Your Party Boat Hire Experience on Sydney Harbour
Hosting a party on Sydney Harbour is an experience unlike any other. Imagine having your own private boat with just your mates on board, music playing through the speakers, and the city’s iconic skyline as your backdrop. Every cruise is fully skippered, so you can relax knowing everything is taken care of while you focus on enjoying the day. You’re free to cruise the harbour, drop anchor for a swim, fire up the onboard BBQ, or simply unwind with a drink in hand as the views roll by.
Whether you’re after laid-back vibes with close friends or a high-energy celebration with dancing and cocktails, a harbour party gives you the flexibility to make it your own. It can be the centrepiece of your celebration or the perfect way to kick things off before heading into the city — either way, it’s an unforgettable way to mark any occasion.
Boat Parties FAQ
What is the typical price for booking a party boat on Sydney Harbour?
The cost for a boat party is actually very affordable. For a 20 person group, booking a catamaran which has ample space, for 4 hours on Sydney Harbour, with BYO food and drink will cost around $1,800 in total, which works out to be $90 per person, an popular choice for many is Champagne Lady. Compared to other activites and experiences in Sydney this is a fantastic rate. From there prices increase depending on the size of boat you need, the type of boat you want, the duration of your cruise, the time of season and weekday or weekend preference, and if you want any catering.
Will there be any hidden costs when booking my party boat?
There are no hidden costs or fees when you book with Ucruise Sydney, other than a small card processing fee which is to be expected. When you look on our website you will be provided with a quote estimate just to give you ballpark pricing. From there our team will work up an official quote which will have a payment link to make payment and secure your boat.
How long is an ideal duration to book a party boat for?
The vast majority of boat parties we book are booked for 4 hours. 4 hours seems to be the best to ensure you experience the harbour fully and make the most out of your day. Of course some groups do book for longer and if the weather is nice time always seems to fly by and people wish they'd booked 5 or 6 hours.
What is the best time of day to book a party boat?
Typically groups want to make the most of Sydney's amazing weather so book around midday, finishing at 4pm if they book for the common choice of 4 hours. However we do get groups booking a little later also from around 3pm or 4pm to have a sunset cruise and then it sets everyone up to continue celebrating back in the CBD for dinner and drinks at night time, at around 7pm or 8pm.
How far in advance should I book my party boat?
This depends on the time of year and day you are looking for. Typically people want to have their boat party on the weekend, and weekends therefore book up more quickly. In the Summer season from September to March we would recommend you book at least 2 months in advance if you want to have your boat party on a weekend. In winter season from April to August 4 weeks in advance should be sufficient.
Do you offer BYO food and drink options for boat parties?
Yes we do! Many of the boats in our portfolio offer BYO food and drink options. They have Eskys on board to store your drinks and keep them cold and space in the galley to store food until it's ready. Most of the catamarans that people select for their boat parties have on board BBQs as well which are ready to use and crew will often cook for you so you can make the most of your boat party. If you would like to do BYO it's advised to think about food and drink choices that are boat friendly, meaning finger food over knife and fork and cans and bottles over making cocktails - this is just to avoid any spillages. If BYO is not for you and you'd preferred everything to be taken care of, many of our boat partners also offer catering options, full food and drink catering menus.
Is it possible to decorate the boat for my boat party?
This is possible with some of our boat partners and we can advise which vessels allow it. Decorations typically are bought by the guests rather than it being a paid for service. Often groups will blow up balloons and dress tables and put up signs and do so before the boat party starts. For this the decorators will need to make there way to the marina where the boat they have booked is moored, and this differs from boat to boat. Also sometimes this is not possible if that boat has a previous charter. When you make your enquiry ensure to let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Is it possible to bring a DJ on board?
Some boat partners offer DJ booth and equipment hire for you to bring on your own DJ. This will be at an additional cost and the DJ will count as a passenger so ensure to factor that into your guests list. Boats cannot exceed passenger limits for safety reasons. Similarly to putting up decorations, DJ set ups will need to be done prior to the boat party start time. If this equipment is owned by the boat partner then it will be done for you, if you are bringing your own DJ equipment you will need to bring it to the marina where your boat party is moored. All this will need to be approved in advance so it's important to check this with us at the time of your booking. If you bring DJ equipment to your pick up wharf you may not be allowed to bring it on.
Do you offer any special party boat packages?
Yes we do! We run boat party deals throughout the year which can help make your boat party much more affordable. We offer mid-week specials and Sunday discounts at certain times throughout the year on select boats.
Is it possible to extend my boat party cruise on the day?
For some of our boats this is possible. Elysium II, Champagne Lady, The Floating Lounge and Sirocco have the option to offer extensions if there are no bookings after your boat party. Typically each additional hour will be in accordance with normal pricing but discounts for additional hours are offered from time to time.
What happens if there is rain or bad weather on the day of my boat party?
Unfortunately because this is an outdoor activity if there is rain then your boat party will still go ahead. This is stance that all boat hire agents have in Sydney. Many of our boats have canopy or covering or are fully enclosed to help provide protection from rain and getting wet but of course it is advised to check the weather prior to your boat party and dress accordingly. If you don't turn up then 100% of your payment is forfeited. The vast majority have an amazing time come rain or shine anyway. Only if the weather is deemed dangerous by Maritime do we offer a postponement and not a refund so it's important you are clear on all our terms and conditions prior to booking.
Is there a planned route around Sydney Harbour or can one be suggested?
There are many routes our skipper can take you on for your boat party experience and typically this will be based around the weather and wind direction. Our aim is to ensure you have an enjoyable cruise which is smooth sailing away from the elements, particularly if you want to drop anchor, have a BBQ on board and have a swim. Of course if there is somewhere in particular you would like to cruise to then do let us know. Popular spots to anchor at our near Milk Beach or Athol Bay.
What would be your top party boat recommendations for a group up to 12 people?
For up to 12 people there are some fantastic options. The most popular being The Floating Lounge which is exactly as the name suggests, a luxurious lounge with a communal feel, great for families and small groups. For other smaller capacity boats check out our small boats selection.
What would be your top party boat recommendations for a group of around 20-30 people?
Without a doubt Elysium II or Champagne Lady. Catamarans are a great option for this group size; super stable on the water, can hold good size capacities that are very affordable as well. All typically have great sound systems on board, Eskys, BBQs and storage, and ample deck space to lounge about and sunbathe. Check out our other Catamaran hire options.
What would be your top party boat recommendations for a group of more than 40 people?
For larger party sizes we have an array of great catamarans and motorboats. Some of these boats offer BYO as with the smaller vessels such as Ali B, which is great if you are on a budget. The majority provide catering because it is much easier than arranging high party sizes to do BYO well. The catering packages include both food and drink and there are typically more than one to choose from to help with dietary requirements and cuisine preference. Some vessels also have a licensed bar on board that helps if your group has a mixture of drinkers and non-drinkers.
