Accessibility Guide

Whitsunday Escape is committed to providing an inclusive experience to as many people as possible. Guests are encouraged to discuss their specific requirements at the time of booking. With a large and diverse fleet, the reservations team will be able to advise which boat will be best suited.

Limited Mobility

• Marina facilities: At Coral Sea Marina, there are wheelchair accessible bathrooms and ramps leading to the office and marina arms. Assistance is available with boarding and storage of mobility aids while on charter.
• Life onboard: Boats require some mobility to move between cockpit, cabin and galley. Narrow passages, steps or thresholds may be present, and the compact nature of boats ensures nearby structures for support in most instances. Lifelines are on all boats, to support you whilst the vessel is static or underway.
• Sailing: Sailing catamarans are set up for single handed sailing with all major lines leading to the cockpit, minimising the requirement for movement from the helm. Electric winches are available on several boats, avoiding the need for physical exertion.
• Swimming: Choose a boat with a swim platform for easy water access, removing the need to use a ladder. A dinghy or tender can be difficult to access from the water and requires significant upper body strength.
• Boat selection: Sailing catamarans typically offer more level floor space, whereas a power catamaran has multiple step access to the flybridge. We have several boats with a forward walk-through providing access to the front deck via the saloon. There are no fully wheelchair-friendly options within the current fleet.

Wheelchair, Scooter & Pram Access

• Onshore (marina): Coral Sea Marina has accessible restrooms, accessible parking bays, and ramps down to your boat’s departure point.
• Onboard limitations: Vessels in the fleet are not wheelchair, scooter or pram friendly. Boarding typically involves at least a small lateral step from the dock, and boat cabins and bathrooms are not wheelchair suitable.
• Storage and transport: Whitsunday Escape can store wheelchairs or scooters on land while guests are at sea.

Tip: If you or your crew use a wheelchair or walking aide, discuss with the team how to ensure safe transition from the dock to the boat.

Visual Impairment 

• Marina and office areas: Coral Sea Marina facilities include stable level ramps and accessible bathrooms. The boats are not equipped with specific visual adaptations.
• Environment: Boats are compact and may include glare from the water, limited lighting, and confined spaces; mobility assistance when boarding is provided.
• Assistance dogs: Certified assistance dogs are welcomed. As charters operate within the Whitsunday Islands, many of which are national parks, the handler must be able to identify the dog as a certified assistance animal.

Low Hearing

• Briefing and communication: Safety briefings and daily radio updates rely on verbal communication. It is important that one person onboard has sound hearing and they’re able to convey any safety messages to others onboard.
• Recommendation: Bring a portable assistive listening device or ask for written versions of instructions when booking in your charter.

Cognitive / Autism Spectrum 

• Pre‑trip planning & briefing: Charterers with autism are encouraged to discuss any specific needs prior to booking to guarantee a smooth experience (e.g. structured schedules, quiet spots onboard).
• Communication: It is mandatory for the skipper to understand English; as the safety briefings and daily radio calls are conducted in spoken English. Consider whether additional supports (visual aids, simplified scripts) may help if communication is a concern.
• Environment onboard: Boats are physically compact and may involve motion, changing glare, spray, and noise. Cabins can be dimmed with blinds and doors closed to provide a quieter, consistent space. However the engine / pump noise or boat movement is unavoidable due to the compact area of a boat.

Tip: Bring noise-cancelling headphones, visual schedules, or familiar transitions to ease adaptation.

Suggested Visit and Travel Tips