Have a question about the GoBoat experience? Check out some of our FAQs below.

Sailing

How many people can be in a boat?

Maximum capacity on each boat is 8 persons. This capacity limit includes children, and is a legal limit set for our boats. Pick-up of additional guests is not permitted, and will result in the loss of your security deposit. You could also be liable for a fine.

Can you go fishing from the boat?

In the interests of the people who will rent the boat after you, we do not allow fishing from the GoBoat. Cleaning fees and penalties may apply if you use the boat for fishing.

Can you swim from the boat?

Unfortunately swimming is prohibited by local council regulations in most of our operating areas. Additionally, our boats are not designed for swimming activities, so it is not allowed during your hire period. Additional fees may apply.

How does the boat work?

The boats are designed for relaxed, low speed cruising, powered by an electric motor connected to a battery bank. The boats sail around 4 knots (6-7 km/h), and are operated by a simple tiller steer mechanism. Anyone can do it!

Can you bring your own food and drinks?

Of course you can! There is a large table in the middle of the boat that makes it easy to eat - we all know the best social activities involve food!

Can you buy food at GoBoat?

At some of our locations you can pre-order food. If available, this option will appear during the booking process. Please be aware of cut-off times before placing your order. If we order catering in for you, it cannot be cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice. All catering options are non-refundable, and it is up to you to collect your order in the event of a cancellation.

You can also browse our food and drink options at each location in the GoBoat Shop in the menu sidebar.

Is it possible to get someone else to sail the boat for you?

Part of the fun of GoBoat is being your own captain! Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a skipper for your boat, but you might be able to convince a friend or family member to come along and do the driving.

Are there different sizes of boats to hire?

Our 5.35m GoBoat is standard across all our locations. With room for 8 people, a communal picnic table, and a state-of-the-art electric motor, it’s perfect for cruising calm waterways in style and comfort!

Want to try something different? Check out our premium hire and drive option, GoBoat+.

Can you pick up or drop off the boat somewhere else?

The boats must always be picked up from and returned to the same location. You shouldn’t leave the boat unattended at any time, because if it’s stolen or damaged, it’s your responsibility. Plus, it’s much more fun to stay on the boat - that’s what you hire it for!

Where can you sail when you hire a GoBoat?

You'll be provided with a map at the start of your journey (or you can download it from each location page) as part of your safety demonstration and briefing. Your GoBoat crew will inform you of any hazards, the likely distance you’ll be able to travel, and offer advice about great spots to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Are there toilets on site?

Most of our GoBoat locations do have toilets available on-site or nearby. To check accessibility, please contact your local GoBoat or visit their page to see their specific FAQs.

We always recommend making a bathroom stop before you set off!

Booking and Cancellation

Can I hire a boat without having booked in advance?

We recommend booking in advance, as many people may have the same idea on the same day, and boats may not be available if you haven’t reserved one.

Do I have to pay a security deposit?

Yes, just like when hiring a car or checking in to a hotel, we will place a small hold (pre-authorisation) on your credit or debit card in case of any damage.

For credit cards, the hold is $1. For debit cards, the hold is $200 for our standard boats, or $500 for our GoBoat+. This is released from our side immediately upon the safe return of the boat, and the funds are usually accessible again within 3–5 business days. If a pending transaction still appears after this time, please contact your bank for further assistance.

Unfortunately, due to payment provider limitations, some locations require a physical credit card or debit card for pre-authorisation. Please bring your chosen physical card with you on the day to ensure a smooth and seamless check-in process.

You can contact your bank to find out their specific standard pre-authorisation return timeframes.

How to cancel my boat(s)?

GoBoat has a super-flexible Cancellation Policy!

Up to 72 hours (3 days) before your booking
, you can cancel with no penalty and receive a full credit or refund*. Between 24 and 72 hours before your booking, only a credit will be offered, and catering cannot be cancelled within 48 hours. GoBoat does not accept cancellations within 24 hours of a booking, as this is unfair to our crew who have been rostered to welcome you, and to other guests who may have wished to book.

All catering options cancelled within a 48 hour period are non-refundable, and it is up to you to collect your order in the event of a cancellation.

You may either edit your booking using the link in your confirmation email or request cancellation by contacting the GoBoat location you booked with via email. We require cancellations to be made by email for record-keeping purposes and to ensure no funny business!

*Payment processing fees paid by GoBoat will be deducted from your refund as a direct cost.

How long before my sail time do I have to be there?

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled sail out time. This is to ensure that there is time for the safety briefing and demonstration.  If you are late, you will spend less time on the water, as your boat will still be due back by the agreed time when you made your booking.

I can see that you are fully booked. Is it possible to get on a waiting list?

Occasionally, GoBoat may have waiting lists for special events. However, typically all availability is shown on the website, and cancellations or other factors may cause available times to appear again.

How much does it cost to hire a boat?

Our prices are per boat and charged in hourly increments. You can have up to 8 people on your boat for the same price! Prices for specific locations and durations are available on the individual location pages.

How do you book a boat to hire?

You can book right here on our website with instant confirmation. It requires a credit/debit card to book a boat.

Can I get a discount if you hire multiple boats?

The longer you rent for, the lower the price is per hour. There is no discount for booking multiple boats.

How many boats do you have? And how many people is the maximum?

GoBoat has a fleet of 50+ boats in Australia. Typically, you can book 2-3 boats at a time from each location by booking online. If you require a group or corporate booking, we suggest emailing ahoy@goboat.com.au to enquire about availability.

How long are gift cards valid for?

A GoBoat Gift Card is valid for 3 years! It can be redeemed at the GoBoat location it was purchased from, for the value paid. For example, if the gift card is purchased for $249 (e.g. 2 hours), you can redeem it for $249. If our prices change in future, it will still be worth $249. A gift card cannot be redeemed for cash. You can buy a gift card here!

Safety

Can I hire a boat and sail with children?

Absolutely. We have life jackets down to XS bambino size. You don't need to request one in advance, but please let our crew know at check-in if you need a child-sized life jacket, as it's a requirement for anyone under 12 to wear one at all times while on the boat.

Are life jackets included in the price of the boat hire?

Yes! Lifejackets and all safety gear are included in the price. Life jackets for adults are located in the storage compartment on the boat. We also have life jackets for children and babies, which can be provided at check-in. 

Can I bring my pet on the boat?

Yes, GoBoat is very pet-friendly! Dog and cat life jackets are not legally required, so no need to stress - but if you’d like to use one, it’s best to bring your own, as they are not available at any of our locations.

Does it require sailing experience or boat licence to hire your boats?

No, and that’s what we’re all about! The boats are easy to control. The only requirement is that the person sailing the boat is 18 years old and does not consume alcohol during the experience (this is a legal requirement).

Can you drink alcoholic beverages onboard?

The designated skipper - the person steering the boat - must remain sober during the sailing, with a BAC of 0.00%. The other guests may consume up to 2 alcohol drinks each, but any antisocial behaviour or intoxication may result in the boat being remotely disabled and your booking cut short. No refunds will be given if this happens.

How old do you have to be in order to sail the boat?

There is no age restriction for passengers on the boat, but the nominated skipper must be at least 18 years old.