boatingOZ

Whitsundays generalinfo

The Whitsunday Islands are Australia's most popular destination for skipper yourself (bareboat) charterers. Bareboats have been chartered here by Australian companies for 30 years. Large international companies now operate in the area and although the fleet size has increased it is advisable to book well ahead for school holidays and the high season from August to October.

Included

Cooking utensils, linen, blankets, towels, dinghy with outboard, fuel for outboards and yachts and basic snorkelling gear. Most charter companies include transfers from the airport or accommodation to the marina.

Extras

Provisioning, sailboard, scuba gear, transfers between the mainland and islands, skipper, cook, fuel, marina fees at resorts and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park entry fees.

Yachts may be picked up or returned to either Hamilton Island, Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach but a fee may apply.

A copy of 100 Magic Miles to the Great Barrier Reef by David Colfelt will be on board your boat. You may wish to purchase one before your charter to help plan your visit. This book is highly recommended by BoatingOZ not only as a useful guide but also as a wonderful souvenir of the area.

A charter briefing CD is also available - ask the charter companies for a copy.

Insurance

The boats are comprehensively insured but a security bond is payable on arrival and refundable, less deductions for minor loss and damage within 7/14 days of completion of charter. Some companies charge a daily insurance fee. An extra insurance premium will have to be paid if racing.

Travel insurance is recommended to cover air fares, accommodation and charter fees in case you have to cancel for reasons beyond your control. Overseas charterers should arrange cover before leaving their home country.

Provisioning

Provisioning may be done by the charterer but why waste holiday time shopping. An excellent provedore offers standard and gourmet packages or you can choose your own from their self select list. Your provisions will then be stowed on board your boat before your departure.

Large supermarkets are located at Cannonvale, a short drive from Abel Point Marina in Airlie Beach. Small supermarkets with a limited selection are on the islands and in Airlie Beach but these are expensive.

Duration

Most charters are for 5 to 10 days, starting and finishing at 12 noon. Minimum booking period is 3 - 5 nights. Reduced rates may apply for 10+ nights except in peak season. Free nights may be given from January to June for charters of 7 days or more.

Experience

No boating licence is required. If your sailing skills are a bit rusty or you're a real novice sailor, some companies provide a sailing guide free of charge on your first day of charter. Other companies require that one or two members of your party have some boating experience and a general knowledge of boat handling, anchoring, chart reading and so on. More experience is needed if you want to race.

Charter Briefing

Skippers and crew must attend a 2 - 3 hour briefing prior to charter start. A sail guide will familiarise you with your boat and its equipment. If you are still unsure you can take a sail guide out with you at your expense for as long as required.

Charterers must respond to morning and afternoon radio skeds to outline the days itinerary and to report their anchorage for the night. Charterers must be anchored, moored or in a marina at least one hour before sundown.

Cruising Area

Skipper yourself motor cruisers and yachts are restricted by government regulations to Bowen Harbour to the north and Mackay Harbour to the south. However, individual charter companies apply their own restrictions within this area. Boats under 10 metres (33 feet) are restricted further.

No skipper yourself boats are allowed to go to the Great Barrier Reef but the islands fringing reefs offer good diving and snorkelling.

As most of the islands are located in an area of 30 x 40 nautical miles, first time charterers find more than enough to explore in 10 days within the main body of the Whitsunday Islands.

See the Whitsunday Islands map with links to information on the resorts and anchorages

Terms

A deposit is required within 7/14 days to secure your booking. Balance due 30/75 days prior to charter date.

Bookings cancelled 30/60 days prior to departure are refunded less an administration fee. For bookings cancelled within 30/60 days of charter date no refund will be made unless a replacement booking is received.

Diving & Snorkelling

Snorkelling equipment is supplied on most charter boats. Wet suits may be necessary for snorkelling and diving during the winter months, July to September. Be aware of the strong currents around the islands.

Visibility is better outside the Whitsunday Passage. The best locations are Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island, Cateran Bay on Border Island and Butterfly Bay and Manta Ray Bay on Hook Island.

Certified dives can arrange to meet up with dive boats around the islands or you can hire a full set of gear and tanks may be filled on the island resorts or by the dive boats around the islands. Some companies charge a diving bond.

A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is recommended on a high speed catamaran or a sea plane or both. Introductory dives are available.

Seawater temperatures vary from 21C degrees in July to 28C degrees in February.

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