Party Boats for Hire in Sydney

Your Guide to Hiring Party Boats in Sydney

Sydney boasts an abundance of options for private boat hire, as expected from a city renowned for its stunning harbour! Partying on a boat offers a unique and unforgettable experience, and it would be a shame to miss out on it. Whether you prefer cruising on a catamaran or chartering a luxurious yacht equipped with fantastic party amenities, we have a diverse selection of party boats available for private hire in Sydney, making your search effortless. The spectacular views of Sydney are guaranteed, all you need to do is start planning your event! 

Cruising on Sydney Harbour provides unparalleled views of the cityscape, making it well worth the investment. Whether you opt for a catamaran, superyacht, cabin cruiser, or glass boat, you're in for an extraordinary perspective of Sydney's beauty. Chartering a boat for a cruise on Sydney Harbour is an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy an iconic destination globally renowned for its unparalleled party cruises.

The Most Sought-After Boat Party Locations and Sightseeing Destinations

Once you pick your desired party yacht, it’s crucial not to miss some of the classic Sydney landmarks that are a great sight from the harbour:

• The Sydney Opera House - This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been functioning since 1973 and is a performing arts hub. This opera house is considered a symbol of the city, and is located right at the foreshore of the harbour. The unique design of this building makes it one of the most recognisable in the world, but seeing it from a private boat cruising the Sydney Harbour is even more breath-taking!
• The Sydney Harbour Bridge - Along with the Opera House, this steel arch bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of Sydney. The sight is impressive, and experiencing it from the water makes it even more so. It definitely isn’t something you’d want to miss when planning your party boat tour!
• Fort Denison - Another of Sydney’s listed heritage sites, this former prison and defensive building might be a bit different in looks from the other points we’ve mentioned, but it’s still extremely interesting to see!
• The city at night - Sydney is a gorgeous city by itself, but at night it becomes even more stunning when it’s lit up and buzzing with nightlife. For us, taking in the panoramic view from a comfortable deck with a drink in your hand seems like one of the most relaxing things you can do on a private cruise.

Sydney Yacht Party Ideas

So now you know that hiring a party boat in Sydney is an excellent idea, but do you have a specific kind of party in mind? Don't worry if you don't! We're party experts, so we have a ton of ideas that we would love to share with you.

• Throw a themed party. Are you obsessed with the age of sail? Do your friends regularly joke about being a marine biologist? Or maybe you know a big fan of pirates or mermaids whose birthday is coming up? There's no better setting for a nautical themed party than an actual party yacht! Dress up, prepare special decorations, and perhaps even consider a themed snack buffet. Experience the ultimate party weekend onboard the best private cruise ships, tailored for those who love the thrill of the ocean!
• Welcome in the New Year from the harbour. You know that the sights are beautiful and the memories unforgettable, so is there any better way to go into an entirely new trip around the sun than aboard one of Sydney’s best party boats? Celebrate New Year’s Eve in luxurious style, watch the fireworks ornament the sky, and take in every second of this spectacular seaworthy experience.
• Celebrate a special occasion on the water. Birthdays, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, engagement parties, hens and bucks nights, and wedding receptions. There are plenty of reasons to party! You can even surprise your loved one and propose to them on a hired super yacht! And what better way to make it special than to hire a boat party cruise in Sydney?
• Sip on cocktails and enjoy the sun. An adult-only cocktail party on a luxury cruiser? Why not! During the warmer months, relaxing on the deck with a cold drink in hand is basically everyone’s dream. Many private charter yachts and larger boats offer impressive entertaining spaces both inside and out, so you can sip champagne from the comfort of the stylish interiors in the winter, too!

What to consider when hiring a party boat in Sydney?

We like to make your life easier, so to ensure your party boat experience goes smoothly, we’ve listed some tips to consider before choosing your perfect party boat: 

• Shipmates. Before starting your search for the ultimate party cruise in Sydney, know your numbers! Knowing how big your guestlist is will determine what type of vessel is suitable for your marine celebration - a small private yacht, an impressive catamaran, or an entire ferry.
• Budget.  A key consideration for any big bash is the budget. Many party boats offer catering packages, which include a licensed bar, but you can also search for one that allows BYO alcohol and external catering! There are some fantastic cheap yachts, as well as luxury vessels, so you'll definitely find something suitable. If you are looking to save on party cruise ships in Sydney, identify which cruising seasons typically have the lowest prices, secure your booking well in advance of your party’s date, and consider hosting your own seafood potluck party on board.
• Location. Yes, you will be on the water, but your journey has to start and end somewhere! Look for a boat charter company that is conveniently situated and easy to get to. Darling Harbour is one of the most loved recreational areas, so you might want to start your search there! Plus, if you have a certain sailing itinerary in mind, plan it out and make sure it can fit into your yacht party budget.
• Safety. Check the safety measures on the boat, including how many lifejackets and lifebuoys it’s equipped with! It’s always a good idea to also check if any of your guests happen to be seasick or afraid of water. You shouldn’t drink and drive— nor should you drink and boat. Luckily, we list party boat rentals and private yacht party charters that come with a captain, so your shipmates can enjoy a glass of drink during the party.

FAQs about Party Boats in Sydney

How much does it cost to hire a party boat in Sydney?

When it comes to private party boat hire in Sydney, fees vary based on factors such as the vessel's size and the season. Hourly rates typically range from $400 to $3,400 for luxury private superyacht charters. Per-person fees generally fall between $80 and $110. While minimum spend pricing isn't common for party cruisers in Sydney, the available options typically range from $2,000 to $5,500. During peak periods like the Vivid Sydney festival, minimum booking requirements may apply, potentially increasing rental costs. If you're considering a BYO option or catering the event yourself, be sure to check for any applicable surcharges, covering the use of onboard facilities like plates and cutlery. Additional costs for self-catering can range from $15 per person to $100 for all guests, depending on the number of attendees. (All data sourced from Tagvenue.)

What facilities can I expect on a yacht party cruise in Sydney?

Party boats in Sydney come in a variety of sizes and configurations, offering an array of amenities to suit your needs. From sleek catamarans to luxurious double-decker yachts, there's something for everyone. Our listed party yachts are equipped with features like dance floors, sound systems, private bars, and BBQs, ensuring a memorable experience for you and your guests. Be sure to explore the details on each vessel's page to find the perfect match for your event. If you find that a yacht is missing something essential, don't hesitate to inquire about renting or bringing it in yourself.

Can I book a private party boat in Sydney for exclusive hire?

You can! While there are some options for hiring only an area (a single deck, a bow or an outdoor space) within a boat, they usually apply to the superyachts and large ships, like Journey Beyond Cruise. Most party boats in Sydney to hire on our website are actually for the entire vessel. Exclusive hire is great for big events, like birthdays or corporate parties, or when you want a sense of privacy and intimacy, so we definitely recommend checking them out!

What are the top party boats available in Sydney?

Here are some of the best boats for party cruises in Sydney according to our guest ratings and reviews:

• All Occasion Cruises offers four different boats available for you to hire, ranging from the smallest Seven Star yacht to a spectacularly large Bella Vista, both being excellent party venues for weddings, anniversaries and family gatherings. If you are looking for something moderate in size, they also have some medium-capacity party yachts you can check out. 
• M.V. Vagabond Spirit is perfect for those planning a large party on a boat in Sydney! Enjoy the city views as you cruise on this vessel.
• MV Jerry Bailey is a versatile charter boat with an interior that can be easily transformed into the perfect venue for your next celebration.