• Dwarf Minke Whale expeditions June to July | Last Spots available 14 June & 7th July 2024! 
• Spectacular coral spawning dive trips Oct - Nov
• Day charter maximum 12 guests, extended/overnight 9 guests.
• 70ft (22m) motor yacht cruising the waters of the Great Barrier Reef on Minke Whale expeditions, snorkelling and diving tours, scientific expeditions, films and televison
• Cabin accommodation for up to 9 guests in 3 staterooms all with ensuites and individually controlled air-conditioning 
• Our Osprey Reef diving tours are legendary amongst divers. Hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, barracuda, tuna, white tip reef sharks and more 
• If its a fishing trip you are after then we will take you to remote regions to catch giant Black Marlin, or some light tackle game fishing or estuary fishing for barramundi, we have you covered  
• Kite surfing holidays are a big passion of the crew on our luxury charter boat. We can teach you to kite surf or you can spend your days kite surfing the Great Barrier Reef 

Cairns luxury yacht charters on a 70 foot charter boat that sleeps up to 9 guests on overnight and extended cruises on the Great Barrier Reef of Cairns, Port Douglas, Lizard Island and the Whitsundays.

Swim with Minke Whale 5 Night Charter Options:

• Dwarf Minke Whale expeditions June to July - Last Spots available 14 June & 7th July 2024! 

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our exclusive "Swim with Minke Whales Expedition Charters" in the tropical paradise of North Queensland. This unparalleled experience is available only during the limited months of June and July as the Dwarf Minke Whales migrate to the warmer waters of Tropical North Queensland.

With just a few spots remaining for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you and a select group of five other guests can revel in a 5-night charter departing from Yorkey's Knob Marina, just 20 minutes north of Cairns (or opt for a Lizard Island pickup). Your adventure includes a private charter on the 70ft yacht with 3 airconditioned staterooms with private ensuites, freshly prepared meals, non-alcoholic beverages, snorkelling equipment, paddle boards, fishing gear, exclusive Swim with Whale Permits, highly experienced Captain & crew, plus optional* scuba diving & kite surfing! Seize the chance to encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat – an adventure like no other awaits!

What we like about this Cairns Charter Boat:

• The Captain and crew have been cruising the Great Barrier Reef for over 20 years
• The crew are avid adventurers who love kite surfing, diving with sharks, swimming with minke whales and ship wreck hunting
• The 22m (70ft) charter yacht designed for optimum space and comfort with stabilisers for smooth travelling
• Comfortably accommodates 9 guests in 3 ensuite staterooms overnight - air-conditioned
• Day charters cater for 12 guests
• Satelite phone/boat phone is available upon request
• Internet coverage depending on boat location
• Ask us about creating your very own specialised marine life expeditions

Cairns Luxury Charter Boat

Built purely for comfort, space and relaxation, she is one of the best luxury private charter boats available in Cairns, Port Douglas and Tropical Far North Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef.

Built in 2011, this private charter boat is modern, chic and luxurious and is equipped with all the state of the art technology including high speed internet and hydraulic stabilisers for an ultra-smooth ride across the Coral Sea.

The boats stabilisers are paddle-like arms that counteract the natural roll from the swell underneath the boat allowing for minimal movement while the boat is steaming which is perfect for those guests that may experience a little seasickness.

The stabilisers also ensure a good night’s rest for when the boat is moving to another new diving location for its guests to wake up to the next day.

All your needs wants and desires are taken care of on your private charter boat cruise thru Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. All you need to do is sit back, relax and absorb the breath taking views as you embark on a memorable adventure of a life time for you, your family and friends!

Cairns Private Charter Boat-Luxury Appointments

3x luxury state rooms all fitted with LCD flat screen televisions complete with Foxtel channels and DVD Players.

All guest rooms have their own private en-suites. She can sleep up to 9 guests with bunk beds.

• Master suite with a king size bed which can convert into two king bunk beds or four single bunk beds
• VIP suite with a double bed which can convert into two single beds
• Guest room with a double bed and a single bunk

Entertainment Areas On Board

Huge Saloon/Lounge area with large LCD flat screen television complete with Foxtel channels and DVD Players. Lounge area transforms into a formal dining room.
2 x open air sun decks (upper & forward decks)
2 x covered alfresco dining areas (upper & aft decks)

Meet The Luxury Yacht Crew

Captain:

Your luxury charter boate crew includes one of the most experienced Skippers in Cairns and Far North Queensland.

