Hiring a Catamaran on Sydney Harbour

Looking to hire a boat on Sydney Harbour and not sure which type suits your event?

You are spoiled for choice, with everything from sailing yachts, luxury motor cruisers, event boats and even super yachts on the menu. But what about catamarans, which are built for fun? There are two types - sailing cats and 'power catamarans', with the latter able to go a bit faster and further.

Let’s start with planning your boat hire and what you need to think about before you make a booking.

Choosing the right boat for your event

Choosing the type of boat depends on a few key things, like:

• Your budget
• The number of people attending
• The type of event you are hosting or celebrating
• What you want to do on the boat (cocktail party, BBQ, swim, hang out)

What events are catamarans best for?

Catamarans come in all sorts of sizes, from smaller boats that can host 20 or 30 guests to larger catamarans that can host up to 150 people. 

Because of their layout they are best suited to a casual, relaxed, outdoor style event - like bbqs, birthday parties, hens parties and bucks parties. They are also perfect if you just want to lounge around on the large deck, or swim and have fun on water toys like lily pads and slides.

If you are looking for a boat with more seated areas, then opt for a power cat or motor cruiser - because sailing cats are more about lounging on the trampoline deck and standing.

What to expect on a catamaran boat hire charter

The first thing that happens after you board your catamaran hire you will get a briefing from your captain. This covers safety procedures during your cruise and what to expect. You will then set sail and depending on what you have arranged/and or booked onboard amenities and activities will begin. You could choose to stop for a swim, snorkel, a BBQ or picnic - or simply hang out and enjoy the view.

You could visit a number of awesome spots on the harbour, including Manly Cove, Watsons Bay, and Cockatoo Island - to name a few. 

Let’s now look at what makes a trip on a ‘cat’ so special.

What makes a catamaran so special?

Because of their layout - with a large platform between the two hulls, catamarans have tons of room - which makes it perfect for large groups.

They are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the views. This makes catamarans perfect for all sorts of events like parties of all kinds, corporate cruises, and any group that want to enjoy a day on the water. They also normally have a BBQ which doesn't always fit space-wise or style-wise on a luxury cruiser.

Cats are also stable and easy to sail, making them a good option if the wind comes up and it gets choppy. Their shallow draught means cats can acnhor up in shallow water, and go places many mono-hull sailing boats can't reach. You also need to know tha sailing cats are typically 'wet boats' meaning you don't have to worry about being a bit wet when moving around them. Unlike luxury motor boats, which are a bit 'fancy' and may have carpets or teak flooring.

Cost of hiring a catamaran on Sydney Harbour

If you need a ballpark figure for cost, smaller boats are generally cheaper to hire thn larger ones. Larger boats not only have more space and areas to enjoy, they could also have things like water toys on board. 

Expect to pay anywhere from $325 per hour for a smaller catamaran (max 20 guests), $465 per hour for a catamaran that can host up to 50 guests, to $975 for a larger modern catamaran that can host up to 150 guests. 

Just so you know, the price of boat hire includes the hire of the boat, a skipper and fuel.Things not included in the cost of your boat hire include food/catering, drinks, any activities and things like water toys on board (unless they are free to use). 

Have more questions about hiring a cat?

FAQs about catamaran hire in Sydney

Are there water toys on a catamaran?
Yes! Besides having larger outdoor areas to lounge around on and take in the views of Sydney Harbour, many catamarans also have water toys on board. Water toys are things like stand up paddleboards (SUPs), giant floating lily-pads, inflatable toys and even water slides. Just check if these cost extra before you book.

Where are popular catamaran charter destinations in Sydney?
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to spots to enjoy Sydney Harbour, including cruising past the iconic Opera House and its sails, or that other Sydney landmark: the Harbour Bridge. If you want to drop anchor somewhere else, you can choose from Manly Cove, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, or Watsons Bay if you want to stop for the famous fish and chips. If you are looking for somewhere secluded and quiet put Athol Bay and its secluded cove on your list for amazing swimming, snorkelling or simply take in the peace and quiet.