Boat Hire FAQ
What is the typical price for private boat hire on Sydney Harbour?
The cost for hiring a boat is surprisingly reasonable. For a group of 20 individuals, booking a catamaran with ample space, for 4 hours on Sydney Harbour, with BYO food and drink will amount to approximately $1,800 in total, translating to £90 per person, a popular option among many is Champagne Lady. When compared to other activities and experiences in Sydney, this rate is excellent. Beyond this, prices escalate based on the size of the required boat, the desired boat type, the duration of the cruise, the season, weekday or weekend preference, and any catering requests.
Will there be any hidden costs when hiring a boat with Ucruise?
At Ucruise, we prioritise transparency, ensuring there are no concealed costs or fees when you make a booking, except for a nominal card processing fee which is standard. Upon visiting our website, you'll receive a quote estimate for an approximate pricing idea. Subsequently, our team will furnish you with an official quote delineating all items and costs, along with a payment link to secure your boat.
How long is an ideal duration for a boat cruise on Sydney Harbour?
The majority of private boat hire durations hover around 4 hours. Four hours appears to be the optimal duration to fully relish the harbour and make the most of your day. However, some groups opt for longer durations, and with pleasant weather, time always seems to fly by, with people often wishing they had booked for 5 or 6 hours. Additionally, longer cruises typically come with discounted rates.
What is the best time of day for my private boat hire experience to start?
Generally, groups prefer to capitalise on Sydney's splendid weather by booking around midday and concluding at 4 pm, if opting for the standard 4-hour duration. Nevertheless, we do receive bookings for later hours, around 3 pm or 4 pm, allowing guests to relish a picturesque Sydney Harbour sunset, followed by subsequent evening activities in Sydney CBD around 7 pm or 8 pm.
How far in advance should I look to secure my private boat hire?
The advance booking timeframe depends on the desired date and season. Typically, weekends, being more popular, tend to book up faster. During the Summer season from September to March, we recommend booking at least 2 months in advance for weekend experiences. For the Winter season from April to August, 4 weeks in advance should suffice. If booking for a midweek slot, 1 week in advance is usually adequate, barring public holidays and peak holiday periods like December.
Do you offer BYO food and drink options with your boat hire?
Absolutely! Many boats in our portfolio provide BYO food and drink options. They come equipped with Eskys to chill and store your drinks, along with galley space to store food until ready. Several popular catamarans even feature onboard BBQs, ready for use, with the crew often handling the cooking, ensuring you make the most of your boating venture. For BYO, it's advisable to opt for boat-friendly food and drink choices, favouring finger foods and cans/bottles over cocktails to minimise spillage. Alternatively, for those preferring a hassle-free experience, many of our boat partners offer comprehensive catering options, encompassing full food and drink menus.
Is it possible to bring a DJ on board?
Some of our boat partners offer DJ booth and equipment rental options for guests to bring their own DJ. This entails an additional cost, with the DJ counting as a passenger, necessitating adjustment to the guest list to comply with safety regulations on passenger limits. Similar to decorating, setting up DJ equipment must be done prior to the cruise commencement. If the equipment is owned by the boat partner, they'll handle the setup; however, if you're bringing your own DJ gear, it must be brought to the marina beforehand. Advance approval is essential for all arrangements, so it's imperative to discuss this during the booking process. Bringing DJ equipment to the pick-up wharf without prior approval may lead to restrictions.
Do you offer any special boat hire packages?
Absolutely! We regularly offer boat hire deals throughout the year, making your boating experience more economically viable. These include mid-week specials and Sunday discounts on select boats at specific times. For current offers, visit our boat deals page.
Is it possible to extend my boat hire duration on the day of my cruise?
Extension options are available for some of our boats. Elysium II, Champagne Lady, The Floating Lounge, and Sirocco offer extension possibilities if there are no subsequent bookings after your initial slot. Typically, additional hours are charged according to standard pricing, although occasional discounts on additional hours are provided.
What happens if there is rain or bad weather on the day of my boat cruise?
Unfortunately, as this is an outdoor activity, boat experiences proceed even in inclement weather. This is standard practice among all boat hire agencies in Sydney. Many of our boats feature canopies, coverings, or are fully enclosed to provide protection against rain and moisture. However, it's advisable to monitor the weather forecast beforehand and dress accordingly. Failure to attend the booked cruise results in the forfeiture of 100% of the payment. Despite this, the vast majority of guests have a splendid time irrespective of weather conditions. Only if the weather poses a safety risk, as determined by Maritime authorities, do we offer a postponement instead of a refund. Therefore, it's crucial to acquaint yourself with our terms and conditions prior to booking.
Is there a planned route around Sydney Harbour or can one be suggested?
Our skilled skippers can guide you through various routes for your boat party, typically based on prevailing weather and wind conditions. Our objective is to ensure a smooth, enjoyable cruise away from adverse weather conditions, especially if you intend to drop anchor, have an onboard BBQ, and indulge in a swim. However, if there's a specific destination you wish to cruise to, feel free to inform us. Popular anchoring spots include Milk Beach or Athol Bay.
