Tour Highlights
- Private luxury yacht charter from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea with fully tailored single and multi-day itineraries.
- Overnight accommodation for up to 8 guests in four ensuite cabins with chef-prepared meals and professional crew service throughout your charter.
- Guided snorkelling, scuba diving (extra cost) and water sports at remote outer reef sites and secluded sand cays with all equipment included.
- Cairns yacht charter for up to 18 guests on 1 day charters
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- All meals prepared fresh onboard by a private chef
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Snorkelling gear and diving equipment (diving extra cost)
- Fuel, safety gear and marine park access permits
Experience a private luxury yacht charter from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef. This fully customised itinerary allows you to explore outer reef dive sites, untouched snorkelling locations and isolated coral cays at your own pace.
What to Expect
Your private yacht charter departs from Cairns with an itinerary designed around your timeframe, interests and seasonal conditions. Both single-day and multi-day Great Barrier Reef yacht charters are available, with extended cruising options into the Coral Sea for those seeking remote exploration.
Each day is planned according to weather, reef conditions and guest preference. Activities may include:
- Guided snorkelling across vibrant coral gardens and fish-rich bommies
- Scuba diving on selected outer reef systems
- Blue-water sportsfishing
- Beach picnics on secluded sand cays
- Water sports launched directly from the yacht
- Seasonal wildlife encounters including turtles, reef sharks and whales
A professional crew consisting of an experienced skipper, first mate, chef, deckhand and stewardess manages all navigation, anchoring and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park permits. Meals are prepared fresh onboard and tailored to dietary requirements.
For day charters from Cairns, the yacht can host up to 18 guests with appropriate crew ratios. Overnight charters accommodate up to 8 guests in comfort across four private ensuite cabins.
Accommodation & Onboard comfort
Overnight accommodation includes four private ensuite cabins:
- One spacious master suite
- Two double cabins
- One bunk cabin
Select cabins may be configured as twin singles. Smart televisions are fitted in all cabins except the bunk room.
For day charters from Cairns, the yacht comfortably hosts up to 12 guests. Larger groups up to 18 may be considered on request with additional crew engaged to maintain safety and service standards.
The yacht is purpose-built for reef cruising and island exploration, featuring:
- Light-filled saloon for relaxed indoor retreat
- Expansive aft deck arranged for alfresco dining
- Forward sun lounges with shade umbrellas
- Elevated top deck ideal for sunset views over the Coral Sea
Active stabilisers when cruising and deployable stabilisers at anchor provide a steady experience even in open-water conditions.
A rigid inflatable tender supports snorkelling, diving and transfers to remote sand cays. Larger centre-console vessels can be arranged for extended exploration or dedicated fishing expeditions.
Features and Highlights
- Private luxury yacht charter departing Cairns
- Custom itineraries across the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea
- Access to remote outer reef snorkelling and dive sites
- Dwarf Minke Whale season charters (June–August)
- Luxury mothership sportsfishing configuration available
- Four ensuite cabins accommodating up to 8 overnight guests
- Day charters for up to 18 guests
- Professional multi-crew service including onboard chef
Minke Whale Season – Exclusive Extended Charters
Between June and August, the northern Great Barrier Reef becomes one of the only locations globally where guests may encounter Dwarf Minke Whales in their natural environment.
During this period, authorised whale interaction permits can be secured for extended private yacht charters. These curious whales often approach vessels voluntarily, creating rare in-water viewing opportunities conducted under strict Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority regulations.
Whale swim experiences are incorporated into customised Cairns itineraries and are managed with full compliance to marine park guidelines to ensure wildlife protection and guest safety.
Ultimate Sportsfishing – Luxury Mothership Experience
For anglers seeking range and serious offshore capability, this Cairns yacht charter can operate as a dedicated mothership for sportsfishing expeditions across the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.
In addition to the main yacht’s facilities, three specialist fishing vessels — Kiama, Ghost and Contender — can be chartered alongside to maximise access to multiple reef systems and offshore grounds.
Guests spend each day targeting pelagic and reef species from purpose-built centre-console boats, returning each evening to:
- Chef-prepared meals
- Spacious ensuite accommodation
- Full crew service
- Comfortable indoor and outdoor relaxation areas
This configuration delivers the balance of serious fishing performance and luxury yacht comfort.
This Cairns private yacht charter is suited to families, corporate groups, special celebrations and experienced ocean travellers seeking direct access to the Great Barrier Reef without crowds or fixed schedules.
View more private charter boats here.
Itinerary
2 Day 1 Night - Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Outer Reef Exploration
Your private yacht charter departs Cairns Marlin Marina at 8:00am (departure time is flexible). As the yacht cruises toward the Outer Great Barrier Reef, guests are welcomed onboard with a chef-prepared breakfast served in the open-air deck spaces or saloon.
During the passage across the Coral Sea, the crew provide detailed snorkelling and diving briefings, covering site conditions, marine life awareness and safety procedures. Guests may relax on deck, take in the ocean views or settle into the shaded lounge areas as the reef approaches.
Reef sites are selected according to weather and guest preferences.
Between reef locations, there is the option to troll for species such as Spanish mackerel or tuna, introducing a light sportfishing element to the day without interrupting the relaxed pace.
A fresh lunch is prepared onboard by your private chef and served at leisure. The afternoon may include additional snorkelling or diving at a second reef site, or simply time spent relaxing on the aft deck or sun lounges.
