© Shutterstock 

Sydney Harbor, Australia -

Sydney Harbor is one of the most famous waterways in the world. Adding to its scenic allure is the iconic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge and 241 km (150 miles) of shoreline, a lot of it fringed by unspoiled golden beaches. 

© Shutterstock 

Hong Kong Harbor -

Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor is absolutely stunning. It separates Hong Kong Island in the south from the Kowloon Peninsula in the north. From Victoria Peak, the busy channel is framed by soaring skyscrapers and a mantle of glittering lights, a canvas especially vibrant at dusk. 

© Shutterstock 

New York Harbor, USA -

Set at the mouth of the Hudson River, New York's harbor is one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Its approach is defined by a collection of world famous landmarks, not least the Statue of Liberty. In the distance, the skyscrapers of Manhattan and Brooklyn stand waiting to welcome you. 

© Shutterstock 

Rio de Janeiro Harbor, Brazil -

The harbor of Rio de Janeiro is also known as Guanabara Bay. It's arguably the most dazzling body of water on the planet, ringed by twinkling lights as if wearing a diamond necklace. Adding to the sense of splendor is the unmistakable outline of Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). 

© Shutterstock 

Venice Harbor, Italy -

The Venetian Lagoon is an enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea, in which the city of Venice is situated. The magnificent Grand Canal divides the romantic capital of northern Italy's Veneto region, along which is lined numerous Renaissance and Gothic palaces. 

© Shutterstock 

Kotor Harbor, Montenegro -

The picture-perfect fortified medieval town of Kotor sits on Montenegro's Adriatic coast. Its secluded bay has provided a safe haven for mariners for centuries, the sense of sanctuary heightened by the nearly overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen. 

© Shutterstock 

Dubrovnik Harbor, Croatia -

The old port and historical center of Dubrovnik is one of the most visited Croatian coastal destinations. The small harbor is overlooked by solid medieval walls behind which is a cluster of churches and palace buildings set over a maze of cobbled lanes. 

© iStock

Vancouver Harbor, Canada -

The liveliest and most attractive part of Vancouver's waterfront is Coal Harbor, between Stanley Park and Canada Place. British Columbia's most populous city boasts numerous marinas while the port of Vancouver is one of the Pacific Ocean coast's busiest passenger and freight hubs. 

© Shutterstock 

Geiranger Fjord, Norway -

Perhaps Northern Europe's most scenic natural anchorage, Norway's majestic Geiranger Fjord can accommodate cruise ships that take it in turn to sail the steely blue waters up to the village of Geiranger and its spectacular harbor. 

© Shutterstock 

English Harbor, Antigua -

A natural anchorage of exceptional beauty located on the tropical Caribbean island of Antigua, English Harbor serves residents and visitors alike, its relatively deep waters sheltering a fleet of sailing boats and larger yachts. 

© Shutterstock 

Stockholm Harbor, Sweden -

Spread out over an archipelago with 14 main islands, Stockholm has been greeting those arriving by boat since the Viking era. Indeed, the city's approach by water is a truly memorable maritime adventure. 

© Shutterstock 

Monte Carlo Harbor, Monaco -

Probably the most glamorous harbor destination in the world, Monte Carlo on the French Riviera welcomes to its moorings some of the most expensive super yachts. The larger harbor seen on the left is known as Port Hercule, La Condamine. To the right is the smaller more picturesque Fontvieille, with The Rock (the old town, fortress, and Palace) jutting out between the two harbors. 

© Shutterstock 

San Francisco Harbor, USA -

Entering the San Francisco Bay Area by boat means sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge—a most impressive introduction to any harbor in the world. The bridge, inaugurated in May 1937, is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. 

© Shutterstock 

Gorey Bay Harbor, Jersey -

The 13th-century Mont Orgueil Castle overlooks Gorey Bay on the Channel Island destination of Jersey. The pretty harbor, at one end lined with traditionally-styled shops and bars, plus a couple of hotels, serves as mooring for oyster boats and small pleasure craft.   

© Shutterstock 

Singapore Harbor -

Brash, bold, and bewitching, Singapore Harbor is distinguished by a collection of world-renowned landmarks including Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. The Port of Singapore, meanwhile, has been ranked as the top maritime capital of the world since 2015. 

