Party Boats Adelaide

Private boats in Adelaide work two pieces of water. Most charters head up the Port River from Port Adelaide or the marina at Outer Harbor, while one enclosed function boat cruises West Lakes behind the western beaches.

Hire is charged by the hour, from $560 per hour on a sailing catamaran to $880 per hour, minimum 2-hour charter, on a racing maxi yacht. Group sizes range from about 20 to 100, so the guest list usually narrows the field before price does.

Things to pin down before choosing a vessel:

• Where to board: Port Adelaide and Outer Harbor both sit on the Port River, but guests need the exact wharf or marina and a way home afterwards.
• Sail or motor: a yacht can go out under full sail when the wind suits, or motor along the river for a steadier outing with less movement on deck.
• Food: some boats welcome BYO catering, while others offer platters, seafood menus or sit-down packages, so check before booking a separate caterer.
• Drinks: most vessels are licensed with drinks sold on board; one catamaran allows BYO for a corkage fee, and a bar tab can be arranged on the West Lakes boat.
• Shelter: a fully enclosed cabin that is heated and cooled suits a winter date or a heatwave afternoon, while open decks call for shade and water in summer.

Depending on the charter, a Port River route can take in the old Ships Graveyard, the mangroves and the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Dolphin cruises out of Glenelg sit under wildlife experiences, and barbecue boats on the River Torrens under water sports.