If you’re looking to charter a yacht in Queensland, look no further than hiring a bareboat and sailing the Whitsundays.
Chartering a yacht in Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands and skippering it with your friends and family is the holiday of a lifetime. It’s called a bareboat charter, which means the renter is responsible for providing th crew, fuel, food and supplies. Hire a boat to suit your group’s needs, and then pick where you want to go, enjoying the freedom to explore at your own pace.
A boat license is not needed to hire a bareboat in the Whitsundays. We go into this below in the FAQs.
The ultimate place for a Queensland yacht charter in the Whitsundays
Comparable to the Greek Islands and Croatia, Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands are a world-class sailing destination.
Located in a sub-tropical climate of 74 pristine islands, the Whitsundays are protected by the outer Great Barrier Reef, which stops large ocean swells. Sailing conditions are generally calm, with steady southeast trade winds most of the year.
The Islands themselves are mostly uninhabited, with many holding National Park status. There are beaches and secret coves to explore, with over 40 anchorages options giving plenty of options for a protected place to spend the night.
Your yacht charter can be as adventurous or relaxing as you would like. Many people enjoy exploring the beaches, snorkelling and checking out some of the island’s walking trails. Adventure lovers can also experience scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing.
The Whitsunday Islands are home to Whitehaven Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. When you charter a yacht, you can see this world-class wonder in the morning or evening away from day tours.
Yacht charter guests can access some island resorts while using their boat as accommodation. Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Palm Bay Resort and Hayman Island have various options to hire a mooring or pull up a berth and access the resort’s facilities, restaurants, attractions and pools.
Freedom to Explore with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht
Whitsunday Rent a Yacht’s mission is for you to have the adventure of a lifetime, exploring paradise with the freedom only boating can offer.
Our base at Shute Harbour is closer to the Islands
A significant advantage of chartering with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht is our location. The Whitsunday Rent a Yacht base is in Shute Harbour, just 10 minutes from Airlie Beach yet hours closer to the islands.
There are five overnight anchorages under two hours from our private jetty, which is a massive benefit for your first night and, in particular, the return journey.
We’re Queensland’s original yacht charter company
Whitsunday Rent a Yacht are the longest operating, Australian owned bareboat charter company. We’ve been helping people sail the Whitsundays since the ’70s!
We have a dedicated professional team
The skilled team at Whitsunday Rent a Yacht range from dedicated reservations teams to experienced boat mechanics and skippers. Our staff are locals, and they are passionate about sharing the Whitsundays with visitors.
Our boats are immaculate
Our operations team take great pride in ensuring that every boat leaves on a charter in the best condition and working order. Each boat comes equipped for your comfort and safety.
Safety and supporting our guests is our priority
We love supporting all of our guests to have the adventure of a lifetime. From sales through to your briefing and radio sched calls, each person you deal with at Whitsunday Rent a Yacht is focused on ensuring you’re safe, supported and making the most of your Queensland yacht charter.
What people are saying about chartering with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht
Queensland yacht charter video
Recent guests, The Travelling Buckinghams share their tips and experience sailing the Whitsundays for the first time.
FAQs about chartering a yacht in Queensland
What is the best time of year to charter a yacht in Queensland?
The Whitsunday Islands are a sub-tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The wet season runs from December to March and the dry season runs from June to August.
The best sailing conditions are considered to be in August and September.
It’s possible to sail the Whitsundays at any time of year, with each season having its own advantages. For example, the wet season has waterfalls and fewer crowds, whereas the dry season coincides with whale’s migrating to the area.
Do I need a license for a Queensland yacht charter?
Queensland’s Whitsundays is one of the only places in the world where you do not need a boat license to hire a yacht without a professional skipper.
Before your charter, you will be given an extensive training session to ensure you can operate the boat safely. If your briefer feels you need additional training or a guide, they will advise you during the session. We also recommend that when making your booking, you express any concerns about your experience to our reservation staff.
How much does a Queensland yacht charter cost?
The cost of chartering a yacht depends on the season, the boat, and the duration.
Costs are determined at a nightly rate, not per head. The longer you charter, the more reduced the nightly rate becomes.
Some of our boats can sleep up to 10 people. In low season, if you split the hire, the average rate per person is approximately $85 a night. This is comparable if not cheaper than a night in a hotel or staying at a resort, plus the boat includes your transport and entertainment costs.
Can we hire a skipper?
We offer a sail guide service to anyone who would like some additional training or support. Sail guides can be hired for one night or even the duration of your charter.
Want to book a Queensland yacht charter with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht?
Our online booking system will help you to see what boats are available and their costs on specific dates. If you still need more information or you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact our friendly reservations team.
