Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most.
All topics
What are the winds like through the year, and how do they affect where we can anchor?
The Whitsundays generally sees south easterly trade winds through the winter months and north easterly winds are common through summer.
The outer Great Barrier Reef blocks the ocean swell, so the cruising area stays protected and cruising time between anchorages is usually less than two hours whatever the season.
Wind direction shapes which anchorages are most comfortable on a given night rather than whether you can head out at all. Summer northerlies open up bays that are seldom visited the rest of the year, including Saba Bay on Hook Island, Turtle Bay on Whitsunday Island, Plantation Bay at Lindeman Island and Waite Bay at Hazelwood Island.
The best approach is to keep plans flexible and adapt the course to suit the conditions each day.
Is there a security bond, and do we need to pay a damage waiver?
A refundable security bond is required as a condition of the boat owners’ insurance. It is taken as a $4,000 pre-authorisation on a credit or debit card, and no damage waiver is charged.
The pre-authorisation is released after the charter, provided the boat is returned in good order.
Instead of paying us a damage waiver, we would rather you put that money towards travel insurance, which can cover your wider trip and, on some policies, the security bond as well.
The bond is a charter condition rather than a form of insurance, so holding a policy does not remove it. Cover for the bond is available as an optional extra on some policies.
What deposit is required, and what happens if we need to cancel?
A $750 deposit secures a booking, with the balance not due until 90 days before the charter start date.
If you cancel more than 90 days out, there are two options. Cancel and a $150 administration fee applies, with the remainder of the deposit refunded. Or defer, and the entire $750 deposit is held in trust for up to five years to be applied to another charter.
Within 90 days of the charter start date, fees are non-refundable, and dates and boat selection is non changeable, which is why travel insurance is recommended.
Outside that 90 day window, dates and boats can be changed without penalty, so booking early does not lock you in.
What happens if a cyclone or bad weather is forecast during our charter?
Most rain and wind won’t stop a charter. The cruising area is sheltered by the outer Great Barrier Reef, so the team will help you find a protected anchorage and adjust your plans.
Charter fees aren’t refunded for rain, wind warnings, weather at home or on the way to the marina, or a decision not to travel. If the Regional Harbour Master closes the ports, fees are refunded pro rata for the time they’re closed. Travel insurance is recommended for other disruption.
Do we need travel insurance, and will it cover the security bond?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, because charter fees become non-refundable within 90 days of the start date.
The security bond is a separate matter. It is a condition of the charter rather than a form of insurance, and taking out travel insurance does not waive it.
Of the policies Whitsunday Escape guests commonly use, the Yachties Travel policy is the one that can cover the security bond, and only when Boat or Car Hire Deposit Protection is selected with the correct deposit amount. Policies through Cover-More and NIB cover charter fees and domestic flights but do not protect the bond.
Under the Financial Services Reform Act, Whitsunday Escape cannot advise on insurance matters. The insurers listed are happy to answer questions directly.