9 of the Best Vivid Cruises in Sydney to See This Year’s Festival of Lights

Vivid 2024 in Sydney is just around the corner, so mark date, 24th May to 15th June in your calendar because this year’s lineup looks hotter than ever! There will be more installations, more acts and music, more drone shows, and more incredible Instagram-worthy shots to make your friends jealous of missing out. Every year, Vivid creeps closer and closer to becoming the premier Sydney Event. 

But let’s be honest. With big Sydney events, this means even bigger crowds. Luckily for us, there’s a little trick to avoid the long lines while still soaking up all there is to see on Sydney Harbour – hop on a Vivid cruise! That’s right; the best place to see Vivid isn’t on land; it’s on the beautiful Sydney Harbour. With a variety of boats, dinner or BYO cruises, you can get your tickets to a luxurious experience or find that family-friendly quick trip to see everything in one go, all while making it back for the kiddos’ bedtime. 

If it has been a while since you’ve been on Sydney Harbour, or you’re just looking for a different experience, a Vivid cruise is just the thing for you. You’ll see incredible visual installations projected across the Harbour Bridge, watch the lighting of the sails of the Opera House, or touch the global rainbow shining over Circular Quay. Your cruise will also head past Taronga Zoo, Botanical Gardens and more. Make sure your phone is charged, and you’ve cleared some space because you’ll want to miss a minute of Vivid this year. 

With so many options and more and more cruises available, it’s hard to pick a favourite, so we’ve made it easy for you this year, and we’ve outlined our 9 favourite Vivid cruises. We’ve also broken them down into different experiences so you can find the Vivid cruise that’s right for you. From a Vivid dinner cruise to a family-friendly sightseeing trip, there’s the perfect event just for you. Take in this incredible Vivid cruise experience on its own, or jump on board from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay to combine it with your mapped-out city walking tour. Act quickly; Vivid cruise tickets are selling fast, so get yours today and make this year’s festival of lights perfect for you!

A Vivid Dinner Cruise will Delight Your Taste Buds, and Visual Senses

Are you looking to avoid the masses while treating your taste buds to a feast? A Vivid dinner cruise is just the ticket. These inclusive experiences offer exceptional views and delicious eats. So, if you’re looking to refuel after a night of cityscape sightseeing or just looking for a different dinner experience, these Vivid dinner cruises are just the thing for you.

Journey Beyond: Ready to elevate your Vivid experience? Treat yourself aboard this luxurious 3-level boat boasting a 360-degree open-air rooftop and front viewing deck. Indulge in a sumptuous 3-course dinner while cruising in style.

• Length of cruise: 3 hour Vivid dinner cruise
• Food: 3 course meal 
• Drinks: All inclusive beer, wine, no-alcoholic drinks
• Price: from $221/adult, $85/child (4-14, infants under 4 travel free)

Journey Beyond Vivid Tickets

Bella Vista: Picture this – a glass boat with multiple decks, a standing buffet, and a cash bar serving up your favourite tipples. Sign me up! Weekday cruises and weekend dinner specials await.

• Length of cruise: 2 hour Vivid dinner cruise
• Food: Cocktail style buffet
• Drinks: Licensed bar
• Price: Prices starting at $70/adult, $60/child

Get your Bella Vista mid week or Sunday and Friday/Saturday Vivid tickets.

Platinum: Fancy something a bit more intimate? Set sail on this luxury cruising yacht with grazing platters, a welcome drink, and a licensed bar. With a maximum of 20 guests, it’s sure to be an exclusive affair.

• Length of cruise: 90 minute Vivid dinner cruise
• Food: Food platters
• Drinks: Welcome drink on arrival, cash bar
• Price: From $89/adult, $59/child

Join the Platinum Vivid cruise.

Heaven/Fleetwing II: For a more laid-back vibe, hop aboard these perfect-sized event catamarans accommodating up to 45 guests. Enjoy delectable canapés and drinks as you take in the Vivid magic.

• Length of cruise: 90 minutes Vivid dinner cruise
• Food: Roaming canapes
• Drinks: Welcome beverage, cash bar
• Price: $69/adult, $39/child

Heaven Vivid tickets / Fleetwing II Vivid Tickets.

Jerry Bailey: Enjoy this spacious multi-level catamaran for your Vivid experience. You’ll easily be able to find a vantage point on this boat so you won’t miss a thing.

• Length of cruise: 90 minutes Vivid dinner cruise
• Food: Standing buffet 
• Drinks: Welcome drink on arrival, then cash bar
• Price: From $54/adult, $29/child

Get your Jerry Bailey Vivid dinner cruise tickets.

Kirralee: Who doesn’t like a BYO! Kirralee is the perfect small boat experience this year. With no corkage fee and snacks on board, this is the cheerful Vivid cruise you’ve been looking for.

