The 9 Best Vivid Cruises for 2025 | From Luxury Dining Experiences to Casual BYO boats and Budget-Friendly Options
Sydney is about to glow like never before! Vivid Sydney 2025 is back from 23rd May to 14th June, lighting up the city with dazzling displays of art, music, and technology.
But let’s be real—big events mean even bigger crowds. Want to experience the magic without the hustle and bustle? A Vivid cruise is the ultimate way to soak in the festival, giving you front-row views from the water.
Prefer to Stay on Land? No Problem! Not everyone’s keen on boats, and that’s totally fine! There are plenty of incredible ways to experience Vivid on foot. If you’d rather explore the festival from the streets, these guides have you covered:
- Make Vivid Your Must-See Event in Sydney – A deep dive into everything Vivid has to offer.
- Your One-Day Whirlwind Guide to Vivid – The ultimate one-night-only itinerary!
- 7 Things to Do During Vivid in Sydney This Year – Perfect if you want to take things at a slower pace.
But if you’re after a stress-free, crowd-free way to experience the festival, check out the best Vivid cruises below!
9 of the Best Vivid Cruises for 2025
Vivid Sydney is best enjoyed from the sparkling waters of the harbour, where you can soak in the lights without the crowds.
With dozens of cruises available, we’ve done the hard work for you—handpicking the top luxury, BYO, and budget-friendly options so you can find the perfect match for your night out.
Vivid Luxury & Dining Experiences – A Feast for Your Taste Buds & Your Eyes
If you want a premium experience with gourmet dining and drinks, these cruises are for you.
1. Journey Beyond – A 3-Hour Luxury Dinner Cruise with 360° Harbour Views
- What Makes Her Special? A stunning 3-level boat with a 360° open-air rooftop, plus an indulgent 3-course meal with free-flowing drinks.
- Length: 3 hours
- Food: 3-course meal
- Drinks: Beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks included
- Price: From $221/adult, $85/child
2. Bella Vista – A Glass-Walled Boat with Cocktail-Style Buffet
- What Makes Her Special? Floor-to-ceiling glass walls for uninterrupted views, a spacious deck, and a standing buffet with a licensed bar.
- Length: 2 hours
- Food: Cocktail-style buffet
- Drinks: Licensed bar
- Price: From $70/adult, $60/child
3. Spacious Sightseeing Vivid Cruise – Welcome Drink Included
- What Makes Her Special? A spacious sightseeing boat with a max of 70 guests, offering an exclusive and relaxed vibe.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Food: Available for purchase
- Drinks: Welcome drink + cash bar
- Price: From $89/adult, $59/child
Casual & Budget-Friendly Vivid Cruises
Perfect for a laid-back vibe or an affordable night out with friends & family.
4. Heaven / Fleetwing II – Spacious Catamarans with Canapés
- What Makes Them Special? Relaxed and social atmosphere with plenty of space to enjoy the lights.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Food: Roaming canapés
- Drinks: Welcome drink + cash bar
5. Jerry Bailey – A Multi-Level Catamaran with Buffet & Bar
- What Makes Her Special? A spacious multi-level catamaran with great outdoor viewing decks.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Food: Standing buffet
- Drinks: Welcome drink + cash bar
- Price: From $54/adult, $29/child
6. Kirralee – BYO Drinks for a Fun & Affordable Experience
- What Makes Her Special? BYO-friendly with no corkage fee and a selection of light snacks onboard.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Food: Light spread
- Drinks: BYO drinks + non-alcoholic welcome drink
- Price: From $49/adult, $29/child
Unique & Themed Vivid Cruises
7. Sydney Tall Ships – A Classic Vivid Harbour Adventure
- What Makes Her Special? Sail under the Vivid lights aboard a historic tall ship! Feeling adventurous? Try the mast climb for the ultimate view.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Food: Standing buffet
- Drinks: Welcome drink
- Price: From $89/pp
8. Supercat Glow Boat – Fun & Family-Friendly
- What Makes Her Special? A budget-friendly cruise where you become part of the show! Dress up in fluorescent outfits for a glow-in-the-dark party on the water.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Food: Food boxes available for purchase
- Drinks: Welcome drink + licensed bar
- Price: From $35/adult, $25/child
9. Fantasea – A Quick 60-Minute Vivid Cruise
- What Makes Her Special? A short & sweet Vivid experience with multiple departure times from different locations.
- Length: 60 minutes
- Food: Snacks available for purchase
- Drinks: Licensed bar
- Price: From $49/adult, $39/child
Got a Big Group? Hire a Private Boat for your Vivid Cruise!
For a truly unforgettable experience, gather your crew and book a private Vivid charter! Whether you’re after a 90-minute sightseeing tour or a 4-hour catered event, a private cruise lets you experience Vivid your way.
Secure Your Vivid Sydney Cruise Tickets Now!
That’s a wrap on our top Vivid cruises for 2025! Whether you want to avoid the crowds, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply take in the festival from the best possible vantage point, there’s a Vivid cruise perfect for you.
With Vivid growing bigger each year, some cruises sell out weeks in advance. Whether you’re after a luxury dinner, a fun BYO boat, or a budget-friendly trip, now’s the time to secure your spot!
Discover Your Perfect Vivid Cruise—Limited Spots Available!
Why Book with Sydney Harbour Days?
With so many Vivid cruises to choose from, we make it easy to find the perfect one—so you can focus on having an unforgettable night.
- Handpicked Vivid Cruises – We’ve carefully selected the best cruises for every budget and vibe.
- No Hidden Fees – The price you see is the price you pay.
- Expert Advice – Need help choosing? We know these boats inside out and can recommend the best fit for you.
- Hassle-Free Booking – We handle everything, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the night.
- 5-Star Customer Service: With 200+ five-star reviews, we’re known for our friendly and hassle-free service.
Book with confidence—we’ll take care of the details while you sit back and enjoy the magic of Vivid Sydney.