Private Skippered Charter or Bareboat Charter?
How to choose the Whitsundays experience that’s right for you
Before you book your Whitsundays sailing holiday, there’s one decision that quietly shapes
everything that follows.
Not the boat. Not the islands.
But how you want to experience them.
Do you crave full control? Charts unfurled across the saloon table, the helm steady and humming
in your hands, and the deep, unspoken satisfaction of choosing your own course across open water.
Cooking all your meals in the galley, washing up and also making sure one person is your
designated driver under the limit.
Or do you want to step aboard, release the weight of all the decisions about wind, tides and
anchorages, what to cook while preparing the food, tinder runs to the beaches. Then why not let
an experienced skipper and crew member look after every detail while you savour the unfolding
journey with friends.
Let’s take you onboard both experiences, so you can feel which one fits your travel
desires.
The Bareboating Experience
(Commonly referred to as a dry hire)
The first morning begins early.
You’re standing on the dock, bags stowed, the boat entirely yours. No crew. No timetable. Just
you, your guests, and a vessel waiting to be brought to life.
Bareboating is about independence and plotting your own path.
You’ll choose from Australia’s largest and most advanced fleet of self-skippered vessels:
- Sailing catamarans - stable, spacious, and a favourite for families and groups
- Power catamarans - effortless cruising with generous living space
- Monohull yachts - sleeker, faster, and more economical for experienced sailors
Before departure, you’ll take part in a thorough safety briefing and boat-handling lesson, which
can last up to four hours. This gives you time to settle in, get to know the vessel, and feel
confident with its systems and onboard safety procedures. Most bareboat charters don’t require a
formal boat licence, although this can vary depending on the hire company and the size of the
vessel, so it’s worth checking before finalising your booking.
Once underway, the freedom is unmistakable.
You decide where to go, when to stop, and how long to stay. You navigate using charts and onboard
guides, carefully planning each day’s sail. With no crew onboard, you’ll be fully
self-sufficient. Responsible for anchoring / mooring, route planning, and decision making.
Because you’re sailing within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, navigation requires extra care.
Fringing reefs surround many of the islands, and daily travel limits apply. You’ll need to be
anchored by 4pm each afternoon and radio in your coordinates - a rhythm that encourages slower,
more intentional days.
Provisioning
Before departure, you’ll organise all your food and drinks, stock the boat, cook your meals, and
clean up afterwards. Many guests choose provisioning services to simplify this with groceries
delivered straight to the marina or pre-made meals ready to heat and enjoy.
Alcohol
When it comes to alcohol, the rules are clear:
There must always be a sober skipper onboard, even when anchored. That person is legally
responsible for the vessel and everyone aboard. Maritime authorities do conduct random alcohol
and drug testing throughout the Whitsundays.
Bareboating is deeply rewarding. But it is not casual.
It suits confident sailors who feel comfortable navigating, anchoring / mooring, managing
weather, and responding calmly in an emergency. In the right hands, it’s a powerful sense of
freedom. In the wrong conditions, or without experience, it can be demanding and stressful.
Private Skippered Charters in the Whitsundays
Now imagine a different beginning.
You arrive at the marina, step aboard, and are greeted by your crew. Your bags disappear into
cabins. A cold drink appears in your hand. The skipper checks the wind, the tide, the weather -
all without you lifting a finger.
This is a private skippered charter.
You still have the boat entirely to yourselves and have full control over where you go and what
you want to do, but the responsibility stays with a highly trained, certified, and experienced
crew. With two to three crew members onboard, depending on the vessel, the experience feels
effortless and deeply personalised.
Your days unfold naturally.
While the skipper navigates and sails the boat, meals are prepared for you. Anchorages are chosen for calm conditions. Hidden coves and quieter beaches replace the busy “bus route” followed by standard tours. The crew draw on years of local knowledge - knowing exactly when to arrive at Whitehaven Beach, where to snorkel for the healthiest reefs, and which anchorages feel truly secluded.
You don’t need sailing experience.
You don’t need to watch the weather.
You don’t need to check charts or worry about tides.
Instead, you snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or simply relax on deck. All standard comforts are provided - linens, teas, coffee and cold drinking water.
Meals are freshly prepared onboard, with dietary requirements catered for in advance. Allergies, preferences, and special requests are handled quietly by the crew. The only thing you usually need to organise is your own alcohol.
And best of all - everyone can relax.
No designated driver. No limits on who can enjoy a drink. No responsibility hanging over the holiday.
Private charters also offer an impressive range of vessels, from intimate yachts to large boats hosting up to 50 guests. Most overnight tours offer private charter options if booked well in advance, and longer custom itineraries can often be arranged on request.
So. Which One Is Right for You?
The decision comes down to how you want to feel on your holiday.
Both experiences deliver the magic of the Whitsundays.
The difference is how much responsibility you want to carry - and how deeply you want to switch off.
Browse our privately skippered charter options onboard SV Wings 3. A luxurious, fully air conditioned, custom built 60ft sailing catamaran. With a wealth of local knowledge and highly experienced crew, we’re here to help you enjoy your sea faring adventures every step of the way.
