Bareboating means hiring a boat and skippering it yourself. It’s called a ‘bare’ boat because there’s no skipper or crew on board, so you and your group decide where to go, where to anchor and how long to stay.

With Whitsunday Escape, you don’t need a boat licence to explore the Whitsundays’ 74 islands. Basic boating knowledge, a crew of two and our full safety briefing are all it takes. You’re the captain, but you’re never on your own.

Freedom on your own terms

No fixed resort schedules, no tour boat timetables, no crowds. Your catamaran is your accommodation, your transport between islands and your base for every day out, all in one booking.

• Families: let the kids explore the beach and snorkel the reef while the adults relax on deck
• Couples: a private escape for two in a secluded bay, for as long as you like
• Friends: island-hop together and share the sunsets, the cooking and one cost for the whole trip

Do I need a licence or experience?

No formal boating licence is required. The skipper needs basic boating knowledge and a minimum crew of two. You should have:

• Basic coastal navigation skills using a chart and compass
• Basic boat handling experience on a similar sized vessel, and knowledge of Queensland boating rules
• Basic sailing skills, if you plan to sail a sailing catamaran

A recreational boat licence on its own doesn’t qualify someone to operate a bareboat. Our team takes your boat out of the marina at the start of your charter and berths it on your return. If you plan to berth at Hamilton Island, you’ll demonstrate that you can park the boat confidently during your briefing.

Experience Requirements

Your pre-charter safety briefing

Every charter starts with a comprehensive safety briefing at Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach. It takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on experience, and it’s included in your charter fee. The skipper and at least one crew member must attend. It covers the cruising area, weather, tides, charts, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park rules, VHF radio use and your boat’s systems, and you’ll demonstrate your navigation and handling skills.

Feeling a little rusty? Hire a training guide for half a day, a few days or your whole trip. You learn on the exact boat you’ll be using, and most guests book a half day during their briefing. It’s also a great option for experienced skippers with new crew.

Supported every day

Our base team speaks with you by VHF radio every day, so you can explore with confidence.

• 8:00am: weather forecast and a check-in to confirm your plans for the day
• 2:00pm: weather update and advice for any boat changing its plans
• 4:00pm: anchored for the night in an approved overnight anchorage

How a bareboat charter works

1. Organise your crew. Your group size decides the boat. For extra comfort, choose the largest boat in your budget.
2. Pick your dates. School and public holidays fill quickly, so enquire early for the best choice of boats.
3. Choose your boat. Browse the largest bareboat fleet in the Whitsundays, with modern sailing and power catamarans from Leopard, Lagoon and Seawind.
4. Check availability and book. Book online or call our Airlie Beach team on 07 4946 5222.
5. Brief and depart. Complete your safety briefing, then we take you out of the marina.
6. Explore and return. Cruise at your own pace. On your final day, our staff help you refuel and berth the boat.

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Where can I go?

Anchor in calm, secluded bays, snorkel fringing reefs inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, walk to island lookouts, or simply do nothing at all. Spend a day on the white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach, and in winter, watch for humpback whales from your own deck. Our charts, cruising guides and briefing show you where to anchor each night.

Cruising Area