A yacht charter in the Great Barrier Reef is what diving dreams are made of. Long lazy days filled with stunning diving sites, sea life, sunshine and swimming in aquamarine waters. With so many islands to visit, you might just find yourself booking more than one yacht charter in the Great Barrier Reef in your lifetime.
Everywhere in the reef is a possible anchorage where you will find a rainbow-hued coral reef below and aquamarine waters to swim in. Ribbon Reefs and the Hope Isles in the inner reef are two of the more popular spots to spend an hour or so.
Don’t forget about destinations on land that give you access to the world heritage sites of the Great Barrier Reef. Port Douglas, Lizard Island, the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach all offer anchorages off the coast if you want to remain a little closer to land than off in the reef for a night or two.
Cairns Malin Marina, Cairns. In northern Queensland, join your yacht in the city of Cairns. This marina is located very close to the central business district and offers full amenities.
Coral Sea Marina. Located in the Whitsunday Islands, Coral Sea Marina offers deep-water berths and access for luxury yachts up to 260’.
With hundreds of islands to explore, you may be happy to spend your entire time on your Great Barrier Reef yacht charter exploring this natural wonder of the world and world heritage site. However, from ports on the various islands to seaside destinations along the Australian coast, you may want to make some time for on-land excursions. Especially noteworthy is Airlie Beach – known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach gives unfettered access to the Great Barrier Reef, offers a vibrant tourist destination and the opportunity to hike amongst the rainforest-clad hills of Conway National Park.
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Lizard Island National Park is what your tropical dreams are made of. Crystal-clear turquoise and azure waters await, where you can snorkel the shallow waters and enjoy some sea life spotting, or simply walk along the swathes of white sandy beaches before leaving Lizard Island and returning to your private yacht anchored off the coast.
Port Douglas lies just north of Cairns on the coast, mixing laid back luxury with thrilling adventures and the tropical background you’d expect in this part of Australia. Port Douglas doesn’t just give you access to the Great Barrier Reef, it also prides itself on the rich culture of the Aboriginal people that reside here. For a dose of Indigenous art, history and food, head to Port Douglas to learn the many faces and people that make up Australia.
The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 idyllic islands, boasting tropical weather and sleepy palm tree lined coastal scenery to match. The Whitsunday Islands are popular for guests on a Great Barrier Reef yacht charter not just for the marine life, ample diving sites and tranquil surrounds, but for the unmatched views, beautiful weather and access to neighboring locations like famous Airlie Beach.
Bear in mind that a large part of the Great Barrier Reef is protected from fishing or tourism. The main focus on the area is exploring the coral reefs, so yachts generally opt to head out to the outer reefs to start and then slowly make their way back towards the coast. Each night it is possible to anchor off one of the islands and enjoy a barbecue supper under the clear, starry skies. Days spent on a Great Barrier Reef luxury yacht charter are filled with snorkeling and diving. For something a little different in the area, head up to the Palm Group.
Several islands lay in close proximity off the coast of Townsville. The islands are known as Magnetic, Hinchbrook, Fantome and Orpheus. They are steeped in a dark history of Aboriginal culture and are fascinating to wander around. Orpheus Island has been turned into an eco-resort, where fine dining meets local produce, all cooked by the expert chef at the beach restaurant. Fantome was once the home to an Indigenous leper colony and today it is possible to receive a tour by an Aboriginal man whose grandparents were banished to the island. You will see old hospital beds, a graveyard and learn how they would spear fish. It is a humbling experience and a unique juxtaposition to the rest of your charter itinerary while Down Under.
Located along the northeast coast of Australia, Cairns is the first (and likely last) major city you will encounter on a Great Barrier Reef luxury yacht charter. Cairns is home to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, but it’s also a major city filled with all of the amenities you’d expect to find – upscale dining, high-end boutiques and plenty of cultural attractions. To get the most out of your Australasia yacht charter in the Great Barrier Reef, consider book-ending your charter in Cairns so you can adjust to the time zone, beat the jet lag and arrive first thing to your yacht before departure. It’s always a good idea to also book a night in port after you’ve finished your luxury yacht charter, just in case of any delays, you don’t want to have to rush that final day onboard.
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