Private Charters For Families In The Whitsundays
A private charter in the Whitsundays is the perfect trip for families of all kinds! The natural beauty of the region, the perfect climate year-round, and abundant activities and tours that cater to parents and children make this a wonderful vacation destination for families of all ages. What better way to visit iconic destinations like Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef than by your own private charter? Here is everything you need to know about family boat charters in the Whitsundays!
Private Charters For Families In The Whitsundays
If you're not sure where to begin for booking a private charter, we've completed this comprehensive guide to help you plan your holiday. With information about getting to the Whitsundays, vessel hire options, and the various activities available, let our travel experts assist you in planning the perfect family getaway!
Getting to the Whitsundays
Travelling to the Whitsundays is a breeze, with two domestic airports available to fly into (Hamilton Island Airport and Proserpine Airport), as well as a stop for trains and buses. If you live nearby, you may also drive here and park overnight while out on your overnight charter. Many of the caravan parks in Airlie Beach also offer better weekly rates for sites or parking while out on the water, so check with our team to find out how we can package your before and after accommodation or caravan park site with your private charter.
Why visit the Whitsundays?
There are so many amazing things to do in the Whitsundays on a family private charter. Made up of 74 islands, the Whitsundays boasts perfect sailing conditions with the protection of the islands and reefs, along with many hikes and bushwalks on the mainland and islands. Don’t forget snorkelling the pristine fringing Great Barrier Reef or even flying over the Whitsundays and seeing Heart Reef from above!
The calm waters and year-round warm climate make this the perfect place for many ‘firsts’ for your little ones - Maybe it's the first time your baby feels the soft sand of Whitehaven Beach between their toes, the excitement of setting sail and harnessing the power of the wind and tide, or the first time the little adventurer in the group gets to snorkel with a sea turtle! No matter which first (or second, or third) experience they have in the Whitsundays, this stunning natural backdrop will leave you with picture-perfect memories your children will remember for the rest of their lives.
Which Boat To Choose For A Family Private Charter
Being a mecca for sailors and boating enthusiasts of all tastes, the Whitsundays has no shortage of vessel options for you and your family. You’ll need to enquire about age limits, as this will determine what vessels you can choose from. Most overnight charters require at least one parent to stay in a private cabin with their kids, so looking at the boat layout and whether they offer private cabins or dorm-style sleeping arrangements is paramount.
Deciding whether you want more creature comforts, whether or not you want to sail, and if there are any other activities like kayaking or paddleboarding you’d like included are all things to consider as well. There are day and overnight tours that cater to children, but you will have plenty more options if you opt to book a private charter instead.
Ideal Vessels For A Family Private Charters
Private charters are a favourite among families, as you can cut down costs and choose which passengers come on your family holiday. On a normal tour, you have to share the vessel with other guests, whereas a private charter is a more private experience. Having an experienced crew onboard also helps you relax and have fun as the professionals will take care of all the navigation, sailing, cleaning, and planning. Families with small children and infants may feel more comfortable knowing it is just themselves on the boat, in case of late-night feedings, crying or tantrums (hopefully they will be having too much fun to have any!).
Find a full list of our family-friendly charters, or check out these top-rated boats that comfortably suit around 4-12 guests. If you're looking for a more extravagant holiday, consider a superyacht in the Whitsundays!
Salty
An intimate and classy yacht that offers fun days out on the water for families. There is a nice sunbed where kids can lounge safely, and it's an affordable option for small groups of around 4-8. Offers full-day and half-day charters as well as pick-ups from Long Island and even sunset charters.
MiLady
This elegant sailing tallship fits 6 guests, making it the perfect vessel for a family. With multiday charters available, you and your family can have a blast sailing around the beautiful islands, trying watersports, and relaxing on the spacious deck.
Axopar
Another small speedboat that suits families and small groups, Axopar is a budget-friendly way to explore the Whitsundays. You can book charters at an hourly rate or opt for a full-day cruise. Plan your own itinerary and enjoy a bit of luxury on this top-rated yacht!
Entice
If you're looking for an adventurous overnight charter, Entice is a stable, spacious catamaran that suits up to 10 guests. Spend a few days immersing yourselves in the beauty of the Whitsundays and let the kids experience the excitement of sleeping on a boat for a couple of days!
Try these family friendly boat charters for your next holiday!
Family Private Charters Age Restrictions*
Salty - 0+ years
MiLady - 0+ years
Whitsunday Getaway - 0+ years
Axopar - 0+ years
Solway Lass - 3+ years
Prima - 4+ years
Whitsunday Adventurer - 4+ years
Waltzing Matilda - 8+ year
On Ice - 6+ years
Blizzard - 6+ years
Entice - 6+ years
Summertime - 6+ years
Kiana - 6+ years
Eureka - 12+ years
*Minimum ages are not set in stone, and are reviewed on a case by case basis. Feel free to always ask!
Planning Your Family Holiday In The Whitsundays
If you’re ready to plan your magical family holiday, you’ll want to book as far in advance as possible, as peak seasons such as school holidays and the festive season tend to book out quickly. Generally, you can secure your preferred dates with a deposit as close as two months before travel, but you will want to give yourself more time to ensure there is availability.
You’ll also want to check what the weather and season will be like when you’re planning on travelling. Summer months tend to be hot, so you may decide an air-conditioned boat is a necessity, or if you’re travelling in winter you may need to consider cooler nights at sea when packing.
If you’re planning on sandwiching a few days in Airlie Beach on either side of your private charter, you may also want to try to catch some of the annual family-friendly festivals and events, such as the Great Barrier Reef Festival, or Airlie Beach Race Week. There are also many activities and tours on the mainland that may excite your family, and you won’t want to miss out!
If you have any further questions feel free to reach out to our staff! We are a team of locals who can tell you everything you need to know about the Whitsundays.
Essential Packing For A Family Holiday In The Whitsundays
You'll definitely way to take time to pack all the essentials for a trip to the Whitsundays, especially if you're going out on a boat trip. Typically things like meals, snorkelling equipment, towels and sometimes extras like toiletries are included on private charters. Since kids and infants don’t always eat on normal schedules, it’s always a good idea to bring easy snacks, especially when on Whitehaven Beach or in between normal meal times. Take into account heating bottles and having extra nappies for bub, and any other comforts like favourite blankets and toys.
For the beach or bushwalks, a wearable kid carrier may come in handy. Some boats have DVD players if that is part of downtime for your kids, but at least make sure you have the appropriate chargers for things like iPads and remember that you will likely be out of range of wifi onboard, (which may be exactly what you want when looking for a special bonding experience!).
If your kids tend to get carsick, they may benefit from some child-safe seasickness tablets or ginger. Ask the chemist what is safe and stock up before heading out to sea - Remember, there are no shops out there! All boats will have up-to-date first aid kits, but if you think you may need anything more specialised, i.e. ear drops, eye drops, after-sun aloe vera, etc. you’ll be more comfortable being overprepared than underprepared. Generally speaking, the Whitsunday Islands are quite protected, but it's always better to be safe than sorry!