• Length of cruise: 90 minutes Vivid cruise
• Food: light spread on board 
• Drinks: Welcome non-alcoholic drink on arrival, BYO drinks (no corkage fee)
• Price: From $49/adult, $29/child

Get your Jerry Bailey Vivid dinner cruise tickets.

Note: Set a Reminder and Take in a Vivid Drone Show

The latest craze on Sydney Harbour are the spectacular drone shows. This year’s Vivid drone show is called Love Is In The Air and it will run across three dates, 8th, 9th and 15th June. Over 700 drones will take to the sky and put on an incredible show you won’t want to miss. The Vivid drone shows typically start around 9pm (exact times to be announced soon!) so check your program and circle the dates. Plan your cruise to see them on the water, or get your favourite spot to watch the sky light up with a magical light display show at Circular Quay.

Combine the Futuristic Sights of Vivid with a Classic Cruising Experience on a Sydney Tall Ship

Why not add a touch of nostalgia to your Vivid adventure? Look no further than a cruise aboard a Sydney tall ship. Channel your inner sailor and elevate your Vivid experience, literally, with a mast climb followed by dinner and drinks. It’s the perfect contrast of classic and new with your Tall Ship Vivid cruise.

Sydney Tall Ships: You’ll join one of the classic ships for a cruise to remember. This boat has plenty of open space around the boat, so you’ll always be in the picture-perfect position. 

• Length of cruise: 90 minutes Vivid dinner cruise
• Food: Standing buffet
• Drinks: Welcome drink on arrival
• Price: $89/pp

Sydney Tall Ships Vivid Cruise

Find the cruise that’s right for you.

Family Favourite Glow Boat Will Brighten Your Night

Got the whole crew in tow? No problem! Join Supercat for a glow-tastic Vivid cruise perfect for families and budget-conscious folks alike. Let the little ones marvel at the luminous wonders lighting up Sydney Harbour, and bring your favourite fluorescent outfit and become part of the light show on this fun and funky Glow boat. 

Super Cat Vivid Glow Boat: This multi-level catamaran is perfect for the group to run wild. Plenty of space to move around the boat to find that perfect position. Food and drinks can be purchased on board, and this fun trip is a great way to get the Vivid cruise experience while not worrying about the latest inflation rates. 

• Length of cruise: 90 minutes Vivid cruise
• Food: Food boxes available for purchase
• Drinks: Welcome drinks on arrival, licenced bar
• Price: From $35/adult, $25/child

Buy your Vivid Glow boat tickets.

Darling Harbour or Circular Quay Fantasea Cruise

If you’re pressed for time, join a Vivid for a short cruise to get the most of your visual fix? Jump aboard one of these quick 60-minute tours departing from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. Snap some Insta-worthy pics and soak up the Vivid vibes and then get back to seeing the experiences in person – no fuss, no muss.

Fantasea Cruises: These boats are a perfect size for all groups. With multiple departure times and locations, they’re ideal for taking in a Vivid cruises, when you’ve also got additional activities planned for the evening. 

• Length of cruise: 60 minutes Vivid cruise
• Food: Snacks available for purchase
• Drinks: Licenced bar
• Price: $49/adult, $39/child

Buy your 60 minute Vivid cruise tickets from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.

*check your tickets for the most up to date details and departure information so you don’t miss your Vivid cruise. 

Growing Group? Hire Your Own Private Boat for a Personal Vivid Cruise You Won’t Forget

Got a big crew itching for a Vivid adventure? It’s time to up the ante and charter your very own boat for a private Vivid tour like no other. The sky’s the limit with options ranging from 90-minute sightseeing cruises to 4-hour extravaganzas! BYO or catered, the choice is yours.

Pick your Favourite and Buy Your Vivid Sydney Cruise Tickets Before they’re All Gone!

That’s a wrap from us, but your Vivid experience is just starting. Pick the Vivid cruise on Sydney Harbour that’s right for you, and get your tickets so you can take advantage of your preferred time and date. This year, a Vivid cruise is guaranteed to make this year’s Festival of Lights one for the books. 

On a Vivid cruise this year, you’ll:

• Avoid the crowds while still getting incredible views
• See more installations than on foot
• Experience a unique perspective from the water
• Find the perfect boat for your budget

With Vivid growing bigger and better each year, there’s never been a better time to experience the magic for yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and experience a Vivid cruise for the first time or just from a new perspective aboard a Sydney Harbour cruise – trust me, you won’t regret it!

Find the cruise that’s right for you.

You can also find some helpful information and the latest free event program on the official Vivid Sydney event website. Planning makes perfect, so check out this helpful Vivid map to plan your walk before or after your cruise.