Day Trips
4–24 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$49
per adult
Fantasea Cruising
Fantasea Cruising
4
8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Full view
About
Fantasea Cruising delivers Australia’s most personalised experiences on the water. With the flexibility to cater for 2 to 1200 people, we offer charters in a range of vessel sizes from 16 seater water taxis to large vessels across a range of locations. Our fleet on Sydney Harbour operates evening cruises, special event cruises like Vivid & New Year’s Eve and daily whale watching cruises. Our whale watching cruises are unique to Sydney with a marine biologist on every departure and a hydrophone to hear the whale song underwater. Our fleet of water taxis not only offer point to point services to move people around Sydney with not a traffic light in sight, the sunset cruises and our exclusive picnic on Sydney Harbour are experiences not to be missed. On Pittwater, north of Sydney, we operate ferry services between Ettalong, Wagstaffe and Palm Beach. We also operate whale watching from Palm Beach during season.
Tours and Tickets by Fantasea Cruising
Sightseeing Cruises
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$21
per adult
Catamaran Cruises
1–24 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$27
per adult
On the Water
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$49
per adult
On the Water
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$62
per adult
Travelers talk about
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
624 reviews
Excellent
391
Very good
111
Average
42
Poor
28
Terrible
52
René
9 contributions
Jan 2023
We bought our tickets to Taronga Zoo, incl. return ferry tickets, online, for departure 8:50am from Darling Harbour on Sunday 22/01. We waited at the Fantasea shop and the ferry in front of us. 8:50 came and went, and nobody pitched up. 9am: I phoned the 1800 number twice, nobody answered. The mobile number listed was disconnected. At 9:08am the person arrived at the shop and opened up. He said that the ferry left at 8:50am but it left from the Aquarium wharf, not from the Darling Harbour wharf - - which is not stated on either the website nor on my email confirmation - this would have been VERY useful to know. He then said that the next ferry is at 10:10. So we left the shop to wait. He then ran after us and said he phoned and there is a ferry at 9:30 and we should come with him to get our paper tickets for the zoo and the ferry, as well as the timetable. If we had left on the 8:50 ferry, where would we receive our paper tickets? Would the email confirmation have been accepted? (If so, why did we need paper tickets?) He then apologised. The crew of the ferry were VERY FRIENDLY and helpful. It was a rainy day and they gave us kitchen towels to dry the seats if we wanted to sit outside.
Written January 25, 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.
Karen
Poole, UK20 contributions
May 2022
As a solo traveller, decided to take this easy quick 60 mins harbour tour.
I took the last option available re timings, Only me and 2 other guests and the guide.
Really lovely chap and very helpful.
Gave all the information etc regards to the areas passing locations of what etc.
The weather wasn't great at all so limited to go outside due to such rain.
Lovely touch that they offer blankets to keep you warm.
Its defo worth a go as great little tour at such a small cost and you get amazing views of going out in the harbour and coming back in at dusk.
I took the last option available re timings, Only me and 2 other guests and the guide.
Really lovely chap and very helpful.
Gave all the information etc regards to the areas passing locations of what etc.
The weather wasn't great at all so limited to go outside due to such rain.
Lovely touch that they offer blankets to keep you warm.
Its defo worth a go as great little tour at such a small cost and you get amazing views of going out in the harbour and coming back in at dusk.
Written May 26, 2022
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.
Gloria K
1 contribution
Mar 2023
This zoo is amazing! It is very well organized so you don't walk in circles to find your favorite animal. It is very family friendly with hands-on activities for kids that are simultaneously educational and fun. Fantasea provided timely crossings with good commentary at a very good price.
Written March 14, 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.
Julia P
11 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Heaps more expensive than the regular Sydney /PTV NSW ferries and runs a really limited timetable - of just 8 services a day between 8.45 and 17.00.
Bought a Taronga Zoo / 24 hour ferry pass combo and had to catch a regular ferry to the zoo because we couldn’t find where Fantasea ferries departed from. Couldn’t cancel tickets even though we didn’t use them because their 24 hours start at midnight (even though their ferries don’t run then). Got to the zoo to find that we should have got entry vouchers from Fantasea so had issues getting into zoo. On our return trip, couldn’t use the tickets we bought because their LAST ferry left BEFORE the zoo closed. Just pay your $8 a day to catch all 9 NSW PTV ferry services that run from before 6am to after midnight. Waste of time and money.
