Nelson Bay Boat Hire & Watersports was born from a love of the water and a passion for sharing the magic of Port Stephens with others.
Over the years, we’ve seen this stunning marine playground connect families, inspire adventures, and create lifelong memories — and we’re proud to be part of that story.
Our goal is simple: make boating easy, safe and accessible for everyone, with no boat license required.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned sea-lover, we give you everything you need to confidently explore the bay at your own pace.
ABOUT NELSON BAY BOAT HIRE & WATERSPORTS
WHAT WE OFFER
Self-Drive Boats & Day Boats
Perfect for cruising, fishing, wildlife-spotting or family fun on the water.
Watersports Options
Add excitement with optional watersport packages (just ask us!).All-Inclusive Hire
Comes with lifejackets, safety equipment, full briefing, and free fuel.Prime Location
Located just minutes from the Nelson Bay town centre, right on the foreshore breakwall.
WHY CHOOSE US?
No Boat License Needed
Friendly briefings & local secret tips
Easy online booking & secure PAY ID payments
Safe, maintained boats with all gear included
Flexible hourly and daily hire
Pet-friendly & family-friendly
Perfect for locals, holidaymakers, couples & small groups
PROUD PARTICIPANTS IN GREEN IS OUR GOLD
At Nelson Bay Boat Hire & Watersports, we're proud to support Green is Our Gold—Tourism Australia's tourism industry commitment to protecting the places, communities, and wildlife that make our country so special.
As custodians of the beautiful waterways of Port Stephens, we believe every adventure should leave a positive impact. That's why sustainability is embedded throughout our operations and the experiences we provide.
Our initiatives include:
A cleaner, more efficient fleet – We're progressively replacing older two-stroke outboard motors with modern four-stroke engines, reducing fuel consumption, lowering emissions, minimising hydrocarbons entering our waterways, and reducing engine noise for a healthier marine environment.
Supporting responsible fishing – By 1 November 2026, we'll introduce a Fishing Line Recovery Station to help prevent discarded fishing line from harming marine wildlife and keep our waterways clean.
Educating our guests – Green is Our Gold principles are incorporated into our website, booking journey, and pre-departure safety briefings, encouraging responsible boating, respect for marine wildlife, and care for the environment.
Together with our guests, we're helping protect Port Stephens so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
EXPERIENCE PORT STEPHENS LIKE A LOCAL
From drifting past dolphins and sea turtles to anchoring at sandy, untouched beaches… there’s nothing quite like seeing Port Stephens by boat. We’ll arm you with maps, insider advice on where the fish are biting, and the confidence to set off on your own mini-adventure.
Whether you want peace and quiet or sun-soaked fun with friends, we’ll help you build the kind of day that stays with you long after you return to shore.
Find us on the last jetty of the breakwall along the Nelson Bay foreshore.
Just plug “Nelson Bay Boat Hire” into your navigation app — we’ll be waiting with your boat ready to go.
EXPERIENCES MAKE THE BEST GIFTS
Gift cards start at $100. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!
GET IN TOUCH
Have a question before you book?
Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
GREEN IS OUR GOLD
Every visit to Port Stephens is an opportunity to help protect the place that makes it so special. Whether you're boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the bay, we encourage all guests to take their rubbish and belongings home, dispose of fishing line responsibly, respect marine wildlife, avoid disturbing sensitive habitats such as seagrass beds, and follow local boating and fishing regulations. Together, these small actions help preserve our waterways so they can be enjoyed by future generations.