Bareboat the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is Australia’s premier sailing playground, and if you don’t own a boat of your own, you can hire a yacht, catamaran or power boat and explore the Whitsunday Islands yourself – we call this ‘bareboating’!

The Whitsunday Islands are a series of 74 continental islands, fringed by beautiful healthy coral reef systems, inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Cruising time between anchorages is usually about 2 hours, and navigation is by line of sight, although all charts, maps, the amazing ‘100 Magic Miles’ Whitsunday sailing guidebook, and of course a GPS are on board every boat we hire.

You can spend your days sailing or cruising around, swimming, snorkelling, going to shore in the dinghy that is included with every boat, scuba diving, kayaking, beachcombing, sunbaking, and catching up with family and friends. You can do as much or as little  as you want!

Bareboating is suitable for all ages, and often the kids tell us it was one of the best holidays they’ve ever had. Some charterers come back year after year too! It’s never the same holiday twice. There are so many bays, beaches, and islands to explore that you can have completely different holidays year, after year, after year. Let our expert team give you some recommendations on where to go and what to do. We’ve been in the business for over 25 years and know all the best spots. Check out our Interactive Map for some ideas!

There are a few resort islands you can visit too, so you don’t have to decide between hiring a boat, or having an island holiday, you can do both at once! There are only a few with restaurants though, so your boat holiday in the Whitsundays will be largely self-sufficient. Organise your provisioning (groceries/food and drinks) at one of the major local supermarkets and bottle shops, all within 2km of the marina. Find out about shopping and provisioning options here.

With our fleet of over 30 boats of all types and sizes, we can find a boat to suit you, your experience, and your group. You don’t need a license, just a little boating experience, to get started. Learn more about experience requirements.

Getting here from anywhere in Australia is easy, our local airport, the Whitsunday Coast Airport and Proserpine, is about 45mins away by shuttle bus or taxi, and airport transfers are easy as well.

If you are ready for the most adventurous, independent, and exciting holiday of a lifetime, that can also be blissfully relaxing, you’ve got to go bareboating with Whitsunday Escape!