Your Budget Boat Hire Experience on Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is one of the most iconic bodies of water in the world. With its sparkling waters and incredible views, it is a must-visit for anyone visiting Sydney — and for locals, something to fully take advantage of. For those on a tight budget, the cost of boat hire may seem daunting. Fortunately, there are ways to experience a day on the harbour without breaking the bank — it’s a lot cheaper than many people think!
How affordable? Only $60 per person!
We offer plenty of cheap and affordable Sydney Harbour boat hire options — from small pontoons and monohulls to slightly larger catamarans and motorboats. Most budget boat hire rates start from around $325 per hour, with a few on-top fees such as wharf fees. If you’re getting a group together you can pay as little as $60 per person for a catamaran that holds up to ~30 guests. Hard to beat for a 4-hour harbour day out.
Other ways to keep costs down
BYO food and drink is a great way to cut costs and cater to different tastes. Just remember that eating and cooking on a boat isn’t the same as a picnic in the park — finger food and cans/bottles work best. Season, day and time also affect price: Spring/Autumn and mid-week are typically cheaper than peak Summer weekends. Each boat’s seasonal rates are listed on its page.
Boat hire deals
Keep an eye on our boat hire deals page. We run cheap boat hire offers throughout the year — some even during Summer. Expect 20–30% off boat hire at times.
Price match
We don’t mark up our fees, so it’s unlikely you’ll find a better deal elsewhere. If you’re offered one, let us know and we may be able to match it (it may be that the deal hasn’t gone live for us yet).
Budget Boat Hire FAQ
What is the maximum guest capacity for budget boats available for hire with Ucruise Sydney?
Thanks to our large portfolio of vessels, we can offer a range of budget boats with varying guest capacities, accommodating groups of different sizes. The maximum guest capacity for budget boats actually runs up to a whopping 240 on Eclipse, a large function catamaran, but there are boats like Champagne Lady that can cater to 20, or Barefoot Blue that holds up to 70. A bit of everything really! Each boat's specifications and guest capacity are detailed on their dedicated pages to help you select the ideal budget boat for your event or celebration, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience within your budget constraints.
Can I bring my own food and drink on a budget boat hire with Ucruise Sydney?
Depending on the selected boat, Ucruise Sydney allows customers to bring their own food and drink on budget boat hires (it's a great way to keep costs down). BYO options are permitted on almost all our vessels for hires with 50 people or less, offering customers the flexibility to manage their budget while customizing the culinary experience for their event. We strive to ensure that customers can tailor their budget boat hire to suit their specific requirements, including the option for BYO food and drink, enhancing the affordability and personalization of the experience.
What amenities are included in the budget boat hire package with Ucruise Sydney?
Budget boat hire packages with Ucruise Sydney typically include the hire of the boat, a qualified skipper, and fuel, all priced in Australian Dollars. While food and bar services are not included in the base boat hire charge, we can offer a variety of food and beverage packages to cater to different preferences if you opt to not BYO. But just because a boat is on our "budget" list, doesn't mean it doesn't come with some great amenities! There are plenty of vessels in there with really cool touches such as water toys, inflatables, on-board BBQs, TVs, fridges and cracking sound systems.
Is it possible to bring a DJ on board during a budget boat hire with Ucruise Sydney?
Many budget boats we have on offer are equipped to accommodate DJs, allowing customers to bring their own DJ for onboard entertainment. While bringing your own DJ is an option, Ucruise Sydney also provides resident DJs who are familiar with the unique requirements of boat settings and can cater to various music preferences. This flexibility enables customers to enhance their budget boat hire experience with music tailored to their event, ensuring an enjoyable and engaging atmosphere for all guests within their budget. It's important to bear in mind as well that the DJ has to count as a passenger for legal reasons.
What should I consider regarding footwear when planning a budget boat hire with Ucruise Sydney?
For budget boat hires with Ucruise Sydney, customers should consider the footwear requirements specific to each boat. While most budget boats generally allow a variety of shoe styles, stiletto heels are typically prohibited on most vessels for safety reasons. It is advisable to consult with Ucruise Sydney's team to confirm the footwear guidelines for the selected budget boat, ensuring that guests can adhere to the appropriate footwear recommendations and enjoy a comfortable and safe experience within their budget. Generally speaking, though, comfy shoes with a decent stable grip are the order of the day!
Are towels provided on board during a budget boat hire with Ucruise Sydney?
Ucruise Sydney typically ensures that fresh towels are available on board budget boats to accommodate guests who may get wet from spray and splashes. While towels are provided for general use, guests planning to swim or sunbathe are encouraged to bring their own beach towels for a personalized and comfortable experience within their budget constraints.
Can I reserve a budget boat with Ucruise Sydney without breaking the bank?
Reserving a budget boat with Ucruise Sydney will require a 50% deposit and a completed booking confirmation form from both parties. The process is designed to be straightforward and cost-effective, allowing customers to secure their preferred budget boat within their means. Optimising boat size vs group size can get you as low as ~$60 per head on the right catamaran.
