Sydney Harbour Boat Hire & Private Charters

A hand-picked fleet of catamarans and a luxury motor yacht for private charters, parties, corporate events and harbour cruises. BYO drinks, skipper included, up to 49 guests.

6Boats
49Max Guests
BYONo Corkage
100%Private
15+Years
Experience Sydney Harbour charters — private catamaran hire on Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour's Trusted Private Catamaran Hire Company

Welcome to Experience Sydney Harbour — we connect you to Sydney Harbour onboard Alila, our flagship catamaran, although we have partner fleet throughout Australia, with a hand-picked fleet of catamarans and a luxury motor yacht for private charters across Sydney Harbour. Whether you're planning a birthday, bucks or hens party, corporate event, or a relaxed day on the water with friends, every charter is 100% private, BYO drinks with no corkage, and comes with an experienced skipper who knows the harbour inside out.

Find the Right Boat for Your Sydney Harbour Charter

Featured

Alila

Catamaran
Guest CapacityUp to 30
Length11.6m (38ft)
DesignSeawind 1160
Overnight6 guests, 3 cabins
From$450/hr
Bluetooth sound systemBYO drinks — esky & glasswareLarge indoor-outdoor areaTrampoline netsGalley with fridgeBathroom with hot showerSwim laddersBBQ available
View Alila

More Boats Available

Boat Hire for Every Occasion

Occasions

Whatever you are celebrating, a private catamaran on Sydney Harbour makes it unforgettable.

Experiences

More than just a party boat. Explore the harbour, stay overnight, fish, snorkel and chase whales.

Overnight Stay

Spend the night moored in a quiet bay and wake up on the water as the sun comes up. Alila sleeps up to 6 guests in 2 queen cabins with full galley, hot showers and linen provided.

  • Up to 6 overnight guests
  • 2 queen cabins, 3 showers
  • Linen, towels & breakfast included
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Sydney Harbour Sightseeing

Cruise past the Opera House, under the Harbour Bridge and out to hidden beaches only accessible by water. Your skipper knows every corner of the harbour.

  • Opera House & Harbour Bridge
  • Secluded harbour beaches
  • Custom route, your pace
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Fishing Charter

Fish the harbour with an experienced skipper who knows where they are biting. Gear and bait can be arranged.

  • Expert local skipper
  • Gear & bait available
  • Harbour fishing spots
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Spearfishing

Chase kingfish and snapper around the harbour rocky reefs. Alila gets you to spots only accessible by boat.

  • Boat-only dive spots
  • Kingfish, snapper & more
  • Safety briefing included
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Snorkelling

Explore the harbour underwater world at secluded coves and beaches. Paddleboards and pool noodles provided.

  • Secluded, boat-only beaches
  • Paddleboards & pool noodles
  • Great for families
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Vivid Sydney

Front-row seats to the light show, right on the water and away from the crowds. Cruise past illuminated installations with the city skyline as your backdrop.

  • Front-row to the light show
  • Away from the crowds
  • Warm BYO drinks onboard
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Whale Watching

Cruise out to the migration path during whale season (May to November) for a front-row seat to breaching humpbacks. A private charter means no crowds.

  • May to November season
  • Humpback migration path
  • Private, uncrowded viewing
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Private Charter

Any occasion, any group size. A fully private charter tailored entirely to you. Custom route, custom duration, custom catering.

  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Up to 30 guests
  • Any occasion, any duration
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Whitsunday Islands Charter

Sail the Whitsunday Islands on a private catamaran charter. Whitehaven Beach, Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and overnight stays in protected bays. Bespoke multi-day itineraries available.

  • Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet
  • Great Barrier Reef snorkelling
  • Multi-day bespoke itineraries
Learn more →

Not sure which is right for you? Get in touch and we will help you plan it →

Follow Us on Instagram

No filter needed, enjoy a pretty picture from Bribe Island Qld
Not many can survive out here, let alone thrive. The Swedish built this one tough and smart, thank you VV for sharing a total of around 3500 nautical miles around Port Jackson as the perfect co-captain, keeping the highest standards of safety, service and quality. 🫡
And autumn has arrived, best time of the year out here ❤️
Nice to take a day off the helm, and welcome to ESH Jayden! Jezza, if you’re watching, thanks again, that makes 9 charters and hopefully more to come. Love your groups, our preferred clientele.
Once in a lifetime stuff, we go above and beyond for the best experience #sydneynye #nye #sydney #2026 #boatparty

What Our Guests Say

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Rebecca Thomas profile picture
Rebecca Thomas
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Absolutely epic day with the best skipper and crew. Tim and Veronica were incredible. They looked after us so well, cooked the best steak, ensured we were safe, facilitated the best day and even joined in the party with Tim on the bongos! Thanks for making my hubbys birthday the best yet!
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Cameron Hain profile picture
Cameron Hain
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The boat is exceptional, a huge amount of space inside and out. Tim's communication leading up to the cruise was unbelievable, his enthusiasm and the actual cruise itself was awesome. He made the booking and experience unforgettable. Can book this boat and Tim without any concerns!
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Taylor Uzabeaga profile picture
Taylor Uzabeaga
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Tim was the captain of our boat just yesterday and ran the best day with the help of Renata. From the get go Tim was all about making it a stress free day not just for myself but for everyone. He went above and beyond all day. Thank you for the best day and allowing us to experience your beautiful Alila catamaran. No doubt this will be the only boat we use for any upcoming events. Thanks again Tim and Renata
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Michael Uzabeaga profile picture
Michael Uzabeaga
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Awesome afternoon on the harbour all thanks to Tim and his crew. Highly recommend!
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Dianne Riopelle profile picture
Dianne Riopelle
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If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience, you should book a day out (or overnight stay) with Experience Sydney Harbour. Prior to booking, I read a lot of glowing reviews. I can confirm the positive feedback is well-deserved. Tim made every effort to ensure that our day on board was a special one. We saw hidden coves on the Harbour that we never would have known existed, all whilst on our own private tour. Alila is a very luxurious catamaran - we felt extremely comfortable on our voyage. Tim was very helpful and reached out on multiple occasions in the lead up to our booking. On the day he was even able to alter timing to ensure we experienced the best weather possible. We would rate this as the best experience we have ever had and really hope that one day we can enjoy Tim's hospitality again.
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Anna O'Young profile picture
Anna O'Young
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Had my 30th birthday party on the boat over the long weekend and the whole process from booking to execution was flawless. Tim was very clear over communication, told us exactly what we needed to bring, he was laid- back but extremely organised and punctual, and overall the entire day was the best vibe. We got to decide whether we wanted to stop for a swim, food was cooked for us, and it was honestly the best day out that all my friends loved. Thank you so much Tim!
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Amy F profile picture
Amy F
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Tim is an absolute legend! We had my sisters hens party over the weekend and it could not have been more perfect. Tim and Hamish are an awesome team. Leading up to the event, Tim was incredibly helpful, flexible, and delightful to deal with. And even though it rained, it was still a perfect day. This was my third time using Experience Sydney Harbour for an event, and I just cannot recommend them enough. Thanks guys :)
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Alexandra Valades profile picture
Alexandra Valades
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Tim and Hamish were absolutely great for our recent charter. Not only was the afternoon so much fun, with great views, hospitality and a wicked bbq, but Tim was really helpful in the lead up with organising the day. Once I got on the boat I could relax knowing my guests were being taken care of on a beautiful, clean boat. Will definitely be doing a day with these guys again!
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Nadia profile picture
Nadia
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Tim and Hamish - what legends! We had a hens cruise yesterday that was great. Tim nestled us in a sheltered cove to warm us up a bit- was very considerate. The boat is beautiful and felt luxurious. Hamish has skills on the grill and impeccable service. Would highly recommend.
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Cigdem Kipel profile picture
Cigdem Kipel
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If you are looking for something fun to do with your friends, family or work colleagues, this is it! My team and I have spend the last 4 Christmas parties aboard Tim's boat. The views are gorgeous, the boat is comfortable and has everything you need for a few hours out on the harbour. Tim the skipper is so fantastic and accommodating. Every year we have a giant food platter on the table, down a few wines and enjoy a boogie on the 'dance floor' (plus the speakers are really good to plug your own music into). Then he always finds us a cool spot to have a swim and lets down the lily pad (this is so much fun). There's a reason we come back ever year! I even booked my friends hens party there this year #christmas party idea #work function #hens party idea Thanks again Tim, you're a legend!

