Vivid Sydney Boat Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

Wondering where the best views of Vivid Sydney are?
 

Sure, you can hit the pavement and see it all on foot, but we think the view from the water is hard to beat! Not only is it crowd-free, but it also offers the best views of all the light projections. So why not get a bunch of mates or friends/family/colleagues together and see Vivid from a totally unique perspective: the water! 

Read this article for everything you need to know about Vivid Sydney 2024 boat cruises, including Vivid dinner cruises and getting onto the harbour for this unmissable event.

What is Vivid Sydney?

Vivid Sydney is the biggest light festival in the world, with 3.28 million visiting in 2023. It has  60+ spectacular light art installations, including 3D building projections and illuminations - with the Opera House sails, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo and Luna Park all part of the program. 

When does Vivid Sydney start?

Vivid Sydney runs Friday 24th May – Saturday 15th June 2024 this year, with the lights coming on from 6.00pm nightly.

What type of boat hire or cruise options are there for Vivid?

Whether you are looking for a larger vessel to soak up the skyline with a group, or something more intimate on a smaller boat - there are Vivid boat hire options for everyone. You could book an evening on:

• A purpose built event boat designed for a Vivid dinner cruise, entertaining and THE best views, with large open plan decks and wall-to-deck windows. This is a popular option for entertaining corporate clients.
  
  
• A luxury motor cruiser, which come in all shapes and sizes, and can accommodate groups from 12 to 90 guests or more. This makes motor cruisers suitable for smaller intimate gatherings to larger groups.
  
  
• A superyacht, for an exclusive, luxury A-lister experience with personal service and everything that goes with this class of vessel. A trip on board this type of vessel during Vivid would make a perfect birthday celebration, or to mark a personal or corporate milestone.
  
  
• A catamaran, which have huge deck space for soaking up the breathtaking views. These vessels are best suited to more casual gatherings, though larger cats are suitable for more formal occasions. 
  
  

How long is a Vivid cruise?

Most Vivid cruises run for anywhere from 2 hrs - 4 hrs. May (when Vivid is on) ) is classed as the off-season for private boat hire, and many operators have better rates than in summer. You can also hire a private boat for 2 hours instead of the usual 4 hour minimum, so it's a good time to take advantage of lower rates to enjoy the light show from the water.

Do boats have package deals during Vivid Sydney?

Yes, the great thing about private charters is that there are boats with the option to BYO food and drinks, while others may have an all inclusive deal. Boats which have a dedicated Vivid dinner cruise or promotion/package will typically be for 2 hrs - 3 hrs, which follows a set route that takes in the best views of Vivid from the water. 

*This varies by boat, so please enquire with our team if you are looking for a Vivid cruise package, or something smaller and more personal. 

What do I need to bring on a Vivid boat cruise?

Besides yourself, wrap up warm (because it’s autumn/winter) so you can spend some time taking in the fresh air outside. It can feel chillier when you are on the water, so a warm jacket/beanie/gloves will help keep you toasty. Or choose a boat with a nice cosy, warm cabin/interior.

What wharves do Vivid Sydney cruises depart from?

Vivid cruises can embark and disembark from a variety of wharves on Sydney harbour, with King Street Wharf on Darling Harbour popular. It’s best to check with us before you book so we can confirm which wharf your boat leaves from. 
 

Ready to make Vivid Sydney a night to remember? Get in touch with our team and we can make it all happen!

Image credit: Flickr/Marc Dalmulder