About Us
Whitsunday Escape is a multi award-winning bareboat charter company based at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. We help guests skipper their own boat through the Whitsunday Islands, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. No boat licence is needed. Every charter starts with a full briefing on your boat, navigation, tides and anchorages.
Our fleet of 38-40 modern sailing and power boats sleeps 2 to 12 guests. It is the largest fleet of self-contained, sleep-aboard boats in the Southern Hemisphere. Your boat is your accommodation, so you choose where to go each day and which protected anchorage to stay in each night. We have been operating for more than 35 years and are a proud Australian Tourism Awards medallist.
| Based at | Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach Queensland |
| Fleet | 38 -40 Sailing and power catamarans, sleeping 2 – 12 guests |
| Operating | 35+ years |
| Licence needed | No. Every charter starts with a full boat and area briefing |
| Certification | ECO Certified by Ecotourism Australia |
- Central location: walk from Coral Sea Marina into Airlie Beach for supplies and dinner
- Modern fleet: the most modern bareboat fleet in the Whitsundays
- Stay aboard the night before: guaranteed for every charter, with air conditioning at the marina
- Industry leaders: recognised across local, state and national tourism awards
- Australian owned and family run: a local team that loves boats and loves the Whitsundays even more
Our Story
Whitsunday Escape began in 1987 as a houseboat company with five boats for hire. In 2001 the business changed hands and Trevor Rees took the helm, a lifelong sailor who had crossed the Pacific with his young family before making the Whitsundays home.
Over the next 25 years, Trevor built Whitsunday Escape into the Whitsundays’ premier bareboat operation, with a modern fleet of up to 40 boats and a reputation as the best in the business. His philosophy was simple: the small things matter. Well-maintained boats, a passionate team and the natural beauty of the Whitsundays deliver the whole package.
In 2026, Trevor retired to sail Australia’s coastline and Jaclyn stepped up as Managing Director. With 15 years in the business, she knows every part of it. Jaclyn is steering Whitsunday Escape into its next chapter while holding firm to the principles it was built on, so every guest can escape with confidence.
Our Team
Our team are experienced sailors and Whitsundays locals who can help you choose the right boat for your group. Before you leave the marina, we show you how your boat works and share practical advice on anchorages, tides and conditions, so you can enjoy a safe and relaxed holiday.
Awards
For more than 20 years, Whitsunday Escape has won Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at local, state and national tourism awards. These awards recognise the quality of our fleet, the consistency of our service and the strength of our team. They also reflect the world-class region we are proud to operate in.
Accreditations & Industry Alignment
Whitsunday Escape maintains Quality Tourism and Sustainable Tourism Accreditation, and we’re proud members of the Boating Industry Association, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and Tourism Whitsundays. That keeps us at the forefront of safety, service and care for the reef, so you can set sail with complete confidence.
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Environmental Commitment
Whitsunday Escape is recognised by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as a High Standard Tourism Operator, and is an Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader, with more than a decade of ECO Certification. Together, these acknowledge tourism businesses that offer high-quality, nature-based experiences backed by well-managed sustainable practices. We work to reduce our environmental footprint and help guests protect the reef they come to explore.
Bareboat Charter Investment
Owning a boat in the Whitsunday Escape fleet lets you enjoy your own Whitsunday holidays while your boat earns charter income for the rest of the year. Our experienced fleet team maintains every vessel to a high standard, supported by a business with more than 30 years in the Whitsundays.
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