The Best Boat Hire in Perth

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Hire a boat in Perth, Western Australia, and you won’t be disappointed with the endless options to enjoy. Meander along the protected Swan River (perfect even on a windy day), visit the number of beautiful wineries along the riverbanks, explore the characterful Freemantle, head over to the stunning Rottnest Island, venture to Garden and Carnac Islands, fall in love with Mandurah, all whilst fishing, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and even surfing.

Watch this fantastic video for some inspiration on which islands to head to with your boat hire in Perth:

There are plenty of boat hire locations in Perth so you can choose your ideal starting point. Self-drive boat hire is available from Swan River, South Perth, Freemantle, Rottnest Island, Malaga and Mandurah. You can also tow your own boat hire and take it to any destination of your choice.

Love getting wet? Check out the best water parks in Perth for some serious splashing fun or find out where you can hire a jet ski in and around Perth!

Self-drive Boat Hire Perth

Many boat hires in Perth are available for self-drive – some don’t even require a Recreational Skippers Ticket (or other states’ equivalent to a powerboat licence). We’ll highlight which boat hire operators do and don’t require this so you can easily see which options are best for you:

Boating West

Boating West is one of the bigger and longer established boat hires available across Perth and Western Australia. They have hire locations in Fremantle and Rottnest Island, along with Broome if you were heading north of the state.

Their boats are available to tow away, or ready waiting in the water ready for your water adventure. Vessels include the impressive Centre Cab for serious boaties, the Bow Rider for some serious fun and towing capabilities, and the Tinny – perfect for just getting out on the water. On Rottnest Island, a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB vessel) is available for hire to explore this little piece of heaven!

From the water’s perspective, all locations are ideal for soaking in views of stunning parts of Perth.

A Recreational Skippers Ticket (or other states’ equivalent to a power boat licence) is required for all hire boats. Boating West offers boat training for this skippers ticket and private lessons for increased confidence.

Freemantle Boat Hire

Freemantle Boat Hire is one of the new kids on the block and offers the chance to take your own private charter in one of their self-drive boat hires. We love the saying on their website –

Anyone who has owned a boat will tell you that the best type of boat to use is always someone else's.

…and they are absolutely right! It just takes the hassle out of it!

Located near Swan River and Cockburn Sound in Freemantle, you can have the boat delivered and waiting in the water for you at any of the boat ramps in the area. If you want to create an even more personalised adventure, hook up the trailer and tow to your favourite spot.

A Recreational Skippers Ticket (or other states’ equivalent power boat licence) is required for all hire boats.

They have three boats in their impressive lineup, including:

The Forward Cab

• ‘Merv’ – the Velocity 5.5m. This is the largest vessel available and is a plate aluminium forward cab, large decked fishing style vessel, certified for six passengers or up to 450kg. It features a powerful 115hp Mercury four stroke engine, Garmin GPS charts and high quality depth sounder, kill tank, lots of fishing rod storage, large covered area including an undercover cabin with glass, bait board, large esky, swim platform and ladder, fusion audio with Bluetooth and all the required safety equipment. There is a 200L fuel tank onboard, dual batteries, and ‘Merv’ requires a vehicle that can easily tow 2000kg. This vessel is extremely safe and a dry ride no matter what the conditions (within reason!).

The Bow Rider

• ‘Derek’ – the Quintrex Freedom Sport 5.3m. This family orientated Bow Rider has a 100hp Yahama four stroke engine and is certified for six passengers or up to 450kg. With a popular Australian brand name behind it, features are a front and rear lounge, bimini shade, swim platform and ladder, carpeted floor, Garmin GPS charts and high quality depth sounder, fusion audio with Bluetooth, optional esky and all the required safety equipment. There is a 100L fuel tank onboard, dual batteries, and ‘Derek’ requires a vehicle that can easily tow 1500kg.

The Tinny

• ‘Geoff’ – the Quantrx Dory 4.27m. The smallest of the fleet is this quality Tinny with a wide body, deep v hull and high tunnels, certified for four people. It is great for fishing and exploring, featuring a 25hp Yamaha four stroke engine, two bench seats, two captain chairs, bimini shade, carpeted floor, Lowrance charts and sounder and all the required safety equipment. There is a 40L fuel tank onboard, and ‘Geoff’ requires a vehicle that can easily tow 750kg.

All boats have full safety equipment (EPIRB, life jackets, flares, first aid kit, fire blanket, extinguishers and VHF radio).

The boats are surveyed to go and explore the gorgeous Rottnest Island, boasting 63 beaches and 20 bays, it’s no surprise that it is known as the beach-lovers paradise. How about Garden Island for a perfect day on the water (both islands are weather permitting)? Check this map for the boundary of partially smooth waters where the vessels are permitted.

