Ucruise Sydney Boat Hire

Pro

Pricing: From $300 per hourCategory: Boat Party PlannersLocation: Sydney CBD, Eastern Suburbs +4 more

Highlights

One of Sydney's largest boat hire agents, with around 200 boats and running since 2013
Party catamarans from $300 an hour, about $90 a head for 20 guests over four hours BYO
Fixed-price hens and bucks packages from $1,500 for 12 guests, fees included

About Ucruise Sydney Boat Hire

Ucruise Sydney Boat Hire is a Sydney boat hire agency based on Pitt Street in the CBD, arranging harbour cruises since 2013. It lists around 200 boats, some owned by Ucruise and the rest by partner operators, so groups can compare small boats, catamarans, motor yachts, sailing boats, superyachts and large function vessels in one place. Group sizes run from four guests on a small boat to 950 on the biggest function boats. It promises no booking fee or marked-up rates and will price-match a competing quote. Party catamarans such as Champagne Lady, Phoenix and Allo start at $300 an hour, and Ucruise puts a typical four-hour BYO cruise for 20 people at about $1,800, or $90 a head. For hens and bucks groups there are fixed-price packages. The basic package is $1,500 for up to 12 guests over four hours with skipper, wharf and fuel fees included and BYO food and drink. Standard and premium versions add catered BBQ lunches, antipasto and dessert boxes or drinks packages for 20 to 30 guests, from $2,850 to $5,100. Midweek and off-season deals bring some cruises down further. Most boat parties run four hours, typically 12pm to 4pm or a 5pm to 9pm sunset cruise, with swim stops at spots like Milk Beach, Athol Bay or Watsons Bay. Catering ranges from BYO with onboard BBQs to canapés, buffets and sit-down menus, and a partner entertainment agency supplies performers for hens and bucks groups. It suits groups who want to compare plenty of boats on price and book quickly.

Pricing

Boats are priced by the hour, with a minimum hire that varies by vessel. Catamarans such as Champagne Lady, Phoenix and Allo start at $300 an hour, and Cabaret (20 guests) is $350 to $400 an hour depending on season and day with a four-hour minimum, plus a $50 CBD wharf fee and a $150 BYO fee. By type, small boats run $300 to $1,000 an hour, catamarans $300 to $1,500, sailing boats $475 to $800, motor yachts $375 to $1,300, large function boats $550 to $3,800 and superyachts $750 to $3,600. Hens packages are $1,500 (12 guests), $2,850 (20 guests) and $5,100 (30 guests), and bucks packages $1,500 (12), $3,000 (25) and $4,500 (30). Seasonal deals include a three-hour midweek cruise on The Floating Lounge for 12 guests at $960.

How We Work

You browse the boats online, filter by group size, budget and boat type, and get an instant quote estimate. You then fill in a short form with the date, group size, catering and duration, or ask the team to shortlist boats for you, and Ucruise sends an official quote with every charge set out and a payment link. A 50% deposit secures the boat and the balance is due 14 days out. The team can add catering and drinks packages, help with decorations and DJ equipment hire where the boat allows it, and book entertainment through a partner agency. Before the cruise you receive the skipper's contact details, which is the best number on weekends, and on the day the skipper chooses the route and anchor spots to suit the weather.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a boat party cost?

Hourly rates start at $300 on catamarans such as Champagne Lady, Phoenix and Allo. Ucruise estimates a four-hour BYO cruise for 20 people at around $1,800 in total, or about $90 per person. Larger boats, catering, peak dates and weekends push the price up.

What is included in the hens and bucks packages?

Every package is a four-hour cruise with skipper, wharf and fuel fees included. The basic package is $1,500 for up to 12 guests with BYO food and drink. The standard hens package is $2,850 for 20 guests with an antipasto box, BBQ lunch and dessert box, and the premium is $5,100 for 30. Bucks packages add a drinks package, onboard BBQ and adult entertainment, at $3,000 for 25 guests or $4,500 for 30.

How far in advance should we book?

For summer weekends between September and March, book at least two months ahead. In the April to August off-season, about four weeks is usually enough. Weekends and October to February are the busiest times.

How does payment and cancellation work?

A 50% deposit confirms the booking and the balance is due 14 days before the cruise. If you cancel more than 14 days out, the deposit is forfeited. Cruises go ahead in rain; if the operator cancels for dangerous weather, the cruise is normally rescheduled.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes, on most of the more affordable boats, many with an onboard BBQ and eskies, and the crew will often do the cooking. Some boats charge a flat BYO fee, for example $150 on Cabaret. Larger groups usually go with a catering package, and some function boats have a licensed bar.

Areas we service

Northern BeachesInner WestNorth ShoreEastern SuburbsWestern SydneySydney CBD & Surrounds

Suitable occasions

Birthday Party Bucks Party Christmas Party Corporate Event Hens Party School Formal Team Building

Reviews

See all reviews for Ucruise Sydney Boat Hire on Google

Megsona

5 months ago

Such a gorgeous day out on the water on board the champagne lady. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the whole trip feel so relaxed and enjoyable. The boat itself was spacious and really clean,…

Lauren C

7 months ago

Jonathan and Peter are the absolute best! They took amazing care of us and made sure we had a great time. They grilled for us and took care of everything. Can’t wait for our next cruise with them!

Lorissa B

5 months ago

Honestly such a vibe! Johno took such good care of us, he was super informative at the start! He cooked our bbq made sure everyone was safe! I would recommend this for anyone looking for a bday day trip with friends or j…