Starting his nautical career over a decade ago on scuba diving liveaboard, Spirit of Freedom as a qualified chef and dive master he is also a qualified engineer, he soon became a master skipper and has been exploring the waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the Cape York Peninsular waters ever since!

He knows all the best scuba diving sites and uncharted fishing locations! Some of his diving experience includes Shark and Whale research expeditions on the former Undersea Explorer with the marine encounter extraordinaire, John Rumney.

Just a few years ago he was involved in a world first, 10 hour live underwater broadcast from the Great Barrier Reef with Richard Fitzpatrick and the James Cook University.

A project that was 6 months in the making with collaboration of world-wide marine and scientific researchers, Google, U tube and Skype.

The On Board Personal Chef:

Your very own on board private chef will create substantial gourmet meals throughout the charter and even surprise you with some very high quality meals from the compact galley with the freshly caught morsels found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Your private chef will cater for all tastes and any special dietary requirements that you might have with advance notice when you book your private charter boat.

Hostess/Deckhand:

The Hostess/Deckhand is the vessel’s all-rounder. Not only will she help the Captain and the Chef, she ensures you don’t have to lift a finger your entire Great Barrier Reef holiday!

Anything from house-keeping, waitressing to rubbing sun cream on your back! The Host/Deckhand is at your beck and call!

She is also a fully qualified PADI Dive Instructor that can assist with all your scuba diving needs and can show you some of the best scuba diving locations on the Great Barrier Reef.

Cruising Destinations For Your Private Boat Charter from Cairns

Our  luxury motor cruisers home port is Half Moon Bay Marina, Yorkey’s Knob, a 10 minute drive north from the Cairns central business district.

Depending on the length of charter, the luxury yacht can venture anywhere from Port Douglas, Low Isles, Cairns, Lizard Island, The Coral Sea, the magnificent Whitsundays, The Cape York Peninsular and anywhere in between for various charter costs .

Bespoke private charter Itineraries can be tailored to suit your desired adventures and the time frame you have available to enjoy the offerings of the Great Barrier Reef.  

Whether it be deep sea fishing the most remote locations for the prized red fish or sports fish, a scuba diving and snorkelling underwater adventure or lazing about on a palm fringed island or secluded sand cay along the edges of the outer Barrier Reef. You’re only limited by your budget and imagination!

If you are short on time private charter helicopter and fixed wing aircraft can be arranged for you to meet the boat at various locations from Cairns to Cooktown, Cape York or Lizard Island to the Whitsundays or any other destination you require.

Please note there may be charges for the boat to be in a specific location at a specific time - relocation costs

Swim With minke Whales Expedition Charters - June July

Tropical North Queensland is the best best to swim with Minke Whales during the months of June & July.

Stretching over 2,000 kilometres along the coast of Queensland on the east side of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the greatest reef system in the world.

The Great Barrier Reef emcompasses thousands of individual coral reefs and hundreds of continental islands, reef islands and cays, small bare sand cays, and permanent vegetated cays.

During a couple of months each year (June to July) we organise special expedition charters tp "Swim with Minke Whales".

You and 5 other guests can now enjoy this one of a lifetime opportunity to swim with these gentle Minke Whales.

Our charter boat departs from Yorkeys Knob Marina, 20 minutes north of Cairns however to make the most of your time along the Ribbons Reef we recommend you fly to Lizard Island (extra cost) and depart from there and we will drop you off at Yorkeys Knob Marina or Cairns Marina (extra cost applies) at the end of your charter.

Another way to maximise your time on the Great Barrier Reef is to depart at around 4:00pm on day one so we travel all night long so you are on location ready for snorkelling and diving the following morning.

Recommended dates:

• 14 to 27 June, 2024
• 7 to 19 July, 2024

Suggested Private Boat Charter Itineraries

Day Charter 8:00am to 5:00pm

Vlasoff Cay (Full Day):

With an early morning departure from the Yorkey’s Knob Marina at 8:00am for a relaxing 1.5 hr cruise to the edge of the Great Barrier Reef you can sit back relax and watch as the day comes alive and your senses begin to buzz with the excitement of the adventure ahead.

