Boat Harbour is a sandy beach, with a rock platform extending from the north-eastern corner. The middle of the beach faces directly south and is exposed to the Pacific Ocean. The north-eastern corner of the beach is protected by headland and rock platforms. As a result the water is often calm and the swell mostly blocked off, except when the wind comes directly from the south.
Boat Harbour is a privately owned beach, which is unusual for Australia. Unlike most council beaches, the owners allow Boat Harbour to be used for a wider range of recreational purposes, including off road driving, for a day or seasonal use fee.