Call +61 2 9206 1111 to enquire
We’re celebrating 55 incredible years on Sydney Harbour, and you could WIN BIG just by cruising with us in 2025!

*Specials available on selected dates only and subject to limited availability. T&C's apply.

Date

23 May - 14 Jun 2025

  • Discover the unique perspective of the full canvas of Vivid Lights from the water and skip the crowds
  • 360-degree waterfront views from spacious indoor and outdoor decks
  • Nightly Departures - 5.30pm, 7:20pm or 7:30pm

Vivid Lights On-Water Cruise Program

Departing Darling Harbour, King St Wharf

Avoid the crowds, and the weather and experience the full canvas of the Vivid Light festival from the water in comfort.

Sydney Harbour provides a natural theatre for Vivid Sydney’s dazzling light displays. Captain Cook Cruises has released an exciting program of family-friendly Vivid Light cruises taking in the key precincts of Barangaroo, The Rocks and Circular Quay including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the sails of the Sydney Opera House. A photographer’s paradise!

  • Vivid 14699 - ST
  • Pano shot of John Cadman 2 at Circular Quay during Vivid special event at sunset non-ccc dnsw
  • fireworks girls - st
  • Aerial view from Circular Quay during Vivid night lights Opera House and Sydney 2000
  • Vivid girl friend group with sparkling looking at opera house non-ccc DNSW
  • John Cadman 2 hero shot #ilovesydney with Opera House during Vivid night special event non-ccc dnsw
  • HOH Rocket Ferry 2024 08 03 162501

5:30pm or 7:30pm Vivid Sydney Lights

  • Discover the unique perspective of the full canvas of Vivid Lights from the water and skip the crowds
  • 1 hour 30 minute cruise aboard premium sightseeing vessels
  • 5:45pm Nightly
  • 7:30pm Nightly except Fireworks nights

$29 - $49

7:15pm & 7:20pm Vivid Sydney Lights & Fireworks

  • Front row seats to an exclusive 8pm Fireworks Show only visible from the water - sponsored by Captain Cook Cruises and the Australian Commercial Marine Group
  • Discover the unique perspective of the full canvas of Vivid Lights from the water and skip the crowds
  • Approx 1 hour 40 minute cruise aboard premium sightseeing vessels
  • May 2025 Departures - 25, 28 & 29
  • June 2025 Departures - 01, 04, 05, 09, 11 & 12

SOLD OUT

All Cruises

  • 360-degree waterfront views from spacious indoor and outdoor decks
  • Visit the light installations along the foreshore before or after your cruise
  • Purchase bar (licensed vessels only)
  • Note the cruise is not suitable for customers in wheelchairs

Please Note

  • There is no assigned seating for this cruise, however there are spacious indoor and outdoor decks
  • Guests are also welcome to BYO light snacks (no drinks)

Vivid Sydney 23 May - 14 June 2025

Vivid Lights

 From Darling Harbour King St Wharf
5.30pm7 Days - duration approx 1hr 30min
7.30pmMay 2025 Departures - 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31
Jun 2025 Departures - 02, 03, 06, 07, 08, 10, 13, 14
Duration approx 1hr 30min

Cruises depart King St Wharf No.2 or No.4. Final departure wharf will be confirmed 48 hours prior to departure. Directional digital signage will also be available on the evening and/or guests can check-in at our ticket office at King St Wharf No.1

Additional departures may operate on selected dates which can be found when checking availability

    Vessels without Liquor Licence

    The following departures operate on our Rocket catamarans - no bar services is available

    • Dates will be advised as confirmed

      Available 48 hours prior to departure

        Prices

        23 May - 14 Jun 2025
        Adult Retail
        Adult Online Specials from
        Child 4-15yrs        		$49
        $29
        $29

        All prices are per person. Special prices subject to change.

        Save on City Parking

        Wilson Parking

        Captain Cook Cruises' guests receive special rates at selected parking stations when you pre-book your car park online with Wilson Parking.

        Remember to check with local authorities for special event road closures.

        Still looking? You might find it here

        Accessibility

        • The 5pm Vivid Dinner Cruise and the Vivid Lights sightseeing cruises may operate on any suitable vessel from the Sydney Harbour Captain Cook Cruises, The Jackson and Starship Sydney fleet.
        • Please note not all vessels are wheelchair accessible and the final vessel may not be confirmed until the day of departure.
        • We therefore recommend customers in wheelchairs cruise aboard our flagship Sydney 2000, seating on the expansive Ocean Deck, with wheelchair accessible bathrooms and boarding (stair access only to upper decks).
        • Available cruises during Vivid include 5pm Sunset Dinner, 7pm Vivid Dinner, 7pm Starlight Dinner, 7pm Gold Dinner and 7pm Gold Penfolds Dinner. Please contact Reservations for further details
        • If you or your guests are in a wheelchair and/or not able to negotiate stairs, please contact our Reservations department who can guide you on the best options during Vivid
        • There are wheelchair accessible public bathrooms located directly behind King St Wharf No.1 at Exchange Place on Shelley St – Google Maps Exchange Place
        • View Captain Cook Cruises accessibility information

        Map

        Wharf Check-in Offices

        Please ensure you check the departure location of your specific cruise. This information can be found on your booking documentation.


          Gift Vouchers

          Wrap your gifts in views, not ribbons

          Purchase gifts they will treasure for the memories.

          Learn more

          Other products you might like

          • Special Event Vivid with Sydney 2000 cruising by the Opera House with lights on non-ccc dnsw

            Vivid Sydney 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.

            Sign up for new
            Ticket Releases

          • Vivid 09497 - ST

            5pm Vivid Special Dinner

            SOLD OUT

            FAMILY-FRIENDLY VIVID DINING
            Early dining for less. Ideal for families with children and for those who want to experience "Lights On" at 6pm. Great value cruise with a simple 2-course menu, operates on premium vessels from the Captain Cook fleet.

          • Sydney 2000 at Circular Quay during Vivid special event at sunset night CBD non-ccc dnsw

            7pm Vivid Special Dinner

            SOLD OUT

            AMAZING VALUE-FOR-MONEY
            This 3-hour cruise aboard flagship Sydney 2000 is all about the Vivid Lights taking in the full canvas of harbourside light installations. A simple, yet quality 3-course menu makes this cruise an amazing value-for-money alternative for the whole family.

          Related blog posts

          View all
          DNSW 158943 2 Vivid

          How to Make the Most of Vivid Sydney: From Land to Sea

          Vivid Sydney illuminates the city in an extravaganza of lights, music, and ideas, drawing visitors from around the globe.

          DNSW 167558 56 r Vivid

          Your Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Vivid Sydney Experience

          Vivid Sydney is the pinnacle of the Harbour City's cultural calendar, transforming the urban landscape into a breathtaking canvas of light, music, and ideas.

          Vivid 21579 - ST

          Vivid Sydney: The Ultimate Date Night or Family Outing

          As the city of Sydney braces for the annual transformation into a vibrant tapestry of light, music, and ideas, Vivid Sydney stands out as the event of the season.

          Bookings

          Send an enquiry

          If your enquiry is regarding availability and/or pricing, click the 'Book now' button and live availability and pricing will be displayed.

          Please note, if your preferred date is disabled on the calendar, it is unavailable.

          Please be as specific as you can. The more information you add, the easier it is for us to help you.

          Marketing Opt In

          This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

          We use cookies on this website so we can provide you with a better browsing experience and show you more relevant content and promotions. By continuing, you consent to our use of cookies. For more details, please check our Privacy Policy.