Catamaran Hire Sydney
55+ catamarans · 12–240 guests · From $325/hour with skipper, crew & fuel included.
Looking for catamaran hire in Sydney? Eastcoast Sailing operates Sydney Harbour’s largest dedicated catamaran fleet — 55+ vessels carrying anywhere from 12 to 240 guests, with hourly rates starting at $325. From half-day sailing escapes to full-day private events, weddings, birthdays and corporate hires, our skippered catamarans deliver the most stable, spacious and shallow-draft access to Sydney’s best bays — Athol Bay, Milk Beach, Store Beach, Shark Beach, Camp Cove and Chowder Bay included.
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Match Me to a Catamaran
Tell us your group size and date — we’ll send 3 tailored options within the hour.
The Eastcoast catamaran fleet
The Eastcoast Sailing Catamaran Fleet
Our catamarans split into four clear tiers. Use this as a quick reference, then jump into the comparison table below to find the right boat for your group size, budget and vibe.
Prices starting from
$350 / hour
Prices starting from
$465 / hour
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$450 / hour
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$550 / hour
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$680 / hour
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$425 / hour
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$600 / per hour
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$1000 / hour
Prices starting from
$600 / hour
Why catamarans
Why Hire a Catamaran on Sydney Harbour?
Catamarans solve the three things that ruin most monohull charters. If you’re hosting kids, older guests, pregnant guests, or anyone prone to seasickness — or you want a swim stop somewhere the tourist boats can’t follow — a catamaran is the easy answer.
Stability
Twin hulls mean almost no roll, so guests stand, dance, mingle and eat without holding on. Heels stay on, drinks stay upright.
Deck Space
A catamaran’s beam typically gives you 60–80% more usable deck per metre than a comparable monohull — the same guest count gets twice the breathing room.
Beach Access
A shallow draft (often under 1.2m) means we nose into beach-only anchorages like Store Beach, Hermit Bay and quieter pockets of the harbour and Manly that bigger vessels can’t reach.
The Eastcoast catamaran fleet
The Eastcoast Sailing Catamaran Fleet
Our catamarans split into four clear tiers. Use this as a quick reference, then jump into the comparison table below to find the right boat for your group size, budget and vibe.
Small
Intimate sailing days, family outings, half-day cruises and short corporate hosting blocks. Includes the Seawind 1000 (10m, max 20) and Seawind 1160 Resort.
from $325/hr
View intimate boats
Mid
The sweet spot for birthdays, hens, bucks and small corporate events — most BYO-friendly. Includes Escapade Resort, Cougar Cat “Curious George” and our 14–16m sailing cats.
from $550/hr
View mid-size boats
Large
Wedding receptions, milestone birthdays, EOFY functions and product launches. Catering team onboard, bar packages standard. Includes Rum Runner, Whitehaven and Sydney Crystal.
from $850/hr
View large boats
Luxury / Mega
Full corporate functions, large weddings, brand activations, NYE & Vivid charters. Multiple decks, full bars, catering kitchens, AV-ready saloons. Includes Eclipse and Coast.
from $1,550/hr
View function boats
Prices starting from
$350 / hour
Prices starting from
$465 / hour
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$450 / hour
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$550 / hour
Prices starting from
$680 / hour
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$425 / hour
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$600 / per hour
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$1000 / hour
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$600 / hour
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$600 / hour
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$500 / hour
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$890 / hour
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$1000 / hour
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$650 / hour
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$1250 / hour
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$650 / hour
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$350 / hour
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$300 / hour
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$600 / hour
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$425 / hour
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$350 / hour
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$450 / hour
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$350 / hour
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$350 / hour
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$325 / hour
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$500 / hour
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$400 / hour
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$500 / hour
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$550 / hour
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$680 / hour
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$750 / hour
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$450 / hour
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$600 / hour
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$500 / hour
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$775 / hour
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$550 / hour
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$1050 / hour
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$600 / hour
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$850 / hour
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$550 / hour
Prices starting from
$550 / hour
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$600 / hour
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$750 / hour
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$350 / hour
Prices starting from
$1700 / hour
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$350 / hour
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$600 / hour
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$350 / hour
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$400 / hour
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$650 / hour
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$350 / hour
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$500 / hour
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$340 / hour
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$1250 / hour
Side-by-side
Catamaran Comparison — All Sizes, All Prices
Indicative starting rates — final quote includes skipper, crew, fuel, safety gear and end-of-charter cleaning.
