Houseboat Hire Terms and Conditions

Standard Cancellation

Cancellation requests must be submitted via email. The following terms apply:

• 30+ days before charter date (90+ days for peak season): $100 cancellation fee applies, remaining deposit will be refunded.
• Within 30 days of charter date (90 days for peak season): No refund applies unless Coomera Houseboat Holidays secures a replacement booking.

COVID-19 Policy

As of May 11, 2022, Coomera Houseboat Holidays discontinued special pandemic-related cancellation policies and reverted to standard terms. Travel insurance providers like CoverMore offer optional COVID coverage for additional peace of mind.

We do not provide refunds for non-dangerous weather conditions such as rain or wind.

• Severe or dangerous weather during charter: Boat movements may be restricted for safety reasons. No refunds are offered in these circumstances.
• Dangerous conditions within 24 hours of departure: Customers receive a credit applicable to future non-peak bookings within 12 months.

Arrival

• Briefings occur between 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. You will be contacted three days before arrival to confirm your briefing time.
• Sign-in and boarding opens 1 hour before your designated briefing time.
• Important: Failure to attend the scheduled briefing will result in cancellation without refund.

Departure

• Guests must be ready at 8:30 AM for docking.
• Houseboats must be vacated by 9:30 AM.
• Late fees apply for non-compliance.

All hirers receive a mandatory safety briefing from qualified personnel, regardless of prior boating experience.

The briefer may withhold approval if they determine unsafe operation practices or if guests interrupt the briefing excessively.

• No impaired driving: The designated operator must be 18+ years of age with blood alcohol content under 0.05.
• No nighttime operation: Houseboats must not be operated after dark.
• Anchoring: Anchor at least 3 boat lengths from shore. No intentional beaching is permitted.
• Communication: The captain or safety officer must remain contactable by phone at all times.
• Cruising boundaries: Stay within designated cruising grounds. Avoid the ocean, bridges, and marinas.

Bond amounts depend on vessel type and may be adjusted at any time. Bonds are lodged by credit card at departure or by advance deposit.

Current Bond Amounts

Bond Return

• Bonds are returned within one business day post-inspection if no damage exists.
• Coomera Houseboat Holidays reserves up to 7 days to process returns if losses or damage are identified.

• At least two adults (18+) must supervise the group at all times.
• Parents/guardians must attend the briefing and be present at return.
• Security bonds require a parental credit card with the parent present.
• Row dinghies are provided. Outboard engines and towed tenders are prohibited for schoolies groups.
• Southern boundary: The northern side of Sovereign Island. Violations result in immediate hire termination.

We strongly recommend investigating travel insurance to protect against costly cancellations and unexpected events. Many providers offer policies that cover:

• Trip cancellation due to illness or emergency
• COVID-19 related disruptions
• Weather-related cancellations
• Personal belongings and equipment