As we steam to Vlasoff Cay you can have a line set to try your luck at some trawling for game fish or just sit back and enjoy the colours of the reef with morning tea and a tropical fruit tasting.

We arrive at approximately 10:00am at a secluded Outer Barrier Reef location for some snorkelling and scuba diving or if you prefer some fishing.

Around the middle of the day you will be served a gourmet luncheon then you can choose between another scuba dive, snorkel, or a walk around the breath-taking Vlasoff Sand Cay and a swim in the shallow crystal blue waters.

People arrive on this sand cay and never want to leave as the colours are mesmerising and the warm waters and marine life that surround are everything that holiday makers dream of when they are sitting in their corporate office towers in the middle of a cold dark winter’s day.

 Just relax on the cruise back to Cairns with a few cold drinks and canapés before arriving at Yorkeys Knob Marina at approximately 5:30pm.

Maximum 12 guests
Includes lunch provided by a qualified private chef.
Alcohol is pre-purchased as your cost. Just let us know your preferences and we will supply

Overnight Charter:

Vlasoff Cay (Overnight):

If you are really wanting to experience the Great Barrier Reef fully you need to indulge and spend more time soaking up the mesmerizing beauty of the Great Barrier Reef by booking a private overnight charter for your family or friends in the luxury guest cabins on the motor cruiser.

You could be enjoying evening drinks and canapés on the top deck as the sun goes down whilst the gourmet chef creates an unforgettable meal for you to enjoy the last rays of the day over the coral sea.

Wake up to a delicious breakfast to enjoy while cruising back to the marina and arriving at approximately 10:00am.

Includes 2 breakfasts, lunch, canapés, dinner and dessert provided by a qualified chef.

Extended Luxury Yacht Charters:

***2 Day Yacht Charters***

On arrival at the Yorkey's Knob Boat Marina at 8:00am you are greeted with a light breakfast on board and an introduction to the crew before departing for one of the spectacular Outer Barrier destinations on your two day private charter cruise.

On the cruise out, soak up the sun and views of the tropical, palm-fringed coastline or troll for a Spanish mackerel or tuna that the chef can prepare for your gourmet lunch.

The Great Barrier Reef is yours to enjoy as are all the water sports equipment on board the boat. From light tackle sports fishing to snorkelling or scuba diving at the best reefs in the Cairns region the skipper will ensure your day is filled with experiences and adventures you will never forget.

Between all the activities offered on your private charter motor yacht, you will enjoy gourmet meals freshly prepared by the chef for lunch, afternoon canapés and dinner as the sun sets.

Spend a few hours under the stars on the top deck before settling in to your luxury private cabin to get a good night's sleep before another full day of aquatic adventures.

Whilst you are enjoying your sleep, the boat will be moved to a new location where you will wake up refreshed and ready to start the day with a whole new coral reef to enjoy.

If you are up early enough you can begin the day witnessing a breathtaking sunrise over the coral reef and an alfresco breakfast on the aft deck.

Being out on the ocean really gives you an appetite so the chef always ensures he has a wide selection of breakfast offerings for all on-board guests.

Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the underwater views scuba diving or snorkelling with the highly experienced and qualified dive masters on board.

If you’re the adventurous type you could take the ultimate scuba diving experience and partake in a night dive to see the reef come alive after dark and navigate the coral reefs to find the fish and marine life that normally hide during daylight hours.

For those guests staying topside try your luck at catching the highly prized coral trout on a hand line or chase delicious red emperors with your lines set after sunset.

After another fun filled day on the reef, get a good night’s rest while the skipper cruises back towards the marina. Wake up to a light breakfast on board before departing back to your Cairns accommodation or your flight from the Cairns airport.

Maximum 7 guests
Includes 2 breakfasts, lunch, canapés, dinner provided by a qualified chef.
Reef locations are weather dependent and may include Linden Bank, Spur, Onyx, Nicholas and Hope Reefs

3 Day Luxury Yacht Charters

Arrive at Yorkeys Knob Marina at 6:00pm to meet the motor boats crew and enjoy a lovely dinner prepared by the on-board chef before settling in to your cabin for the overnight cruise to the remote Ribbon Reefs on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Your cruise out to the Ribbon Reefs will be smooth due to the boats on board stabilisers ensuring a good night’s rest for all. The Ribbon Reefs are world renowned for their vast coral diversity and richness of fish and other marine species.

