Where the Locals Ride: the 6 Best Harbour Ferries

1.Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry – Sydney Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 722 reviews · from $56Our pick

Take a Captain Cook Cruises ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 6 to Taronga Zoo, with admission included. See the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Fort Denison from the water, then explore 2,900-plus animals at your own pace. Plan on four to eight hours, and take the first ferry so you have time for talks, shows, and the zoo’s steep paths.

“Ferry to and from zoo is an excellent experience as you enjoy the view of the bay including viewing the Opera House and the Bridge. Best to visit not an a rainy days as some animals will be hiding. Beautiful zoo.”

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2.Rottnest Island Roundtrip Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 115 reviews · from $65

Take a fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island for a self-guided day out. The crossing takes about 40 minutes, and you can spend the day swimming, cycling, riding the hop-on hop-off bus, visiting Wadjemup Lighthouse, or spotting quokkas. Several departures give you some flexibility, with a 4:30pm return ferry.

“It was a great to visit Rotto and see the Quokkas. As we are not physically active to hire bikes we choose the bus. The day we visited was not very warm but very wi dy.”

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3.Rottnest Island Fast Ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour Including Bike Hire

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · from $86

Take the approximately 45-minute fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island, with a standard bike and helmet ready for you on arrival. Ride between 63 bays and beaches, visit Wadjemup Lighthouse, stop for a swim, and return on the scheduled ferry. Selected hotel pickup is available.

“Worked like a dream. Great day out. Would recommend bike hire. Quokkas are delightful. Good food and relaxing atmosphere.”

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4.Boston Harbor Islands Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 17 reviews · from $27Best value

From Long Wharf, choose a direct ferry to Georges Island for Fort Warren and Civil War history, or Spectacle Island for beaches, hiking, and Boston Harbor views. Your timed departure ticket includes an open return, ranger programs, visitor exhibits, and at least four hours in the park. Bring food, sunscreen, and good walking shoes.

“Enjoyable ride and exploration of the island. I learned a lot of history about the island.”

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5.Copenhagen Combo: Walking Tour, Harbor Ferry & Royal Guards

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 3 hours · from $63Top rated

This three-hour Copenhagen tour pairs a 5-kilometre city walk with a quiet electric harbor ferry ride and a café break. You meet under the clock at Central Station, pass Tivoli, Christiansborg, Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, and Kastellet, then finish at Amalienborg for the Changing of the Guards. Guides include Emilie and Amalia.

“Thank you, Kristian, for joining a tour and for your review. We appreciate your note about our guide, and I will pass it on. Warm regards Ray / Go Like a Local”

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6.Star Ferry Victoria Harbour Cruise & Light Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 10 reviews · from $36

Board the World Star Ferry at Tsim Sha Tsui for a 45-minute evening cruise during A Symphony of Lights. You’ll pass Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Wan Chai, with views of the ICC, Bank of China Tower, and West Kowloon Cultural District. Chinese and English service is available, and the ferry is wheelchair accessible.

“We liked that we could get on with a wheelchair to view the lights. Everyone was very helpful and kind”

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