Q. How much will it cost me?

A. Firstly, there is a "flag fall" plus a $12 fee for each passenger. 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:
     $50 flag fall (plus 10 X $12 = $120) = $175
     (i.e. $17.50 per person each way)

12 passengers from Circular Quay to Catalina at Rose Bay:
     $50 flag fall (plus 12 X $12 = $144) = $194
     (i.e. $16.20 per person each way)

7 passengers from Mosman Bay to Otto's Woolloomooloo:
     $45 flag fall (plus 7 X $12 = $84) = $129
     (i.e. $18.45 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 12 passengers for a smaller taxi and up to 28 for the largest. So if you need to cater for a large number of passengers, be sure to book the larger boat. The flag fall for the larger taxi will be greater.

Q. Do all water taxi companies use the same pricing?

A. Not necessarily, but they are generally very close - and maybe only a few dollars either way.

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 10-12 minutes.

Q. Can a taxi take me to a cruise boat that I have missed?

A. Yes, this is called a transfer and the charge is dependant upon the position of the cruise 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. Can I hire a water taxi for a short cruise?

A. Absolutely yes - the cost is $240 for each 40 minute block of time for a 12-seater taxi and $360 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. 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 Circular Quay to Watsons Bay in 10-12 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 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 wondering!

We hope these few tips assist you when you next book a water taxi - and hopefully it will be from Water Taxis Combined!