Wet Weather Cruises

So you've been looking forward to your cruise for months and now it's forecast rain?!

We understand that it can be upsetting but fear not - you will have an time regardless but don't take my word for it, see what our past customers have said below.

Before we dive into the proof that wet weather absolutely will not ruin your cruise, I'd like to pass on some wisdom we've learned over the years:

1. Don't pay any attention to the forecast more than 1 day out.
Of course you will anyway (it's only natural) but the reality is that it's impossible to accurately predict the weather on The Harbour for your 4-5 hour cruise.
Even the day before your cruise the forecast could be completely wrong (and so often is).
Even if you have a 95% chance of rain, it is very hard to accurately predict when this will hit the Harbour and it's extremely rare for the rain to be persistent meaning everyone spreads back outside as soon as the shower passes.

2. I've never once heard someone say their event was ruined by the rain.
Floating around our magnificent Harbour with your friends, family or colleagues and some good food & drink from the shelter of your own private boat is still an amazing and thoroughly enjoyable experience no matter what the weather.

3. The Wind is more important than the rain
Cruises will go ahead in wet weather but they will be called off if the skipper deems it unsafe which would be due to extremely strong winds.
You must remember that the Harbour is vast and has many sheltered coves so it is normally possible to find a nice sheltered spot out of the wind.

Just look what these guys have said following their wet cruises:

Sarah Tiernan: Even though we had a wet day for the cruise, the boat was great and had plenty of cover to keep 26/27 people comfortably dry and very warm.
The crew were fantastic and very unimposing. They laid out all the nibbles for us and made the boat that much more comfortable.
Every single person on the boat did not want the cruise to end, even though it was raining!

D'Arcy Bush: Amazing boat, absolutely perfect for our Christmas party - so much space and the stand up paddle boards and lilypad added some extra fun! We loved the large indoor space - it bucketed with rain at some point and we hardly even noticed or cared because the boat was so nice.

Emily Roberson: Great day on the boat, even though it was pouring with rain all day we still had a fantastic time!
Doug was so amazing and helpful with all the arrangements! I will be recommended him and this company.

Morgan Bennett: Amazing boat crew, such a fun time!

We chose the rainiest day but we made the most of it anyway thanks to the wonderful boat crew and some amazing friends. Can’t wait to book our next one.

Kat Rufino:

Had a group of 20 onboard to celebrate a 30th birthday. The weather was not ideal for this time of year but that was easily forgotten as we had the most fabulous time!…and we most certainly had the hangovers the next day to prove it!

Marc & Will were amazing, super friendly and accommodating during the cruise. They were amazing bbq grillers too, the sausage sizzle was perfect! Thank you again so much for your hospitality. We all had a blast!

Ciara MacKenzie:

I could not recommend BHS anymore, the team ensured I had a seamless booking process and a wonderful time. The best way to celebrate my 21st.

Tom and Dom ensured the cruise went perfectly. The boat was beautiful and I had the best birthday celebrations.

Violet Merhi: Thank you to Pip and Doug for all their help. I was a stress head but they made sure everything was perfect.
Rain, hail and sun shine! We had the BEST time. We can't wait to be back soon.

Sarah (left): Best day I have had in ages and already planning another trip hopefully.

Kate Joveski: The Enigma is such a gorgeous and luxurious boat, enabling my team to relax and enjoy the harbour sights, even on a rainy afternoon! The catering and service was worthy of a high end restaurant, and the customer services from Boat Hire Sydney was amazing from start to finish.

Susan Caldwell: A great day for all the staff, that even the rain couldn't ruin. Already thinking about next year!!

Some Wet Weather FAQs

When would a decision be made about cancelling a charter due to the weather?

Typically not until the day of the charter but sometimes it can be called the day before if the skipper is already convinced the conditons won't be safe.

Who makes the decision to cancel a charter due to weather?

The skipper of the boat - they will be monitoring wind patterns and rain radars and how it will affect the route within the 'Sydney enclosed waters' region.

What conditions would result in a cancellation?

The skipper is primarily looking out for strong winds however there is no precise reading that will trigger a cancellation as it will depend on so many factors including the type and size of boat, the direction and gusting strength of the wind and the time frame for which the weather is expected to pass through the Harbour.

What happens if the skipper cancels the charter due to the weather?

BHS or the skipper of the boat will be in contact with you ASAP to confirm the cancellation.

You will be able to postpone to another available date - unfortunately refunds are not available.

There may be certain stipulations around your postponement date - please speak to your agent.

Boat Hire