You don’t need a boat licence to charter with Whitsunday Escape. You need basic boating knowledge, a minimum crew of two and our pre-charter safety briefing. We’ll make sure you’re confident and well prepared before you set off to explore the islands.

What the skipper needs

Your skipper should have:

• Basic coastal navigation: you must be able to navigate safely using only a chart and compass
• Basic boat handling: experience on a similar sized vessel, plus knowledge of Queensland boating rules
• Sailing skills, if you plan to sail: a good understanding of sailing techniques and some practical experience

A recreational boat licence on its own doesn’t qualify someone to skipper a bareboat. What matters is that you can show us your navigation and handling skills at the briefing. Want to test your knowledge first? Try the free Queensland boat licence quiz.

Your crew

Every charter needs a minimum crew of two: the skipper plus one capable crew member. If you plan to use the sails, you’ll need two competent crew plus the skipper. The boat and tender can’t be driven by anyone under 16 unless they’re directly supervised by a suitably qualified adult.

Your pre-charter safety briefing

Every charter starts with a safety briefing, whatever your experience. It’s included in your charter fee and takes about 3 to 4 hours, starting from 8:00am, with the aim of having you underway by midday.

The skipper and at least one crew member must attend, and the rest of your crew are welcome to join. Your briefer will cover:

• Your boat and its systems, with an inventory and equipment check
• The cruising area, weather, tides and charts
• Anchoring and mooring procedures
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park rules
• VHF radio procedures and daily radio schedules
• Resort facilities, plus local advice on where to go in the conditions

The briefing is an assessment of your skills rather than a lesson. Part of it happens on the water, where you’ll demonstrate your navigation and boat handling. If you plan to berth at Hamilton Island, you’ll also show you can park the boat confidently. Our team takes the boat out of the marina at the start of your charter and berths it on your return.

How it Works

Need a refresher? Book a training guide

If you’re new to boating, a little rusty, or bringing an inexperienced crew, book a training guide for half a day, a few days or your whole trip. You’ll learn on the exact boat you’re using, so everything you practise applies straight away.

• Most guests book a half day, which usually runs from 12:00pm to 4:00pm after the briefing
• Your first night is spent in the marina or anchored near Airlie Beach, and your guide recommends the best spot for the conditions
• Charged at an hourly rate. Book ahead to avoid delays on departure day.

Please note: no one can learn to sail in an afternoon. If you’re new to sailing, a training guide may be able to help with headsail use, but we recommend practical training before you arrive.

Training before you arrive

A ‘prepare to bareboat’ or learn-to-sail course is a great way to build confidence before your holiday. Courses are run by sailing schools around Australia, including in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Our team is happy to suggest a provider near you.

A pre-charter kit is also available from our office, including the 100 Magic Miles cruising guide and a map and fishing chart of the Whitsunday Islands. It’s ideal for planning your cruise at home.

Be honest about your experience

When you book, please give us an accurate picture of your crew’s boating experience. It helps us match you with the right boat and recommend a training guide if it would help, so your holiday starts with confidence.