What Type of Boats are Available for Charter in the Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays is a booming boating region with 74 glistening islands to cruise around as you venture out into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and beyond.
Because of its popularity and thriving marine tourism industry, the Whitsundays features a huge variety of boating options for those visiting the region and are seeking the full sailing experience in one of Australia's top destinations.
Overnight Crewed Vessels
There are some 30-odd overnight sailing tours on offer in the Whitsundays with each one taking passengers on an once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are generally broken down in the following categories to make it easier when selecting the best trip for you!
Backpackers (18-30s), catamarans, outer Great Barrier Reef, scuba diving onboard, short on time and small group sailing.
This is the most popular tour choice for visiting tourists, and with the accommodation and meals included in the price, it is a convenient holiday experience.
Almost every overnight sailing trip will take guests to the main hotspots around the region, with the itinerary including a stop at Whitehaven Beach, bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout and a number of different snorkel/ dive sites around the islands.
As a shared tour, you will join fellow passengers onboard the boat, as well as an experienced skipper and crew. Some vessels offer extras onboard such as a spa or watersports toys including kayaks and SUP boards.
Bareboats
Unlike the shared overnight sailing tours, bareboat charters offer a unique experience where you and your group will have the entire vessel to yourselves. Not only this, you will be in charge of the vessel on this skipper-yourself tour and you are in charge of your own destiny and itinerary around the magical 74 Whitsunday islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
With the choice of a monohull vessel or catamaran, your group can consist of just 2 people or more, which makes it ideal for couples, families and groups of friends. Bareboat charters are also longer in length so you can take your time and enjoy the landscapes and tropical islands at your own pace.
To make it easy, the company will give you a sample itinerary and plenty of pre-training before you depart! Or an experienced skipper can join you on the trip until you feel comfortable.
Private Charters
This is a great option again if you and your group are wanting to have the solitude of sharing the vessel among yourselves, but would prefer the comfort of having an experienced skipper and crew onboard. With them in charge of the vessel and meals, all you will have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the peacefulness of your surroundings. Private charters are the best way to see and Whitsundays with your group and without the hassles of operating and skippering the vessel.
The itinerary also has a bit of flexibility and the skipper will endeavour to show you the best locations including Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet Lookout bushwalk as well as a number of different snorkel sites around the islands. Some vessels on offer also feature extra watersports toys such as SUP boards and kayaks.
Shared Day Trips
Similar to the overnight crewed vessels, you will share the vessel and tour on a shared day trip. Each tour includes a skipper and crew once again who are there to offer their services along the way. There are a variety of different day trips, from scenic flights, sailing trips, island hopping and mainland activities.
