Airlie Beach - The Whitsundays
Boat Charter Whitsundays Bareboat: Easy Self-Skippered Holidays
Award-winning skipper-yourself bareboat catamaran charters. 6, 13 & 20-day options, no license required.


40% off is only a click away with Anchor Club membership
- TOURISM WHITSUNDAYS GOLD · BEST BAREBOAT OPERATOR
Not Ready To Book Yet?
Secure your ANCHOR CLUB Offer
No obligation. We usually reply within 24 hours.
- TOURISM WHITSUNDAYS GOLD · BEST BAREBOAT OPERATOR
Not Ready To Book Yet?
Secure your ANCHOR CLUB Offer
No obligation. We usually reply within 24 hours.
Key Info You'll Love To Know
NO BOAT LICENSE
Our Award-Winning, pre-departure, Maritime Briefings give everyone the confidence to manage and navigate our catamarans around the 74 islands of the Whitsundays.
7-DAY REFUND GUARANTEE
We know plans can change, which is why every booking comes with our 7-day Change of Mind / Cooling Off Policy. No Hoops to jump through - No Stress, No Fuss Cancellations and Refunds.
6, 13 or 20 Days in Paradise
Choose the adventure that suits you with 6, 13 and 20-day skipper-yourself charters. With 74 islands to discover ask your boss for more time off and ensure a fully immersive, unforgettable sailing experience.
LARGEST CHARTER AREA
Blessed with local connections, state-of-the-art satellite technology, and our role as custodians for Australia's Great Barrier Reef, we have the industry's largest charter area. Discover More, Stay Longer.
Eco-Friendly Experience
Witness our Award-Winning Tomorrow's Reef Today initiatives that ensure a pristine, thriving marine ecosystem for your holiday. By sailing sustainably, you'll enjoy vibrant coral, crystal-clear waters, and exclusive, eco-conscious encounters.
Adventure Your Way
You're the Captain. Your mates/family are Crew. This is the holiday you never knew that you needed. ADVENTURE Simply Done Better.
Portland Roads provide a minimum of 6 days hire to ensure you experience the best of the Whitsundays.
Ready to experience the Whitsundays?
or call 1300 991 474
40% off is only a click away with Anchor Club membership
OUR CATAMARAN FLEET
Choose your vessel
From entry-level classics to our ultra-premium Lagoon 450S – every charter is tailored to your budget and your crew.
ULTRA PREMIUM
SV Whitsunday Freedom
Lagoon 450S · 8 Guests
PREMIUM LUXURY
SV Lawless
Lagoon 42 · 8 Guests
STANDARD
SV Lucy
Lagoon 420 · 8 Guests
STANDARD
SV Portland Roads
Lagoon 42 · 6-8 Guests
CLASSIC ENTRY
SV Ruby Sunday
Lagoon 380 · 8 Guests
CLASSIC ENTRY
SV Due West
Lagoon 38 · 6 Guests
A classic Lagoon 380 – the world’s most popular production sailing catamaran. True to her history, she accommodates up to 6 guests.
ULTRA PREMIUM
SV Whitsunday Freedom
Lagoon 450S · 8 Guests
Huge, stylish and modern, she out-sails the entire fleet with facilities never before available on charter.
PREMIUM LUXURY
SV Lawless
Lagoon 42 · 8 Guests
STANDARD
SV Lucy
Lagoon 420 · 8 Guests
STANDARD
SV Portland Roads
Lagoon 42 · 6-8 Guests
Where it all started. The matriarch of our fleet, designed for world cruising and the best of both worlds in comfort and style.
CLASSIC ENTRY
SV Ruby Sunday
Lagoon 380 · 8 Guests
CLASSIC ENTRY
SV Due West
Lagoon 38 · 6 Guests
WE LET OUR GUESTS DO THE TALKING
720+ reviews. All of it glowing.
The youngest, smallest local company - with five times the feedback.
“If you’re looking for an extraordinary catamaran experience in the
Whitsundays, look no further. Exceptional service, top-tier boats and a genuine commitment to unforgettable vacations set them apart.”
Jamie Starkweather
Catamaran Charter
“Our kids each had a job keeping this awesome cat sailing. Portland Roads is friendly, fun and professional. Due West was immaculate and comfortable for all of us. Can’t wait for the next trip!”
