About this tour
A 3-hour sailing experience on a Sydney-to-Hobart race yacht across Hobart Harbour, where you can actively help sail or simply watch from the deck. You'll see the city, Mt Wellington, and surrounding forests from the water, with decent chances of spotting penguins, dolphins or seals. Morning or afternoon tea with local treats is included. Suited to anyone with basic fitness, from hands-on sailors to passengers after a scenic float.
Highlights
- Sail an actual ocean racing maxi yacht, not a tour boat
- Take the helm, grind winches, or stay relaxed — your choice
- Regular wildlife sightings: penguins, dolphins, seals, occasional whales
- Gourmet morning or afternoon tea included in price
- Professional skipper and crew with high-seas experience
- Maximum 18 people per trip keeps groups intimate
- Operates rain or shine across Hobart's sheltered harbour
- Local wines and beer available at bar prices
What to expect
You'll board the yacht at a Hobart Harbour location and depart with an experienced skipper and crew. Over three hours, the boat will cruise across most of the harbour's sheltered waters, taking in views of the city skyline, Mt Wellington, and forest-covered hills. You can actively participate—grinding winches, steering, handling lines—or simply sit back and observe; the crew will explain what's happening and share local knowledge and maritime stories. Morning or afternoon tea with local treats arrives partway through. The route and pace follow sailing conditions; you may spot wildlife including penguins, dolphins or seals, and rarer visits from whales or orca. The sail wraps as you return to the mooring.
What travellers say
- Real sailing on a race yacht, not a commercial tour vessel
- Hands-on or passive—you control your level of involvement
- Wildlife encounters regular and genuinely possible
- Experienced crew with racing pedigree and local insight
- Small group size under 18 people feels personal
- Operates in all weathers; poor conditions may be uncomfortable
- Minimum passenger requirements risk last-minute cancellation
- No hotel transport included—you must arrange arrival
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits anyone curious about sailing and Hobart's waterside landscape, whether you want hands-on involvement or a leisurely float. No fitness level is demanded. Suitable for all ages, though infants must sit on an adult's lap. The yacht operates in all weather, so dress warmly and waterproof if needed—flat-soled shoes (trainers ideal) are required for safety on deck. Groups max out at 18. Note that minimum passenger numbers apply; cancellation is possible after booking if the group doesn't reach the threshold, though you'll receive an alternative or refund. Hotel transfers aren't included, but public transport is available nearby. Local drinks cost extra.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.