Sydney’s crown. Its stunning natural vistas and iconic man-made attractions are visible for all to see from vantage points from the north and south sides of the foreshore (and beyond).

  • Marine life fish swimming in Sydney Harbour - stock

    Marine Life in Sydney Harbour

    You will be surprised how much marine life exists in Sydney Harbour, on the doorstep of Australia’s most populous city. This natural Harbour has as much diverse topography and marine life under the water as the landscapes and foreshore above.

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    Houses of the rich and famous on Sydney Harbour

    Why wouldn’t you want to live on Sydney Harbour if you could? Unfortunately, the views are exclusively multi-million dollar only attainable to the rich and famous.

  • Sydney Harbour aerial image - stock

    Local life on Sydney Harbour, Sydney’s aquatic playground

    Imagine waking up on a warm Sydney morning and having a swim in the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour before you start your day. Or taking a walk along a coastal track with views of the most beautiful Harbour in the world.

  • Two whales swimming underwater non-ccc dnsw

    The best places to go whale watching in Sydney

    May marks the start of the whale watching season, and Sydney is one of the best places on the planet to spot these gentle giants as they make their way from Antarctica to our picturesque shores every year.

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