Lauren Meerman
Aboard SV Due West
“Wow! What a beautiful lifetime sail with family. Brad was available at all hours to ensure we were comfortable. If you want a magnificent sail in the Whitsundays, look no further.”
Mark Strobel
Family Sail
“We returned from a fabulous 6-day trip aboard Lucy. Brad gave us daily advice on where to moor according to winds and tides – invaluable. If it isn’t on your bucket list, add it.”
Neil Bone
Aboard SV Lucy
“It was EVERYTHING we could have wanted and MORE. The water was clear, the catamaran had heaps of space, and watching the sunrise and sunsets on the boat is my favourite thing. Planning another trip asap!”
Paige Withington
Aboard SV Lucy
“An absolute must-do for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The team were brilliant right from booking, the briefing was thorough, and the boat was exactly as we had hoped. Just can’t wait for our
next trip!”
Mitchell Evans
Aboard SV Ruby Sunday
What is Bareboating?
You become the skipper
Bareboating simply means hiring one of our catamarans without a crew or captain. We teach you everything you need to know – and yes, no licence or experience is required.
A full pre-voyage briefing covers navigation, safety, boat handling, sailing, anchoring and mooring. So thorough that even complete novices set sail with confidence.
40% off is only a click away with Anchor Club membership
Do I need a license to go bareboating?
No, you do not need a licence or experience. A full briefing is provided to ensure you are at a competent level before departure. The briefing is so thorough that even novices can give this a go!
Your briefing includes Navigation, Safety, Boat Handling, Water Safety, Boat Rules, Sailing, Motoring, Anchoring, Mooring and Emergency Safety Management Systems.
How does bareboating actually work?
The term bareboating (aka bare-boating) simply means hiring one of our extraordinary sailing catamarans without a crew, a captain or any provisions. We’ll be teaching you to do all of this yourself. YES ! – You become the skipper. But don’t worry, we teach you everything you need to know to confidently set sail (or motor) around the glorious and Ancient Ngaro Sea Country of the wonderful Whitsunday Islands.
Do we have to put the sails up?
Many of our guests don’t put the sails up and instead prefer to just motor around – it’s completely up to you.
How long is the charter?
All charters are for 6, 13, or 20 days.
IT ALL STARTS RIGHT HERE
Your next adventure is waiting
Peak season books out months ahead. Reserve your 6 days in paradise with our 7-day cooling-off policy – no hoops, no stress.
or call 1300 991 474
40% off is only a click away with Anchor Club membership
Learn More About Boat Charter Whitsundays Bareboat
Highlights
- You do not need a boating licence or prior sailing experience to enjoy bareboating, as comprehensive pre-departure briefings fully prepare you to sail safely.
- Winter charters between June and August offer opportunities to view migrating humpback whales, while warmer months provide ideal conditions for air-conditioned cruising.
- Our fleet includes 6 diverse catamarans, so families and groups of friends can choose stable, spacious designs and couples can opt for intimate, private cabins.
- Charters are backed by a family-owned team of seasoned sailors with over 20 years of maritime experience.
- All trips incorporate environmental preservation and cultural respect through eco-certified practices, local Indigenous storytelling and strict no-fishing mandates.
Boat charter Whitsundays bareboat trips capture the essence of self-skippered adventures across the stunning Whitsunday Islands. You get the chance to witness the glorious waters and stunning vistas while maintaining full control of your itinerary and pace.
Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays provides catamaran hire Whitsundays packages so you can partake in this awe-inspiring adventure. With 20 years in the business, we have the fleet, the experience and the additional perks to help you create a bareboat experience that leaves you with a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
Bareboating without prior experience is easier than you might expect.
A bareboat charter in the Whitsundays can seem intimidating at first, especially if it’s also your first time at the islands. But the truth is, it’s easier and more fun than most first-time travellers expect.
At Portland Roads, we’ve eliminated barriers in our boat charter Whitsundays bareboat packages. You don’t need a boat licence to charter with us. Each catamaran bareboat booking includes a comprehensive Maritime Briefing. We cover everything from navigation to safety and boat handling, so you have the knowledge you need to set sail confidently.
The bareboat charter Whitsundays Australia adventure begins at Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach. From here, take the helm of your vessel and skipper your own path. Your yacht charter will take you through the stunning World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, where there are stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs and picturesque lookouts to discover.
The Whitsundays are perfect for self-skippered holidays.
