Sailing and Boat Hire at Jervis Bay: What's Available
Jervis Bay's protected waters, consistent afternoon sea breezes, and extraordinary scenery make it one of the finest sailing environments on the NSW coast. Whether you have your own vessel, want to hire a boat, or are looking for a sailing experience, the bay offers excellent options. Here's what's available.
| Boat Ramp | Huskisson Boat Ramp — main access point for trailer boats |
|---|---|
| Mooring | Huskisson has limited visitor moorings — check current availability with Shoalhaven Council |
| Wind | Afternoon sea breezes (northerly to north-easterly) most days in summer |
| Best Conditions | Summer afternoon sailing; calm mornings for power boating |
Sailing in the Bay
Jervis Bay is a designated sailing area with excellent conditions for experienced sailors. The bay's geography — a large, relatively enclosed body of water with reliable afternoon sea breezes — creates ideal dinghy and keelboat sailing conditions. The Huskisson Sailing Club manages yacht racing in the bay and visiting sailors are generally welcome to participate or observe. The bay's deep water (up to 30 metres in some channels) and lack of commercial shipping provide safety margins not found in many other coastal sailing areas. The combination of dolphin encounters while sailing, extraordinary water clarity, and the backdrop of Booderee's national park coastline makes Jervis Bay sailing a genuinely exceptional experience.
Boat Hire and Charter
Several operators offer boat hire and sailing charter experiences from Huskisson. These range from self-skippered power boat hire (for those with appropriate boat licences) to fully crewed charter experiences for those without their own vessels. Kayaking is the most accessible water-based option for visitors without boating experience, with multiple hire operators in Huskisson. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) hire is also available and provides an intimate, quiet way to explore the bay's inner areas including the seagrass beds and rocky headlands. Check current operators in Huskisson for availability and pricing as these change seasonally.
Launching and Facilities
The main boat ramp at Huskisson provides access for trailer-launched vessels. The ramp is well-maintained and handles a good volume of vessels during summer and fishing seasons. Visitor moorings are available in Huskisson Harbour in limited numbers — contact Shoalhaven City Council for current availability and fees. The harbour area has fuel, basic supplies, and toilets nearby. For serious overnight sailing, Huskisson is the main service point in the bay with limited but functional facilities. Jervis Bay's various coves and anchorages provide good overnight shelter for passage makers making their way up or down the NSW coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I hire a sailboat in Huskisson?
- Boat hire is available in Huskisson, though predominantly power boats rather than sailing vessels. For a sailing charter experience, search specifically for sailing charters in Huskisson or Jervis Bay. Kayak and SUP hire is widely available as an alternative water activity.
- Is Jervis Bay good for sailing?
- Excellent — the protected bay waters, reliable afternoon sea breezes, and extraordinary scenery make it one of the finest sailing environments on the NSW coast. The Huskisson Sailing Club actively races on the bay.