Spend the next two days exploring the reefs underwater or topside as the skipper shares his expertise on these remote snorkelling and scuba diving locations.

All meals are prepared a qualified chef so if you have any special requests please ensure you advise us early when booking the private charter.

The days in water and on deck activities will be adapted to fit your needs and desires. Activities can include fishing from the well-equipped tender, drift dives along the outer reef walls to see the spectacular marine life that group here and snorkelling or scuba diving in the shallows amongst the coral gardens and giant clams.

Spend your second night at another equally impressive and secluded reef anchorage. On your third night, the skipper will cruise south while you are sleeping. Soak up your last day strolling on a stunning solitary sand cay or sun baking on the bow of your luxury charter boat.

Canapés and drinks are served on the top deck while you reminisce over the last three days of adventures before arriving back at the Yorkey’s Knob Marina. 

Maximum 7 guests

Includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, daily canapés, 3 dinners provided by a qualified chef.
Reef locations are weather dependent.
All water sports equipment

6 Day/7 Night Luxury Yacht Charters - Coral Sea

Day 1

We will arrange to fly you and your group to Lizard Island in a privately chartered plane where you will board MV Aroona and meet your ship’s crew who will soon become friends over the next six days.

Enjoy a sumptuous luncheon created by the on-board chef before heading out to explore the majestic Lizard Island in all its beauty. Lizard Island is well known in the world of the rich, famous and influential as a luxurious hideaway from the business world and a luxurious honeymoon destination so you will really feel very special to be given the opportunity to explore some of the islands treasures. 

After lunch your Great Barrier Reef journey and adventure begins when you take a hike up to Cook’s Look for a spectacular view over the Ribbon Reefs, a hike over to the famous Blue Lagoon and explore the southern side of Lizard Island, relax on the beach at Watson’s Bay or settle in to your cabin and enjoy the boats luxurious amenities.

Spend your first evening on the top deck with a sunset barbeque in the sheltered anchorage of the famed Watson’s Bay as the warm winds brush over the oceans water.

Day 2

An exciting adventure is ahead of you on day 2 as you wake up at the world famous Cod Hole. This is one of the most talked about destinations where you can scuba dive with a family of  giant potato cod that swim with you and happily interact with you for hours on end. Scuba dive amongst these rich coral gardens where you will see a huge array of marine creatures such as turtles, Maori Wrasse, Stingrays, Pygmy Seahorses harmless reef sharks and much more.

Top side, cruise out into the deep blue and try your luck catching giant trevally, wahoo, mahi mahi and other game fish on the very edge of Australia’s continental shelf where they feed.

End your perfect day with drinks and canapés whilst sharing your personal experiences. Your crew will advise you to keep your eyes occasionally fixed on the oceans waters to see the hundreds of spinner dolphins as they make their way out the reef passage to feed nightly on sunset.

After dinner, get a good night’s sleep as your skipper transports you to the remote atoll, Osprey Reef, out in the middle of the Coral Sea.

Day 3-5

Be prepared for the next three action-packed days at some of the best scuba diving sites and most talked about coral reef scuba diving sites in the world.

With 1000m vertical reef walls and visibility typically at 50m or more, you will be pleasured by the clearness of your underwater visibility. Just slowly drift past soft coral gardens, take in the massive schooling pelagic fish, and swim with the grey reef, silvertip and white tip reef sharks as they cruise on by minding their own business.

This area is well known for spotting the majestic and graceful manta rays and hammerhead sharks that come in to get a free clean and service from the sucker fish at the reefs cleaning stations.

Try your luck at catching some fresh fish for the on-board chef to prepare for your evening meal after an exciting day exploring the depths Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Day 6

It’s your last day on the Great Barrier Reef so enjoy your snorkel, dive and fish before a leisurely cruise with an ETA to Lizard Island around midday.

Here the chef will prepare your final gourmet meal before you board the flight back to Cairns after one of the most memorable weeks of your life!

