Yacht Charter in Cairns

Flanked by the iconic Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforest, the city introduces you to an abundance of reef, wildlife, culture, and rainforest. With its marinas offering quick easy access to the perfect blue waters of the Coral Sea and the islands offshore - a yacht charter from the city is definitely the only way to truly experience the wonder that surrounds.

With charters being the only way to reach the outer reefs and nearby islands, the yacht charter industry in Cairns is absolutely thriving. You can charter almost any kind of yacht, from sailing catamarans to luxury yachts, to monohulls, and power vessels, finding the perfect boat for your Great Barrier Reef expedition will be as smooth and easy as 1-2-3. And with an international airport in the city, getting to and from different parts of the world won't be a problem for your great Cairns adventure.

When deciding on a charter in Cairns, you need to think about the duration of your tour. There are full-day boat tours, overnight charters, and multi-day charters that allow you to visit the waters and nearby islands and destinations that are just as worthy of discovering. A typical full-day luxury yacht charter out on the Coral Sea can cost about USD 20,000 onboard a 115-foot motor vessel, good enough for 12 adults with full catering. For an overnight charter, this very same vessel can cost around $25,000, and for a whole week, this yacht can cost $90,000.

Cairns has a tropical climate with the wet season experiencing heavy monsoonal downpours between November to May. Its dry season, between June to October, is the peak yacht charter season when there are clearer waters and better diving conditions.

Yacht charters for the Great Barrier Reef is a must for your Cairns holiday. The Coral Sea has a vast underwater playground, offering divers the adventure of a lifetime. Even if you are not a dive enthusiast, seeing the crystal clear waters and the abundance of colorful marine life will have you jumping from a boat and going underwater to witness the majestic world beneath the surface.

A typical full-day charter brings you to several locations on the Coral Sea, depending on the weather and time of the year. Fishing is a great activity, where charterers enjoy catch-and-release of beautiful species of fish, such as Spanish Mackerel, Queenfish, and a host of many fish species. Your skipper can take you to a remote sand cay where you can anchor and snorkel on the reef, enjoy the time onboard, and swim to your heart's content.

For an overnight yacht charter in Cairns, there are plenty of locations and attractions to see. One option is heading to Fitzroy Island, which is an hour's cruise away. There's plenty to do on the island, such as hiking to vantage points for spectacular views, chill out on Nudey Beach, snorkeling, water sport activities, and just simply lazing out on the beach. Moor on the bay for the night, and come morning, continue exploring the reef for some snorkeling and diving before making your way back to Cairns.

With the vast Great Barrier Reef on your doorsteps, one or two days of adventure simply isn't enough to truly immerse yourself in its true beauty. Charter a yacht for a week and explore what the Coral Sea truly has to offer. A sample itinerary of a full-week of Great Barrier Reef chartering looks like this:

Day 1: Mackay Sand Cay

Cruise past Snapper Island, into the mouth of the Daintree River, and Mackay Sand Cay. This area is the perfect introductory snorkel and diving and offering the perfect sunset for your first day out in the water.

Day 2: Outer Reef

Head out into the Outer Reef, where the true beauty of the coral reefs is on display. Snorkel and dive, where corals and hundreds of exotic fish are seen underwater. Get back on board where your crew will serve up freshly grilled lobster caught fresh from the waters.

Day 3: Ribbon Reefs

Head north to Ribbon Reefs, then island-hop to the inner reef islands of Hope Isles and Twin Isles.

Day 4: Lizard Island

Dubbed as the "Jewel of the Reef," this island is worth a day of discovery. Hike to its famous lookout with spectacular views of the Reef. This lookout is said to be the very spot where Captain James Cook, the one who discovered Australia, is said to have viewed the very same scenery. Head out into its coral gardens where the giant clams over a meter in length reside. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, and simply explore this beautiful island.

Day 5: Mermaid Cove and Blue Lagoon

Visit this sheltered Blue Lagoon surrounded by white sandy beaches. The Lagoon is called such for its spectacular colors of the bluest of blue you have ever seen.

Day 6: Cooktown

The famous landing spot of Captain Cook, explore this island on a 4WD and visit the Wet Tropical Rainforest, an ancient rainforest with huge ferns and trees, as well as witness the enchanting sounds of singing birds.

Day 7: Port Douglas

Return to Port Douglas and visit the Daintree National Park rainforest, or a day out into its restaurants, spas, and golf course. Spend one more night at sea before heading back to the marina to culminate your Great Barrier Reef and Cairns yacht charter adventure.

A tropical wedding destination in Cairns is truly what dreams are made of. You and your guests can charter a yacht to whisk you away to a nearby island, where you can exchange vows on a secluded beach and enjoy a party on board. End your special day with champagne as you watch the sun setting on the horizon before making your way to the marina to end an unforgettable day filled with love and adventure. Yacht charters in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is a diver's dream come true, but even if diving and snorkeling isn't your thing, you will still marvel and enjoy the great waters and natural beauty of this region.