By Boat in Great Barrier Reef

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By Boat

Several operators provide skipper-yourself charters to explore the Whitsundays. Most have a fleet of sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor cruisers; a five-day minimum charter period; and discounts for multi-day hire. Some also operate crewed charters.

Cumberland Charter Yachts, a well-established operator, has 28 well-maintained boats in 23 styles, permits for 74 islands, and 43 anchorages. Costs start at A$2,175 for five nights on a Beneteau 311 monohull, carrying up to six.

Queensland Yacht Charters have been in business more than 20 years and have cats and yachts for bareboat charter -- from A$400 per night, you can skipper your own small yacht with up to three others.

Whitsunday Rent a Yacht has a fleet of 46 2- to 12-berth vessels. Charter a 2- to 4-person yacht for A$38 per night, or a 35-foot motor cruiser carrying eight people for A$465 per night, with a five-night minimum. The company also runs crewed charters with customized itineraries.

Whitsunday Private Yacht Charters has a minimum of five nights/six days for all charters, and 17 sailing craft including new sailing and motor cruisers for hire for A$430-$1,050 per night; and luxury, all-inclusive crewed charters from A$2,300 per night for two people (minimum three nights).

Sunsail Australia, a huge Asia-Pacific operator, has a fleet of 40 yachts and catamarans ranging from 32 to 50 feet, based on Hamilton Island. The company's large cruising area ranges from Bowen to Mackay. Self-skippered charters start from around A$100 per person, per night, depending on the vessel, numbers, and length of hire.

Contacts

Cumberland Charter Yachts (Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802. 07/4946-7500 or 1800/075101. www.ccy.com.au).

Queensland Yacht Charters (Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802. 07/4946-7400. www.yachtcharters.com.au).

Sunsail Australia (Box 65, Hamilton Island, QLD, 4803. 07/4948-9510 or 1800/803988. www.sunsail.com.au).

Whitsunday Private Yacht Charters (Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802. 07/4946-6880 or 1800/075055. www.whitsunday-yacht.com.au).

Whitsunday Rent a Yacht (Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802. 07/4946-9232 or 1800/075111. www.rentayacht.com.au).