When Vivid Sydney lights up the harbour from Friday, 23 May, there’s no better seat than one that floats.

A Vivid cruise puts you right in the thick of the action; no crowds, jvust a front-row view of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and city skyline dressed up in their most electric colours. Whether you’re after a casual twilight trip or a dinner cruise with all the trimmings, it’s a magical way to experience the festival’s glow from the water. Cameras at the ready — this is Sydney at her show-off best, after all.

Length: 2.5 hours
Inclusions: Welcome glass of bubbles, 3-course dinner and unlimited house beverages
Price: From AU$220

Treat yourself to dinner and a light show aboard the Spirit of Migloo. Starting off with a celebratory glass of bubbles, this all-in Vivid cruise includes a three-course dinner menu served with NSW regional wines (or beer, if you prefer). Dine while you enjoy the incredible views of the Vivid lights at Circular Quay, Milsons Point and more.

Length: 90 minutes
Inclusions: Indoor seating, open deck, BYO drinks
Price: From AU$42

One hour, all glow, no stress. Fantasea’s nightly cruise departs from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay — and gets you right where the colour is. No dinner, no dress code, just a simple way to see the lights from the water. Bring the kids, bring your bestie, bring your quiet Friday night energy — this one’s made for soaking it all in.

Length: 1.5-3 hours
Inclusions: Open-top and indoor viewing, six-course degustation (optional), licensed bar, audio commentary.
Price: From $49-AU$215 (with dinner)

This go-to cruise line brings you straight into the glowing heart of Vivid. This elegant option not only covers all the icons — from the sails of the Opera House to the electric curves of the bridge — with comfy seating and casual vibes, but has the option to include a divine six-course dinner too. Short, sweet, and seriously scenic.

Length: 1 hour
Inclusions: Late-night Vivid viewing from spacious catamaran, licensed bar, indoor and outdoor decks
Price: From AU$25

Can’t squeeze in a cruise before dinner? This late departure solves that. The Magistic’s after-hours spin gives you a front-row seat to the lights from a modern catamaran, with wide windows and open-air decks for prime views. There’s a licensed bar on board, too — because a sparkling harbour pairs well with a nightcap.

Length: 1.5 hours
Inclusions: Unlimited drinks, UV-lit dance floor, optional food for purchase
Price: From AU$79

Get your glow on (literally). This cruise - an official Vivid Sydney 2025 partner - leans into the party side of Vivid, with free-flowing drinks, neon lights, and DJ tracks to keep the vibe high. Wear white, bring your mates, and get ready for Sydney Harbour to double as a dance floor.

Length: 1.5 hours
Inclusions: House beer, wine, sparkling and soft drinks, rooftop viewing deck
Price: From AU$79

This one’s got your night sorted — drinks flowing, dance music on deck, and Sydney glowing out the window. With 90 minutes on the water, a rooftop for sky-high views, buffet for purchase and all your drinks included (at the three licenced bars no less), Cadman’s cruise hits that sweet spot between casual and celebratory. Good for birthdays, groups, or any night that deserves a bit of harbour sparkle.

Length: 1.5 hours
Inclusions: Dinner included, drink on arrival, historic sailing ship
Price: From AU$89

Want a unique angle on the lights? Board a historic tall ship and cruise past the glowing skyline while tucking into dinner with a glass of wine (or maybe the free fruit juice if the lights have got you giddy enough already). Romantic, dramatic, and a little bit pirate-core.

Length: 1.5 hours
Inclusions: Buffet dinner, welcome drink, outdoor deck
Price: From AU$54

Think comfort food and comfort views. This low-key buffet cruise is one of the most affordable ways to catch dinner and the lights in one go — no fuss, just a warm plate, welcome drink and harbour shimmer out the window. A solid mid-week pick if you’re after Vivid without the splurge.

Length: 3 hours
Inclusions: 4-course seated dinner, all-glass premium boat, bar service
Price: From AU$125

This one’s for the “treat yourself” crowd. With a sleek glass boat, premium dining, and uninterrupted views of the Vivid action, Clearview serves up skyline drama with serious polish. There’s no buffet queue here — just fine food (think seared scallops and ceviche), mood lighting, and Sydney posing at every angle.

Length: 20 minutes
Inclusions: Short loop cruise, views of Opera House & Harbour Bridge
Price: From AU$20

Vivid but make it snappy and budget-friendly. This quick 20-minute loop is perfect if you’re short on time (or with kids with a short attention span). Hop aboard near Circular Quay, zip past the festival’s greatest hits, and still be back in time for dinner.

Considering some Vivid dinner cruise options start at well under $100 per person, we'd definitely say yes.

According to cost of living website Numbeo, just a mid-range meal on average costs at least $60 per person. And as long-time Sydney residents, our team knows the costs can go much higher than this. So considering you're getting both a quality meal and a brilliant light show, these dinner cruises are an absolute steal.

These Vivid cruises serve up glowing cityscapes alongside everything from four-course menus to buffet spreads and party drinks. Here’s how to find the one for you.

After a classic sit-down meal? Captain Cook offers a four-course dinner on a roomy boat and premium views — perfect for date nights or a glow-up kind of evening.

On a budget or travelling with a group? Sydney Princess Cruises keeps things simple with a buffet dinner and welcome drink — easy, warm, and crowd-friendly.

More about the vibes than the mains? Cadman Cruises includes drinks, live music, rooftop views and buffet for purchase. It’s a party-on-the-water kind of night — great for groups or celebrations.

Or go full atmosphere with Tall Ships, where dinner is served aboard a heritage sailing ship as the harbour lights glide by. Romantic, memorable, and just a little bit dramatic - sounds like Sydney to a tee.

Most cruises leave from Circular Quay or King Street Wharf, which is in between Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, with wharf details shared when you book.

Some boats run multiple nightly departures. Just make sure to check the time and location carefully, plan your route, and arrive at least 15 minutes early. Nobody wants to sprint along the wharf in the dark - and you probably couldn’t even get that far with the swarming crowds.

Yes — and that’s kind of the point. Cruising gives you wide-open views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and city skyline, all lit up and reflected in the water. You won’t see every single laneway projection or rooftop light installation, but you will get the full harbour spectacle — minus the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

We recommend combining a cruise and a self-guided walking tour of the inland displays to really make the most of the festival.

If you want to skip the crowds, rest your legs, or just see Sydney do its thing from a new angle — absolutely. Whether it’s a quick loop or a full dinner cruise, seeing Vivid from the water is a standout way to do the festival. Add food, music or a drink, and you’ve got a pretty unbeatable night out.