Vivid Sydney Water Taxi & Harbour Cruises
See Vivid Sydney from the harbour aboard one of our water taxis. Join our popular $20 shared Vivid cruise, book a private water taxi transfer or add extra harbour time for your own group.
Approximately 20 minutes of Vivid Sydney from the water
Looking for a simple and affordable way to experience Vivid from Sydney Harbour? During Vivid Sydney we operate our popular shared water taxi cruise from Circular Quay .
The cruise runs for approximately 20 minutes and costs $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased on the day, subject to availability.
See Sydney’s light festival from the water
Vivid Sydney transforms the harbour after dark with projections, illuminated buildings, installations and colourful reflections across the water.
Travelling by water gives you a different perspective from the busy foreshore. These images show our actual water taxis operating during Vivid Sydney.
- $20 shared 20-minute Vivid cruises
- Private Vivid Sydney water taxi transfers
- Additional private harbour cruise time
- Opera House and Harbour Bridge views
- Family, friends and corporate groups
- One-way and return private transfers
A constantly changing harbour view
One of the advantages of experiencing Vivid from a water taxi is that your view changes throughout the journey. Instead of remaining at one crowded foreshore location, you move through Sydney Harbour.
Depending on the selected route, you may travel around Circular Quay, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and other illuminated waterfront areas.
See what Vivid looks like from our water taxi
This video was filmed during one of our Vivid Sydney trips and shows the harbour experience from aboard the water taxi.
The installations and projections change from year to year, but Sydney Harbour remains one of the most memorable ways to see the city illuminated at night.
Sydney landmarks you may see from the water
Sydney Opera House
See one of Sydney’s most recognisable harbour landmarks during the Vivid Sydney period.
Harbour Bridge
Travel beneath and around the Harbour Bridge with Sydney’s illuminated waterfront surrounding you.
Circular Quay
Experience Sydney Cove, ferries, waterfront buildings and Vivid activity from the harbour.
Barangaroo
Cruise past the western city skyline and Barangaroo waterfront during the Vivid Sydney period.
Darling Harbour
A major waterfront entertainment precinct during the Vivid Sydney festival.
The Rocks
See Sydney’s historic waterfront beneath the Harbour Bridge and surrounding city lights.
Sydney Skyline
See CBD lights and colourful reflections across Sydney Harbour after dark.
Longer Vivid Experience
Add private cruise time to an eligible transfer if you would like longer on Sydney Harbour.
Choose the experience that suits your night
For a quick and affordable experience, the $20 shared 20-minute cruise is an easy way to get onto Sydney Harbour.
If you would prefer the vessel to yourselves, use our private quote tool for a standard water taxi transfer and eligible additional cruise time.
Private Vivid water taxi pickup locations
For private transfers and eligible private harbour journeys, use our interactive map to see available Sydney Harbour pickup and drop-off locations, or visit our complete water taxi locations guide .
Get an instant price for your private Vivid journey
Use the quote tool below for private water taxi transfers during Vivid Sydney. Select your pickup, destination, passenger numbers and eligible additional cruise time. For larger groups or complex corporate bookings, email info@watertaxi.com.au .
Get an instant quote
Choose your pickup, destination, passengers and optional cruise time.
Vivid Sydney water taxi cruises
How much is the shared Vivid Sydney water taxi cruise?
The shared Vivid Sydney cruise costs $20 per person and runs for approximately 20 minutes.
Where does the $20 Vivid cruise depart?
The shared Vivid cruise operates from the Circular Quay area, including Harbour Master Steps and Commissioner Steps as directed by our team on the night.
Can I buy a $20 Vivid ticket on the day?
Yes. Tickets for the shared Vivid cruise can be purchased on the day, subject to availability.
How long is the shared Vivid cruise?
The shared water taxi cruise runs for approximately 20 minutes.
Can I book the whole water taxi privately?
Yes. Private Vivid water taxi transfers can be booked for couples, families, friends and groups.
Can we add longer cruise time?
Yes. Eligible private transfers can include additional cruise time. Use the private quote tool above to select your journey and available options.
Can we arrange a private return water taxi?
Yes. Private return transfers can be arranged subject to vessel availability and your required pickup time.
Can corporate groups book during Vivid Sydney?
Yes. Private water taxis can be arranged for staff, clients and corporate hospitality groups. Larger or multi-vessel bookings can be arranged directly.
How do I get a private Vivid water taxi price?
Use the quote tool above to select your pickup, destination, passenger numbers and any available additional cruise time.
From a $20 shared cruise to your own private water taxi
Join our approximately 20-minute shared Vivid cruise for $20 per person, or get an instant quote for your own private Vivid Sydney water taxi journey.
More ways to make the harbour part of it
Explore a related occasion or service and tell us how you would like your private harbour journey to fit the day.