Chartering a yacht is one of the most memorable holidays you’ll ever have and an absolutely amazing way to travel. At Dream Yacht Charter, we have many first-time guests joining us for the vacation of a lifetime, and typically they will have many questions about what to expect. Even seasoned sailors find they have specific questions regarding the Whitsundays, so we’ve put together this quick 10-minute guide to give you the lowdown on chartering a yacht in the Whitsundays. 

Download our Base Guide for comprehensive information on Yacht Charters in the Whitsundays, or reach out to our reservations team if you have a question or just need a bit of friendly advice.

When is the best time to visit the Whitsundays?

The Whitsundays is one of those places fortunate enough to enjoy mild year-round temperatures, so whenever you visit, we know you’ll love it here. While there are variations in the wind and the rain (read more about Whitsundays weather patterns), you can swim all year round, the white sand beaches are always incredible, and the tropical wildlife never fails to impress. 

Which boat should I choose?

Choosing the perfect vessel for your holiday isn’t as complicated as you might think. Visit out Vessel Information page and make a note of:

• How many people will be travelling?
• How much sailing experience do you have? 
• Would you prefer to have a bit of extra space on board or have a more efficient vessel?
• What level of luxury are you looking for?  

Our reservations team is always here to help, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

Monohull or Catamaran?

There is a lot to love about both types of vessel, so have a read of this Catamaran Vs. Monohull guide to help you decide which one is right for your holiday! If you have any questions, get in touch and have a chat with our friendly reservations team. 

What’s included on my yacht charter?

For a full boat inventory, read our what’s included page or contact us with any specific requests or questions. Generally speaking, all your basics (sheets, bath towels, pillows, crockery, cutlery, fridge, hot and cold water, navigation equipment, safety equipment (excluding children’s lifejackets) and wet weather jackets) are included.

Fuel works on a ‘pay as used’ basis and is charged once you return to Coral Sea Marina. 

 Is there drinking water on board the vessel?

The water on the boat is drinkable, but most of our guests prefer to bring their own bottled water. Allow around 1-2 litres per person per day. 

What coffee appliances are on board?

All vessels have a coffee plunger on board; some have coffee machines, so check the individual specifications of your yacht or contact us with any questions. You can also stop in at one of the island resorts (Hamilton Island, Palm Bay or Daydream Island)  for a coffee, or there are some excellent cafes in Airlie Beach. 

What technology connections are there on board?

All our vessels have inverters that can be used to charge all batteries using your existing 240v plug. You can also bring a 12v phone charger (the ones you use in your car) to charge batteries.

What size are the fridges and freezers? 

Contact our reservations team regarding the fridge size of your vessel if it is not listed on our Website. 

Is there WiFi?

Internet access is available at the marina, on some of the populated islands and in the cafes on Airlie Beach.

What about phone reception?

Phone reception can be patchy once you depart the mainland. You should be able to pick up a signal around the islands, but not always on the Eastern side  (i.e. Whitehaven Beach) and in some deep anchorages (i.e. Nara Inlet). Telstra works best, but anything urgent can be radioed to our Office by VHF Radio (manned from 8 – 5 daily), phoned through to our office number, or directly to our emergency number (0413 417 249) and we will contact you by VHF Radio or Phone. (All Emergency Numbers can be found in our Base Guide).

Can we bring our own jetski/dinghy?

No. Our Boats are all provided with Dinghies and Jet Skis cannot be towed or stored on our boats.

When is stinger season? 

Stingers may be present in the waters around the Whitsundays year-round, but their prevalence is much higher from October through May. The good news is that you don’t need to avoid the beautiful waters of the Whitsundays to stay safe from stingers. While swimming, snorkelling, or diving in the Whitsundays,  we recommend you wear a protective stinger suit. These full-body suits will protect you from jellyfish, sunburn and coral scrapes, allowing you to enjoy the underwater world without worries.

Visit our marine life page for more information about marine stingers in the Whitsundays, including first aid treatment.

Do you supply stinger suites? Where can they be hired?

Protective stinger suits can be hired from aquadive at the marina for $35.00 for 7 days. No need to pre-book!

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes! Snorkelling equipment is included on every yacht charter at no additional cost. The friendly staff at aquadive (just below our office) will fit you out with all your gear before you head off on your sailing adventure. 

Visit our snorkeling page to discover some of the best snorkel sites in the Whitsundays. 

What insurance do I need? What does your insurance cover?

Insurance is essential to cover you against unexpected events. Please read our Insurance Guide carefully and contact us if you are unsure about anything. 

What’s the best airport to fly into?

Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) is the most convenient airport to fly into. Hamilton Island Airport is another option. We recommend you arrive the day before your charter starts.

Need further details? Got a question we didn’t cover? Our team at Dream Yacht Charter will be happy to speak with you and answer your queries. Contact us today!

CHARTER:  www.yachtcharters.com.au

Call:  (02) 4946 7400 – Email: [email protected]

SALES: www.dreamyachtsales.com

Call: 0457 036 756 – Email [email protected]

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any great ideas, photos, videos or feedback you would like to share with us [email protected]