Why you should sail with Whitsunday Luxury Sailing Holidays

In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef lies a magical underwater wonderland, and there’s no better way to explore it than by luxury yacht.

Awake to the sound of waves lapping the hull of your luxury yacht, encircled by crystal-clear waters and coral-blessed reefs in a picture-perfect pocket of the Whitsundays. While sipping your morning coffee, a curious pod of whales alters its course to swim right up to your yacht and put on a spectacular show of spouting, breaching and tail lobbing. Next, you jump off the back of the vessel’s swimming deck to enter an enchanting underwater world. Rainbow-hued fish and vibrant coral gardens await. From there, your day only gets better…

Exclusive access to the best of the Great Barrier Reef

Whitsunday Luxury Sailing Holidays offers guests the chance to experience one of the world’s most spectacular destinations in the utmost style aboard the yacht Sydney Sundancer, which has been likened to a floating five-star hotel. Add to that expert hosting by a couple who have perfected their offering over 30 years, and you’ve got the ultimate sailing adventure. Being one of the first yacht charter operators in the area, and recognised by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as a High Standard Tourism Operator, husband-and-wife team Lynne and John Boyce have an intimate knowledge of all the best places to snorkel, swim and dive.

Most of their cruises take an epic seven days and six nights; guests will enjoy rarely visited areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, including the remote outer reef where access is limited to a handful of specialised charter operators. On every snorkelling expedition, Master Reef Guide Lynne is in the water with guests to ensure they discover the finest corals and marine life that these world-famous waters have to offer. Lynne and John operate out of Hamilton Island Marina where the airport is less than a five-minute drive away.

Epicurean pleasures on board with Whitsunday Luxury Sailing Holidays

After aquatic adventures, return to your floating hotel to savour gourmet food and award-winning wines (Lynne’s culinary skills are so renowned that she’s released her own cookbook). Think grilled Atlantic salmon on a bed of warm vegetables, tomato salsa and basil pesto; Asian-inspired glazed duck breast; barbecue king prawns peri peri; and sticky date and fig pudding with hot fudge sauce.

If you feel like commandeering the yacht after lunch, skipper John offers a ‘hands-on’ experience where you can take the wheel to experience ‘big boat’ sailing for yourself. Or discover more of the neon-blue waterways with a bevy of onboard ‘toys’ such as kayaks, snorkelling gear and fishing tackle. There’s even a hydrophone (underwater microphone) to listen to the haunting songs of whales as they communicate with each other in the sea’s depths, and a stable glass-bottomed dive tender that remains within easy reach of snorkelling guests.

Nights on the Great Barrier Reef

Each night, you’ll anchor in a different bay so calm that your long-stemmed wine glasses remain safe on the dining table while you indulge in another sublime meal and swap stories of the day’s adventures. A unique aspect of every charter is that one evening, Lynne and John will share their immense knowledge in a private presentation entitled ‘Is the Great Barrier Reef really dying?’ (A lecture they have conducted both locally and abroad.)

Bed down in the Master Stateroom, which runs the full width of the ship, an inviting retreat with a queen-sized bed, separate settee, several portholes, an ensuite and TV/DVD. Or, opt for the Forward Stateroom at the bow; although smaller, it also runs the width of the ship and comes with three portholes and an ensuite bathroom. For a private charter, up to eight guests can be accommodated by utilising remaining accommodation.

Book a charter with Whitsunday Luxury Sailing Holidays

Charter Sydney Sundancer for your own family and friends or book an individual cabin to join two other like-minded travellers on the adventure. Children are welcome on private charters, only. Sydney Sundancer is also available for day charters for up to 29 guests for those staying on Hamilton Island who wish to enjoy a private charter with family, friends or for corporate events.