Valentine's Day Sydney 2021: 3 of the best ways to do it by boat

All aboard, true romantics: this is what to do on Valentine’s Day in Sydney.

From champagne sailing on a luxe private boat to an overnight stay on the harbour, there is no better way to spend Valentine’s Day 2021 than on the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour.

Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. The following boat hire options are suited to couples on different budgets, or perhaps for families or small groups looking to just enjoy a summer Sunday on the harbour or the start of Chinese New Year.

All of these Floatspace bookings include a captain and crew, industry qualified and vetted for safety. You can also choose to BYO food and drink, or opt for a food and drink package so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Shall we have a peek, then?

1. Champagne sailing on Sydney Harbour, movie star style.

Fact: The clink of champagne just sounds better out on the water, on a sun lounge, with fresh oysters.

Two of the best boats for a day like this are Spectre and Inception (how cinematic is that? James Bond and Leonardo DiCaprio would surely approve).

Bringing a touch of the Italian Riviera to Sydney, Spectre is a state-of-the-art sports cruiser that has won European Power Boat of The Year. It’s fast – 500 horsepower fast. And it’s capable of landing smack bang on the beach – private beach, here we come.

Other features include a retractable sunroof, wraparound decks, a swim platform, an en-suite cabin with a queen bed, fridge, esky, and a WiFi and Bluetooth music system. Take it to Manly’s cliffs for breathtaking views or anchor at Milk Beach for a dip.

Inception is another modern sports cruiser that fuses speed with style and comfort. It’s a great-value option with a BlueTooth stereo system, a fridge, barbecue, shower and access to floaty toys for your day out. Take it to Chinamans Beach for a spot of swimming or anchor at Parsley Bay while you check out the lavish local real estate.

Find out more about Spectre and Inception.

2. A classic sunset cruise across Sydney Harbour.

If you’re after traditional elegance with an intimate touch, try a small boat packed with charm like MV BEL. You might’ve seen MV BEL in the ‘floating kitchen’ challenge in the 2018 season of MasterChef (and quite frankly, if it’s good enough for MasterChef, it’s good enough for us).

This sophisticated vessel has the feel of a Venetian-style motor cruiser, with its reddish-brown wood hull and retractable white roof. It also holds the honour of being the only Hybrid Electric Charter Vessel currently cruising around Sydney Harbour.

The MV Salute is another classic-style motor boat for more intimate occasions. With its timber-panelled galley and decking, this cosy cruiser is the perfect boat for sunset drinks on the way to your Valentine’s dinner at Catalina or Quay.

Find out more about MV BEL and MV Salute.

3. Overnight boat stays with all the luxury bells and whistles.

It doesn’t get any more luxurious than spending the night on the harbour. Going to sleep under the stars, with the glistening city lights in the distance, and waking up to the sounds of those gentle, lapping waves, you’ll feel as if you’ve taken a trip somewhere in the Mediterranean – all right here on Sydney Harbour.

You can find a number of boats with beds tailored to your budget. For a French-style yacht that’s great value, James Chinn is a fine pick. This award-winning luxury boat sleeps a total of four and has a fully equipped galley, including refrigeration, stove and oven.

For a boat that’s more like a luxe home on water, John Oxley is a winner. On this boat, you’ll be laying on the yellow-and-white daybeds and lounges on the upper deck while making the most of the barbecue and bar. Afterwards, settle into one of the four finely appointed staterooms with nautical design touches.

This is one you’ll want to enjoy with a group of friends, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or simply splashing out on an experience you won’t soon forget.

Find out more about James Chinn and John Oxley.