Frequently Asked Questions

Boat hire on Sydney Harbour starts from $325 per hour for our smaller catamarans and goes up to $1,600 per hour for our luxury motor yacht. Pricing depends on the vessel, charter duration, number of guests, and whether you add catering. A 4-hour private charter on one of our popular catamarans typically ranges from $1,300 to $2,400. All charters include a licensed skipper, and there is no corkage fee for BYO drinks.

We recommend booking at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance for weekend charters, especially during peak season (October to March). Weekday charters can often be arranged with shorter notice. A 25% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 2 weeks prior to your charter date. For popular dates like New Year's Eve and Australia Day, book well ahead as these sell out months in advance.

Minimum charter duration is typically 4 hours, which is enough for a harbour cruise, swimming stop, and sightseeing. Half-day (4 to 5 hour) and full-day (7 to 8 hour) charters are the most popular options. We also offer overnight stays on our catamaran Alila, where you can spend the night moored in a serene spot on the harbour. Multi-day charters are available on request.

Yes — a 25% deposit secures your charter date. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before your charter. Once your deposit is received, your date is locked in and the vessel is exclusively reserved for your group. We accept bank transfer and credit card payments.

Cancellations made more than 14 days before your charter receive a full refund of your deposit. Within 14 days, the deposit is non-refundable, but we will do our best to reschedule your charter to another available date. If we have to cancel due to unsafe weather conditions, you can choose between a full refund or rescheduling at no extra cost.

Our fleet accommodates groups from intimate gatherings of 6 up to large parties of 49 guests. Each vessel has different capacity — our catamarans range from 20 to 30 guests for day charters, while our luxury motor yacht handles up to 49. For overnight stays, the maximum is 6 guests in 2 queen-sized cabins. All charters are 100% private, so you will never share the boat with strangers.

Our fleet includes catamarans and a luxury motor yacht. Our flagship catamaran Alila is a Seawind 1160 — a spacious, modern catamaran perfect for day charters, swimming, and overnight stays. We also offer smaller and larger catamarans to suit different group sizes and budgets. All vessels are well-maintained, surveyed, and fully equipped for comfort and safety on Sydney Harbour.

All charters include a licensed, experienced skipper who knows Sydney Harbour inside out. Our skippers handle all the navigation, anchoring, and safety procedures so you can relax and enjoy your charter. If you would like to try your hand at steering for a few minutes, just ask — conditions permitting, our skipper will be happy to show you the ropes.

Yes — we welcome children of all ages. A private charter is one of the best ways to see Sydney with kids, as they can move freely on the boat without the constraints of a city tour. The catamarans are stable and safe, with enclosed cabins below deck that are perfect for naps or quiet time. Life jackets are available for children, and our crew is experienced with family groups.

Yes — our catamaran Alila is available for overnight charters for up to 6 guests. You will spend the night moored in a serene spot on Sydney Harbour, with 2 queen-sized cabins, 3 hot showers, and full galley facilities. It is a unique way to experience Sydney — falling asleep to the lights of the harbour and waking up on the water.

Yes — all our charters are BYO with no corkage fee. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks onboard. We provide cups, plates, cutlery, platters, and BBQ gear for your convenience. We also offer full catering options if you would prefer to leave it to us, including platters, BBQ meals, and gourmet catering. Ice and cool box storage are provided on every vessel.

Yes, we offer a range of catering options from casual grazing platters and BBQ packages to full gourmet catering. Our crew prepares and serves all meals onboard. Catering is tailored to your group size and preferences, with options for dietary requirements. Alternatively, you can BYO food at no extra charge — we supply all the serving equipment and BBQ gear you will need.

Absolutely. Whether you need vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, or allergy-specific options, our catering team will tailor the menu to your needs. Just let us know your requirements when booking and we will make sure everyone is well catered for. If you are bringing your own food, we are happy to provide separate preparation areas to avoid cross-contamination.

Yes — our charters cruise past all of Sydney's iconic landmarks. You will sail past the Sydney Opera House, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and past Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and Luna Park. Your skipper will point out landmarks and share local knowledge along the way. It is the most relaxing way to see Sydney's best sights — all from the water.

Absolutely. Swimming is one of the highlights of a Sydney Harbour charter. We know the best swimming spots — from tucked-away coves to sunny beaches — and provide pool noodles, stand-up paddleboards, and a floating lilypad for relaxation. Swimming stops are weather-dependent and always at the skipper's discretion for safety.

Yes — every vessel in our fleet is equipped with a Bluetooth sound system. Simply connect your phone and play your own playlist. We also have Starlink satellite WiFi on some vessels, so you can stream music or share your charter on social media while out on the harbour.

Plenty — swimming at secluded harbour beaches, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing (bring your own gear), sightseeing, sunbaking on the foredeck, and simply relaxing with friends. You can also stop at a harbour-side pub or restaurant for lunch if you wish. Your skipper will tailor the route to what you want to do, whether that's an action-packed day or a lazy afternoon on the water.

Charters can depart from any public wharf around Sydney Harbour — we will arrange pick-up and drop-off at a location that suits you. Popular departure points include Rose Bay, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, and Watsons Bay. Wharf bookings are arranged by us and are essential, so we recommend confirming your preferred departure point when you book.

For a day charter, bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and any food and drinks you would like (we are BYO with no corkage). For overnight stays, bring a change of clothes, pyjamas, and breakfast if you are self-catering. We provide bed linen, towels, tea, coffee, and milk for overnight guests. Do not forget your camera — the harbour views are spectacular.

Sydney weather is usually cooperative, but if conditions are unsafe (strong winds, thunderstorms, or heavy rain), we will work with you to reschedule your charter to the next available date. Light rain does not necessarily mean cancellation — our catamarans have covered cabin areas that keep everyone comfortable. We monitor weather forecasts closely and will contact you ahead of time if any changes are needed.

Yes — our flagship catamaran Alila is equipped with Starlink satellite WiFi, so you can stay connected and share your charter in real time. All vessels have USB charging ports and standard power outlets for phones and cameras. Just bring your charging cable and you are sorted.

Accessibility varies by vessel. Our catamarans have wide cockpit areas and step-free access from the wharf in most conditions, but cabins and some deck areas involve steps. Please contact us to discuss your specific accessibility needs — we will recommend the best vessel and arrange wharf access to make boarding as easy as possible.