The 5 Best Ferry Trips Worth Taking For Their Own Sake

1.All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,832 reviews · from $204Our pick

Travel from Sydney to the Three Sisters, ride Scenic World’s railway, Skyway, Cableway, and rainforest walkway, then enjoy lunch and Australian wildlife at Featherdale or Sydney Zoo. Guides such as Kat, Axel, Rin, and Grant lead the small-group day before you return by ferry along the Parramatta River.

“Great guide, very knowledgable. Full day of activities to get to know Australia. Loved to be in the mountains, nature walk, zoo.”

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2.Sliema/St. Paul’s: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Ferry Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,137 reviews · 7 hours - 450 minutes · from $41

Spend seven hours aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay. Cruise Malta’s northern coast, enjoy roughly two hours in Gozo, then stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. This is an independent ferry trip, not a guided tour. Gozo transport and the optional caves boat cost extra, and you need a government access pass for Blue Lagoon.

“Easy to book. Easy to find out boat on the day. Good communication regarding instructions for the day. Just the right amount of time in each location. Great value for money.”

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3.Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Gulf Islands Cruise Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 565 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $214

Spend about 13 hours traveling from Vancouver to Vancouver Island by coach and ferry. See the Gulf Islands, explore Butchart Gardens for two hours, then enjoy free time in Victoria. Guides such as Mark, Dan, Justin, Dion, and Senan provide commentary, while transport and garden admission are included.

“This is a long day, but it's worth every minute. The bus is comfortable, the ferry ride was really pleasant, the Butchart Gardens were fabulous, and the stop in Victoria was fun. Don't miss it. Our driver, Dion, was excellent, narrating most of the way.”

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4.Santorini Day Trip with Fast Ferry Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 365 reviews · 11 - 12 hours · from $199

From Heraklion, you’ll take a fast ferry to Santorini, then tour Oia and Fira by air-conditioned bus with a multilingual guide. You get 1.5 hours in Oia and two hours in Fira, plus optional hotel transfers from eastern and central Crete. Guides such as Theodora, Diego, and Adonis have earned high marks for clear help and good timing.

“It was nice to see Santorini but be prepared for queuing everywhere in a heat. 1.5h in Oia is not enough even for just taking pictures. Fira is cheaper but not as pretty as Oia, we just stopped there for food and to buy souvenirs but felt like 2hours there was a waste of time. I wish we could stay full 3.5h in Oia and focus on this place even if is more expensive. If we pay £150 per person it doesn’t really matter if we spend a little bit more.”

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5.Melbourne: City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 343 reviews · from $23Best value

Sail from Southbank down the Yarra River and across Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown, with Melbourne’s skyline behind you and live English commentary along the way. Choose a one-way trip or return cruise, then spend time around heritage buildings, cafés, galleries, parks, and the waterfront. Tea and coffee are included.

“Was a delay in starting out half hour late but pick up time was extended.”

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