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Luxury Yacht Charter Whitsundays - Everything You Need To Know

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Gabby Boucher
Updated Thu 14 Mar 2024

Thinking about booking a luxury yacht charter in the Whitsundays? Here are some tips to help you prepare for this unbelievable experience! The Whitsundays is one of Australia's premier boating destinations, so there is a wide variety of luxury yachts available for private charters. From massive superyachts to intimate catamarans, explore the dazzling Whitsunday Islands in style with a customisable private charter on a luxury vessel!

aerial view of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet


Everything You Need To Know About Luxury Yacht Charter In The Whitsundays 

If you're still mulling over the decision to potentially charter a luxury yacht in the Whitsundays, let us put your mind at ease. From average charter costs and inclusions to sample itineraries and vessel details, we're going to cover some common questions people might ask about yacht charters. No matter what type of charter you decide to book, the elevated holiday experience combined with the breathtaking tropical scenery of the Whitsundays will surely blow you away. 

girl posing on a luxury sailboat in the whitsundays


Types of luxury yachts in the Whitsundays

The first thing you may want to consider when chartering a luxury yacht is the type of vessel. Though every single vessel is unique in its own way, there are some general categories that you can sort most yachts into. Here is a quick breakdown of the most popular types of luxury yachts to charter in the Whitsundays!

Small yachts

At roughly 10 or 11 metres long, these intimate and speedy vessels comfortably fit around 8 guests. Though these yachts are smaller in size, they are sleek, modern, and cozy. This creates the perfect atmosphere for a fun-filled day charter with your loved ones. Because these luxury yachts are small, they use less fuel and require fewer staff. That makes them affordable and accessible to a wide range of travellers!

Here are some of the most popular small luxury yachts in the Whitsundays:

people lounging on whitehaven beach with yacht in background

Salty Private Charter

Sailing tallships

Embark on a traditional sailing experience with a tallship charter! These elegant vessels have the ability to harness the power of the wind and sail smoothly across the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Tallships may vary in size, for example Domino fits 8 guests for a more private atmosphere whereas Waltzing Matilda takes up to 30 guests!

Here are some of the most popular luxury tallships in the Whitsundays:

Milady sailboat cruising at sunset

MiLady Private Charter

Catamarans

Another popular type of private charter is an overnight catamaran. The double hull allows these vessels to have spacious cabins and a smooth ride over the ocean. Catamarans in the Whitsundays specialise in 3-night charters with an emphasis on adventure and exploration, and they suit around 8-16 guests. Though they are upscale vessels, they are still humble and affordable. You get amazing value for money on a 3-night catamaran charter!

Here are some of the most popular overnight catamarans in the Whitsundays:

girls having fun next to a luxury catamaran in the whitsundays

Whitsunday Blue Private Charter  

Superyachts

Superyachts are the cream of the crop when it comes to luxury yacht charters. Taking opulence to a whole new level, superyachts provide ample space for relaxing, dining, sipping cocktails, and hosting events if you wish. Most superyachts are around 25-35 metres long, though you can find even bigger superyachts that specialise in hosting large events. With a huge array of impressive water sports equipment, lavish cabins, premium catering, and enticing details and design, a superyacht charter is like staying in a 5-star hotel on the water!

Here are some of the most popular superyacht day charters in the Whitsundays:

Here are some of the most popular superyacht overnight charters in the Whitsundays:

aerial view of a superyacht in the Whitsundays

BIG SKY Superyacht Charter


How much does it cost to book a luxury yacht?

It can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $15,000 to book a luxury yacht for one day. This is just a rough estimate, as every vessel has its own special prices and inclusions. The smaller yachts and overnight catamarans are the most affordable, whereas the superyachts are the most expensive. But because there are so many yachts in the Whitsundays, competition is high and all vessels are reasonably priced. You'll always get what you pay for!

Here is a quick estimate of what luxury yacht charters may cost in the Whitsundays:

  • Small yachts: $3,500 on average for a full day charter
  • Sailing tallships: $4,000 on average for a full day charter
  • Catamarans: $10,000 on average for a 3-day charter ($3,300 per day)
  • Superyachts: $15,000+ per day on average for a full day charter 

Usually the price you pay for your luxury yacht charter is all-inclusive. We'll touch on inclusions later on, but the standard charter price often covers all your crew, fuel, activities, and food. The only exception for this is event charters. If you're hosting an event or celebration, sometimes you may have to pay for extra staff and catering packages. Also if you're hiring a superyacht, sometimes there is an APA charge to cover extra costs. 

people jumping off Alani superyacht into the ocean

Alani Superyacht Charter

How many people can you bring on a luxury yacht charter?

The guest capacity for a luxury yacht charter depends on the size of the vessel. Because these upscale yachts focus strongly on guest satisfaction, luxury yachts tend to suit smaller groups of around 8-15 people. This allows everyone to have plenty of space on board, and it allows the crew to tend to everyone easily. 

But the larger the yacht, the higher the guest capacity! Some larger ships can fit up to 30 people, and superyachts can fit huge groups if you're chartering for the day or for a few hours. Overnight charters on any vessel will be limited to around 8-10 guests because most yachts only have 4 or 5 private cabins. 

Here is a quick estimate of how many people can fit on a luxury yacht charter:

  • Small yachts: 8 people for day charters
  • Sailing tallships: 10-30 people for day charters, 8 for overnight
  • Catamarans: 8-12 people for overnight charters
  • Superyachts: 8-10 people for overnight and around 30-50 people or more for day/event charters

people lounging on the front deck of a yacht

Whitsunday Blue Private Charter  

What is included on a luxury yacht charter?

Though every vessel is different, most luxury yacht charters have similar inclusions. First of all, a yacht charter always comes with an experienced crew. The number of crew members will depend on the size of the vessel, but there will usually be at least one captain/skipper and one host. The crew will tend to your every need so you can just relax and enjoy yourself on your charter!

Water toys are also included. Smaller yachts may only have a few popular toys such as kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear. Massive superyachts may have jetskis, sea scooters, wakeboards, foil boards, and more. Meal and beverage packages are generally charter-specific, though most luxury yachts will work with you to curate your ideal menu. In addition to the crew, water sports, and food, you'll also get full use of the amenities on board. These may include a sound system, jacuzzi, sunbeds, hot showers, dining areas, and more. 

seafood spread on a luxury yacht

MiLady Private Charter

Sample itinerary for a luxury yacht charter in the Whitsundays

One of the biggest perks of a private yacht charter is planning your own itinerary! While an organised tour has a set itinerary, a private charter means you are the boss and you can choose where the boat goes for the day. Of course your skipper will advise where the best locations are based on the local weather and tides, but your happiness is the ultimate goal. You can do as much or as little as you like, depending on the length of your charter. 

Day charters may include a visit to Whitehaven Beach, where you can paddleboard, sunbathe, or hike to Hill Inlet Lookout. Snorkelling at a wildlife-filled reef site around Hook Island, Whitsunday Island, or Langford Reef is also a possibility! Or if you want to get off the beaten path, you can ask your skipper to recommend hidden coves and secret beaches that are ideal for a private beach picnic or a secluded bushwalk. If you have a multiday charter, you'll have time for multiple island and reef stops where you can snorkel and explore to your heart's content!

couple at hill inlet lookout overlooking swirling sands


A luxury yacht charter is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the Whitsundays

If you have any further questions or need assistance organising your charter, live chat with us online or call us at +61 74914 2425. Our team of travel experts is available 24/7 to help you out!

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