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THE PREMIER CHOICE FOR YOUR WHITSUNDAY YACHT CHARTER EXPERIENCE.

The Whitsunday Islands are nothing less than a tropical paradise. From pristine Whitehaven Beach to Hamilton Island , the Whitsundays offer breathtaking beauty around every bend. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday on the water, the Whitsundays offer soft, sandy beaches, secluded bays, serene inlets, and incomparable sunsets. Perhaps you’re looking for more of an adventure on your next holiday? There is no lack of activities to be enjoyed, both offshore and onshore. Swimming, fishing, snorkeling, bushwalking, exploring the islands, kayaking … there are so many ways to take advantage of the local natural resources during your Whitsunday Yacht Charter holiday.

According to  The International Ecotourism Society , ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the wellbeing of local people.”

Ecotourism is important to us at Queensland Yacht Charters, and in fact, we are a certified Ecotourism Company.  Ecotourism  is alive and well in the Whitsundays.

THE NGARO PEOPLE OF THE WHITSUNDAYS

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, especially the Ngaro, Juru, Gia and Biria of the Whitsunday Islands and surrounding areas.  Read More

Skipper Your Own Yacht

No license is required for a Yacht Charter in the Whitsundays, unlike other locations Worldwide, however some experience is essential.

To charter a sailing vessel, you will need to have sailing experience and be competent in handling a sailing vessel in most conditions.

On the morning of your Charter we do a comprehensive boat and area briefing and if you feel that you are not comfortable captaining your own ship, we are happy to arrange for a Sail Guide for your Charter.

If you wish to do nothing at all on your holiday, and leave the work to us, we can also arrange a hostess/cook and crew.

Queensland Yacht Charter’s is a member of Dream Yacht Charter the Number One Charter Company Worldwide with a reputation for excellence in providing the best in Yacht Charter’s.

We offer the ultimate in destination sailing with over 1000 yachts in 50 stunning locations from the pink sands of the Caribbean to Europe’s thousands of Islands and including our magnificent 74 Whitsunday Islands here in our own backyard.

Choose from our Whitsunday Fleet for the ultimate Whitsunday Yacht Charter or if you are dreaming of somewhere further afield choose a Bareboat , Skippered or By the Cabin Charter in our International  Locations.

Want to go even further for Longer? Enquire about our long term  Sabbatical Charter .

07 4946 7400

Unit 9/shingley drive airlie beach qld 4802, reservations, enquire now.

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Queensland Yacht Charters

Location & hours.

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Abel Point Marina

Airlie Beach Queensland 4802

About the Business

Queensland Yacht Charters, one of Whitsunday's best bareboat charter holidays since 1980. …

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Overall rating

Unprofessional Operation - Plenty of Alternatives A group of six of us chartered a five cabin Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 for seven days in January 2023 from QYC and encountered many boat problems along with unprofessional & hostile charter management. 1. Lost a day because the generator was faulty. Partly because of this, the boat briefing was spasmodic and disjointed (briefer claimed first time to brief on this boat) as he was also dealing with the tender's fuel tank not being full, replacing the missing ice chest, filling the boats water tank and agreeing the BBQ was unclean but didn't have the time to address it. 2. Rain leak in starboard saloon and the boat was delivered with tarpaulin that had to be rearranged to slow the leaks. (Cushions sodden wet, had to be stripped and dried over following 2 days) 3. Dead and live cockroaches in cabins, saloon, and cockpit (6 instances) 4. Main outhaul was chaffed, unsafe to the extent we stopped using the sail. 5. Forward port cabin hatch also taped up to prevent rain from entering. 6. Shore power leads (all three connectors) were full of water and tripped the dock relay. We had to disassemble, dried and taped with plastic. (QYC accuses we dropped in the water, we did not) 7. 2 x AC's not working (stern port cabin front saloon unit) and both fail to cool air. There were several other more debatable issues but given Dream Yacht Charter's blameless responses and complete unwillingness to take any responsibility we let these issues speak for themselves. We were offered a refund for 1 1/2 days rental, which we declined in preference for sharing our experience in the hope others reconsider using such a shoddy operator as Queensland Yacht Charters or their other brand, Dream Yacht Charter.

1 other review that is not currently recommended

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Where to charter a yacht in Queensland

Check availability, charter a yacht in queensland, australia's tropical state and home to one of the best sailing destinations in the world, the whitsundays..