© Shutterstock 

Valletta Harbor, Malta -

The Mediterranean island of Malta is blessed with one of the largest natural harbors in Europe, the suitably named Grand Harbor. The area was the scene of much of the fighting in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Fortunately many of 16th-century structures survived the blockade to present today's visitors with some of the finest Baroque-era buildings in the region. 

© Shutterstock 

Auckland Harbor, New Zealand -

Stunning in their outlook, the two harbors that serve Auckland are called Waitematā Harbor and Manukau Harbor. Bridges span parts of both harbors, notably the Auckland Harbor Bridge crossing Waitematā. 

© Shutterstock 

Helsinki Harbor, Finland -

Approaching Helsinki's South Harbor is to weave your way past dozens of small islets until you reach the cruise ship/ferry pier. Set in front of the Presidential Palace is the charming Slottsbassängen Bay (pictured), used by small visiting boats.

© Shutterstock 

Bastia Harbor, Corsica -

The old harbor of Bastia in northeastern Corsica is a handsome port whose central feature is the 17th-century Église Saint Jean-Baptiste. Bastia is wine country and there are plenty of bars lining the quayside where you can sample this most agreeable of exports. 

© Shutterstock 

Miami Harbor, USA -

Miami in Florida is the cruise ship capital of the world. "PortMiami" is a major seaport located in Biscayne Bay at the mouth of the Miami River. This coastal metropolis is built on water, and its numerous bays and harbors sparkle in shades of turquoise and blue. 

© Shutterstock 

Marseille Harbor, France -

Marseille is the oldest city in France, founded by Greek settlers in 600 BCE. Its fantastically atmospheric harbor sits under the shadow of the landmark Notre-Dame de la Garde. Marseille's old port, meanwhile, is flanked by two historic sea forts. 

© Shutterstock 

Nassau Harbor, Bahamas -

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, combines clusters of pastel-colored British colonial-era buildings with modern, state-of-the-art properties—a picture of tropical bliss that greets cruise ship passengers as they glide into port on a succession of ocean-going vessels. 

© Shutterstock 

Abu Dhabi Harbor, UAE -

Abu Dhabi's cruise ship terminal is approached by a series of channels and yawning harbors designed to accommodate some of the largest passenger liners in the world—their destination being the futuristic Zayed Port, in the northeast section of Abu Dhabi city. 

© Getty Images 

Tobermory Harbor, Scotland -

Tiny Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in the Scottish Inner Hebrides is not much more than a sliver of harbor front painted in reds, blues, and yellows. But it's one of the quaintest fishing town destinations in the land. 

© Shutterstock 

Honfleur Harbor, France -

The old Normandy port of Honfleur, recognized for its authentic 12th-century character and a harbor lined with colorful cafés and restaurants, was popular with Impressionist painters like Monet and Boudin. Its fleet of traditional fishing boats still presents an attractive canvas today. 

© Shutterstock 

Nyhavn New Harbor, Denmark -

Copenhagen's Nyhavn New Harbor is possibly the most Instagrammed port in Europe. The 17th-century waterfront is in fact a canal that stretches from Kongens Nytorv to the harbor front just south of the city's Royal Playhouse.  

© Shutterstock 

Neko Harbor, Antarctica -

The world's remotest and most unspoiled harbor is Neko Harbor, an inlet of the Antarctic Peninsula on Andvord Bay. The harbor originally served whaling boats but today operates as a scenic landing point for specialist expedition ships and scientific vessels. 

© Shutterstock 

Tenby Harbor, Wales -

The quaint harbor town and resort of Tenby in southwest Wales exudes an altogether appealing Victorian charm. Its history, however, dates back to the 9th century. A focal point is the ancient harbor, used mainly today by small yachts and fishing boats. 

© Shutterstock 

Mo’orea, French Polynesia -

The various bays of the paradise island of Mo’orea in the South Pacific Ocean operate as anchorages for visiting yachts and cruise liners, the best-known being the deep blue Cook's Bay—one of the most exclusive harbors on the planet! 

Sources:(History) (DNV) (World Atlas)

See also: French Polynesia: a must on your paradise travel bucket list

© Shutterstock