Sydney Harbour Catamaran Hire
Welcome aboard Alila, a stunning private catamaran that can take you out onto the water to experience world-famous Sydney Harbour in three unforgettable ways.
Catamarans are the ideal platform for harbour charters. They are stable and spacious with plenty of deck area to spread out, comfortable for swimming, eating and moving around. Alila's covered cockpit means you are sorted rain or shine, with enclosed cabins below deck that are perfect for kids, naps or quiet time.
The beauty of a private charter is the flexibility. You choose the route, the duration, the stops and the vibe. Want to anchor at a secluded beach for a swim? Cruise past the Opera House at sunset? Spend the night moored in a quiet bay? It is your call — your skipper handles the rest.
Why Book With Experience Sydney Harbour?
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Sydney Harbour specialists — owned and operated for over 15 years by Captain Tim.
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Alila takes up to 30 guests for day charters and 6 for overnight stays — the most versatile vessel on the harbour.
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100% private charter — every booking is exclusive use. No sharing with strangers, no mixed groups. Your boat, your day.
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Flexible planning — custom itineraries, flexible pick-up points and catering options. We work around your needs.
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Experienced skippers & crew — fully qualified on every charter. They handle the boat so you can relax.
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BYO + catering available — bring your own drinks or add BBQ, platters and full catering. We make it easy.
Meet Alila — Your Charter Catamaran
Alila is a Seawind 1160 catamaran — one of the most popular charter vessels on Sydney Harbour. She is stable, spacious and built for comfort, with a covered cockpit that means you are sorted rain or shine. Below deck, two cabins and a full galley make overnight stays a genuine option.
Alila — Seawind 1160
| Guest Capacity | Up to 30 (day) / 6 (overnight) |
| Length | 11.6m (38ft) |
| Type | Sailing catamaran |
| Location | Sydney Harbour |
| BYO Drinks | Yes — no corkage |
| Sound System | Bluetooth + Starlink WiFi |
| Swimming | Paddleboards + pool noodles |
| Overnight | 2 cabins, 3 showers, full galley |
| Min Hire | 3 hours |
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Ooo it’s that time of the year peeps, don’t silly dally, get the troops together and give us DM for some cracking fun out on Sydney Harbour! Prices from only $75pp #experiencesydneyharbour #boatparty #sydney #yolo
No filter needed, enjoy a pretty picture from Bribe Island Qld
A massive shout out to @buckingham_marine_services and every single tradie that’s been down to Alila over the past 8 weeks to bring Alila back to her former glory. 1000’s of man hours poured into this fine lady and we can confirm that all our blood, sweat and swear words have pulled together to make this beast stronger and faster than she’s ever been before. All made possible by everyone who’s been onboard with us over the past decade, most of whom are now friends, including agencies and the staff they keep. We love you all and hopefully you can experience Alila in the Whitsundays with your own friends and families in the upcoming years. We’re on a scout for some amazing locations along the way this time and look forward to sharing in the future. Love to you all T ❤️
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.
Occasions
Whatever you are celebrating, a private catamaran on Sydney Harbour makes it unforgettable.
Bucks Party
Private catamaran, BYO drinks, your own playlist and swimming stops.
Learn more →Hens Party
Champagne, trampolines, photo ops and harbour views.
Learn more →Corporate Events
Client entertaining, team building and end-of-year functions.
Learn more →Birthday Party
Decorations, cake, BYO drinks and swimming stops.
Learn more →New Year's Eve
Prime position for the 9pm and midnight fireworks.
Learn more →Christmas Party
BYO drinks, BBQ catering and zero venue bar tab.
Learn more →Gay & LGBTQI+ Friendly
Mardi Gras cruises, NYE fireworks and a crew that makes everyone feel welcome.
Learn more →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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Not sure which is right for you? Get in touch and we will help you plan it →
Where Can Your Catamaran Charter Take You?
Your catamaran charter takes you through the heart of one of the world's most spectacular waterways. Cruise past the Sydney Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge for the iconic photo opportunity, then explore further afield.
Your skipper can drop anchor at Store Beach or Reef Beach — two of the harbour's most secluded swimming spots, only accessible by water. Head east past Watsons Bay and Rose Bay, or explore Middle Harbour for calm, sheltered waters away from the main harbour traffic.
If you want a waterfront lunch, stop at a harbour restaurant by water, or cruise past Darling Harbour and Barangaroo to see the city from a different angle. Every route can be tailored — that is the advantage of a private catamaran charter over a fixed tour.
Food & Drinks Onboard
Frequently Asked Questions About Catamaran Hire
Catamaran Hire Guides & Ideas
How much does it cost to hire a catamaran on Sydney Harbour?
What is included with catamaran hire?
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Can you organise catering for our charter?
How many guests can Alila accommodate?
Where do charters depart from?
Can we swim during the charter?
Can we stay overnight on the catamaran?
What happens if the weather is bad?
How far in advance should we book?
Ready to Get Out on the Water?
Private catamaran, BYO drinks, your own playlist, swimming stops and a custom route. Whether it is a special occasion or just a day out with friends — let us make it unforgettable.