Catering on a Tiger Catamarans charter is your choice: fully BYO food and alcohol at no extra cost, pre-arranged catering packages via our catering partners, or a mix of both. Unlike many Sydney Harbour operators, Tiger Catamarans doesn't charge a BYO cleanup fee.
Your Two Catering Options: BYO or Catered
Every Tiger Catamarans charter gives you a genuine choice on food. You can bring everything yourselves — food, alcohol, mixers, snacks — with no corkage or cleanup fee added to your bill. Or, if you'd rather not deal with shopping and packing eskies, you can arrange catering ahead of time through our catering packages.
There's no wrong answer here — it really comes down to how much time your group wants to spend planning versus how much you want to save. Some groups love the flexibility of picking exactly what they want at the bottle shop and grocery store; others would rather have it all sorted before they even step onboard.
Most groups on a 4-hour charter go fully BYO. Larger corporate functions or milestone birthdays sometimes prefer a mix — catered platters plus BYO drinks.
Why BYO Works Well on a Tiger Catamarans Charter
Our Sydney Harbour Fleet
Tiger 3
Capacity: Up to 43 guests
Our flagship dual-deck power catamaran. Ultra-wide deck, spacious saloon, undercover seating, full sound system, BBQ and large eskies.
Tiger 4
Capacity: Up to 43 guests
Perfect for larger groups. Tiger 4 offers seamless indoor-outdoor flow, BBQ facilities, massive eskies, and modern lounge spaces.
Tigeress
Capacity: Up to 30 guests
An intimate, stylish catamaran with sun-lounging trampolines at the bow and premium finishes throughout. Ideal for groups of up to 30.
Many Sydney Harbour operators charge a separate fee just to allow BYO food and drinks onboard, on top of the standard charter rate. Tiger Catamarans doesn't. Bring what you like, keep costs down, and skip the markup you'd normally pay for onboard bar service.
- No corkage fees
- No BYO cleanup surcharge
- Eskies and ice provided onboard
- Full run of the deck fridge/esky space for your food and drinks
What Food Works Best for a Boat Charter
Food that travels well and doesn't need a kitchen setup is the easiest option for a harbour charter. Grazing platters, cheese and charcuterie boards, sandwiches, wraps, and pre-cut fruit are all popular choices that hold up well over a few hours on the water.
| Food Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Grazing platters (cheese, meats, dips) | No prep needed, easy to share, travels well |
| Sandwiches / wraps | Easy to eat standing or seated on deck |
| Fresh fruit, chips, snacks | Simple, low-mess options |
| Pre-cooked BBQ items | Good for larger groups, just needs reheating or serving cold |
If you'd rather skip the shopping trip entirely, our catering packages include grazing boxes and platters that can be ordered ahead of your charter date.
Alcohol Onboard: What You Need to Know
BYO alcohol is welcome on every charter, and our skipper and crew follow standard NSW Responsible Service of Alcohol practices. As a general guide, plan for roughly 1–1.5 drinks per person per hour for a mixed group, and always bring water and soft drink options alongside alcohol.
Matching Your Catering Plan to the Right Boat
How much food and drink space you need depends on which vessel you charter. Tiger 3 and Tiger 4 each carry up to 43 guests, with more deck space and esky capacity for larger spreads or multiple platters. Tigeress carries up to 30 guests, which suits smaller groups wanting a simpler, tighter catering setup.
If you're catering for a bigger group on Tiger 3 or Tiger 4, we'd generally suggest a mix of a couple of larger grazing platters rather than lots of small ones — easier to manage and less food waste. For Tigeress charters, one or two platters plus BYO drinks is usually plenty.
Getting Your Food and Drinks Onboard
All charters depart from Rose Bay as standard — see our wharf locations guide for departure details and any alternative pickup points. Arrive with your food and drinks packed in eskies or cooler bags, and our crew will help get everything settled and secured on deck before you set off.
Catering for Corporate Charters and Bigger Groups
For corporate charters and larger groups, pre-arranged catering is often the simpler option — one invoice, no shopping list, and food that's ready to go when you board. It also avoids the logistics of loading multiple eskies for 30–43 guests.
Catering for Hens, Bucks, and Birthday Charters
Smaller celebration groups — hens parties, bucks parties, and birthdays — often prefer full BYO, since it's cheaper and lets everyone bring their own favourites. A grazing platter plus BYO drinks is a popular middle-ground choice for these groups.
How Much Should You Budget for Food and Drinks?
BYO costs vary depending on what your group brings, but most charters spend $15–$30 per person on food and drinks when self-supplying — significantly less than paying for onboard catering and bar service elsewhere. Catering packages through our partners typically start from around $115 for a small grazing box, scaling up with group size.
To put that in context: a standard 4-hour Tiger Catamarans charter starts from $2,200 for the boat. Add BYO catering at $15–$30 per person, and a group of 20 could expect to spend somewhere between $2,500 and $2,800 total for the whole afternoon — boat, food, and drinks included. That's a fraction of what many operators charge once bar minimums and BYO surcharges are factored in.
Why Tiger Catamarans' Approach to Catering Is Different
A lot of Sydney Harbour operators lock groups into onboard bar packages or charge a fee just for the privilege of bringing your own food. Tiger Catamarans takes the opposite approach — the charter rate is the charter rate, and what you eat and drink is entirely up to you. It keeps costs predictable and puts the choice back in your hands, whether that's a simple BYO Esky or a fully catered spread.
How to Arrange Catering for Your Charter
1. Decide BYO, catered, or a mix when you enquire about your charter.
2. If catered, we'll put you in touch with our catering partners to finalise your order ahead of your date.
3. If BYO, simply bring your food and drinks on the day — eskies and ice are provided onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to plan your charter and catering?
Request a Charter QuoteTiger Catamarans — call 0404 026 678 or book online to lock in your date.