Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most.
Getting Started
What is a bareboat charter, and how is it different from a crewed charter?
A bareboat charter means you hire the boat and skipper it yourself, with no captain or crew on board. You decide where to go, where to anchor and how long to stay.
You get the freedom to cruise the Whitsunday Islands at your own pace and choose your own adventure each day!
What experience do we need, and do we need to know how to sail?
You’ll need basic coastal navigation using a chart and compass, basic boat handling experience, and knowledge of Queensland boating rules.
Sailing skills are only needed if you plan to use the sails. Every sailing catamaran has twin engines, and a power catamaran needs no sailing at all. If you’d like to sail, a “prepare to bareboat” course before your trip is recommended.
Do we need a boat licence to charter in the Whitsundays?
No formal boating licence is required to charter with Whitsunday Escape. You need basic boating knowledge and a minimum crew of two.
A recreational boat licence on its own does not qualify someone to skipper a bareboat. What matters is basic navigation and boat handling skills, which you’ll demonstrate at your pre-charter briefing.
What happens at the pre-charter briefing?
Every charter starts with a compulsory briefing, included in your charter fee, which takes around three to four hours. Ensure the nominated skipper has read the Whitsunday Escape Cruising Notes (emailed prior to arrival) to be as prepared as possible. The more you know, the quicker the briefing will go. It covers the cruising area, weather, tides, charts, marine park rules, radio use and your boat’s systems, and you’ll demonstrate your navigation and boat handling.
The briefing finishes on the water. About three quarters of the way through the boat leaves the marina, so all crew need to be on board by then. The aim is to have you underway by midday.
What if we’re feeling rusty or our crew is new?
A training guide can join you on your first day, straight after the briefing. Most guests book a half day. The training happens around Airlie Beach on the boat you’ve hired, then you drop the guide back at the marina and they’ll recommend the best anchorage for the night.
It also suits confident skippers whose crew is new to boating. Book ahead to avoid delays on the day.