If you’re looking to charter a yacht in Queensland, look no further than hiring a bareboat and sailing the Whitsundays.

Chartering a yacht in Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands and skippering it with your friends and family is the holiday of a lifetime. It’s called a bareboat charter, which means the renter is responsible for providing th crew, fuel, food and supplies. Hire a boat to suit your group’s needs, and then pick where you want to go, enjoying the freedom to explore at your own pace.

A boat license is not needed to hire a bareboat in the Whitsundays. We go into this below in the FAQs.

The ultimate place for a Queensland yacht charter in the Whitsundays

Comparable to the Greek Islands and Croatia, Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands are a world-class sailing destination.

Located in a sub-tropical climate of 74 pristine islands, the Whitsundays are protected by the outer Great Barrier Reef, which stops large ocean swells. Sailing conditions are generally calm, with steady southeast trade winds most of the year.

The Islands themselves are mostly uninhabited, with many holding National Park status. There are beaches and secret coves to explore, with over 40 anchorages options giving plenty of options for a protected place to spend the night.

Your yacht charter can be as adventurous or relaxing as you would like. Many people enjoy exploring the beaches, snorkelling and checking out some of the island’s walking trails. Adventure lovers can also experience scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing.

The Whitsunday Islands are home to Whitehaven Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. When you charter a yacht, you can see this world-class wonder in the morning or evening away from day tours.

Yacht charter guests can access some island resorts while using their boat as accommodation. Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Palm Bay Resort and Hayman Island have various options to hire a mooring or pull up a berth and access the resort’s facilities, restaurants, attractions and pools.

Freedom to Explore with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht

Whitsunday Rent a Yacht’s mission is for you to have the adventure of a lifetime, exploring paradise with the freedom only boating can offer.

Our base at Shute Harbour is closer to the Islands

A significant advantage of chartering with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht is our location. The Whitsunday Rent a Yacht base is in Shute Harbour, just 10 minutes from Airlie Beach yet hours closer to the islands.

There are five overnight anchorages under two hours from our private jetty, which is a massive benefit for your first night and, in particular, the return journey.

We’re Queensland’s original yacht charter company

Whitsunday Rent a Yacht are the longest operating, Australian owned bareboat charter company. We’ve been helping people sail the Whitsundays since the ’70s!

We have a dedicated professional team

The skilled team at Whitsunday Rent a Yacht range from dedicated reservations teams to experienced boat mechanics and skippers. Our staff are locals, and they are passionate about sharing the Whitsundays with visitors.

Our boats are immaculate

Our operations team take great pride in ensuring that every boat leaves on a charter in the best condition and working order. Each boat comes equipped for your comfort and safety.

Safety and supporting our guests is our priority

We love supporting all of our guests to have the adventure of a lifetime. From sales through to your briefing and radio sched calls, each person you deal with at Whitsunday Rent a Yacht is focused on ensuring you’re safe, supported and making the most of your Queensland yacht charter.

What people are saying about chartering with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht

Queensland yacht charter video

Recent guests, The Travelling Buckinghams share their tips and experience sailing the Whitsundays for the first time.

FAQs about chartering a yacht in Queensland

What is the best time of year to charter a yacht in queensland.

The Whitsunday Islands are a sub-tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The wet season runs from  December to March and the dry season runs from June to August.

The best sailing conditions are considered to be in August and September.

It’s possible to sail the Whitsundays at any time of year, with each season having its own advantages. For example, the wet season has waterfalls and fewer crowds, whereas the dry season coincides with whale’s migrating to the area.

Do I need a license for a Queensland yacht charter?

Queensland’s Whitsundays is one of the only places in the world where you do not need a boat license to hire a yacht without a professional skipper.

Before your charter, you will be given an extensive training session to ensure you can operate the boat safely. If your briefer feels you need additional training or a guide, they will advise you during the session. We also recommend that when making your booking, you express any concerns about your experience to our reservation staff.

How much does a Queensland yacht charter cost?

The cost of chartering a yacht depends on the season, the boat, and the duration.

Costs are determined at a nightly rate, not per head. The longer you charter, the more reduced the nightly rate becomes.

Some of our boats can sleep up to 10 people. In low season, if you split the hire, the average rate per person is approximately $85 a night.  This is comparable if not cheaper than a night in a hotel or staying at a resort, plus the boat includes your transport and entertainment costs.

Can we hire a skipper?

