Airlie Beach - The Whitsundays
Enjoy Exclusive Freedom Through Private Boat Hire Whitsundays
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 Private Boat Hire Whitsundays
Key Takeaways
- Private boat hires offer exclusive use of a vessel without rigid schedules, allowing guests ultimate flexibility on their trip.
- Prior sailing experience or an official boat licence is not compulsory, making self-skippered charters accessible to families, couples, and groups of all skill levels.
- Every charter begins with an in-depth Maritime Briefing for added safety and confidence.
- Booking features a reassuring 7-day change-of-mind cooling-off policy, alongside versatile itinerary durations spanning 6, 13 or 20 days.
- We integrate advanced sustainability into our trips through climate-positive practices, reef conservation programs and a strict NO FISHING policy.
A private boat hire Whitsundays that visitors look for brings an adventure that’s both intimate and adventurous. Chart your own course through turquoise waters, with the wind in your hair and sun on your face. Plus, you have full control of your trip, whatever your destination preferences are.
Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays is your partner that offers catamaran hire Whitsundays packages. With 20 years of experience, our local, family-owned company provides a unique private yacht hire service where you’re supported every step of the way. Sail with us for your boat cruising holidays and find wonder in this renowned destination.
Enjoy the freedom to explore the Whitsundays on your own schedule.
Private boat hire offers a more flexible alternative to crowded day tours.
When you opt for a private boat hire Whitsundays package, schedules revolve around you and your crew. Packaged day tours often come with rigid itineraries and pack you in with strangers. In contrast, private hires are about the freedom to choose destinations, to linger longer at certain spots and make your holiday truly yours.
With private bareboat rental, you gain exclusive use of your vessel. There’s no need to rush or follow someone else’s timetable. Want to spend the whole afternoon on a secluded beach? Go ahead. Interested in snorkelling at various reefs? Make it happen. With 74 islands at your disposal, anchor wherever the heart leads.
Our self-skipper boat hire packages provide independence. Base your next destination on the weather, mood or a whim. Even if plans change or the weather paints a new path, the adventure remains in your hands with your exclusive yacht charter.
Private boat hire is more accessible than many travellers expect.
No licence is required, and previous sailing experience is not essential.
With our private boat hire Whitsundays packages, you don’t need a licence, nor is prior sailing experience compulsory. We welcome everyone, including those venturing into a holiday boat hire for the first time, with an eagerness to introduce you to the liberating world of sailing your own vessel.
Our expertise revolves around offering all visitors, from seasoned sailors to first-timers, the chance to partake in memorable boat holidays in the Whitsundays. We provide the direction and backing you’ll need to start your adventure confidently. Thanks to this, Whitsunday bareboat sailing becomes an accessible option for couples, families and groups.
A comprehensive pre-departure Maritime Briefing helps you cruise with confidence.
Before your intimate boat hire in the Whitsundays kicks off, every crew goes through our thorough Maritime Briefing. More than a rundown of safety procedures and navigation, this program serves as an in-depth tour of your vessel and local waters. From boat handling to mooring and emergency protocols, we cover all bases to prepare you for what’s ahead.
If you think that you’ll be setting the sails and you want some extra tips or refresher lessons before you head out, we offer additional sail training. All this additional support helps you enjoy the independence of a luxury boat charter in the Whitsundays with confidence.
Expecting nothing but simplicity from booking to return.
Book with confidence through flexible policies.
We provide flexibility thanks to our 7-day Change of Mind / Cooling Off Policy, giving you time to review, revise or rewind your booking decisions. This approach offers a reassuring layer of comfort in private boat hire Whitsundays packages, especially when unexpected changes arise. It means straightforward cancellations and easy refunds during the cooling-off period, freeing you up to focus on your travel.
Your sail Whitsundays charter length depends on your holiday goals. Whether you’re eyeing a short island escape or planning a lengthy sailing adventure, you can choose from 6, 13 or 20-day charters. This kind of versatility allows you to shape your journey however you want.
Sail sustainably with eco-friendly practices.
At Portland Roads, sustainable sailing is a major consideration. Through our TOMORROW’S REEF TODAY program, we commit to safeguarding the Whitsundays’ pristine environment. With climate-positive operations, Advanced Eco Certification and focused reef conservation initiatives, we’ve woven sustainability into our private boat hire Whitsundays offerings.
A strict NO FISHING policy and practical onboard measures work to reduce our environmental footprint. Guests are part of this mission too, by minimising waste and avoiding single-use plastics while exploring the Great Barrier Reef together.
During your boat charter Whitsundays bareboat adventure, every choice you make onboard reflects a commitment to a healthier planet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of boats are available for private hire?
We offer a diverse fleet for our private boat hire Whitsundays options. Choose from 6 self-skippered Lagoon sailing catamarans. Each caters to various group sizes, budgets and comfort needs.
You’ll find options ranging from our basic, entry-level classics to our luxury boat hire, even reaching premium luxury and ultra-premium vessels. Features vary, so expect private double cabins with ensuites, air-conditioning and a spacious outdoor dining area in our high end vessels. Modern kitchens come standard, and some boats boast upgraded amenities like desalination systems and 240-volt power.
What happens if the weather changes?
For our bareboat charter Whitsundays Australia packages, we prioritise safety by providing knowledge to adapt if the weather shifts.
During our comprehensive Maritime Briefing, we cover navigating local conditions and tides to help you make informed decisions. You’ll learn crucial details to help you cruise the islands confidently, even when skies aren’t clear.
What should I pack for a private boat holiday?
When packing for your premium private boat trip, opt for soft duffel bags over hard suitcases. Bring lightweight clothing suitable for a tropical climate, including swimwear, reef shoes or sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and beach towels.
Before setting sail, you can also pre-order groceries, meals and drinks through Whitsunday Provisioning. This allows you to relax straight away and focus on enjoying your holiday.
Adventure awaits: your private catamaran experience in the Whitsundays
Portland Roads provides private boat hire Whitsundays charters that let you gain freedom and bask in the beauty of this archipelago.
Set sail around the Whitsundays’ stunning landscapes without needing a boat licence or fixed itineraries with our private catamaran charter. You gain full control over your trip while maintaining comfort and style, thanks to our fleet that offers modern amenities and a seamless, safe and stress-free journey.
You’ll find wonder at the untamed beauty and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the islands, supported by our professional team. Check the availability of our hire a boat Whitsundays packages and book your catamaran today.