Maximum 7 guests
All Great Barrier Reef locations mentioned are weather dependent

Charter Boat Options

With the booking of a luxury Cairns charter boat on the Great Barrier Reef you can add any extra special options such as swimming with Dwarf Minke Whales during the month of June - July, scuba diving, spearfishing, kite surfing, helicopter flights and more.

This luxury 70 foot motor cruiser is one of the best private charter boats in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef and she can be chartered from as far south as the Whitsundays and Hamilton Island and northwards to Lizard Island, Cape York and Weipa dependant on the season and current private charter bookings.

If you are looking for the best way to see and really experience the magic of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef then a private charter boat may be something you should consider when visiting Cairns and Far North Queensland.

Our luxury charter yacht is available for a 1 day private charter or multiple overnight charters from the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island all the way up to Cape York and Weipa for the game fishing seasons.

Her home base is Cairns and she is a 70 foot luxury cruiser that sleeps up to 6 guests (can be extended to 9 guests - bunk beds - extra rates apply) on liveaboard private charters and caters to a maximum of 12 guests on a one day boat charter.

She is the perfect boat for guests that may experience sea sickness as she has built in stabilisers to help keep her steady whilst underway.

She is also available for private charter over the Dwarf Minke Whale season and her crew are highly qualified marine biologists, scuba diver instructors and trained chefs and engineers.

All our Great Barrier Reef private boat charters are catered for individually so if you have any special needs or requests please do not hesitate to ask.

View our wide range of charter boats.

Luxury Yacht Specifications

• Length: 22 m (70ft)
• Beam: 5.6 m (18'6")
• Draft: 1.52m (5')
• Engines: Twin Caterpillar C-9 500hp
• Fuel capacity: 8500L (2300 US gallons)
• Water captivity: 1500L (400 US gallons)
• Water maker 6600L (1800 US gallons) per day
• ABT 'Trac' 220 stabilizers
• Stern and bow thrusters

Passenger capacity: maximum 12 guests on day charters and a maximum of  7 guests on overnight and extended Great Barrier Reef tours

*Additional charges may apply

Extra Special Things About this Luxury Cairns Private Charter Boat

Special Seasonal Charter Expeditions You Can Join

She can be booked for private fishing tours to the top end of Australia for the Barramundi season of April-June
Perfect for Mother Shipping to the Cairns Game Fishing Fleet
Join in on Shark Research Expeditions to Osprey Reef
Swim with Dwarf Minke Whales (June to July) book early
Night Coral Spawning Scuba diving tours (Oct-Nov)
Available for private charter for films and research tours

Please note all private yacht charters include

Snorkelling equipment, sea kayaks, water sports equipment, beach towels, fishing gear, all meals, soft drinks and juices. Alcoholic beverages can be pre-ordered at your cost.

See more private charter boats in the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Day charters 8:00am to 6:00pm
• Extended charters 4.00pm to 9.00am

Departure Instructions

This vessel departs from Yorkeys Knob Marina 15 to 20 minutes from Cairns city

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches

• Boat can be relocated by negotiation

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Far North Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Carpentaria, Arnhem land, Kimberly and Southern Barrier Reef 

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Day or extended charters

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Alcohol beverages - at cost price
• Dive Instructor $350 per day
• Fishing guide $350 per day
• Additional Fishing tender $350 per day
• Minke whale permit $380 per day  (swim with whales)
• Full set dive gear $80 per day -3 days $50 per day 4 + days $45 per day
• Kite surfing equipment $80 per day -3 days $50 per day 4 + days $45 per day
• Sea Scooters: 1 or 2, $250 per scooter
• Portable glass bottom inflatable pontoon $500 per day only charged for the days used
• Private helicopter and charter aircraft transfers
• Relocation fees if applicable
• Shark Diving: swim amongst the sharks at Osprey Reef
• Minke Whale expeditions: get up close and personal and swim with Dwarf Minke Whales (seasonal) Swim with Dwarf Minke Whale permit required and can be arranged an additional fee so advance notification is required.
• Private car transfers: limousine and private car transfers can be arranged for pick-up and return to your Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation.

Fitness Level Required

Low

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.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.