As the afternoon light softens, the yacht moves to a protected overnight anchorage on the Great Barrier Reef. If conditions permit, guests may enjoy a casual sunset fish from the vessel before gathering for canapés and drinks while the sky shifts to evening tones.
Dinner is prepared by the onboard chef and served alfresco beneath the open sky. After dinner, guests retreat to air-conditioned cabins for a quiet night anchored on the reef.
Day 2 – Reef Sunrise & Further Exploration
The day begins with sunrise over the Great Barrier Reef, followed by a freshly prepared breakfast served onboard.
The morning offers further snorkelling and diving at selected reef sites, with locations again chosen to suit sea conditions and guest experience levels. This flexible structure allows for either active exploration or a slower pace.
Guests may choose to paddleboard, swim, fish or simply relax on deck while surrounded by the reef environment.
A relaxed lunch is served before the yacht commences the return cruise to Cairns. The journey home is unhurried, offering time to enjoy the final ocean views and reflect on two days exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea by private yacht.
Arrival back to Cairns Marlin Marina is approximately 5:00pm on Day 2.
All charters can be tailored to accommodate special occasions, family travel or activity-focused itineraries across the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.
1 Day Charter - Sample Itinerary
Your private Great Barrier Reef yacht charter begins with boarding from 8:00am in Cairns. As the yacht cruises out toward the reef, a full chef-prepared breakfast is served onboard, allowing guests to settle in and enjoy the ocean passage.
During the journey, the crew provide a detailed snorkelling and diving briefing covering site conditions, safety procedures and marine life awareness. The cruise to the outer reef takes approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the selected location and sea conditions.
For guests who enjoy light sportfishing, lines can be set while travelling between sites, with opportunities to troll for Spanish mackerel or tuna when conditions are favourable.
Outer reef locations commonly visited include Hastings Reef, Thetford Reef, Milln Reef and Flynn Reef. Each offers clear water visibility, established coral structures and diverse marine life. The selected reef is determined by weather conditions and guest water confidence levels to ensure the most suitable experience.
On arrival, guests may swim or snorkel before lunch, or simply relax onboard. A fresh, light lunch is prepared by the onboard chef and served at your preferred time.
Following lunch, there is the option for a second snorkel or dive session before departing the reef no later than 3:00pm.
The return to Cairns is timed for a relaxed afternoon cruise, with drinks and canapés served as the yacht makes its way back toward the marina. Arrival into Cairns is approximately 6:00pm.
For guests seeking a slower pace focused on leisure rather than multiple reef sites, the charter may instead cruise to Vlasoff Cay.
Located approximately 1.5 hours from Cairns, this private sand cay setting maximises time in shallow, clear water and offers a more unhurried experience. Guests can swim, snorkel directly from the cay, enjoy beach time and relax in a secluded environment before returning to Cairns in the late afternoon.
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Cairns
Departure Time
As per private charter agreement
Destinations
- Fitzroy Island
- Great Barrier Reef
- Green Island
- Lizard Island
- Port Douglas
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
Duration
As per private charter agreement
Available for Purchase / Hire
- BYO Alcohol - Online Orders can be picked up by Crew
- Scuba diving
Fitness Level Required
Low, Medium
Restrictions
Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS
Scuba Diving Restrictions
- Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
- Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
- Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
- Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.
What to Bring
Personal items in soft bag
Child Policy
Children are to be supervised at all times by the private charter guests and their personal carers
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operators policy:
Cancellation by you
All cancellation or rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing via the email address used to make the booking or SMS from the phone number specified in the Booking Confirmation. Verbal requests will not be accepted.
Questions or enquiries regarding cancellation or rescheduling do not constitute a formal request. The time of the explicit written request will determine whether the request meets the deadline. Once a decision to cancel or
reschedule is made, it is final and cannot be reversed. You may cancel your Charter (for any reason) at any time prior to the commencement of the Charter by written notice to us. If you elect to cancel your Charter then we may elect to charge you a cancellation fee, calculated as follows:
- if the Charter is cancelled 90 days or more prior to the commencement of the Charter, we will refund any amounts paid by you to us, less a service fee of 5% of the Charter Fee;
- if the Charter is cancelled less than 90 days but 60 days or more prior to the commencement of the Charter, a cancellation fee equal to %50 of the value of the corresponding invoice;
- if the Charter is cancelled less than 60 days but 30 days or more prior to the commencement of the Charter, a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the value of the corresponding invoice; or
- if the Charter is cancelled less than 30 days prior to the commencement of the Charter, a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the value of the corresponding invoice.
If you have genuine concerns about the weather and wish to reschedule, you may do so before the scheduled departure time. A 5% rescheduling fee (based on the original Charter Fee) will apply. The credit from the Booking,
minus the rescheduling fee, can be used toward any available date or vessel within one month from the original booking date. Please note that not all vessels or dates may be available, and it is your responsibility to find and book online at current rates under the general terms within the existing availability. The one-month deadline is calculated from the original booking date and will not be extended if you reschedule multiple times. If the rescheduling deadline is not met, the credit will be forfeited.
Nothing in this clause limits your rights under the Australian Consumer Law where a refund is required.
Cancellations by us
In the unlikely event of an inability to provide the Vessel due to circumstances beyond our control (including, but not limited to yacht loss, breakdown, late return, staff illness), we will cancel the affected Charter and fully refund you the costs of the Booking. In such cases, you will receive a full refund, except where the Australian Consumer Law requires otherwise.
From
au$12,500.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Tour Code: 1292
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