We offer a sail guide service to anyone who would like some additional training or support. Sail guides can be hired for one night or even the duration of your charter.

Want to book a Queensland yacht charter with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht?

Our online booking system will help you to see what boats are available and their costs on specific dates. If you still need more information or you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact our friendly reservations team.

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Get In Touch

Freecall 1800 075 000

International +61 7 4946 9232

[email protected]

6 Bay Terrace Shute Harbour QLD 4802 Australia

Office Hours

8am - 5pm Weekdays 8am - 4pm Weekends 8am - 4pm Public holidays

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Whitsunday Rent a Yacht acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and in particular the Traditional Owners of the Whitsunday's Region, the Gia, Juru and Ngaro People; We recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

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• After you’ve booked

Whitsunday Escape offer a most unique holiday experience in paradise with “Skipper Yourself Bareboat Yacht Charters”. You choose the itinerary, pace and adventures to explore Queensland’s tropical Whitsunday Islands from the comfort of your own floating accommodation.

With the largest, modern fleet of self-contained sleep aboard boats, whitsunday escape will have you sailing or cruising the whitsundays in style. based in airlie beach, you can hire one of our many power boats or sailing yachts and catamarans to explore the islands at your own pace., no licence is required, just some prior boating experience, as you will receive a comprehensive briefing before you set sail on the holiday of a lifetime., power catamarans.

• Sailing Catamarans

• Sailing Yachts

AVAILABILITY & RATES

Boats of the Month

The Leopard 46 was built with opulence as a priority. Standout features include a grand flybridge and deluxe master suite.

The Lagoon 46 exudes opulence featuring a flybridge with vast shaded daybed and a plush forward lounge.

The Seawind 1160 4 LITE features an intelligent design that includes trifold doors, creating an expansive living space.

• Power Boats

Things to do and places to go

Great barrier reef.

Cruise the islands of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and experience nature at its finest.

Whitehaven Beach

Possibly Australia's most famous beach, the white sands of Whitehaven are a must see on your holiday.

Water Activities

With an abundance of anchorages, coral reefs and beaches to explore, water activities are very popular in the Whitsundays.

Island Resorts

Stop off at islands resorts and enjoy restaurants, cocktails, swim-up pool bars, and activities galore.

The cooler months are whale season in the Whitsundays. Nearly every day offers great whale watching experiences.

Snorkelling

Some of the best reef snorkelling in Australia is right here in the Whitsundays. Snorkelling gear is provided free!

See what more you can do or create your own itinerary

A few words from some of our happy customers

The Ackinclose Family

This was the holiday of a lifetime. When we returned, we immediately got off the boat and walked straight into the office to book again for the following year.

We had an absolute blast. And really the boat was the centre piece of that. It was everything we could have asked for; spacious, luxurious, comfortable, plenty of water storage and fridge/freezer space, room to spread out, great cooking facilities, plenty of lounging areas and a hot shower and comfy bed at the end of every day.

Perhaps most importantly it allowed us to ‘choose our own adventure’! This holiday had it all…. turquoise waters, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, isolated beaches, white sand, incredible walks, beach combing, whales, dolphins, turtles, tropical fish, and some high sea adventures! It’s one thing to visit the Whitsundays, it’s another altogether to holiday ON the Whitsundays. Being on the water 24/7 is an experience unlike any other… it was pure joy!

We loved being on our own (the perfect covid safe holiday really!), enjoying each others company and everyday being an adventure. Not to mention relaxing and unwinding with the most amazing scenery and sunsets. This is a holiday you and your children will remember forever!

Billy & Friends

Thank you again to the Whitsunday Escape Crew for another amazing experience in the magnificent Whitsundays. We had a wonderful 10 days onboard the Seawind 1260 Volare, which kicked off with a great brief by Amee who was very thorough and very knowledgeable about operating Volare safely.

Throughout the charter the support from the ops team is first rate. Whether you want to know where the best place to overnight for the conditions, or if you need some advice about the boat, they will always go the extra mile to ensure you have the best holiday possible. Shoutout to Jordans mobile outboard repairs that paid us a quick visit in Stonehaven to help sort us out.

The absolute highlight for this trip was the time we had all of Whitehaven Beach entirely to ourselves for a few hours on a sunny afternoon. A magical moment that is unlikely to be repeated.

We’re already booked in for our next charter with Whitsunday Escape over Christmas and can’t wait to get back up there.

