Nelson Bay boat hire and private charters
Enjoy luxury boat hire in Nelson Bay with Anchorage Hotel & Spa.
The bay looks different when you're not behind the wheel. Our private boat hire in Port Stephens pairs you with an experienced skipper aboard a beautifully appointed vessel, so you can savour the journey rather than navigate it. No boat licence required, no experience needed. Simply step aboard, sink into the cushions, and watch the coastline unfold.
Luxury vessels
Through our partnership with Anchorage Marina, guests have exclusive access to two exceptional vessels: the 35-foot Beneteau Swift Trawler Independence and the 38-foot Beneteau sailing yacht Sovereign. Both accommodate up to nine adults in comfort, with spacious decks, shaded seating and all the amenities of a premium charter. They're moored right at our waterfront doorstep.
Boat hire options in Port Stephens NSW
Every charter departs directly from Anchorage Marina, steps from the hotel. Guests staying with us can walk from their room to the vessel in under two minutes. For those searching for boat hire in Nelson Bay NSW, we're located in nearby Corlette, just a five-minute drive from Nelson Bay and 2.5 hours north of Sydney.
Sparkling sunset cruise
As the afternoon softens into evening, you'll drift across waters that shift from blue to amber to pink. The Tomaree headland silhouettes against the fading light. Someone hands you a glass. The day's noise falls away. This three-hour cruise is made for the moments worth remembering. Sparkling wine and grazing platters available.
Duration: 3 hours | Capacity: Up to 9 adults
Sovereign (sailing yacht): from $1,250 AUD | Independence (trawler): from $1,650 AUD
Dolphin discovery cruise
Four unhurried hours to explore the bay, with dolphins surfacing alongside as you go. Our skippers know where the pods gather, where they feed and play in the sheltered waters. You'll have time to drop anchor at a secluded beach, slip into the water, feel the sand between your toes on a stretch of coastline you have all to yourselves. Bring your own provisions or arrange catering in advance.
Duration: 4 hours | Capacity: Up to 9 adults | Season: Year-round
Sovereign (sailing yacht): from $1,390 AUD | Independence (trawler): from $1,800 AUD
Design a day charter
A full day on the water, shaped entirely around you. Cruise out to Broughton Island and feel the remoteness settle in. Meander through the Myall River system where the bush meets the water's edge. Or find a quiet stretch of coastline, and let the afternoon stretch out with nowhere else to be. Our team will help you craft an itinerary, or you can simply see where the day takes you.
Duration: Custom | Price: On request
What's included in your boat hire
Every charter includes a skipper, all safety equipment and lifejackets, and departure from Anchorage Marina in Corlette. Both vessels feature generous covered deck areas, plush seating and onboard amenities designed for relaxed cruising. Food and beverages can be arranged as an elegant add-on, or you're welcome to bring your own.
Skippered charters in Port Stephens
Private boat hire in Port Stephens with a skipper means the whole group shares the experience. Someone else reads the wind while you take in the view.
Our skippers have spent years on these waters. They know where the dolphins feed in the morning, which coves stay sheltered when the wind picks up, and the exact spot to stop for sunset. They handle everything on board and fade into the background so you can simply be here.
Perfect for special occasions
Picture a proposal as the sky turns gold over the headland, champagne already chilled or a milestone birthday spent anchored in a quiet cove, the only sounds the gentle lap of water and laughter carrying across the deck. Perhaps it's an anniversary, a chance to reconnect away from everything, with nothing but the horizon ahead.
These are the moments our charters are made for. Intimate celebrations, romantic escapes, reunions with the people who matter most. Pair your charter with a treatment at Spa Lucca for the complete escape. If you're marking an occasion, mention it when you enquire. We can coordinate catering, decorations or any finishing touches to make the day unforgettable.
Dolphins, wildlife and hidden beaches
Port Stephens boat hire puts you in the heart of dolphin territory. The bay is home to around 130 resident bottlenose dolphins, and our skippers know precisely where to find them. Sea turtles surface for air. Rays glide beneath the hull. Sea eagles circle overhead. The white sand beaches of Shoal Bay give way to sheltered coves near Soldiers Point, then the wild coastline stretching toward the Myall Lakes. It's yours to discover.
For more ideas on exploring the region, see our guide to things to do in Nelson Bay.
How to book your boat hire in Port Stephens, NSW
To reserve your charter, submit an enquiry using the form with your preferred date, charter type and group size. Our reservations team will respond within 24 hours to confirm availability and arrange payment.
Staying at Anchorage? Ask about our sail charters when you book your room. There's something rather special about waking to waterfront views, stepping onto a charter mid-morning, and returning to the hotel for dinner at The Galley Kitchen as the sun sets over the marina.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boat licence to hire a boat in Nelson Bay, NSW?
Not for our skippered charters. Your skipper handles all navigation, so no boating experience or licence is required. If you prefer self-drive boat hire, other operators in Nelson Bay offer unlicensed vessels.
What's included in the boat hire price?
Your charter includes the skipper, vessel hire, all safety equipment and lifejackets, and departure from Anchorage Marina. Food, beverages and catering are available at additional cost, or you may bring your own. Explore our on-the-water experiences
How many people can fit on the charter boats?
Both vessels accommodate up to nine adults in comfort. The 38-foot Sovereign sailing yacht and 35-foot Independence trawler feature spacious deck areas with shaded seating throughout.
Where do the charters depart from?
All charters depart from Anchorage Marina at 26 Corlette Point Road, Corlette. For guests staying at Anchorage, the marina is a two-minute stroll from the hotel.
Can I bring food and drinks on board?
You're welcome to bring your own provisions. Alternatively, we can arrange catering and beverages in advance. Wine and grazing platters are available for sunset cruises.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety always comes first. If conditions are unsuitable for sailing, we'll contact you to reschedule your charter to another date. Port Stephens is a sheltered bay, so most days offer calm, comfortable conditions for cruising.
Are children allowed on the charters?
Yes, children are most welcome. We provide lifejackets in a range of sizes. The vessels have generous shaded areas and the calm cruising conditions make them well suited to families.
Will we see dolphins?
Port Stephens is home to around 130 resident bottlenose dolphins, and sightings are common throughout the year. Our skippers know the bay intimately and will take you to the best spots. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, most cruises encounter at least one pod.
What should I bring?
We suggest sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light layer for the sea breeze, and your camera or phone. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes with non-slip soles. Pack swimmers and a towel if you'd like to swim when we anchor.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least two weeks ahead, particularly for weekends, school holidays and sunset cruises. For special occasions such as proposals or milestone celebrations, secure your preferred date as early as possible.
Where can I find boat hire Nelson Bay?
Anchorage Marina is in Corlette, a five-minute drive from Nelson Bay town centre and 2.5 hours north of Sydney. All our charters depart directly from the marina.
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