
Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht worth booking?
Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht is a 2.5-hour experience in Sydney, Australia, from $139 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $139 per person
Embark on a sailing cruise on our magnificent 61ft classic yacht, Southwinds, and experience the magic of Sydney Harbour from the water. Benefit from the knowledge of our friendly and experienced skippers, who will show
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a sailing cruise on our magnificent 61ft classic yacht, Southwinds, and experience the magic of Sydney Harbour from the water. Benefit from the knowledge of our friendly and experienced skippers, who will show you the ropes on what promises to be an unforgettable day out. Departing from Manly Sailing, Manly you'll take a short tender ride to Southwinds waiting in the bay. You'll have the opportunity to help set the sails and steer the boat, or you can simply sit back, relax and take in the views. Cruise past the iconic attractions including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Get involved as much or as little as you like. No experience is necessary. Other things to note: Boarding Southwinds is via a powerboat tender and requires a few steps up/down on and off the boat.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Powerboat/tender from Manly Sailing to Southwinds
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Manly
If wind allows it we will sail up the harbour as far North as Manly before returning to Barangaroo.
Pass by without stopping
Sydney Harbour
Cruise past the multi-million dollar waterfront mansions of the rich and famous, and revel in uninterrupted views of iconic attractions including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You'll have the opportunity to help set the sails and steer the boat, or you can simply sit back, relax and take in the views. Get involved as much or as little as you like - this is a great chance to discover if sailing larger yachts is for you! No experience is necessary.
Pass by without stopping
Sydney Opera House
Pass by iconic sights including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Pass by without stopping
Sydney Harbour Bridge
We will pass under the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sydney
Manly Sailing is a short walk from Manly Ferry Wharf. We are on the wharf, on the ground floor of the Manly Yacht Club. We will take a short ride by powerboat from the wharf to Southwinds waiting in the bay.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Manly Sailing is a short walk from Manly Ferry Wharf. We are on the wharf, on the ground floor of the Manly Yacht Club. We will take a short ride by powerboat from the wharf to Southwinds waiting in the bay.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Manly Sailing Pty Ltd
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Sailing Sydney Harbour
Relaxed and professional and up market treatment by Finn and his crew, Amazing Sydney Harbour views and lots of fun sailing the boat!
via Viator
A real sailing experience
A truly outstanding sailing experience. For those who want an authentic, small-group adventure on a beautiful yacht, guided by passionate skippers and instructors. Exceptional sailing, unforgettable moments – highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
I am not a sailboat...
I am not a sailboat person but my husband loved it! Water was a bit rough for me at times but the crew was amazing. Learned some things about sailing and got to enjoy some beautiful scenery.
via Viator
Unmatched Views of Sydney from Classic Sailboat
Our sail aboard Manly Sailing’s Southwinds was a highlight of our trip to Sydney. Captain Finn and crew Hannah and Olivia gave us the opportunity to see this fabulous city from the unique vantage point of a classic 1950’s double-masted (ketch) boat. We voted to explore the Central Harbour—but could have headed out into open waters to look for whales. We headed from Fairlight near Manly Beach down the bridge and then back. The views were unmatched. The team aboard expertly handled the ship and taught us how to handle the lines through a series of tacks and jibes. (I assume you could just sit back and ride. But we wanted a more participatory, interactive experience). We each even took a turn at the wheel steering the boat as it cut through the water!
via Viator
Perfect Morning on a Stunning Yacht!
We really enjoyed this ‘Try Yachting’ morning on the beautiful ‘Southwinds’ around Sydney Harbour from Manly. Skipper Finn and his team Will, Holly & Conor put in such effort and enthusiasm into ‘showing us the ropes’! They included & encouraged everyone on board, both the young & the experienced alike. Such a relaxed & fun atmosphere - Thanks Guys!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $139 to $225
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sydney.
How much does Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht cost?
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Prices start at $139 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sydney usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sydney is not rushed.
Is Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sydney, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sydney can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sydney and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sydney Harbour: Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sydney within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sydney?
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On Outty we rank every Sydney experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive, Depart Syd: Blue Mountains Best All Inclusive with Local Guide, Blue Mountain Small Group Tour All Inclusive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sydney?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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