“I’m often asked, What is the most magical thing you’ve ever seen in your life?”
“Without exaggeration, I tell them the first time I was lucky enough to visit the Great Barrier Reef.”
Sir David Attenborough

Breathtakingly beautiful, teaming with exotic corals, over 1500 species of brilliant-coloured tropical fish, playful dolphins, rays, turtles, sponges, even the majestic humpback whale all combine to offer the most spectacular underwater experience imaginable.

The Great Barrier Reef Queensland is a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s true natural wonders. Being one of the most sought after tourist destinations on the planet, your experience starts at Airlie Beach in The Whitsundays Queensland. Charter a yacht for the sailing holiday of a lifetime, cruising any of the 74 beautiful islands, including uninhabited paradises. Scuba dive or snorkel in perfect turquoise tropical seas, laze on white sun-kissed beaches, marvel at exquisite tropical sunsets or sail to one of the resorts such as Hamilton Island, Hayman Island or Daydream Island for a bit of added luxury.

Island Fringing Reefs

Fringing Reefs are corals that grow near the coastline around The Whitsunday Islands. They are separated from the shore by narrow, shallow lagoons. This means they are easily accessible with calm protected waters making them ideal for swimmers of all levels.

Diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef is a must when cruising The Whitsundays, so all the required equipment is made available with every charter we offer. Discover more about our favourite snorkelling and diving spots:

Snorkelling & Diving

Outer Reef

For those wanting to explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef, you can add on a day trip with Cruise Whitsunday to their Pontoon on Hardy Reef (great for families) or treat yourself and take a Seaplane with Air Whitsunday and see the amazing vastness of the reef from the air and snorkel at one of their exclusive reef locations, with direct pick up available from your boat. See more:

Tours, Transfers & Accommodation

Our Commitment to the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s great natural treasures, and we are pleased to announce that on August 3rd 2007 Charter Yachts Australia became the FIRST bareboat charter operator in Australia to be granted ECO Tourism Certification.

This strengthens our commitment to protect and educate others about this fragile environment.