Imagine the shimmering waters, stunning scenery and the ability to shape your itinerary as freely as the wind fills your sails.
Whether you crave vibrant reef snorkelling, hiking rugged island trails or unwinding on secluded beaches, each day promises new discoveries. When evenings roll in, tranquil bays become your calm retreat under the stars. Your private boat hire Whitsundays trip becomes a deeply personal journey where the rhythm of the ocean replaces the rush of everyday life.
For Whitsunday boat charter schedules, visitors often choose to sail between May and November for lower humidity and mild conditions. It’s an excellent time to set sail on these pristine waters, where there’s a chance that dolphins may accompany your boat and birds gracefully soar overhead.
If you choose June and August for your boat charter Whitsundays bareboat trip, prepare for a special treat: humpback whales. They migrate through the region, offering a breathtaking spectacle during these months.
From November to March, we experience tropical heat, which makes the wind dance and the waters warm. These are the perfect conditions to consider one of our fully air-conditioned catamarans when you’re looking to hire a boat Whitsundays visitors recommend.
There are different kinds of catamarans to suit your trip style.
Different catamarans suit different types of holidays, so matching a vessel with your travel style can elevate your experience. We offer plenty of boat charter Whitsundays bareboat options to choose from.
Families often gravitate towards spacious, stable catamarans with practical layouts. These features make overnight stays and island hopping effortless and comfortable. The thoughtful design allows for relaxation and play during their independent boat charter, ensuring that both parents and children have the space they need for an enjoyable adventure.
Couples might opt for something more intimate. Private cabins offer extra onboard comfort and the luxury of quieter, secluded spaces. This setup provides an ideal environment for couples wanting to unwind together, share a quiet moment in the sunset or enjoy a leisurely breakfast as part of their bareboat sailing holiday.
Understand you and your companions’ preferences, especially as you determine the right Whitsunday yacht hire price. That way, you can balance comfort and practicality as you budget your bareboat rental in Australia.
With 6 catamarans to choose from, Portland Roads helps you easily find the perfect fit. We make it easy to find the right choice depending on your group’s size, budget, and the experience you want on the water. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly layout or a couple’s retreat, there’s a suitable uncrewed yacht charter waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who will be providing the briefing before departure?
For your boat charter Whitsundays bareboat trip, you’ll be briefed by a team driven by passion and experience. For over 20 years, our seasoned sailors have made sailing and exploring the Whitsunday Islands accessible to everyone. Each member is a Master V Captain, who is dedicated and brings a wealth of local knowledge, which ensures you’re guided every step of the way.
Before you set sail, we deliver a thorough Maritime Briefing. It’s your moment to ask questions, get familiar with your vessel and gear up with confidence for your charter adventure.
Are bareboat charters suitable for families?
Absolutely! A self sail Whitsundays charter offers flexibility and unforgettable family experiences.
Our boat charter Whitsundays bareboat packages provide the perfect mix of adventure and comfort. We have 6 catamarans to choose from, each with layouts suited to your family’s size, preferences and budget. With the freedom to map your itinerary, you can explore white-sand beaches, enjoy calm anchorages and engage in hiking, snorkeling and other activities everyone will love.
How much impact will my trip have on the Great Barrier Reef?
Your trip supports sustainable practices and cultural respect. Portland Roads deeply respects the Aboriginal Australians’ culture, particularly the Ngaro, Giya and Juru Peoples with whom we share a connection.
Plus, through our TOMORROW’S REEF TODAY philosophy, we champion responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. This initiative emphasises reef restoration and a NO FISHING policy in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We craft our charter recommendations to balance enjoyment of the Whitsundays with the practice of sustainability.
Craft your unforgettable adventure with Portland Roads
Our fleet of 6 pristine catamarans offers both seasoned sailors and newcomers an exclusive journey through clear waters and hidden coves.
There’s no licence required to join our boat charter Whitsundays bareboat trips. Our expert team equips you with everything needed to confidently navigate nature’s paradise. As stewards of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, we provide not just a sailing experience but also a commitment to environmental preservation and cultural respect for local indigenous communities.
Whether it’s an invigorating holiday with friends or an intimate family retreat, Portland Roads promises an adventure where luxury meets responsibility.
Your ultimate Whitsunday bareboat sailing experience awaits. Check availability and book your catamaran today.
