Here are some answers to frequently asked questions
What does a Sydney water taxi transfer cost?
The time and distance of your journey is used to calculate a base fare. A quick trip can start from as little as $85. All base fares include the first 4 passengers. Trips are not metered, base fares assume a direct trip from the pick-up location to the destination.
You can also add to your transfer:
- additional passengers at a cost $20 per passenger
- additional cruise time
The cost calculator on our website will provide you with an accurate price for your journey.
What does a private harbour cruise cost?
Our boats are available to book for private charters and are charged for the time required. There are minimum hire rates for different vessels:
- MV Salute minimum hire – 2 hours
- Water Limousines minimum hire – 15 mins
Private boat charter hire rates »
How do I pay for my water taxi or private harbour cruise?
Payment is required prior to your journey. Credit Card details are taken at the time of booking, but payment is not processed until the day before. For on the day bookings, payment is processed at the time of booking. A credit card number is required to secure the booking, please let us know if you would like to make arrangements to pay on board via cash or via another credit card, we can usually organise this.
Where do you pick up and drop off?
Almost anywhere within Sydney Harbour with suitable deep water access. We can drop off at most public wharves and private jetties.
See our Sydney Harbour and surrounds service areas »
Where do water taxis go?
All the good places! Anywhere within Sydney Harbour, as well as the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers and Middle Harbour. We do not normally travel through the heads out to the ocean and do not travel to the eastern beaches (i.e. Bondi).
What happens if the weather is bad?
Our vessels all have undercover seating to protect you from the rain and wind. In rare circumstances when the weather is dangerous due to high winds or storms we may need to cancel, and will provide a refund of your fare.
What hours do you operate?
Our normal office hours are every day from 09:00am to 10:00pm. Our business is seasonal and we do operate reduced hours in the off-peak season so please contact us regarding availability. We can operate outside standard hours but bookings are essential and surcharges may apply.
How many people do your boats hold?
Our largest vessels take up to 21 pax. For larger groups, we can arrange for multiple vessels to transport you and your guests.
How do I book?
You can book online using our fare calculator at the top of this page or call us on 9555 8888.
What safety measures do you have in place?
Our vessels are all required to operate under a comprehensive AMSA survey certification and to have an approved Safety Management System. Our skippers are qualified and are all trained for emergency situations and will issue directions to passengers in the event of an emergency.
Can you transfer us to or from another vessel?
Yes. We are able to rendezvous with most vessel types if you have missed your boat or need to be picked up. Just let us know the vessel name and where it is and we can make contact with the other vessel’s skipper to arrange a boat to boat transfer.
Sydney Harbour boat transfers »
How do we board and disembark?
Our vessels have side and stern boarding areas and our skippers will berth the vessel in the best way possible to ensure safe loading and unloading of passengers. Unfortunately, our vessels do not have wheelchair access and may not be suitable for passengers requiring assistance.
What if we are running late?
It is important you let us know if you are running late as other customers can be impacted. A waiting time charge of $5 per minute may apply. Due to prior confirmed bookings for other customers we cannot guarantee that your water taxi will be able to wait if you are late. The fare will be charged at the full rate for no shows.
Read our terms and conditions »
Can I cancel my booking?
Please refer to our booking Terms and Conditions for cancellations and fares payable. Bookings can be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled time with no penalty.
Read our terms and conditions »
Can you drop off to Sydney Harbour Islands?
Yes, we certainly can. Islands managed by NSW National Parks incur a landing fee. You will need to pay for this prior to us dropping you off. Please visit https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/sydney-harbour-national-park and arrange for this in advance.
Are drinking and smoking permitted?
You are welcome to bring some refreshments along however smoking is not permitted. Any passengers who are intoxicated may be refused from boarding.
Can we bring our own music?
Yes. Our vessels have sound systems which are set up for Bluetooth and phone connectivity.
What do your boats look like?
Our water taxis, limousines and charter vessel can all be viewed on our website under the menu ‘Our Fleet’.
Browse our fleet of water taxis and charter boats »
What credit cards do you accept?
All major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