Bought a Taronga Zoo / 24 hour ferry pass combo and had to catch a regular ferry to the zoo because we couldn’t find where Fantasea ferries departed from. Couldn’t cancel tickets even though we didn’t use them because their 24 hours start at midnight (even though their ferries don’t run then). Got to the zoo to find that we should have got entry vouchers from Fantasea so had issues getting into zoo. On our return trip, couldn’t use the tickets we bought because their LAST ferry left BEFORE the zoo closed. Just pay your $8 a day to catch all 9 NSW PTV ferry services that run from before 6am to after midnight. Waste of time and money.
Written November 26, 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.
Kyra P
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We booked to see the fireworks over the opera house on Australia Day and it was absolute shambles.
The wharf was ridiculously busy with little to no organisation. We arrived early to ensure we knew where we were going. I showed a fantasea worker my ticket and was told to wait in another line due to our boat being the second one to leave from the harbour (first being 6:45pm, ours being 7pm). Once it was our lines turn to board I was then told I should have been on the first boat even though my ticket specifically stated 7pm (not 6:45pm). The worker got very argumentative and explained it was our fault however the company was the one to change our timings without letting us know. The email that was supposedly sent to me was then made apparent they spelt the email address completely wrong and therefore again the company was at fault. With this in mind the worker that evening decided to persist being rude, repetitive in his argumentative comments, antagonising me and my partner, causing lots of unnecessary upset and generally trying to escalate the situation. So much so, that a family behind us in the line stood up for us and told the man he was in the wrong. We had no apology and were still made to feel as though it was our fault. We eventually got on the boat to then find out we had paid double what a lot of other passengers had paid.
The wharf was ridiculously busy with little to no organisation. We arrived early to ensure we knew where we were going. I showed a fantasea worker my ticket and was told to wait in another line due to our boat being the second one to leave from the harbour (first being 6:45pm, ours being 7pm). Once it was our lines turn to board I was then told I should have been on the first boat even though my ticket specifically stated 7pm (not 6:45pm). The worker got very argumentative and explained it was our fault however the company was the one to change our timings without letting us know. The email that was supposedly sent to me was then made apparent they spelt the email address completely wrong and therefore again the company was at fault. With this in mind the worker that evening decided to persist being rude, repetitive in his argumentative comments, antagonising me and my partner, causing lots of unnecessary upset and generally trying to escalate the situation. So much so, that a family behind us in the line stood up for us and told the man he was in the wrong. We had no apology and were still made to feel as though it was our fault. We eventually got on the boat to then find out we had paid double what a lot of other passengers had paid.
Written January 26, 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.
Colleen Morgan
1 contribution
Feb 2020
I went on the Sydney Harbour Cruise with my daughters . The staff were very engaging, you receive your first drinks free of charge. We were able to get some lovely pictures of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. We also got to see various other points of interest while on this cruise. All-in-all, a must see and do. Preferably book in advance.
Written February 3, 2020
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.
jayZed
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Couples
I had booked the midnight fireworks cruise last minute on the Ocean Adventurer which turned out to be the Ocean Surfer. Boarding was on time which was great but there was a lot of push and shove due to people cutting in line.
On board the vessel , secured a nice seat the cruise began around the west side of the harbour bridge. It was pitch black so couldn’t see much other than the crowded parts around the harbour. Would’ve been great if we could go closer to Luna Park and see the Opera House from a distance , but I believe due to the exclusion zone it wasn’t possible.
The vessel had 2 levels. The back was an open area with a roof and had a bow which was the open area . The captain was very courteous by spinning the boat around while the fireworks were happening so everyone had their fair share of the harbour bridge.
Would I return ? Maybe on the Manly NYE cruise as it’s position on the East Side of the harbour bridge :D
Thank you and Happy New Year !!!!
