Q. How much will it cost me?
A. Not as much as you may think, Please call us on 1300 306 676 and get a personal quote and make your booking,
from Anywhere to Anywhere* in Sydney harbour.
The way water
taxi prices are expressed is a "flag fall" plus a $13 fee for
each passenger over 14 yrs & $7 for passengers 5 - 13
years
Kids under 5 yrs ride free when accompanied by an
adult.
The "flag fall" depends on the origin and the
destination.
The prices quoted are usually one way. Here
are a few examples of trips to restaurants:
10 passengers from Circular Quay to Doyles at Watsons
Bay:
$55 flag fall (plus 10 X $13 = $130) = $185
(av.14
mins travel time)
2 passengers from Circular Quay to Catalina at Rose
Bay:
$55 flag fall (plus 2 X $13 = $26) = $81.00
(av. 13
mins. travel time)
7 passengers from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour
Woolloomooloo:
$35 flag fall (plus 7 X $13 = $91) =
$126
(av. 8 mins. travel time)
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 any moored vessel 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 from
privately-owned pleasure craft.
Q. How many passengers will a Water Taxi take?
A. Each Water Taxi is registered with the Maritime
Authority and must comply with vigorous safety requirements
including maximum passenger carrying capacity. This is limited
to 12 passengers for the Harbour Water Taxis yet we can
accomodate up to 140 guests aboard our largest available
vessel. So if you need to cater for a large number of
passengers, be sure to let us know when you enquire.
Q. Why are we "AFFORDABLE" Water Taxis?
A. We ARE "Affordable" Simply because we operate more economical vessels, which by the way are"Greener" because they use less fuel, displace less water and are quieter. We Don't have to factor in huge "commisions" to fat managers to pay for their long lunches and Plush waterfront offices, we own our own boats, There are no franchise fees or booking agents fee added on top of "our fares". You may find a cheaper quote. But be warned there are some pretty rough boats
out there and you often pay for exactly what you get, a very cheap price may be had because you end up in a boat that mostly carries restaurant supplies and kitchen waste to and from harbour islands. You may save a few dollars but do you really want that lingering odour of garbage, from the boats last trip ?. Ever driven behind a garbage truck on a hot day ? Remember that smell.
Q. How long will the trip take?
A. Most trips around the inner Harbour will be completed
within 15 minutes. As an example, Circular Quay to Watsons Bay
takes about 14 minutes.
Q. Can a taxi take me to a cruise boat that I have missed?
A. Yes, Dependant on which cruise boat you have missed,
this is called a transfer and the charge is dependant upon the
position of the cruise boat at the time you transfer. We'll
call them on our radio and arrange a convenient meeting spot.
We can also pick you up from most cruise boats if you need to
return to land for some reason.
Q. Can I hire a water taxi for a short cruise?
A. Absolutely yes - the cost is $150 for a 30 minute block
of time for a 12-seater taxi and $300 for a one-hour block.
This can sometimes be a cheaper option if you are picking up
guests from several different wharfs on the way to a function.
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. All water taxis work on the
principle of "First in , Best dressed".So Book NOW !!
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 North Sydney or Circular Quay to
Watsons Bay in 14 minutes by road! And 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.
Dos and Don’ts
Don’t book a taxi with one company and then 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, It is also likely that the
boat you jumped on will charge you for their part of trip and
the return as well as the booked taxi will charge you for a
"no show" (100% of the fare + any waiting time).
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 up to $3
per minute.
If we are delayed "We will ring you" - it’s
preferable to be waiting 5-10 extra minutes in a nice
restaurant rather than hanging around the wharf
wondering!
We hope these few tips assist you when you next
book a water taxi - and hopefully it will be from us.!
