Sydney Boat Hire

Pro

Pricing: From $325 per hourCategory: Boat Party PlannersLocation: Sydney CBD, Eastern Suburbs +3 more

Highlights

Books more than 150 charter boats, from 20-guest catamarans to event boats for 950
Owns some of its own vessels, including Aquarius and Platypus 2
Arranges DJs, mixologists, catering, florists and hens and bucks entertainment

About Sydney Boat Hire

Sydney Boat Hire is a boat charter agency based in Drummoyne in Sydney's inner west, operating since 2010. It lists more than 150 charter boats, ranging from sailing yachts and catamarans for about 20 guests through motor yachts and superyachts for 110 to large event boats that take up to 950. It is not only an agent: the business owns some of its own vessels, including the 76-foot Aquarius and the catamaran Platypus 2. Director Daniel Chehab leads a team with a charter and events manager, an events coordinator, captains and deckhands. The team books boats for birthdays, hens and bucks parties, weddings, corporate cruises and public-holiday charters such as Australia Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve. Beyond the boat, they will recommend or coordinate the rest of the event: custom branding, mixologists, karaoke, DJs, catering, florists, magicians, clowns and laser clay shooting, and for hens and bucks groups, photographers, exotic dancers and topless waiters or waitresses. Past clients include Sony Entertainment and EY. Each vessel on the site has its own rate table by season, capacity, minimum hours and BYO rules. Most boats serve their own menus, from BBQ and platters to canapés, buffets and formal dining; some are catering-only and others allow BYO food and drink for a fee. There are also pre-packaged charters grouped by guest numbers (10 to 20, 20 to 60 and 60 to 110) that start from a per-person BYO rate, with food and drinks added on. It suits groups who want help picking from a wide range of boats rather than going direct to one operator.

Pricing

Rates are per hour, include GST and are listed on each boat's page, with many boats requiring a four-hour minimum. The smallest catamarans, for about 20 guests, start from $325 an hour (What's Kraken, Monday to Thursday from April to August) and $350 at other times. Platypus 2 takes 30 guests for $400 an hour from April to September, $450 to $500 from October to March and $475 to $550 in December, plus a $150 BYO fee. Aquarius, the company's own 49-guest boat, is $750 an hour from April to August with a three-hour minimum and $850 from September to March. Superyachts such as Ghost II and MY Corroboree start around $2,800 an hour. Wharf fees, public-holiday surcharges, wait staff and catering are extra and vary by vessel.

How We Work

Start by telling the team the occasion, your guest numbers and budget, or filter the boat list yourself by size and style. Once you have picked a vessel they send an invoice and booking agreement to complete; a 50% deposit secures the booking and the balance is due 14 days before the charter. They can then coordinate extras around the cruise, such as catering from the boat's menu, drinks, a DJ, mixologist, florist, custom branding or entertainment. A credit card pre-authorisation is taken as a bond on the day and released after seven business days if there is no damage.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private boat charter cost?

Boats are charged by the hour and each listing shows its own seasonal rates. Small catamarans for about 20 guests start at $325 to $350 an hour, Platypus 2 (30 guests) is $400 an hour from April to September, Aquarius (49 guests) is from $750 an hour, and superyachts run from about $2,000 to $4,000 an hour. Wharf fees and public-holiday surcharges are extra.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

It depends on the boat. Many allow BYO for a fee, for example $150 on Platypus 2 or $150 for food and drinks on What's Kraken, while some vessels are catering-only. Where BYO is allowed there must be enough food on board for everyone, and RSA rules apply.

How big a group can they handle?

Boats on their books range from about 20 guests up to large event vessels for 950. Their packages are grouped for 10 to 20, 20 to 60 and 60 to 110 guests.

Can they organise entertainment for a hens or bucks cruise?

Yes. They coordinate DJs, photographers, catering, karaoke and laser clay shooting, and for hens and bucks groups can add exotic dancers and topless waiters or waitresses.

How does booking and payment work?

Once you choose a boat they email an invoice and booking agreement. A 50% deposit secures the date and the balance is due 14 days before the charter. Deposits are refunded for cancellations more than 60 days out; inside 28 days no refund is given.

Areas we service

Northern BeachesInner WestNorth ShoreEastern SuburbsSydney CBD & Surrounds

Suitable occasions

Birthday Party Bucks Party Christmas Party Corporate Event Hens Party Wedding Reception

Reviews

See all reviews for Sydney Boat Hire on Google

Moy McConnell

4 months ago

We hired Aquarius for a joint-18th birthday party for my daughter and two friends. A couple of us were ringing to ask (many) questions and the communication back was always efficient and friendly from Zeynet and Pelin. T…

Riana Ivaneza

11 months ago

This was our second year booking the Shadow through Sydney boat hire and it could not have been better! Zeynep was very responsive and it made the booking process so easy. Izzy & the crew aboard the boat are unbelievable…

georgina albazi

2 months ago

I honestly couldn’t recommend Sydney Boat Hire more! From the moment I made my enquiry, everything was so easy and completely stress-free. Pelin was incredible throughout the entire planning process. I probably sent mor…

Joanne Duong

7 months ago

We hired Ocean Life for a day out with friends and from the get go we were welcomed so warmly by Naty and Theo. I’ve been on a few boat parties before but this was by far the most exceptional experience in terms of servi…

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