5 Things To Know Before Going Bareboating In The Whitsundays
Dreaming of sailing around the Whitsundays on a private boat with just you and your friends or family on board? Many people do - it's pretty much the perfect holiday! Just you and your loved ones, cruising through the sea, stopping at tropical islands for snorkelling and sightseeing, plus enjoying delicious meals and cold drinks - what's not to love?
Chartering your own boat in the Whitsundays is always a grand idea. But many people confuse a private charter with bareboating. A private charter booking includes the vessel hire plus an experienced local crew. A bareboat includes just the vessel, with you and your party being responsible for everything while on board. So there is a huge difference between the two!
5 Things To Know Before Going Bareboating In The Whitsundays
Most travellers would opt for the private charter option. Having a crew to take care of everything makes your trip much more enjoyable and carefree! However, going bareboating is still an option if you are knowledgeable enough to navigate the boat yourself. Naturally, it's essential for you or someone in your group to have sailing experience and licenses. Someone has to drive the boat of course!
But here are more things to know before going bareboating in the Whitsundays. This could be the trip of a lifetime, but it could also be a disaster if you're not prepared or educated about bareboating. Here are some tips you should know, and remember, you can always pick the safer route and choose a private charter if bareboating seems a bit much for you!
You Must Attend In-Depth Safety Briefings Before Departure
Before taking out a bareboat charter, you have to attend briefings before departure. Because there are no staff on the boat with you, boat owners want to make sure you know everything about how to operate the vessel, safety procedures, and more. Even if you have sailing experience, you have to get up to speed with the particular boat you are hiring. Some briefings can be as long as 4 hours or more, so make sure you account for this time when planning your holiday. On a private charter, you just show up and hop on board and the staff takes care of everything for you!
You Are Responsible For Your Own Cooking And Cleaning
When going bareboating in the Whitsundays, you have to do all the cooking and cleaning on board for the duration of your trip! This is a major difference between bareboats and private charters. Private charters have staff that organise all the food for you, including preparation, serving, and cleaning. The staff also cleans the linens, towels, and boat surfaces after the trip. When bareboating, it's your job to prepare all of the meals and make sure everything is clean when you leave. This also means you have to do your own shopping, so make sure you make a comprehensive list of what you need!
The Costs Are About The Same As A Private Charter
One of the main reasons why travellers might consider bareboating instead of booking a private charter is the cost. You may think it's cheaper to just hire the boat and run it yourself without staff, but that isn't always the case! You still have to pay for your own fuel and food while on a bareboat, so once you add those costs on top of the vessel hire, the costs can add up. In most cases, the costs of a bareboat and a private charter are almost the same. So you're better off hiring the private charter that includes everything for the same price!
You Have To Know The Local Rules And Regulations
When going bareboating in the Whitsundays, you are responsible for operating in line with the local rules and regulations. The Whitsunday Islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, so there are lots of rules in place to keep the area protected. You can only cruise at certain speeds in specific areas, and there are regulations as to where you can moor, snorkel, and fish. Those on board the bareboat have to follow all the local rules to ensure that the people, wildlife, and environment are safe and protected. So no matter how much fun you are having on board, you have to keep this in mind and be responsible.
Local Knowledge Is Everything
Local knowledge can take any Whitsunday adventure and make it better! It's a truly unique area filled with islands, coral reefs, and stunning, remote locations. If you're hiring a bareboat in the Whitsundays and you're from out of town, you may be lacking in some local knowledge. You could waste a fair bit of time trying to figure out what the best locations are for your different activities. But on a private charter, your local skipper already knows the best places to go based on the tides and weather conditions. This gives you that extra boost of insider info so you can make the most of your time in the Whitsundays!
Bareboating Vs Private Charters
Given all this information, most travellers would be better off booking a private charter as opposed to bareboating in the Whitsundays! Both options allow you to explore all the gorgeous locations in the area, but the private charter gives you the extra perks of having an experienced crew on board. When you bareboat, you really have to be in control and aware of what you're doing at all times. Having your own skipper and crew on a private charter allows you to just relax and have fun with your friends without having to be responsible for everyone. Both options are great, but a private charter is just a slightly safer and more carefree option for your trip to the Whitsundays!
