The Best Boat Hire in Airlie Beach

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Looking for the best boat hire in Airlie Beach, Queensland? As the buzzing hub to the stunning Whitsundays and gateway to the gorgeous Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is one of Australia’s best water playgrounds and has a great selection of boats available to hire.

What types of boat hire are available in Airlie Beach?

There are two types of boat hire available in Airlie Beach. With Airlie Boat Hire, you can hire a boat for the day, or longer if you wish, with a valid boat licence. They also have the option to take out their smaller boat without a boat licence, but you need to stay within the restricted boundaries – still enough fun for a day out, exploring the amazing Airlie Beach bay, fishing, swimming and snorkelling.

The other types of hire are called Bareboat experiences, where you skipper the boat yourself. These typically have a minimum number of nights that need to be booked and are more of a holiday hire rather than just a day cruise. Allow yourself plenty of time for the first morning briefing and getting the boat back on time; 4 days is often the minimum recommendation. Surprisingly, and this doesn’t happen in many places worldwide, you do not need a boat licence!

Check out this inspiring video from Secret.Travel.Guide and read more here for some really useful information on sailing the Whitsundays:

Experience is much preferred, but training is available to boost those confidence levels. Safety and vessel briefings are given in great detail, and your planning of the adventure will be helped by an experienced team. Charter companies also make themselves available 24/7 in case of assistance and are happy to be there throughout your charter. They are also available to be on board for the whole holiday for you if this is an option you would prefer. You can visit most islands in the Whitsundays however, there are boundaries in case you want to go off exploring further! These boundaries make this experience available to everyone, not just those with licences and boating knowledge. It truly is the ultimate way to explore the Whitsundays!

Here are our top 5 boat hires in Airlie Beach…

Airlie Boat Hire

This popular self-drive boat hire in Airlie Beach is a perfect way to hit the water for the day. With small to medium-sized vessels available, this is the most straightforward way to get out on the water, soaking up those Whitsunday vibes. Whether it’s snorkelling, swimming, diving, fishing or just relaxing, hire your own boat in Airlie Beach and do it at your own pace.

Airlie Boat Hire is the most convenient and cheapest boat hire in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.

Whitsunday Escape

Whitsunday Escape offers boat hire in Airlie Beach where you become the skipper in this bareboat yacht experience. Create your own holiday by choosing what suits you and your needs. Choose your own boat, itinerary, pace, and memories to be made with Whitsunday Escape.

They have the largest self-contained, sleep onboard, and modern fleet of boats with sailing yachts, catamarans and powerboats available. The hardest part will be deciding which one to take on your water adventure!

Queensland Yacht Charters

Queensland Yacht Charters are where you can really sail off into the sunset! Hire your own boat in the Whitsundays and explore these beautiful tropical islands. Starting with a minimum 5-day charter, Queensland Yacht Charters offers luxury at the highest level, especially as they are a member of the worldwide leading charter company, Dream Yacht Charter.

With the experience and knowledge of the charter team, you can be confident that this dream holiday will be pure relaxation at its finest!

Portland Roads – Sailing The Whitsundays

Don’t miss the opportunity to tick another experience off the bucket list with Portland Roads. Hire your own catamaran and create a holiday of a lifetime with loved ones. Imagine mooring overnight at one of the beautiful and pristine marinas available, where you can explore tropical islands, adding to the adventure and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Cumberland Charter Yachts

With a fleet of floating hotels in the shape of sailing yachts, catamarans and power vessels, Cumberland Charter Yachts offers the perfect self hire holiday. Soak in the scenic views on every turn with an unforgettable and unique experience. And who doesn’t want to spend the day anchored at a secluded white, sandy bay?

Don’t miss this incredible experience of hiring your own boat in Airlie Beach and exploring the Whitsundays your way! Whilst there are many boat trips and tours available across the whole of the Great Barrier Reef, there is nothing better than being able to explore with your own agenda and at your own pace. The Whitsundays wouldn’t want it any other way!

Whitsunday Rent a Yacht

Located at Shute Harbour, just a 10-minute drive from Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Rent a Yacht has a private jetty and bespoke service. Their Shute Harbour location is the closest mainland port to the islands, making travel time to your first anchorage much quicker.

Rent a Yacht have a range of boats in its fleet to suit all budgets, with the jewel in the crown being a luxury Leopard 50 catamaran, the only kind available for bareboat charter in Australia.

Check out their great blog for inspiration and ideas on making the most of your time in the Whitsundays.

Dreaming of exploring the Whitsundays? Have you hired a boat or yacht from Airlie Beach before? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.