Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring a boat in Sydney is not a complex process. The experts at Sydney Harbour Yacht Charter ensure that all the details are covered and take all the worry away. Start with this website. It is a general introduction to just some of the many fine luxury boats and superyachts available for charter on Sydney Harbour. More detailed information and individual colour brochures on these and other superb boats in our charter portfolio are available on request. If you are uncertain about your charter requirements, our staff will be delighted to assist you. Similarly, if you wish to check the availability of any given vessel, please /contact/ us. Its specialist staff are readily on hand to provide every guidance.
Is a deposit required at the time of booking?
Yes. 50% of the confirmed charter is required at the time of booking.
What shoes should I wear?
Some vessels are strictly no shoes. Others require only heels to be removed. Please ask when speaking with us.
Can I play my own music?
Absolutely. Our boats have iPod jacks at the ready. Some vessels also have provisions to connect a laptop to the flatscreen TV’s.
How can I pay?
Payment can be made via EFT, credit card (Visa, Mastercard and Amex). Up to a 3% surcharge is applied when paying by credit card.
Can we extend our time during the charter?
If you wish to extend your cruise time please speak with the captain on the day. Extensions are sometimes available.
Which wharves do you use?
We pick up from most public wharves in Sydney Harbour, including Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. If you are not familiar with Sydney, let us know where your guests are coming from and we’ll tell you where the closest wharf is. Some wharves incur a Government wharf booking fee – please check our wharf maps for details. Please note that not all boats can pick up at all wharves.
What time does the boat arrive at the wharf?
The boat will arrive at the wharf just before the requested pickup time.
How long does the boat stay at the wharf?
Wharf bookings are for a maximum of 15 minutes. All guests must embark or disembark the boat at this time.
What embarkation time should I tell my group?
It’s better to be early than late. We suggest telling everyone in your group to be there 15-30 minutes beforehand.
Can we have more than one pickup and/or drop-off point?
Yes. Please let us know prior to the day what these are to be.
Where do the boats cruise?
Depending on the weather we cruise throughout the greater harbour and down the rivers.
Can we BYO food and drinks?
This option is only available on selected vessels.
Can I request dietary requirements?
Absolutely. Our chefs are well versed with dietary needs.
Can we have live music?
Absolutely. Please let us know what live music/band you have in mind when talking with us.
Can we have corporate branding throughout the boat?
Absolutely. Please let us know what branding material you have in mind when talking with us.
Can we self drive?
No. All our vessels are fully crewed.
Are the boats child friendly?
Yes, they are but we do recommend that all children have parental supervision.
Do the boats go out if it’s raining?
Yes. All our vessels have considerable coverings for wet weather.
Am I still charged if not all the guests show up?
Final numbers are required 7 days prior to the charter date. Within 7 days the numbers may increase, but they cannot decrease.
Are we permitted to smoke on board?
On some vessels, smoking is not allowed. On others, smoking is only permitted in certain areas. Please ask when speaking with us.
On which days are Public Holiday surcharges applicable?
Surcharges are applicable on all public holidays as per the Banks and Bank Holidays Act 1912. These surcharges vary from vessel-to-vessel and may vary between the different public holidays.
How much are wharf fees?
$50 /wharf booking.
What is the ‘Advanced Provisional Allowance (APA)’?
APA is a security bond that is held over the course of the charter period. APA is applied on a case-by-case basis depending on the vessel and charter type. The APA fee is refunded post charter less any additional costs and/or damages to the vessel, if any.
How do cancellation work
- More than 60 days prior: Deposit will be refunded less a $650 management fee (non-commissionable).
- Between 60-14 days prior: Loss of deposit.
- Less than 14 days prior: Loss of deposit– consideration will be given to food, staff and boat costs incurred due to cancellation.
Sydney Harbour Yacht Charter will always work with the client so a loss of deposit is the last option. (Conditions Apply). Click here to view our full terms & conditions.
edited: 1st Nov, 2019
