What to Look for When Hiring a Catamaran on Sydney Harbour: Your Essential Checklist

Catamarans are one of the most popular choices for cruising Sydney Harbour — they’re stable, spacious, and perfect for social events of all kinds. But not all catamarans are created equal. If you’re planning a day out on the water, there are a few key features and facilities to check for that will make your cruise run far more smoothly and enjoyably.

Here’s your essential catamaran hire checklist to ensure your day on the harbour is stress-free and a whole lot of fun:

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✅ A Good-Sized BBQ

Many catamarans come with a BBQ, but some are tiny. If you’ve got 20+ hungry guests onboard and only enough space to cook four sausages at a time, lunch can take longer than it should. Look for vessels with a larger BBQ — it makes all the difference when catering for a group.

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✅ Extra-Large Esky

With 20–30 people bringing drinks, ice, and maybe a few snacks, you’ll want a massive esky. Ideally, there should be room for a few bags of ice and dozens of drinks, otherwise things get warm fast (and that’s not what you want on a summer cruise).

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✅ Quality Sound System (Inside & Out)

A great sound system is a must. But make sure the speakers aren’t just inside the saloon — deck speakers mean the good vibes carry outdoors too, especially when guests are sunbathing on the trampolines or swimming off the back.

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✅ Drinking Water Provided

When a vessel offers complimentary drinking water, it’s one less thing you need to pack — especially important if you’ve gone BYO for both food and drink. Not all boats provide this, so it’s definitely worth checking.

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✅ Fridge Space

A decent fridge onboard is handy for chilling snacks, keeping salads fresh, or storing a cake until it's time to celebrate. Even if you’re BBQing, some cold storage for food is essential.

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✅ Tableware Included

You’d be surprised how many boats don’t include the basics — cups, plates, cutlery, napkins, and champagne flutes. If they’re all provided, it saves you the hassle of bringing your own or cleaning up heaps of disposables later.

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✅ Water Toys

Fun extras like lily pads (frog mats), paddleboards, and noodles are becoming a staple for Sydney Harbour boat parties. While most catamarans include at least one water toy, it’s worth confirming what’s available to keep guests entertained during swim stops.

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✅ A Backup Toilet

Marine toilets are delicate. Even when used properly, blockages can sometimes happen. If the vessel has a second toilet onboard, it means your party isn’t suddenly put on pause or cut short. It’s not glamorous — but it’s practical and worth asking about.

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Our Top Catamaran Pick: Elysium II

If you want a catamaran that ticks all of the above boxes, Elysium II is a fantastic choice. It’s spacious, super well-equipped, and perfect for both casual get-togethers and special occasions.

Or, if you’d like help finding the right catamaran for your group, get in touch with us directly — we’d be happy to help.