Why Charter a Boat on Sydney Harbour?

100% Private

Your boat, your crew, no strangers.

BYO Drinks

No corkage, no bar tab. Bring your own.

Swimming Stops

Anchor at Athol Bay, Woolloomooloo Wharf and more.

Harbour Sightseeing

Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison.

Flexible Durations

3-hour minimums to overnight stays.

Any Group Size

From 10 to 49 guests. We match the boat.

Multiple Wharves

Rose Bay (free), Circular Quay, Barangaroo.

Bluetooth Sound

Your playlist on every boat. DJ on select vessels.

Popular Sydney Harbour Destinations

Darling Harbour

Circular Quay

Barangaroo

Opera House

Watsons Bay

Rose Bay

Woolloomooloo Wharf

Athol Bay

How Boat Hire Works

1

Browse Boats

View our fleet and pick the right vessel for your group.

2

Choose Your Charter

Select your occasion — every charter is 100% private.

3

Submit Enquiry

Submit your charter details, to check availability.

4

Confirm & Deposit

25% deposit secures your booking. Balance due 2 weeks prior.

5

Enjoy the Harbour

Meet your skipper, BYO, and enjoy Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Harbour Boat Hire FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a boat on Sydney Harbour?
From $325/hour (smaller catamarans) to $1,600/hour (luxury yacht). Most catamarans range from $450 to $750/hour. 3 to 4-hour minimum. All prices include skipper, crew, fuel and GST. View our fleet →
How many people can I have on a Sydney Harbour charter?
Our boats accommodate 20 to 49 guests. What's Kraken (20), Alila & Tigeress (30), Tiger 3 & Tiger 4 (43), Salt (49). Overnight: Alila and What's Kraken sleep 6.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes — all boats are fully BYO. No corkage fees. We provide esky space, ice, glassware, plates and cutlery. Catering packages also available.
Where do charters depart from?
Standard departure from Rose Bay (free). Pick-up from Circular Quay, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and other wharves available (fees apply).
How long can we hire a boat for?
3-hour minimum on Alila, 4-hour minimum on other vessels. Most groups book 4 to 5 hours. Full-day and overnight charters also available.
Can you organise catering and drinks?
Yes. Catering packages from gourmet platters to full catered events with a host. Or BYO everything — no corkage.
Which boats are best for bucks and hens parties?
Tiger 3 and Tiger 4 (up to 43 guests) are popular for larger parties. Alila (30) and What's Kraken (20) for smaller groups. All BYO with Bluetooth sound.
Can we swim during our cruise?
Yes. Every boat has swim ladders and lily pads. We anchor at Athol Bay, Watsons Bay, Woolloomooloo Wharf. SUPs on Alila.
What happens if it rains?
Our catamarans are stable with covered deck areas. If conditions are unsafe, we reschedule at no penalty or offer a full refund.
How far in advance should I book?
4 to 8 weeks for most events. Christmas and NYE book out months ahead. Weekends fill fastest during peak season (Sep–Apr).

Ready to Book Your Sydney Harbour Charter?

Browse our fleet and send us your date. We'll confirm availability within 24 hours.

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