About chartering in Whitsundays
Published Whitsundays catamarans include sailing and power vessels for island cruising. Compare cabins, berths and operator requirements before choosing a boat; the same vessel can suit very different groups for a day sail and an overnight trip.
Ask where your charter starts, which islands or anchorages the operator permits, and how vessel and area briefings work. The Reef Authority publishes visitor guidance and zoning information for the Whitsundays, and the Bureau of Meteorology publishes marine forecasts.
What makes Whitsundays different?
Start with the charter style
The key decision here is the kind of island time you want: a short hosted sail, a multi-day bareboat itinerary, or a trip with a skipper. The published fleet contains different accommodation sizes and sailing styles, so begin with the vessel and your crew rather than a favourite beach.
Confirm the handover
Ask which marina or boarding point your exact booking uses and how much time the operator allows for arrival, provisioning and a vessel briefing. A multi-day charter may require a different handover from a day trip. Confirm the return point and time too; they affect travel plans after the charter.
Check the local context
The Whitsundays planning area has reef zoning, no-anchoring areas and public moorings. The Reef Authority publishes maps and a recreational guide. Ask the operator how your proposed route works within current access rules and what alternatives it offers if weather changes.
Questions for a Whitsundays operator
- Where do we board and return this exact catamaran?
- Which skipper experience and vessel briefing are required for the charter style?
- Which anchorages or moorings can this itinerary use under current rules?
- How do weather changes affect the route or handover?
- What is included for an overnight trip: fuel, linen, provisioning and cleaning?
For help comparing two quotes, use our charter quote checklist.
Official local references
Use these sources for current guidance. They do not replace your operator’s vessel briefing or route plan.
Explore the catamarans
Choose a vessel to see its photos, specifications and operator enquiry link.
The Lagoon 45 "Galaxy" offers stylish comfort and spacious living suitable for large groups of family or friends to cruise the Whitsundays.
Harley Girl is a Seawind 1250 sailing catamaran available for charter, accommodating 6–8 people with three cabins and two toilets.
"In Too Deep" is a Seawind 1160 sailing catamaran available for charter. SIMPLE, FAST AND LIGHT — the 1160 Lite's innovative design offers an efficient short-handed sailing layout.
Cruise the Whitsunday Islands in style & luxury on our 44' Leopard “Kaimana”, offering superior sailing performance and comfort for you and your crew.
"Mischief" is a Lightwave 38 Australian-built bareboat sailing catamaran that can accommodate 6–8 people.
Paso Doble is a 10.8 metre Seawind 1000XL bareboat sailing catamaran suitable for groups of 6–8. It features an upgraded sail plan and easy handling with all controls led back to the cockpit.
Cruise the Whitsunday Islands in style & luxury on our 48’ Fountaine Pajot "Prime Time".
Built in Australia, Reflections is a Lightwave 45 luxury sailing catamaran with four queen cabins and four bathrooms, suitable for families or large groups.
Purpose built for charter and new to our fleet, this Leopard 38 has won numerous awards including “Best Multihull Cruiser” in the 2010 Boat of the Year Awards. Accommodating up to 8 passengers, Seafox features 4 double cabins and 2 bathrooms with additional forepeak bunks.
Our new Fountaine Pajot "Vela Perfecta" - a 44' Orana model - is the ideal vessel to sail around 74 Islands on your next Whitsunday bareboat charter.
Cruise the Whitsunday Islands in style and comfort aboard the 48' Leopard "Waterlust", offering superior sailing performance and generous accommodation. She features an open upstairs galley, spacious deck areas and air-conditioned double cabins.
Divocean is an 11.7 m Venturer 38 power catamaran in Charter Yachts Australia's Whitsundays bareboat fleet.
Newly refurbished 41' Montebello "Karma Kat" is a sailing catamaran offering 4 cabins and 4 bathrooms for up to 10 people, suited to groups of family or friends cruising the Whitsundays.
Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 'Mandala' is a sailing catamaran in the fleet available for bareboat charters in the Whitsundays, accommodating up to 8 people in 4 double cabins with two bathrooms.
Mojo is a 10.9 m Scimitar 1010 power catamaran in Charter Yachts Australia's Whitsundays bareboat fleet, sleeping up to eight.
Sea Dragon is a Seawind 1160 sailing catamaran available for charter.
Kaiya is a three-cabin Astrea 42 sailing catamaran for Whitsundays bareboat charters, listed for up to eight guests with six recommended.
Rufus is a Leopard 46 power catamaran listed for Whitsundays bareboat charter from September 2026.
Lagoon 380 self-skippered sailing catamaran, accommodating up to six Whitsunday guests.
Whitsunday bareboat sailing catamaran with four ensuite double cabins.
Lagoon 420 bareboat sailing catamaran with four double cabins, ideal for eight.
Lagoon 420 sailing catamaran offered for self-skippered Whitsunday charters.
Lagoon 380 bareboat sailing catamaran with four double cabins for up to eight guests.
Lagoon 450S bareboat sailing catamaran with four double cabins, suited to eight.
Dasha Way is a four-cabin Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 sailing catamaran in Queensland Yacht Charters' Whitsundays bareboat fleet.
Castaway is a 13 m Leopard 43.3 power catamaran for self-skippered Whitsundays charters, sleeping up to eight.