Nestled off the northeastern coast of Australia, the Whitsunday Islands beckon with a siren's call to all seeking a sailing holiday charter adventure.
This 74-island archipelago, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is a breathtaking canvas of turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches and verdant tropical landscapes. Chartering on a sailing holiday in the Whitsundays unlocks a world of experiences, from snorkelling vibrant coral gardens to hiking through lush national parks.
Whether you envision sun-soaked days spent anchored in secluded bays or adrenaline-fuelled water sports, the Whitsundays offers the freedom to craft a bespoke trip that captures the very best of Australia's coast.
The Whitsundays are a truly stunning collection of 74 largely uninhabited islands surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and tranquil anchorages.
The Whitsundays enjoy a subtropical climate, which means you can enjoy a yacht charter year-round. Whatever the time of year, the Whitsundays boast pleasant temperatures and ideal sailing conditions.
Whether you're into snorkelling, diving, swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing on the deck, sailing around the Whitsundays will keep everyone entertained.
Chartering a yacht in the Whitsundays allows you to fully embrace the region's relaxed island vibe. Only 8 of the 74 islands are inhabited, but there's plenty to do, from visiting seaside towns, to hiking in the interior or sampling fresh local seafood.
The Whitsundays are home to an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and humpback whales during the migration season - unforgettable wildlife encounters await.
Whether you're an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the Whitsundays caters to all skill levels. You can choose to sail the sailing holiday yourself or hire a skipper for a stress-free sailing experience.
With 74 islands to choose from, you can create your own itinerary and explore a different island every day. From the iconic Whitehaven Beach to secluded Hook Island, each one has its unique charm and attractions.
With your sailing holiday charter, you have the freedom to explore the Whitsundays at your own pace, accessing secluded bays and beaches only accessible by boat.
Stop by Hamilton Island to explore the galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that showcase a unique blend of indigenous and contemporary Australian arts and cuisine.
The Whitsundays are a phenomenal place for stargazing thanks to the total lack of light pollution. Your sailing holiday becomes a private viewing platform for uninterrupted views of the night skies; truly an experience you'll never forget.
Situated on Haslewood Island, Chalkies Beach offers complete seclusion and pristine surroundings. The powdery white sand and turquoise waters make it a must-visit anchorage.
Hike up to the Hill Inlet Lookout for panoramic vistas of the swirling sands and vibrant shades of blue that make this spot so famous.
Dive or snorkel in crystal-clear waters at this tranquil and stunning site off Hayman Island.
This is a picturesque sand spit away from the crowds and perfect for a secluded beach picnic and snorkelling.
Tucked away on the northwestern side of Hook Island, Stonehaven Bay offers seclusion and stunning natural beauty. The bay is surrounded by granite cliffs and has several spectacular beaches.
This secluded anchorage on the northern side of Hook Island boasts crystal-clear waters and pristine coral gardens. It is ideal for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
The peak yachting season in the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland coast typically runs from May to October. During this period, you can expect dry, sunny weather, warm temperatures, and calm seas, making it ideal for snorkelling, diving, and sailing.
The Whitsundays, part of the Great Barrier Reef, are best visited during the same dry season, from May to October, for pleasant weather and ideal sailing conditions.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 29.1°C (84°F) | 24.5°C (76°F) | 14.7mm |  ESE |
| FEB | 29.5°C (85°F) | 25.1°C (77°F) | 2.5mm | SSE |
| MAR | 29.8°C (86°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 1.7mm | SE |
| APR | 28.3°C (83°F) | 23.5°C (74°F) | 0.7mm | S |
| MAY | 24.5°C (76°F) | 18.4°C (65°F) | 0.0mm | SSE |
| JUN | 24.6°C (76°F) | 18.7°C (66°F) | 0.1mm | SE |
| JUL | 22.8°C (73°F) | 18.4°C (65°F) | 1.4mm | SE |
| AUG | 23.7°C (75°F) | 16.9°C (62°F) | 0.0mm | SSE |
| SEP | 25.4°C (78°F) | 19.5°C (67°F) | 0.3mm | ESE |
| OCT | 26.9°C (80°F) | 19.9°C (68°F) | 0.1mm | E |
| NOV | 28.4°C (83°F) | 23.1°C (74°F) | 0.9mm | SE |
| DEC | 29.6°C (85°F) | 25.2°C (77°F) | 1.8mm | SSE |
The official language of Australia is English.
The Australian Dollar, abbreviated as AUD, is the currency of Australia. It is denoted by the symbol "$" or sometimes "A$" to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies.
Tipping is generally not common or expected, but as always, it is appreciated for its excellent service.
You can't beat a monohull charter from The Whitsundays for an authentic sailing experience and connection with the wind and water. Whether you're looking for a bareboat, skippered or fully crewed charter where you can sit back and relax, we've got all the bases covered.
Discover natural beauty in diverse cruising grounds, and soak up the local atmosphere in a wide variety of anchorages. We‘ll handpick a selection of yachts to suit your needs, so you can start planning a journey to remember.
A catamaran charter from The Whitsundays is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from The Whitsundays is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury yacht charter from The Whitsundays is the epitome of opulence and comfort. Our boats have beautifully designed interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a supremely relaxing and luxurious experience.
Customise your itinerary according to the destinations, activities, and experiences you desire; your crew will be on hand to ensure a fully tailored and unique trip. Whether you're looking for gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, wildlife spotting around remote islands, glamorous nightlife, or swimming in secluded coves, contact one of our experts today to create a unique and unforgettable trip.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore The Whitsundays and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our fleet of yachts from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around The Whitsundays and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from The Whitsundays come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
The Whitsundays is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream sailing holiday via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
The stunning Whitsunday islands, scattered amidst the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Great Barrier Reef, are an idyllic setting for a sailing holiday charter.
The sparkling waters teem with more than 400 species of coral and over 1,500 species of fish, making it a paradise for snorkellers and scuba divers. Gazing at the breathtaking sunsets and starlit skies while sailing against the backdrop of lush green islands is an experience that will stay with you forever.
The Whitsunday Islands are enclosed within the Great Barrier Reef, which means there are steady winds, calm seas, and protected waters. The variety of anchorages and well-maintained moorings provide convenient stops along the way, allowing you to explore the magnificent beaches and participate in activities from bushwalking to beach picnics.
The Whitsundays offer attractions and activities for all tastes. From visiting the iconic Heart Reef, a heart-shaped coral formation, to exploring the famous Whitehaven Beach, known for its pure silica sand, there is no shortage of natural wonders to discover.
If you are searching for truly memorable holiday, the Whitsundays promise an unforgettable experience. This extraordinary area is ideal for a sailing holiday, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, world-class sailing conditions, and abundant activities.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
When chartering a sailing holiday from Whitsundays, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
It varies depending on the region, but the peak yachting season in the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland coast typically runs from May to October.
There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in the Whitsundays, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.
Once you've found your perfect yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
The typical times for a yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.