Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most.
All topics
How does provisioning work?
You organise your own food and drink, either by shopping yourself or having it delivered to the boat.
Options include chef-prepared meals from Whitsunday Provisioning, fresh produce from Prickly Pineapple, Coles or Woolworths click and collect, and drinks delivered to the marina. Time deliveries for 30 minutes before your briefing. Fridge space is compact, and Hamilton Island’s IGA is handy for a mid-charter top-up.
What should we bring?
Pack in soft bags rather than hard suitcases.
You’ll be barefoot on board most of the time, so bring flip-flops or sandshoes for the dinghy and comfortable shoes for island walks. Add sun-safe clothing, a jacket for cooler evenings from June to August, polarised sunglasses to help spot the reef, and your phone charger.
Which boats work best for families with young children?
Catamarans suit families well because they are stable at anchor, have wide walk-around decks and separate the sleeping areas across two hulls, so children can go to bed while the adults stay up in the saloon or cockpit.
Four cabin layouts give families room to spread out, and several boats include a single forward berth that works well for children.
Power catamarans offer a sheltered flybridge providing a comfortable raised space to sit together while under way. Aquila power catamarans have back gates (rather than lifelines) that may provide extra peice of mind for parents with young children. The modern Leopard catamarans have a forward walkthorough making the front deck easily accesible.
Lifejackets are provided for children up to 12yo onboard.
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.
How do we choose the right boat for our group?
Whitsunday Escape has the largest catamaran fleet in the Whitsundays, made up of power and sailing options from 39ft to 50ft, carrying between 2 and 12 passengers.
Catamarans offer excellent stability when moored or anchored, plus wide, open living areas.
Things to consider that may narrow the choice quickly: how many people are chartering and how they want to be arranged across cabins, whether you would like to sail or would rather motor, and how much living and entertaining space matters to your group. Also consider what features are important to you and your group.
It is worth noting that Sailing Catamarans can be taken under motor only and do not need to be sailed.
The reservations team are on hand to help you make the best choice for your group, and staying flexible on brand and model opens up more availability.