Q. Do all water taxi companies use the same pricing?
A. Not necessarily, but they are all comparable – and maybe only a few dollars either way. You do get some smaller companies who will talk about how cheap they are, but you get what you pay for. Usually their cheapest quote is for a much less stylish boat with flaking paint or for a fully enclosed boat covered in ugly advertising. Why pay for someone else’s billboard?! We suggest that you should check the style of boats before you make a choice – you will see the difference very quickly.
Q. Can I hire a water taxi for a short cruise?
A. Absolutely yes – the cost is $200 for each 30 minute block of time for a 16-seater water taxi and $250 for 30 minutes on one of our water limousines. This includes the first 4 passengers and $10 per person thereafter. This can sometimes be a cheaper option if you are picking up guests from several different wharfs on the way to a function. Remember there is a charge to relocate the vessel to the wharf where the cruise time starts.
Q. How much will it cost me?
A. There is an initial “flag fall” cost plus a $10 for each passenger over the first 4. The “flag fall” depends on the origin and the destination. The prices quoted are for one way.
Here are a few examples of trips to restaurants:
10 passengers from Circular Quay to Doyles Restaurant at Watsons Bay:
$110 flag fall (plus 6 X $10 = $60) = $170
(i.e. $17.00 per person each way)
12 passengers from Circular Quay to Catalina’s Restaurant at Rose Bay:
$105 flag fall (plus 8 X $10 = $80) = $185
(i.e. $15.41 per person each way)
7 passengers from Mosman Bay to Otto’s Restaurant Woolloomooloo:
$80 flag fall (plus 3 X $10 = $30) = $110
(i.e. $15.71 per person each way)
Obviously, the more passengers there are, the less expensive it becomes per person.
Q. Where can I be picked up?
A. We can pick you up at just about any wharf, jetty or pontoon (public or private), provided of course there is enough water depth and, in the case of a private facility, that we have permission from the owner. As a registered commercial vessel, we are permitted access to places – like Circular Quay that are normally restricted to privately owned pleasure craft.
Q. How many passengers will a Water Taxi take?
A. Each Water Taxi is registered with the Waterways Authority and must comply with vigorous safety requirements including maximum passenger carrying capacity. This varies from vessel to vessel but is approximately 16 passengers for a water taxi and up to 21 for the largest water limousines.
Q. How long will the trip take?
A. Most trips around the inner Harbour will be completed within 20 minutes. As an example, Circular Quay to Watsons Bay takes precisely 15 minutes.
Q. Can a taxi take me to a cruise boat that I have missed or to a private vessel cruising the harbour?
A. Yes, this is called a vessel transfer and the charge is dependant upon the position of the other boat at the time you transfer. It is also dependant upon the cruise boat captain being prepared to stop and allow the transfer, but normally they will gladly stop to accommodate a late passenger. We call them on our radio and arrange a convenient meeting spot. We can also pick you up from the cruise boat if you need to return to land for some reason.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
A. It is advisable to book in advance to lock in the time slot that you require. The earlier you make your booking, the more chance you have of getting the time slot you require. Although, on many occasions you may find a water taxi available at Circular Quay – just ask the skipper if he’s available.
Q. Are water taxis more expensive than road taxis?
A. If you are travelling in a group of 6 to 12 passengers, cost is very favourable when compared to 2 or 3 road taxis – but just try getting from Balmain to Watsons Bay in 15 minutes by road! There is no comparison when it comes to style; arriving at the restaurant by water is part of the experience and adds the finishing touch to the whole occasion.
Q. Are water taxis allowed to transfer us to the islands in the Harbour?
A. Yes, we are authorised to take you to any of the eight Sydney Harbour National Park islands, but you will need to contact NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as there is a small fee for landing. You must be off the island by dusk.
Some Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t book a taxi with one company and jump on board another company’s taxi. It will cause hassles, and when the mistake is discovered, you will be returned, disembarked, and directed to the booked taxi.
Do book your return trip and leave a mobile telephone number with the water taxi company. Let them know if you are running late – if you don’t, they may charge a waiting time fee of $3 per minute. If they are running late they will ring you – it’s preferable to be waiting 5-10 extra minutes in a nice restaurant rather than hanging around the wharf.
We hope these few tips assist you when you next book a water taxi with Water Taxis Combined.