The Patel Family

We were first time ‘bare boaters’ and a little nervous about going out to sea in a million-dollar catamaran but Whitsunday Escape couldn’t have been more helpful providing boating information and ensuring we had the prerequisite knowledge.

Big thanks to Lachy for his ‘pep talk’ to my crew before we set off.

Best family holiday ever and we loved every minute.

The Whitsunday Escape News

Boat Features to Enhance Your Journey

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time charterer, there are a few additional extras our boats can offer that may significantly enhance your bareboat experience. We’re here to assist in creating a personalised vessel perfect for your charter, making your time on the water hassle-free. Electric Halyard Winch Electric Winches take the work out sailing […]

Whales of the Whitsundays Sponsorship

Whales of the Whitsundays is an exciting project that has put the Whitsundays on the map as an accredited Whale Heritage Area – the first within the Great Barrier Reef and in a World Heritage Area! We are deeply committed to safeguarding the area where we operate and to fostering collaboration with local conservation initiatives, […]

The Whitsundays become a Whale Heritage Site!

The Whitsundays has been proudly recognised as a Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance, all thanks to the tireless efforts of Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) and their enthusiastic community program. This prestigious designation highlights the immense importance of our region as a haven for humpback whales, especially as a calving ground. This […]

Discover the exciting world of bareboating.

We’ve been awarded some of australia’s top holiday awards.

YOTSPACE Luxury Yacht Charters

| Great Barrier Reef | Whitsundays | Port Douglas | Cairns | Gold Coast | Kimberley

YOTSPACE Luxury Yacht Charters

With over two decades of expertise in curating luxury yacht charters in Queensland, YOTSPACE is your trusted partner for unforgettable maritime adventures. Our extensive experience is your assurance of an exceptional voyage as we tailor each charter to perfection, meticulously matching the destination, the yacht, and the crew to your luxury yacht charter requests.

Our array of captivating destinations in Queensland include the Whitsundays, Port Douglas, Cairns , Townsville and the Gold Coast, as we invite you to embark on a journey that embodies our deep-seated passion for delivering unparalled luxury charter yacht experiences. Explore our exclusive charters in the Kimberley.

Luxury Yacht Charters Designed For You

Discover exceptional charter experiences with YOTSPACE luxury yacht charters . Our guests have the exclusive opportunity to reserve a yacht for a bespoke charter experience, designed to immerse you deeply in the region’s beauty alongside their family and friends who share the passion for luxury travel.

Each yacht in our fleet boasts a dedicated crew and offers 2 – 6 cabins, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests. These meticulously crewed luxury yacht charters are your gateway to a profound connection with the environment and the regions you choose to explore.

YOTSPACE cater to discerning travellers seeking unique, intimate, and purposeful experiences that are truly exclusive, creating cherished memories for a lifetime.

Embark on a journey exploring the region of choice on an intimate yacht charter with your loved ones, forging unforgettable moments that will forever hold a special place in your heart.

Contact our luxury yacht charter specialists today for more information and let our crew begin crafting your dream adventure with our creative ideas and itineraries.

Choose your travel style

Luxury Escapes

Explore Reefs & Islands

Iconic Destinations

Let’s Go Yachting with YOTSPACE Luxury Yacht Charters

Select Your Destination

Start by choosing the region that beckons you the most. Share your desires and expectations with your fellow passengers. Create a list of the adventures and experiences you collectively desire.

Explore Our Luxury Yacht Charter Itineraries

Visit our itinararies page to peruse a selection of sample itineraries. Thes itineraries not only showcase the capabilities and possibilities of the activities and destinations available to you but also serve as a source of inspiration for crafting your ideal luxury yacht charter experience. Choose the one that resonates with your desires or let us creat a bespoke itinerary that perfectly matches your unique travel style.

Initiate An Enquiry Reach out to our dedicated YOTSPACE team for personalised assistance. Whether you prefer a conversation over the phone or wish to connect via email, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Your enquiry is the first step toward crafting your unforgettable luxury yacht charter.

Let’s Connect Speak with our YOTSPACE team to discuss preferences and address any questions or concerns you may have. If you’ve initiated contact via email, expect a prompt response as we work diligently to provide you with the information you need.

Booking a YOTSPACE charter is your gateway to creating cherished memories amidst the natural wonders of the Pacific Ocean.

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The Fell Types are digitally reproduced by Igino Marini. www.iginomarini.com

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