The Whitsunday Islands are one of the world’s great places to cruise. The outer Great Barrier Reef shelters the islands from ocean swell, steady trade winds blow for most of the year, and with 74 islands to choose from, a calm, protected anchorage is never far away.

On a Whitsunday Escape bareboat charter, you set the course. Most anchorages are less than 2 hours apart, so you can spend more time snorkelling, walking and relaxing, and less time getting there.

Why the Whitsundays are made for cruising

• Sheltered water: the outer reef protects the islands from ocean swell
• Reliable trade winds: steady winds for most of the year make passage planning straightforward
• Short hops: cruising time between anchorages averages under 2 hours
• Plenty of choice: sheltered anchorages for every wind direction across 74 islands
• Fringing reefs: snorkel coral reefs around many of the islands, often right from your boat
• Never far from help: our base team is a radio call away throughout your charter

 

Cruising Area

Planning your days

The best Whitsunday itineraries follow the wind. Each morning at 8:00am, our base team gives the weather forecast on the radio schedule and helps you plan your day, with an update at 2:00pm. Keep your plans flexible and you’ll always find the best conditions, whether that’s a north-facing bay on a southeasterly day or a run down to Whitehaven Beach in light winds.

Your boat comes with charts and the 100 Magic Miles cruising guide, which our briefing team walks you through before you depart. Cruise between 8:00am and 4:00pm, and be anchored for the night by 4:00pm.

Suggested Itineraries

Approved overnight anchorages

Every night, you’ll anchor in an anchorage approved by Whitsunday Escape for the day’s wind conditions. These are listed in the Whitsunday Escape Cruising Notes and 100 Magic Miles on board, grouped by the wind directions they shelter you from, with a few all-weather favourites such as Nara Inlet on Hook Island. If you’d like to try somewhere not on the list, just check with our team first.

Islands & Anchorages

Moorings and the Marine Park

The islands sit within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, where the sea and wildlife are protected and fishing is restricted in some zones.

• Free public moorings give you access to protected reef areas where anchoring isn’t permitted
• Moorings can be used for 2 hours between 7:00am and 4:00pm
• Pick up a mooring after 2:00pm and you can stay overnight, departing by 9:00am the next morning

Visiting the resort islands

Cruise to Hamilton Island, Daydream Island or Palm Bay on Long Island for a meal ashore, a stroll or a night in a marina berth. Berthing fees apply at the resorts and most need booking ahead. Hamilton Island Marina is ideal for, reprovisioning or a night of dining out.

Areas of extra care

A few passages and anchorages need extra attention to tides, reef or wind. Your briefing covers each one, and 100 Magic Miles marks the safe routes. If in doubt, ask us on the radio schedule. That’s what we’re here for.