Portland Roads – Sailing the Whitsundays

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.