Zephyr Charters

Pro

Capacity: 80 guestsPricing: From $595 per hour, minimum 4-hour charterCategory: Boats

Highlights

Three restyled vintage timber cruisers for 25, 35 or 80 guests
Open-air cocktail bar, disco ball and floating lily pad on every boat
Raft two or three boats together for up to 130 guests

About Zephyr Charters

Zephyr Charters is a Northern Beaches business founded by Elle, who took three vintage timber cruisers and turned them into floating event spaces for weddings, birthdays, hens parties and corporate days. The boats pick up from Newport Wharf and cruise Pittwater, sticking to its calm bays and beaches; the only Sydney Harbour trips are on New Year's Eve. The fleet comes in three sizes. MV Zephyr takes up to 25 for a cocktail event or 12 seated, Zephyr Star takes 35 or 14 seated and adds a second toilet, a hot indoor shower and an oven, and Zephyr Resort takes 80 or 30 seated, with four toilets, an outdoor shower, rooftop sunloungers and extra lounges. Every boat has a single flat deck, so heels are fine, plus an open-air cocktail bar, designer lounges, linen curtains, a disco ball, Bluetooth surround sound, a BBQ, eskies and ice, and a floating lily pad for swimming. Book two or three boats together and they anchor side by side, joined at the gates so guests can move between them. Drinks are bought at the bar or run through a tab with a set limit, and staff can circulate with trays for a more hosted feel. Food can be BYO at no charge, or ordered as grazing tables, slider and wrap boxes, seafood platters, canapés with an onsite chef or a seated four-course menu. Florals, table settings, DJs, musicians and photographers can be added, and weddings with a run sheet carry a supplementary fee or a full planning package.

Inclusions & amenities

Budget

$$ (Average)

Vessel Type

Party Boat

Features

Cocktail/StandingBanquet/Sit-DownParty VibeSwim Friendly

Location

Pittwater

Food & Drinks

Bar TabPay-As-You-Go DrinksBYO FoodCatering Available

Facilities

BBQDance FloorDJ FriendlyShowerSound SystemWater Toys

Pricing

Rates are per boat, per hour, with a four-hour minimum. MV Zephyr is $595 an hour from April to August and $850 from September to March, Zephyr Star is $665 or $950, and Zephyr Resort is $1,050 or $1,500. Public holidays attract a 20 per cent surcharge, catering and styling are extra, and events that need a run sheet, such as weddings, add a supplementary fee unless you book the founder's planning service.

Food

BYO food is free, or order from Zephyr's menu: a grazing table, boxes of sliders, wraps or rice paper rolls, oyster and prawn platters, self-serve drop-off platters, roaming canapés with an onsite chef, or a seated four-course menu. Menus can be adjusted for dietary needs, with surcharges for small groups, Sundays and public holidays. Each boat has a BBQ, and plates, cutlery and napkins are supplied.

Beverages

Each boat has a fully serviced open-air cocktail bar. Guests pay for drinks individually by card, or the organiser sets a bar tab with a limit, and hosted service with staff circulating drinks can be arranged. Zephyr Star and Zephyr Resort also have beer keg dispensers, and drinking water, ice and glassware are supplied.

Wharfs & Availability

All charters board at Newport Wharf, Queens Parade West, on Pittwater, and other Pittwater wharves can be requested for a $100 fee. Charters stay on Pittwater, except on New Year's Eve when the boats work on Sydney Harbour. Each booking is a minimum of four hours, and a shuttle bus can be organised for guests travelling from further away.

Frequently asked questions

Where do Zephyr charters depart from?

Newport Wharf on Pittwater. Other Pittwater wharves can be arranged for $100 if the water depth suits, and charters stay on Pittwater except on New Year's Eve.

Can we bring our own food and decorations?

Yes, BYO food and styling are free. Up to two people can board 30 minutes early to set up, and the crew can't take deliveries or store items before the charter day.

How do drinks work?

The onboard bar sells drinks by card, or the organiser can run a bar tab with a set limit. If your preferred drinks aren't on the menu, the team can quote to order them in.

What if it rains?

Each boat has an undercover lounge area and weatherproof side walls that can be rolled down, and the captain moves to a sheltered part of Pittwater.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are welcome and count towards the licensed passenger numbers, as do musicians, photographers and chefs. The captain and hostesses do not.

Suitable occasions

30th Birthday Party 40th Birthday Party 50th Birthday Party Birthday Party Christmas Party Corporate Event Engagement Party Hens Party Wedding Reception

Reviews

See all reviews for Zephyr Charters on Google

Niccii Kugler

a month ago

We hosted my husband’s 50th birthday onboard Zephyr and honestly couldn’t recommend the experience more highly. From the very beginning, Charli and the team made everything incredibly easy. The booking and planning proc…

Amanda Liddell

4 months ago

Everything about my experience when hiring the ‘Zephyr Star’ was effortless. Corresponding with Jade & other Staff alike was easy & efficient. All our guests were as thrilled as myself when we boarded the vessel and the…

Soni Beamish

5 months ago

We celebrated my mom’s 90th birthday with family and close friends and we all had such a fabulous time. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The layout worked perfectly and everyone was able to move around to get s…

Sarah Rose

6 months ago

We recently held our secret wedding on the Zephyr Resort. From start to finish the experience was absolutely incredible. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly and that our day felt truly sp…

Enquire direct with Zephyr Charters