Sydney · SAILING
Good sailing trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 8 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Board Fantasea Avalon at Aquarium Wharf in Darling Harbour for a 150-minute whale-watching cruise. The purpose-built catamaran reaches open water in about 30 minutes, with air-conditioned cabins, two viewing levels, complimentary hot drinks and water, and an onboard photographer.
“Service staff very patience and polite. Treat safety seriously.”
Board the catamaran Kirralee at Man O'War Steps beside the Opera House for a 1-hour sunset loop around Sydney Harbour. With up to 30 passengers, outdoor viewing nets, indoor shelter, a grazing platter, and BYO alcohol, you get an easygoing evening with views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour.
“Beautiful views of Sydney and the opera house. Great snacks. Wish they had more water than pop.”
Join Captain David aboard the 40-foot yacht Emma Mei for five hours on Sydney Harbour. Sail beneath the Harbour Bridge, pass the Opera House and Watsons Bay, then anchor at Store Beach for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, or quiet time on deck. Groups are limited to eight.
“Visiting our adult daughter in Melbourne and spending a week in Sydney. We all thoroughly enjoyed our day sailing on the harbor. Dave and Emily were lovely. Both knowledgeable and tons of fun. Views were spectacular, lunch was fantastic. Highly recommend this one!”
Spend 90 minutes aboard Whitehaven, a 55-foot catamaran capped at 70 passengers. You will see Vivid Sydney lights, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and city waterfront from indoor or outdoor seats, with a welcome drink and optional snacks and drinks onboard.
“It was really good. My both kids enj8yed alot. They danced 💃 on the cruise.”
Board the 35-foot catamaran Kirralee at Pier 2, Walsh Bay for a 90-minute Vivid Sydney cruise. An experienced skipper and host guide you beneath the Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House, Gardens, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour. Bring your own alcohol, enjoy antipasto, and take in the lights from a small group setting.
“Such a nice cruise around the harbour, and a nice antipasto & beverage is provided. Would suggest for a couple that are spending some time in Sydney”
Join an English-speaking skipper for 2.5 hours on Sydney Harbour with no more than four people aboard. From Manly, you can help set the sails, learn basic sailing, steer the yacht, and view the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, beaches, and waterfront homes when weather allows.
“As we had no prior sailing experience, our guide Will walked us through the basics of how sailing works. Gradually, we were able to take part in operating the boat ourselves, which was a lot of fun. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend it to anyone with little or no sailing experience.”
Join an English-speaking captain, with instructors such as Onur or Izzy, for a small-group sailing lesson from Manly. You can help set the sails and steer while cruising past northern Sydney beaches, coastal homes, and harbour views. The yacht holds no more than four participants.
“Our Instructor Onur was very good, patient and did a great job of explaining things.”
Board a restored classic sailing yacht at Rowntree’s Wharf in Barangaroo for a two-hour English-language cruise. You’ll hear about the yacht’s construction and past, see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, help steer, and enjoy a small group of up to 16 people.
Pick a wharf, a lookout or a cellar door.
