Portland Roads – Sailing the Whitsundays
Be the captain of your own adventure on this incredible voyage through the majestic Whitsundays with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to charter a vessel through acclaimed eco-tour agency Portland Roads – Sailing the Whitsundays.
It’s the ultimate group escape: set sail on the catamaran DUE WEST for up to six guests, or upgrade for up to eight guests. Glide through sapphire waters in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, stroll barefoot across the warm, white sands of untouched islands and delve into the coral-filled paradise shimmering beneath the waves.
The Whitsundays’ treasure trove of 74 scattered emerald islands is best enjoyed at your leisure. From snorkelling and swimming to sunbathing — this is your holiday, your way. Your sailing adventure takes off from the Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. The marina is approximately a 30-minute drive from Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP). Transfers are not included in your package; please plan accordingly.
Please note you must return to Coral Sea Marina on your final day by 3pm to refuel. Disembarkation after refuelling is at 5pm.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
The Catamaran Experience — Pick your vessel and arrive in paradise
The postcard-perfect Whitsundays are yours to explore with this unique bareboat charter. Picture yourself lazing on the silica-rich beachfront with azure waters lapping the shore; swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing as your heart desires. With this incredible package, you’re not restricted to choosing just one island — you can experience them all as your very own skipper.
With self-guided exploration, you can spend as long as you like on each island, sailing your private catamaran to the rock-walled mooring grounds of Caves Cove on Hook Island, watching the sunset over the horizon from the otherworldly Whitehaven Beach or just plunging into the bluer-than-blue waters — perfect for discovering the menagerie of rich marine life.
Regardless of which luxury sailing catamaran you choose, you’ll be treated to the VIP lifestyle, with a private dinghy for self-led discovery, shower on deck for that post-plunge cool off, swim ladder to descend into the alluringly turquoise waters and kitchenette with a gas stove and oven to prepare all meals.
Local Tips — Want to know more about Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays?
Our insider travel guide includes handpicked places to eat and drink, the best activities in the area, and special experiences to make your trip memorable.
Your Handpicked Inclusions — Early boarding and access to Ocean Club on the day of arrival
Put down your anchor at Coral Sea Marina with early access to Ocean Club on the day of arrival (prior to embarkation). Exclusively for marina guests, Ocean Club offers a space to relax, including a sea view deck with BBQ and complimentary coffee. Benefit from 5pm boarding on the day of arrival and an overnight stay onboard at the marina, so you can become acquainted with your new home-away-from-home. On the day of embarkation, learn the secrets of your majestic catamaran and how to skipper it like a true-blue sailor with a full maritime briefing.
Your potential Whitsundays itinerary could look like this:
- Day 1: From 5pm settle into the Ocean Club until boarding. Once onboard, stay overnight at the five Gold Anchor-accredited Coral Sea Marina.
- Day 2: In the morning, you’ll be provided a thorough maritime briefing on navigation, mooring, anchoring, boat handling and more, so you’re ready to set sail. Once the briefing is complete, it’s your turn to take the helm. Our recommendation? Caves Cove for spectacular sunsets and wildlife spotting.
- Day 3: You could plunge headfirst into the crystal-clear depths for a morning snorkelling session, followed by underwater art installations at Langford Reef and Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island.
- Day 4: Make Dumbbell Island or the southern coral sand beach of Esk Island your location for lunch. If the tides allow, head to Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island.
- Day 5: A spritely run through Solway Passage could see you greeted by Pentecost Island as you make your way to Hamilton Island’s world-class dining.
- Day 6: Leave Hamilton Island and set course for the micro-rainforest shoreline of Palm Bay, Long Island.
- Day 7: Begin your morning with a walk on Long Island, keeping an eye out for tawny frogmouth owls, curlews, kookaburras and bush turkeys. Out at sea, you may spot turtles, dolphins and whales. Set sail to Goat Island or Sunlovers Beach on Daydream Island for a leisurely lunch aboard the catamaran. Return to Coral Sea Marina at 3pm for refuelling and debriefing.
- All safety equipment
- Tender
- USB charging
- Deck showers
- Generator on select vessels
- Boarding: 5pm / Disembarkation: 5pm
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Valid for travel to 31 December 2026 (bookings must be made before 31 October 2025).
No Fishing: Portland Roads – Sailing the Whitsunday’s bareboat charter fleet ARE NOT fishing vessels. Fishing is not permitted in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Environment Management Charge (EMC): Please note that the government charges an Environment Management Charge (EMC) of A$24 per person (aged 4 and above), payable directly through Portland Roads at time of boarding. This charge includes all moorings except Palm Bay, Long Island and Daydream Island. Children under the age of three are excluded from the Environment Management Charge.
Blackout Dates & Surcharges: A non-refundable surcharge per room, per night may apply, payable at the time of booking. Dates and prices are identified in the Booking Calendar. Blackout dates may apply.
7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee: Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings, flights and deposit fee, if applicable, which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 14 days prior to the check-in date. Excludes flight and service fee, if applicable.
- Cancellations outside of the 7-Day Change of Mind period will not be provided, except as required by Australian Consumer Law, your local law or as otherwise provided for in the Fine Print.
Please Note:
- Exclusions: Airport transfers, food and drinks, fuel, mooring and marina fees, sail guide or captain.
- Pricing is per package, not per person. Up to six or eight guests may stay on this charter (see individual boat details)
- As different vessels have different departure dates, please be certain about your selection as date changes and cancellations are not permitted (outside of the 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee).
- Portland Roads – Sailing the Whitsunday’s bareboat charter fleet ARE NOT fishing vessels. Fishing is not permitted from our vessels in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
- Compulsory maritime briefing will take place at 9am on Day 2.
- Guests will board at 5pm the night prior to departure, and set sail after a four- to five-hour briefing the following day.
- Guests will disembark on the final day at 5pm.
- While each charter finishes with disembarkation at 5pm, all vessels must return to the fuel wharf by 3pm on the last day of the charter for refuelling.
- Refuelling is at the charterers’ expense.
- Guests will be required to fill out a Hire Agreement and Crew Forms 45 days prior to arrival.
- Infants (under 3) are permitted onboard. Children and infants make up the total number of guests on board, regardless of age.
- Vessels are equipped with cooking facilities, but food is not included in your package. Guests must bring their own food and drinks.
- Any unused portion of the package is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for other services or cash.
- No bareboat charters in the Whitsundays are permitted to visit the resort at the exclusive Hayman Island.
- Guests charting the Whitsunday Freedom, are not permitted to access Hamilton Island Marina for berthing, provisioning, water or power. Depending on wind conditions, moorings in Dent Passage can be booked and guests can tender into Hamilton Island.
- Snorkelling and mooring at Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island is permitted.
- All surcharges are payable directly to Portland Roads or local providers.
- Parking at Coral Sea Marina is available for A$10 per day.
- There is limited availability for the Lawless vessel.
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to the website’s terms and conditions.
*Images are for illustrative purposes and may not be reflective of the package purchased. See individual offers and packages for details.