| Best For | Catamaran | Length | Max Guests | From / hr | BYO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intimate harbour cruise, small families | Seawind 1000 | 10m | 20 | $325 | Yes |
| Day sail, small hens / bucks | Seawind 1160 Resort | 11m | 24 | $395 | Yes |
| Birthdays, casual corporate | Cougar Cat (Curious George) | 12m | 30 | $475 | Yes |
| Mid-size functions, corporate hosting | Sailing Cat 14m | 14m | 40 | $625 | Yes |
| Weddings, milestone birthdays | Sailing Cat 16m | 16m | 60 | $795 | Yes (under 50) |
| Engagement parties, EOFY | Power Cat 18m | 18m | 80 | $1,050 | On request |
| Brand activations, large weddings | Mega Cat 20m+ | 20m+ | 120 | $1,250 | Catering pkg |
| Corporate galas, NYE, Vivid | Mega Cat — Flagship | 24m+ | 240 | $1,550 | Catering pkg |
Call 1300 883 023Transparent pricing
What’s Included in Every Catamaran Charter
What we quote is what you pay. No fuel surcharges, no cleaning fees, no hidden extras.
Included
- Qualified skipper (crew numbers scale with guest count)
- Extra crew for larger groups
- All fuel, mooring and harbour fees
- Full safety gear including life jackets for every guest (adult & child sizes)
- End-of-charter cleaning (rubbish removal and recycling)
- Facilities – toilets, shaded saloon, sun deck, swim platforms & ladders
- Your playlist on Bluetooth – pair your device on the sound system
- BBQ equipment, cups, plates, cutlery, napkins, platters & more
- Flexible pickup at any of our 14 wharves (& itinerary planning)
+
Optional Add-ons
- Catering
- Beverage packages
- Precharter Delivery of BYO drinks or Dan Murphy’s order collection on selected catamarans only – service fees apply
- Water toys — paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear, inflatable slides (available on some larger vessels)
- Photography
- DJ
- Decoration setup
Where catamarans can go (and bigger boats can’t)
Anchorages & Sydney Harbour Route Map
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a catamaran is where you can go. Sydney Harbour has dozens of bays, beaches and anchorages — but most are blocked off to deep-draft vessels. Catamarans aren’t. Here’s what we typically include in a half- or full-day route.
Store BeachAccessible only by water — a quiet, sandy crescent inside North Head. Catamaran-only access. Perfect swim stop.
Quarantine BeachSheltered, protected, calm water year-round. Great for kids.
Manly CoveDrop in for lunch ashore or anchor and swim.
Hunters Bay & Spring CoveSheltered from southerlies — ideal anchorage for lunch on board.
Chowder BaySwim ashore to the beach and relax on the sand, or stay anchored for the view.
ClontarfProtected northern beach with walking access ashore.
Bantry BayBushland-fringed, no swell, very quiet.
Shark Beach (Nielsen Park)Netted swimming, sandy beach, popular family stop.
Camp CoveSheltered eastern beach inside South Head — calm water, swimmable.
Watsons BayAnchor off and pick up a seafood lunch from Doyles.
Rose BayConvenient pickup / drop point with strong views back to the bridge.
Athol Bay (in front of Taronga Zoo)The postcard view: Opera House, Bridge, CBD skyline. Popular sunset anchorage.
Farm CoveAnchor right off the Opera House (subject to event closures) — postcard-perfect pictures of the Bridge and Opera House.
Lavender Bay & Berrys BaySheltered north-shore stops with bridge views. Stunning at night with Luna Park in lights.
Cockatoo Island / Snails BayQuieter for full-day charters wanting a true escape from the crowds.
Darling Harbour · Barangaroo · Birchgrove · Snapper IslandCalmer waters and stunning as the sun sets while you cruise into the west.
Pre-charter checklist
What to Bring & What to Wear
A catamaran charter is more casual than most guests expect, and a few small things make a big difference to the day. Send this list to your group when you confirm the booking.
