Birthday Party Boat Hire

What is the typical price for booking a birthday cruise on Sydney Harbour?

The cost for a birthday boat can actually be quite affordable; assuming group sizes are around 12-20 people and the cost will be split among the group, booking a catamaran is an ideal option, where the overall cost is in the region of $1,800, split between 20 guests makes it around $90 per person. A popular boat choice for birthday parties is Champagne Lady. Compared to other ways of celebrating your birthday in style 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.

What types of boats are available for birthday boat hire?

Our birthday boat fleet has a bit of everything really, as we like to cover all tastes and budgets and we understand that no two birthdays are teh same. If you're vibe is more relaxed and understated, you can opt for a smaller pontoon boat such as The Floating Lounge or a motorboat such as Cavok II. Larger groups are usually keen to make a saving per head by hiring a catamaran that can take 20 to 30 guests such as Elysium II or Sirocco. But the fleet does also include some absolute monsters like Sydney Glass Island MV which can cater for over 400 passengers.

How long is an ideal duration to book a birthday party cruise for?

A significant portion of the boat parties we facilitate typically span a duration of 4 hours. This timeframe is considered optimal, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the harbour experience and make the most of your day. While 4 hours is a popular choice, there are occasions when groups opt for extended durations. In cases where the weather is delightful, time has a way of swiftly passing, leaving revelers wishing they had reserved boats for 5 or 6 hours to prolong their enjoyment.

What is the best time of day to book a birthday party cruise?

Most birthday groups try to take advantage of the stunning Sydney weather by scheduling their boat parties around midday, concluding at 4pm when opting for the popular 4-hour duration. That said, another popular choice is to opt for later bookings, typically around 3pm or 4pm, intending to enjoy a sunset cruise. This later timing strategically positions everyone for a seamless transition to continue the celebration back in the CBD with food and drinks around 7pm or 8pm onwards - the perfect birthday itinerary!

How far in advance should I arrange and book a birthday cruise?

The timing for booking your boat party depends on the specific time of year and the desired day. Generally, individuals prefer hosting birthdays on weekends, resulting in these slots being in high demand. During the Summer season, spanning from September to March, we strongly recommend securing your booking at least 2 months in advance, especially if you plan to host your birthday party on a weekend. In the Winter season, from April to August, booking approximately 4 weeks in advance should be adequate to ensure availability for your preferred date.

Can I bring my own entertainment for a birthday party boat hire?

Absolutely, numerous boats within our diverse portfolio offer this flexibility. If it's just a question of music, all the vessels have great sound systems with aux cables or Bluetooth connectivity (and sometimes Wi-Fi) so you can hook up your own tunes. Bringing a DJ is also an option, and we have partnerships with DJs who specialise in boat parties or you can bring your own (they will need to bring equipment in some cases). We've also arranged for dancers, singers and magicians in the past. Almost anything is doable! Of course, any entertainers on board are counted towards the total number of passengers for safety and legal reasons.

Is it possible to decorate the boat for my birthday party?

This option is available with select boat partners, and we can guide you on vessels that permit it. Guests usually purchase decorations themselves; it's not a paid service. The requirement is often for groups to do things like inflate balloons, set up table decor, and place signs, before the boat party begins. This is often done at the marina where their booked boat is moored, and the feasibility varies by boat. Occasionally, it might be restricted if the boat has a prior charter. When making an enquiry, inform us, and we'll strive to accommodate your decoration preferences.

What catering options are available for birthday party boat hires?

This varies from boat to boat, really, as many vessels have their own unique menus. As with most things at Ucruise Sydney, catering is pretty flexible and all our catering partners can accommodate special dietary requirements and tastes. Most menus on smaller vessels tend towards the more boat friendly style of food like canapés and finger food rather than meals that require utensils.

What are the pick-up and drop-off points available for birthday party boat hires?

Ucruise Sydney can arrange for pick-up and drop-off from most of the wharfs around the Harbour, and you can ask for multiple pick-ups or drop-offs as needed. Of course, in terms of making the most of the time you've booked on the boat, picking people up from wildly different areas such as Manly and Parramatta isn't recommended. For birthdays, people usually aim to meet up at one or two central wharfs and then ask for a drop off in the CBD so the party can continue. Please be aware, however, that some wharfs do charge for docking and allow vessels only a limited waiting time. We can go over details like that with you when you book your birthday cruise with us.

Do you offer entertainment options for birthday party cruises?

Of course! Especially on smaller boats, BYO is a great way option and helps keep the costs down. If you do opt for BYO, you should aim to bring boat-friendly food and drink such as finger food, tins and bottles rather than elaborate mixed drinks or plated meals. A lot of our catamarans and motorboats come equipped with cooking facilities and BBQs so you can cook up a treat on board, which is great fun! For larger groups, we tend to recommend catering as logistically it can be a nightmare for people to bring so much food and drink with them to the wharf.

What happens if there is rain or bad weather on the day of my birthday party?

Regrettably, if it rains, your boat party will proceed, as outdoor activities in Sydney adhere to this policy across boat hire agencies. Many of our boats feature canopies, coverings, or are fully enclosed to shield guests from rain. It's advisable to check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly. If you fail to attend, 100% of your payment will be forfeited. Rain or shine, most groups thoroughly enjoy the experience. Only in cases where Maritime deems the weather hazardous do we consider a postponement rather than a refund so it's important you are clear on all our terms and conditions prior to booking.

Do you offer water toys for use during the birthday party cruise?

This depends on the boat, but many of our mid-sized vessels have floats, lily pads, paddle boards, inflatables and other cool water toys for you to enjoy on your birthday cruise. If it's a deal breaker for you to have water toys provided, ask our staff when you book and we can give you a run down of the boats that have them and what they currently have available.

What would be your top birthday party boat recommendations for a group of 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 smaller groups. For other smaller capacity boats check out our small boats selection.

What happens if I have to cancel the birthday party cruise?

The exact terms and conditions of your booking, including the refund policy, will be detailed in your booking form, but you can also check out our full Terms and Conditions here.