On board the vessel , secured a nice seat the cruise began around the west side of the harbour bridge. It was pitch black so couldn’t see much other than the crowded parts around the harbour. Would’ve been great if we could go closer to Luna Park and see the Opera House from a distance , but I believe due to the exclusion zone it wasn’t possible.
The vessel had 2 levels. The back was an open area with a roof and had a bow which was the open area . The captain was very courteous by spinning the boat around while the fireworks were happening so everyone had their fair share of the harbour bridge.
Would I return ? Maybe on the Manly NYE cruise as it’s position on the East Side of the harbour bridge :D
Thank you and Happy New Year !!!!
Written December 31, 2022
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.
MYMC5
Brisbane Region, Australia10 contributions
Mar 2020
Lovely way to see the Harbour. We (hubby, 15yr and 17yr) enjoyed sitting back with a drink and seeing the beautiful harbour from the water, sunset was stunning.
The vessel was clean, staff friendly and departed on time. Make sure you follow instructions to the correct jetty (Opera House side of Circular Quay).
Enjoy.
The vessel was clean, staff friendly and departed on time. Make sure you follow instructions to the correct jetty (Opera House side of Circular Quay).
Enjoy.
Written April 8, 2020
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.
rosivdapirt101
Sydney, Australia80 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
I've done plenty of harbour cruises, this was the most unpleasant. Firstly for some reason the noisiest motors at the rear which vibrate a lot and have loosened the aluminium seats which make a deafening vibration noise at full throttle. It was really windy on the uncovered top deck so few braved that. The only other place to be is inside where the paint is peeling in places, but you could hardly see through the windows they were so filthy, so as to spoil the view and defeat the purpose of the cruise. Looked like they hadnt been cleaned for weeks or months. Cant say I'd recommend this one.
Written August 8, 2022
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.
rdubbs08
Edmond, OK7,980 contributions
Jan 2020
With a 10+ hour layover in Sydney, we opted to leave the airport and enjoy the city. While down in the harbour, we saw signs for a 45 min coffee sail and decided to jump aboard! The boat was right on time and very clean, with optimal indoor and outdoor seating. Coffee and tea were complimentary, and they had beer, wine & snacks for purchase. The crew was friendly and the ride very enjoyable, especially given it was a picture perfect day. We went by the opera house, under the harbour bridge, etc... A great short overview of the area and time out on the water!
Written March 4, 2020
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, I am interested in NYE 2023 cruise but I can not find any review with Fatasea Cruise. I think you depart at 9:15 pm and it might be difficult to have a nice position as it starts fairly late. Do you have any pictures from your vessels in 2022 NYE?
Written August 8, 2023
Hi
Sorry for the late reply.
But i am unable to help with this much. As i did not take a NYE cruisd with them. It was a whale watching cruise which depart early morning.
Written August 20, 2023
Hi - I have booked a cruise tonight and have printed my etickets. I have been sent an email saying I need to pick up my tickets today from pier 26. Is that right or can I use my eticket? Where exactly does the boat leave from - it’s the 10.30 fireworks boat? Hi hanks
Written December 30, 2018
Fransiska
Jakarta, Indonesia
Hi,,,I've booked fantasea whale watching cruise on 9july, but the forecast weather said its gonna be little rain in the afternoon. So, how if its really raining? Is the cruise can keep going? Or what else option do you have? Because I don't have another day for cruise, schedule packed. Thx for expalining
Written June 29, 2017
Thank you for contacting us. It's not the rain but the winds which effects whale watching cruise. If in any case, we have to cancel the cruise, you will get prior notice and we also get clear weather forecast one day earlier. Please let me know if you have any questions, you can connect with us on our Facebook page as well ie. FantaseaCruising. Have a nice evening ahead!
Written June 29, 2017
Im looking to book a nye 20017 cruise. I would like to know which is the better company. Fantasea or Captain Cook. Im.looking for a dj, not overcrowded and enough toilets.
Written June 27, 2017
Hi Jan, Thank You for contacting us. We have several cruises planned for new year eve celebration. Most of the information is available on our website. If you could please share your email id, we can send you details & pictures regarding our cruises & evening plan.
Thanks- Team Fantasea Cruising
Written June 28, 2017
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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.