How Much Does a Water Taxi from Circular Quay to Manly Cost?

The Circular Quay to Manly water taxi is one of the most-booked runs on Sydney Harbour — a 22-minute private transfer that ducks past the Opera House, out through the Heads and lands you at Manly Wharf ready for a swim, a beer at the Manly Pavilion, or the walk to Shelly Beach.

This guide breaks down what a 2026 Circular Quay to Manly water taxi actually costs, why the fare looks the way it does, how it compares with the Manly Fast Ferry, and how to book one in about thirty seconds. For more harbour runs, see our best water taxi routes on Sydney Harbour guide.

The 2026 fare

For a standard daytime pickup up to 12 passengers, a Circular Quay to Manly water taxi through Water Taxis Australia is typically around $290 per boat. That fare is all-inclusive — the boat, the licensed master, GST, insurance and platform fees are all baked in. There is nothing to pay on the wharf.

Situations that change the price:

• After hours (10pm–6am) — flat $75 surcharge.
• NSW public holidays — flat $100 surcharge.
• Larger vessels or a water limousine — from $650 for the first hour, then $450 per hour, if you want the premium boat.
• Long-fare bonus — trips over $200 pick up a 5% operator loyalty bonus (already included in your quote).

Why a per-boat fare is a win for groups

Water taxis in Sydney are priced per boat, not per person. That means once you're travelling with three or more people, the per-head cost drops fast:

• 1 passenger: $290
• 4 passengers: $72.50 each
• 8 passengers: $36.25 each
• 12 passengers: $24.20 each

An Uber XL from the CBD to Manly at peak hour easily runs $85–$120 for a maximum of six people, before tolls and traffic. The Manly Fast Ferry is cheaper per head but you're on their schedule, you queue with everyone else, and there's no door-to-wharf pickup with your luggage.

Time on the water

Wharf-to-wharf, a Circular Quay to Manly water taxi is 22–25 minutes in normal conditions. Add the walk to the wharf on either end and you're looking at around 30 minutes door-to-wharf — versus 30 minutes on the ferry *plus* queue time *plus* the walk across the Manly Corso.

Water Taxis Australia dispatches to Jetty 6 at Circular Quay and Manly Wharf's public pontoon; if you're picking up from a hotel with a private jetty (Pier One, Park Hyatt) or from a restaurant pontoon in Manly, drop the pin in the booking engine and we'll route the operator to it.

When to book

Same-day pickups inside service hours (6am–10pm) are usually confirmed instantly. For guaranteed availability on weekends, public holidays, NYE and event nights (Vivid, NRL grand final, sailing events) book at least 48 hours ahead. Every booking is confirmed by email and SMS with your ticket QR — the skipper scans it at the wharf.

Cancellation

For water taxis and water limousines, our current cancellation policy is:

• 48+ hours before pickup — full refund to your original card.
• 24–48 hours — 50% refund, remainder held as wallet credit.
• Under 24 hours — wallet credit, valid for 12 months.

The full policy is on our terms page.

Book your Circular Quay to Manly water taxi

Enter Circular Quay as the pickup, Manly Wharf as the drop-off, pick your date and passenger count on the home page. The all-inclusive fare shows before you pay. Your skipper is waiting.