A Boat Agency
Pro3.8 stars from 125 Google reviews
|Highlights
- Books around 30 vessels, from 30-guest cruisers to a 600-guest glass-walled event boat
- Party boat hire from $425 an hour on XTSea in the May to August off-peak
- Owners pay the agency's commission, so the price matches booking the boat direct
About A Boat Agency
A Boat Agency is a Sydney-based charter agency with more than 15 years in the harbour cruise business. Rather than running one boat, it books vessels from a group of owners it works with closely. Around 30 are listed, from 30-guest motor cruisers and catamarans to superyachts, glass-walled function boats and multi-level party vessels for 400 to 600 guests. Because the owners pay the agency a commission, the team says booking through them costs the same as going to the boat directly. It also sells tickets to harbour events such as New Year's Eve and whale-watching cruises, and runs ticketed cruises in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Whitsundays. For parties, the range covers most budgets. At the lower end, XTSea takes 30 guests from $425 an hour with free BYO food and drink, Bayrunner fits 160 from $550 an hour with no charge for BYO food, and Cloud 9 and Wanderlust take 35 from $600 an hour with a $150 BYO kit covering glassware, eskies and platters. Large-group boats Cadman and Inception (up to 420 and 400 guests) start at $1,100 an hour with crew, security and three levels of sound and lighting included, while superyachts such as Shadow and Masteka 2 run from $2,800 to $3,250 an hour. On the practical side, the base hourly rate generally covers the boat, skipper, crew and fuel, while wharf fees of about $50 to $60 a stop, wait staff and catering are quoted separately. A 50% deposit locks in the boat, numbers can rise until seven days out, and guests should be at the wharf 20 to 30 minutes early because boats get a boarding window of about 15 minutes. It suits hosts who want to compare several boats and have one team handle the logistics.
Pricing
How We Work
Frequently asked questions
Does booking through A Boat Agency cost more than booking the boat directly?
The agency says no. Boat owners pay it a standard commission for handling bookings and logistics, so the price is the same as going direct, and every quote is broken down in full before you pay a deposit.
What is the cheapest boat for a party?
XTSea is the lowest published rate: $425 an hour from May to August, $550 from September to April and $650 on public holidays, for up to 30 guests. BYO food and drinks are free, with ice, cups and water supplied, and a $200 amenities and wharf booking charge applies to every charter. For bigger groups, Bayrunner takes up to 160 from $550 an hour between April and August.
What does the hourly hire rate include?
Generally the vessel, captain, marine crew and fuel. Depending on the boat, wharf fees (usually $50 to $60 a stop), wait staff and food and drink packages are extra. Some large boats, such as Cadman and Inception, include wharf bookings, bar and kitchen staff, security and sound and lighting in the hire fee.
How many guests can they cater for?
Groups from about 10 up to more than 600. The largest boats on their books are Bella Vista for 600, Cadman for 420, Inception for 400 and Blue Room for 380, while smaller cruisers and yachts suit 30 to 50 guests.
Can we change guest numbers or cancel after paying the deposit?
You can add guests up to seven days before the cruise, as long as the boat stays within its legal capacity. Once the 50% deposit is paid the vessel, date and time are locked in, numbers cannot be reduced to lower the boat cost, and deposits are non-refundable.
Areas we service
Suitable occasions
Kate White
a year ago
So much fun watching the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Best package deal with good value and was all you can drink and bbq lunch. Cool music and definitely lots of fun meeting new different people who all became friends a…
Linda Baxter
3 years ago
We took this cruise for the vivid lights, as we thought seeing it from the water would make a nice change. It was the best decision and one of the best trips ever. The crew were brilliant, informative and very attentive.…
Mareeiyah wee
a year ago
It’s that vivid month again—the final breath of autumn, where the last golden leaves drift down like whispered farewells, and winter begins to hum softly in the background. The air turns crisp, the nights stretch longer—…
Gary Patterson
6 months ago
Excellent experience. Best value. Don't know how they turned a profit for the cost of what was provided. We were lucky to book when we did. My wife is not a sailor but she thoroughly enjoyed the experience. What's not to…
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