As of January 2018, the company operated 21 vessels on Sydney Harbour, providing a range of Government contracted and non-contracted Ferry services, Sightseeing, Dining and Charter Cruises.

The business was founded by Trevor Haworth taking its name from James Cook who led the first European contact with the East Coast of Australia in 1770.

[4] In November 1987, the Hegarty Ferries business was purchased from Stannard Bros, primarily to give Captain Cook Cruises exclusive access to wharf 6 at Circular Quay.

[1] In 1992, the company began operations in Fiji, purchasing Tivua Island, located 18 km off the coast of Port Denarau.

[6] In November 2005 Matilda Cruises was acquired from Amalgamated Holdings Limited (now Event Hospitality and Entertainment), with 11 vessels.

[12] Resumption dates for the City Loop (Darling Harbour/Barangaroo), Luna Park, and Fort Denison services are not yet known.