Diving. Snorkelling. Swimming. Surfing. Fishing. Relaxing. Recharging. The choice is yours with this self-drive boat hire in Freemantle, Perth.

Smartwave Hire, Perth

Smartwave Hire operates through Searano Marine, Malaga, near Perth. These virtually unsinkable New Zealand built 4800mm poly boats are great for exploring the local coastline. Onboard there is a 50hp Honda outboard engine, reinforced transom, Garmin fish finder and chart plotter, anchor storage with anchor, bilge pump, two fishing rod holders, T-Top for sun protection and all the safety equipment required.

These boats have passed survey requirements and can operate in all open waters off Western Australia. They are surveyed for four persons to travel up to 15 nautical miles offshore but are restricted to 5 nautical miles. You can go further, but they need to be notified of your schedule. You can even take these boats to Rottnest Island!

Smartwave self-drive boat hires are available on a tow and go basis only, on a Dunbier trailer. A minimum hire period is for one day with a valid Recreational Skippers Ticket (or other states’ equivalent to a power boat licence) and a suitable vehicle with a tow ball to pull.

Nauti Picnics Eco Boats

Situated at Maylands Boat Ramp, Swan River, just 15 minutes from Perth’s CBD.

Be nauti and jump onboard an 8 seater self-drive electric boat. No boat licence or skippers ticket is needed, or experience as you’ll be shown everything before you set off along the river. And they are dog friendly too!

Experience Swan River with its beautiful views of Perth’s river suburbs, lined with welcoming Swan Valley vineyards. With over 35 km to explore, make a whole day of it, soaking up views of Elizabeth Quay (where the river meets the city), Claisebrook Cove, Optus Stadium, Tranby House, Ascot Race Course, Ascot Waters Marina, Garvery Park, Matagarup Bridge, small beautiful beaches and hidden gems. This is all whilst joining the wildlife that call the river home, including Black Swans, Pelicans and even dolphins!

Take an early riser eco boat hire to beat the crowd to appreciate the calmness and tranquillity of the morning river. This is such a special and unique experience to watch nature waking up over the water.

Perth Sunsets are known for being pretty special, so why not take a sunset cruise to East Perth. With the sun setting behind the city, it offers a beautiful setting from a different angle on a balmy evening. Romantic? Absolutely!

Nauti Picnic Eco Boats can be hired from 1.5 hours to 8 hours. If you love exploring Perth, make the most of their ShipYeah! MemberShip for special benefits, rates and discounts.

Eco BBQ Boats Mandurah

If you are heading south along the coast, don’t miss Eco BBQ Boats Hire in Mandurah, just over an hour’s drive from the CBD.

These are Western Australia’s only circular self-drive electric boats for hire! Soak up panoramic views of Mandurah’s impressive waterways, including their resident dolphins and glamourous yachts, whilst meandering through the canals with a BBQ grill onboard to create your own party on the water! Tableware, plates, cutlery, napkins, tongs and cups are provided! You can bring your own esky with drinks to enjoy, and don’t forget some tunes for the Bluetooth speaker system!

BBQ boats come in two sizes, accommodating either six or ten people. No boat licence or recreational skippers ticket is required and a full briefing is given before you set off. Booking periods are available from 1.5 hours.

Watersports Boat Hire in Perth

Funcats Watersports

Located at Sir James Mitchell Park, near South Perth.

Sailing, Kayaking and Paddle Boarding along the Swan River in Perth have become seriously iconic. There is no better way to do it than with Funcats Watersports. With a fleet of 40 catamarans for sailing right in front of the city, you know they are serious about having some water fun!

No boat licence or experience is needed.

Perth Waterbike Co

Located at Millers Pool on South Perth foreshore.

Perth’s premier Waterbike experience is one like no other! Take out a Chiliboat Waterbike and in their words – Pedal : Glide : Relax !!

Cycling on the water doesn’t sound natural, but you can enjoy this unique feeling of freedom with super stability, easily operatable and fast enough to make it an adventure! All whilst getting a good ‘Blue Gym’ workout!

Tours include an Express 30 minute Pedal as a great introduction, grab a Pedal & Coffee for an hour as the perfect way to start your day or explore the river in innovative style with the Blue Boat Shed tour for 1 hour and 15 minutes (or maybe just an hour if you grabbed that coffee first!).

No boat licence or experience is needed.

Love Waterbiking on the river or heading over to Rottnest Island? Take this watersport to the next level with a Seabike tour from North Thomson Bay. Rottnest is best viewed from the water so why not see it from its stunning marine environment, with an experienced, qualified guide showing off all its best bits!

If you fancy jet skiing on the Swan River, find out where to hire a jet ski here.

Do you have a favourite boat hire in Perth? Are you thinking of booking a boat hire for a party? We’d love to know in the comment below.