What to Bring
- Swimmers and a towel — catamarans always anchor and offer a daytime swim, even in winter
- Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), hat, sunglasses
- A light jumper or windbreaker — the harbour is 3–5°C cooler than the city
- Phone in a waterproof pouch (highly recommended, not provided)
- Cash for tips (skipper & crew gratuities appreciated, not expected)
- Any specific BYO drinks / food if your charter is BYO (confirm with us first)
- BYO Ice – on most catamarans (ice may be available on request for a fee)
- Your playlist on Bluetooth – your skipper will pair your device on the onboard sound system
What to Wear
- No black-soled shoes — they mark the decks. Boat shoes, white-soled sneakers, deck shoes or bare feet all welcome
- Smart casual or beachy — most guests dress like they’re going to a waterfront restaurant
- Formal events: lower heels or wedges would be suitable on the catamarans OR heels can be removed and stowed safely by the crew
- Layers, not bulky jackets — temperatures change fast on the water
What NOT to Bring
- Glitter, confetti or rice — not permitted; fines apply under Sydney Harbour bylaws
- Glass on the upper deck — we’ll provide plastic stemware on request
- Pets, except registered assistance animals — let us know on booking
From enquiry to embarkation
The Booking Process
Exactly what happens from your first enquiry to the day of your charter.
Today
Enquiry
Call 1300 883 023 or fill out our online enquiry form. Tell us your date, guest count, occasion and rough budget. We’ll come back the same business day with two or three matched vessel options and ballpark pricing.
24–48 hrs
Quote & Hold
Once you’ve picked a vessel, we’ll send a formal quote covering boat hire, crew, fuel, catering/beverage options and any extras. We can place a courtesy 48 hour hold on most dates while you confirm with your group.
On confirmation
Deposit & Confirmation
A 50% deposit confirms the booking. We send your booking confirmation with boarding wharf, what to bring and a planning timeline.
2–3 months out
Peak Period Lead Time
We strongly recommend booking 2–3 months ahead for peak periods — December , Vivid (May/June), summer holiday period, special events Boking Day / Australia Day and most Saturdays Oct–Mar book out early. NYE must book in much earlier – we start taking bookings in February and most of the more affordable catamarans are booked out by May / June.
14 days before
Final Numbers Locked
Final guest numbers and catering selections and final payment are locked in 14 days prior. This lets our catering partners order produce, allocate crew and confirm beverage stock. Minor adjustments after this point may incur a fee..
Day before
Skipper Confirmation Call
Security Bond and Final Confirmation are all sent 3 to 4 days prior to your charter and this will include your skipper’s name and contact for the day.
Day of
Arrive at Wharf
Arrive 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure (20–30 minutes for groups over 50). Your skipper meets you on the wharf, briefs the group, and you board. The charter clock starts at scheduled departure — not arrival.
On the water
Sail, Swim, Celebrate
Sail, swim, eat, celebrate. Your skipper handles routing; you handle having a good time.
Return
Return & Bond Release
Return to your nominated wharf at the contracted finish time. Disembarkation is quick (~10 minutes). A security bond is held against the booking and released within 7 business days post-charter, less any damages or excess cleaning.
For families & kids
Catamaran Hire for Families & Kids
Catamarans are by far the best Sydney Harbour boat hire option for families with children. Here’s why:
- Twin-hull stability — almost no rolling, even in chop. Kids who can’t sit still on a monohull will be fine, and so will parents worried about seasick toddlers.
- Shallow draft = beach access — Store Beach, Shark Beach (netted swimming), Camp Cove and Clontarf. Drop the swim ladder and the kids are off.
- Onboard space — twin hulls give 60–80% more deck per metre, so kids have room to play without getting in the crew’s way.
- Shaded saloons — protected indoor space for naps, snacks, screen time or escaping the midday sun.
- Child life jackets included — multiple sizes, as required by maritime law. Your skipper fits them on the way out.
- Sensible pace — catamarans cruise gently: no fast acceleration, no sharp turns, no jet-boat thrills (unless that’s the brief).
Popular Family Charters
- 4-hour mid-morning swim & sail — Harbour Bridge & Opera House→ Athol Bay OR Milk Beach → return
- Full-day Manly run — beach lunch at Store Beach
- Sunset cruise with the kids in PJs — let them sleep on the way home
Practical Tips for Parents
- Bring sunshade clothing (rash vests, hats) — the harbour sun is brutal even on cloudy days
- Pack snacks even on a catered charter — kid hunger is its own weather system
- We can stock the eskies with juice boxes / soft drinks if you tell us in advance
- Strollers can be stowed on board — let us know on booking
By event
Event Types We Specialise In
Every catamaran-suited celebration on Sydney Harbour — with a dedicated coordinator from quote to charter day.
