Sydney Harbour sailing from Manly: Hands-on keelboat experience
You steer a 24ft keelboat across Sydney Harbour's open water.
A hands-on sailing experience on Sydney Harbour departing from Manly, where you help set the sails and steer a 24ft keelboat with a professional skipper, or sit back and watch. The cruise passes waterfront mansions and hidden beaches, with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge on longer cruises when weather allows.
Step-by-step itinerary
Sailing experience on Sydney Harbour
- Depart from Manly
- Help set the sails
- Steer the 24ft keelboat
- Cruise past waterfront mansions
- Discover hidden harbour beaches
- View Sydney Opera House from water
- View Sydney Harbour Bridge from water
- Relax and enjoy harbour views
What’s included
- Sailing instruction if you want it.
- safety equipment.
- a 1.5 or 2.5 hour cruise on Sydney Harbour depending on your option.
- an experienced crew.
Times
- Every day 10:00 13:00
Before you book
Operated by Manly Sailing Pty Ltd
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
Sydney Harbour looks different from the water. You board a 24ft keelboat at Manly and work with the skipper to raise the sails, take the wheel, and feel how the boat responds to wind and current. If you'd rather observe, that's fine too. The skipper handles the technical work either way. Basic swimming skills are recommended but not required, and the crew provides all safety equipment.
The route takes you past the multi-million dollar waterfront homes that line the harbour, then into quieter coves where hidden beaches come into view. On the longer cruise, weather permitting, you'll see the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water: a perspective most visitors miss. The experience runs 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on which option you choose.
Departing from Manly means you can reach the boat by public transport if you're staying elsewhere in Sydney, and the Manly Yacht Club itself is accessible by stroller and wheelchair (though the boat deck is not). Children from age 7 can join, and they must be accompanied by an adult. The sailing only goes ahead with at least two participants for safety. If numbers fall short, the operator will contact you to reschedule.
Is this one for you?Departing from Manly makes this reachable by public transport, so you don't need a car or a hotel on the harbour itself to get on the water. The hands-on option lets you learn to sail, while the option to simply sit back works just as well if you'd rather take in the views.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 15 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I actually help sail the boat, or do I just watch?
You can help set the sails and steer if you want to. The skipper will teach you how. If you prefer to sit back and take in the views, that's equally fine: the crew manages the boat either way.
Will I see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge on this cruise?
The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are visible on the longer cruise option when weather permits. The shorter cruise focuses on the harbour itself, waterfront mansions and hidden beaches. Weather can affect which sites are reachable on any given day.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic swimming skills are recommended but not necessary. The crew provides all safety equipment, and the skipper is trained for water safety.
How do I get to Manly to start the cruise?
Public transport options are available near the Manly Yacht Club, so you can reach the departure point without a car. The club itself is accessible by stroller and wheelchair if you're traveling with small children or mobility needs.
Sydney Harbour sailing from Manly: Hands-on keelboat experience
1h 30m–2h 30m · EN
from AU$ 169 per person
≈ US$ 120 in your currency
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