Why Whitsunday Escape
Whitsunday Escape exists to help everyday adventurers experience the wonder and freedom of the Whitsundays. For more than 35 years, we’ve given guests the confidence to skipper their own boat through 74 islands and the Great Barrier Reef, with no licence needed and expert support every step of the way.
We’re Australian owned and family run, with consistent management. Here’s what that means for your holiday.
| Boat Features | Our fleet offer a range of extra features including Water makers, Generators, Solar Power, Underwater Blue Lights, Starlink for Hire, Auto Pilot, Electric Winches, Tender Davits, Swim Platforms and more. This means you get more bang for your buck. See the individual boats for specific features. |
| Air Conditioning | We have the coolest fleet with airconditioning at the marina (when you most need it) available on every vessel. |
| Largest Cruising Area | Whitsunday Escape has the largest cruising area for all bareboats in the Whitsundays. More to Explore. |
| Stay aboard | Guaranteed option for every charter. Settle onboard the night before your charter so you are familiar and ready for an early brief. |
| Location | With our base at Coral Sea Marina, you are conveniently placed to provision and enjoy a dinner out in Airlie Beach. There are restaurants, dive shop and kiosk all available at the marina. |
| Briefing | Guaranteed for 8am, to get you out on the water as early as possible. |
| Awards | Whitsunday Escape has won numerous awards at both local, state and national awards. |
| Free Inclusions | Snorkelling Gear, Kids Life Jackets, Luggage Storage and use of moorings just outside of Coral Sea Marina are all included. |
| Experienced | With 35+ years experience, Whitsunday Escape has grown and developed the largest fleet along with strong systems and a enviable reputation for being Industry Leaders. |
Awards and Recognition
- Queensland Tourism Awards: Gold, Unique Accommodation (2025)
- Whitsunday Tourism Awards: Gold, Bareboating (2026)
- Australian Tourism Awards: Gold (2013) and Silver (2018), Unique Accommodation
- Best of Queensland Experiences: Gold
- ECO Certified, Ecotourism Australia since 2013
- Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice
Testimonial:
“We have chartered with Whitsunday Escapes every year for the past 5 years. The boats are very well maintained and equipped with everything needed for our family of 6. The support from the Whitsunday Escape team is fantastic. The daily scheds and updates give peace of mind. I highly recommend Whitsunday Escape (I’ll bet that your first holiday won’t be your last).”
Vynette Smith, Google, January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Whitsunday Escape been operating? More than 35 years, with consistency in management for more than 25 of them.
How big is the Whitsunday Escape fleet? More than 38 modern power and sailing catamarans, sleeping 2 to 12 guests, making it the largest bareboat fleet in the Whitsundays.
Do I need a licence to charter with Whitsunday Escape? No. You need basic boating knowledge, a minimum crew of two and our pre-charter safety briefing.
Can I stay on the boat the night before? Yes. Your boat is ready from about 4:30pm the day before, with shore-powered air conditioning, ahead of an 8:00am briefing.
Escape with confidence. Your island adventure starts here.
Check Availability Get a Quote
Talk to our team on 07 4946 5222, available 7 days a week.
Why Whitsunday Escape
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