Catamaran rentals in Sydney

Catamaran Hire Sydney

With more than 100 beaches, it’s no wonder that Sydney catamaran hire is so popular.  Even if you ignore the beaches, Australia’s most populous city is also the first major city in the world to see in the New Year, as well as being home to the world’s biggest natural harbour.  If you go between May and June, you will even have the opportunity to see the whole harbour lit up for Vivid Sydney, a spectacular festival of lights, from Sydney Opera House to Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Whether you want to hire with a skipper or without, we can help you find the boat of your dreams.

How much does Sydney catamaran hire cost?

The price of renting a catamaran in Sydney varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including the number of people, the duration of the trip, and the area where you want to rent.

For most of the locations in Sydney, such as Cronulla, you will have to request a quote regarding the price of the catamaran rental directly from the owner but we can tell you that to rent from Sydney Wharf Marina, you can expect to pay around $1947 for half a day, $3893 for a full day, and $27254 for a week.

Is it possible to find a bareboat catamaran charter in Sydney?

Yes!  In Sydney it is possible to rent a catamaran either with or without a skipper but if you plan on renting without, you will need a boating licence if the Catamaran can travel at a speed of more than 10 knots (18.5 kmph/11.5 mph).

Bareboat catamaran charters in Sydney are ideal for experienced sailors who want to choose which parts of Sydney they explore.  Renting with a skipper, on the other hand, is perfect either for those who have never sailed before, or for people who are craving a more relaxing holiday.  If you rent with a skipper, they can guide you to all the best sights and attractions in Sydney without you having to lift a finger.

What are the weather and sailing conditions like in Sydney?

The temperature in Sydney ranges from 47 to 80°F (8.3-26.7°C) and rarely exceeds 90°F (32.2°C) or dips below 42°F (5.6°C).  Sydney’s hottest month is January, with an average high temperature of 80°F (26.7°C) and the coldest month  is July, with an average low temperature of 47°F (8.3°C).  The water temperature is usually warmest in February when it is typically around 73°F (22.8°C) and the coldest recorded temperatures are in August, when it averages at around 64°F (17.8°C).

The wind speed in Sydney is more or less the same throughout the entirety of the year.  However, it peaks in July, when it averages at a speed of about 7.1 knots (8.2 mph/13.2 kmph) and is calmest in April, when the wind speed is about 6.4 knots (7.4 mph/11.9 kmph).

Australia’s rainy season is from January until March and the official cyclone season runs from November until April.  Even though very few cyclones actually occur in Australia, you should always check the weather forecast before setting sail during these months.  Usually, February receives the most rainfall, with around 4 inches (10.16 cm) and September receives the least, with an average of just 1.8 inches (4.57 cm).

When is the best time for Catamaran rentals in Sydney?

Sydney’s high season runs from December until February.  Although this period overlaps with the rainy season, the temperatures are generally pleasant and all the locals flock to the beach.  The one drawback of this time period is the crowds.  If you want to avoid the crowds, it might be better to go either in October and November, or during the months of March and April, as the temperatures will still be perfect for swimming and snorkeling, but there won’t be as many people around.

Where are the best sailing areas and ports in Sydney?

There is a great range of choices of ports and sailing areas in Sydney.  Just a few of these include:

• Cronulla

With many fantastic beaches and rock pools that are teaming with life, Cronulla is a fantastic area to visit during your catamaran charter.  You can also visit areas such as Shark Island if you want to go surfing and bodyboarding, or Port Hacking for a range of waterskiing and wakeboarding opportunities.

• Bobbin Head

Bobbin Head has many attractions and facilities, making it one of the best places in Sydney to take your catamaran rental.  You can find plenty of spots perfect for a barbecue or a picnic, and you can even play a quick game of cricket with the locals if you really want to sample Australian life.

• Lake Illawarra

Lake Illawarra has many great fishing opportunities, as well as being home to many different species of bird.  A few of the species you can see here are spoonbills, pelicans, ibises and cormorants.

• Jervis Bay

With picturesque beaches of blue water and white sand, Jervis Bay is one of the most desirable fishing locations in Sydney.  Some of the species you can catch here, include leatherjackets, snappers, and flatheads.  If you want a slightly calmer fishing spot, you can also drop your anchor in Currambene Creek, which feeds into the bay and is also great for fishing.

• Hawkesbury River

If you want to escape the city for a little while, this is the spot for you.  With many native forests and national parks lining the banks, you will never run out of places to explore here.  It is also one of the best places for salmon fishing throughout the year, as well as being a prime waterskiing and wakeboarding location.

• Shoalhaven Heads

If you like to spend time in nature, you should definitely set sail for Shoalhaven Heads.  Comerong Island in the area is full of fishing spots and picnic areas, and you can also see a wide range of bird species.

• Sydney Harbour

You don’t need to worry about the world’s biggest natural harbour running out of space, as there are so many different areas to dock that this seems like an impossibility.  Sydney Harbour is a great place to take your catamaran charter if you want to refuel, grab a bite, or even use the wifi.

Other notable sailing areas and marinas include:

• Balmoral Boatshed Marina
• D’Albora Rushcutters Bay
• Mosman Bay Marina
• Rose Bay Marina
• Double Bay Marina

What to do in Sydney?

There are so many things to do and see in Sydney that it can be difficult to give you just a short list, but here are some of our favourites.

If you like spending time in nature, Sydney is a great place for you to rent a catamaran.  At Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, you can meet koalas and even feed kangaroos.  You can also visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, the first hospital in the world to be dedicated solely to the care and rehabilitation of koalas.

Maybe you want to prove how brave you are and do the Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures.  This is a unique trail that takes you through the treetops of the beautiful Australian rainforest.  You can also visit Echo Point lookout for spectacular views.

If you’re after something truly unique, you can visit the Jenolan caves, one of the world’s oldest cave systems, and Hunter Valley Gardens is the perfect place for a stroll, being one of the most beautiful vineyards in Australia.

If you like to take in the culture of the places you go, there are many different museums for you to visit, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and the Powerhouse Museum.  Going to the opera at Sydney Opera House is another must while you’re in the city.

If you like sports, you can play golf or cricket with the locals on land, or head over to the water to try out waterskiing, surfing and snorkeling.  A couple of prime snorkeling locations in Sydney include Shelly Beach, Fairlight, and Bare Island, just off the coast of La Perousse.

The one thing we can guarantee is that you will not be bored during your catamaran charter in Sydney.

How to get to Sydney?

Depending on your location, Sydney isn’t the easiest place to get to but the quickest and easiest way is to fly.  Most of the direct flights available to Sydney are from Asia, but there are also some options from South Africa, Canada and some states across the USA, including Hawaii.  If you're coming from the UK, you can either get a connecting flight, or fly directly from London to Perth and then take a road trip from there.  Although driving will take a while, it will give you a great chance to see a little more of Australia as you travel.  If you’re a little more adventurous (and have a lot more time), you can also sail from Asia to one of the cities in the north of Australia, like Cairns or Darwin, and then take a road trip across the country until you reach Sydney.