Wedding Boats Sydney
Stable, spacious decks for ceremony and reception on one vessel.Wedding Boats Sydney
Departure locations
Where We Pick Up — Sydney Wharves
We board at any of these wharves at no extra charge. Board at the wharf closest to your group.
King St Wharf
Most convenient for CBD, hotels and ferry connections.
Casino Wharf & Pirrama Park
Easy parking, light rail access.
Rose Bay
Eastern suburbs convenience. Quick run to Shark Beach and Camp Cove.
Mosman Bay
Lower north shore drop-off, direct route to Middle Harbour.
Lavender Bay
Quick access from North Sydney. Dramatic bridge view on departure.
Balmain Yeend & Birkenhead
West and inner-west suburbs — easy parking.
Manly and Circular Quay pickups can be arranged on request — please ask at enquiry.
The Eastcoast difference
Why Eastcoast Sailing
20+ Years on the Harbour
We don’t sub-charter — we own and operate our fleet.
4.9-Star Average
Across Google and TripAdvisor — read every review before you book.
Featured by Major Media
Tourism Australia, Destination NSW, ELLE, Seven Network, Sunrise.
Trusted by Big Brands
EY, Google, PwC, Bupa, KONE, Northrop Grumman, Rabobank, New Balance.
55+ Vessels
Sydney’s largest catamaran selection — 12 to 240 guests.
Bareboat Charters
Available for qualified skippers (POA).
Same-Day Quotes
Most enquiries get a tailored 2–3 vessel shortlist back within business hours.
What guests say
4.9★ from 300+ Sydney Charters
FAQ
Catamaran Hire Sydney — Frequently Asked Questions
Catamaran hire in Sydney starts at $325/hr for our smallest 10m Seawind, with minimum hire periods of 3 hours midweek and 4 hours on weekends. Mid-size catamarans (25–50 guests) run $550–$895/hr, large catamarans (50–100 guests) from $895/hr, and luxury mega cats from $1,550/hr. Final pricing depends on date, season, vessel and add-ons.
Our catamaran fleet ranges from 12 guests on the smallest Seawind 1000 up to 240 guests on our flagship mega catamaran. The most popular sizes are 25, 40 and 60 guests.
Yes, BYO is available on most catamarans carrying up to 50 guests. Larger vessels and luxury mega cats typically operate with our catering partners. Check at enquiry.
Every charter includes a qualified skipper. Crew numbers scale with guest count — typically one crew member per 25 guests. Crew handle docking, anchoring, swim stop safety, glassware and basic service.
For peak periods (December, NYE, Vivid, Boxing Day, most Saturdays Oct–Mar), book 2–3 months ahead. Off-peak midweek charters can often be booked with 1–2 weeks’ notice.
We sail in most conditions — Sydney Harbour is sheltered. Charters are only cancelled in the case of extreme weather (severe storm warning, gale-force winds). In that case, we’ll work with you to reschedule at no charge.
Yes, children are welcome on all charters. Twin-hull stability and shallow draft make catamarans the most family-friendly Sydney charter option. Child-sized life jackets are provided on board.
Skipper, crew, fuel, mooring fees, harbour fees, all safety gear, life jackets, end-of-charter cleaning, eskies and ice on request, and use of all onboard facilities. Catering, beverages, water toys, photography and DJ are optional extras.
You can board at King St Wharf (Darling Harbour), Casino Wharf, Rose Bay, Mosman Bay, Lavender Bay or Birkenhead at no extra charge. Manly and Circular Quay pickups by request.
Yes — catamarans are popular wedding venues thanks to their stable decks. We can host the ceremony, reception or both on the same vessel. Our larger catamarans (16m+) work best for full receptions.
Most charters are 3–4 hours. Half-day (4 hrs) is the most popular, full-day (8 hrs) is common for weddings and large corporate events. Minimum hire is 3 hrs midweek, 4 hrs weekend.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for great service — typically 5–10% of the boat hire fee split between skipper and crew.
A deposit (25–50%) confirms the booking. A security bond is held against the charter and released within 5 business days post-charter, less any damages or excess cleaning charges.
Ready to Book Your Sydney Catamaran Charter?
Call 1300 883 023 for same-day quotes on most dates, get a free quote online with a 24–48 hour turnaround, or browse the full fleet of 55+ vessels.