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FAQs

Read below to find answers to some frequently asked questions

faq

Sit back, relax and allow your skipper to ferry you and your guests across Sydney Harbour in safety, style and comfort onboard one of our fleet of custom-built water taxis.

How much does it cost to catch a water taxi?

The time and distance of your trip is used to calculate a base fare.  A quick trip can start from as little as $90.  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 $24 per passenger
  • additional cruise time (in 15min increments)

The cost calculator on our website will provide you with an estimate for your trip.

Do I need to book in advance?

We are often fully booked at popular times on weekends so it is best to book your water taxi in advance to ensure availability for the time you require.  You can cancel with no penalty as long as the cancellation is at least one business day prior to your booking.

For ‘on the day’ bookings please call us so we can check availability and immediately confirm your booking.

Do you ride share?

As a general rule, no we do not offer ride share.  When you book a water taxi it is for your group’s own private use and you do not share with other passengers.

Occasionally for events we may offer a special service at a per person rate (ie from concerts at Cockatoo Island or shared Vivid Cruises). 

What does a private harbour cruise cost?

Our boats are available to book for private charters and the charge is calculated based on the time required and location of pick up and drop off.  There are minimum hire rates for different vessels:

  • MV Salute minimum hire – 1 hour
  • Water Taxi 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 trip. 

To secure and confirm a booking, Water Taxis Combined require credit card details in advance, which will be debited one working day before the scheduled reservation.

For on the day bookings, payment is processed at the time of booking.  A Credit or Debit 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.

We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Can you drop off at the beach?

Our vessels do not land at beaches.  There are many wharves close to Sydney Harbour beaches that we can transfer to. 

Popular wharves with easy access to beach locations are, Manly Wharf, Balmoral, Clifton Gardens, Watsons Bay.  We do not travel to Bondi Beach.

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 8am to 9pm. 

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 will apply.

How many people do your boats hold?

Our yellow water taxi takes up to 16, the Water Limos take up to 21 and our MX Salute Charter Boat takes up to 12.

For larger groups, we can arrange for multiple vessels to transport you and your guests.

How do I book?

You can book online or if you would like to book a water taxi ‘on the day’ please 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.

All vessels carry life jackets on board for emergencies.

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.

You will need to provide us with details about the boat you are transferring to including the vessel name, a contact onboard and where the boat is located.  We will check we can transfer onto the boat and that weather conditions are suitable.

All vessels must be stationary to ensure the boat transfer occurs safely.

All prebooked boat transfers are subject to suitable weather conditions and often will not be confirmed until the day of requested transfer.

Sydney Harbour boat transfers »

Are your boats suitable for passengers requiring assistance?

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.

Our vessels do not have wheelchair access and may not be suitable for passengers requiring assistance.

Some locations have a ladder or large gap between the boat and wharf to negotiate.

Please speak to our friendly office staff if you have concerns regarding access and we can discuss options to ensure the safest transfer.

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. 

Read our terms and conditions »

Can you drop off to Sydney Harbour Islands?

Yes, we certainly can.

Islands managed by NSW National Parks may 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.

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