Planning a bareboat holiday in the Whitsundays should feel exciting — not overwhelming.
Whether you're brand new to chartering or returning for another trip, we'll help you choose the right boat, shape your itinerary and feel more confident before you leave the marina.
Download the Ultimate Guide to Bareboating
Since 1985, Cumberland Charter Yachts has helped guests enjoy unforgettable Whitsundays holidays with a modern fleet, local knowledge and practical support. Whether you're travelling as a couple, family or group of friends, we're here to help you plan a holiday that suits your crew, budget and style of adventure.
We help take the guesswork out of planning so you can focus on the kind of holiday you want to have.
Decades of local charter experience in the Whitsundays means you're in experienced hands.
Monohulls, sailing catamarans and power catamarans for different budgets and holiday styles.
Support choosing the right boat, trip style and practical planning details before you depart.
Use our itineraries, planning tools and destination resources to shape a trip that suits your crew.
If you've never chartered before, you're not alone. Many of our guests are planning their first bareboat holiday in the Whitsundays.
One of the biggest surprises for first-timers is how achievable it can be with the right support, the right vessel and the right preparation.
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These five steps will help you narrow down the kind of holiday you want and the boat that suits it best.
A bareboat holiday is ideal for people who want more freedom, privacy and flexibility than a resort-style holiday can offer.
You can set your own pace, choose your own route and wake up in a different anchorage each day.
It's a great fit for couples, families, groups of friends and mixed-generation holidays.
Before choosing a boat, it helps to picture the kind of holiday you want to have.
Some guests plan around school holidays, while others choose quieter periods outside peak travel times.
Weather preferences, trip length, work schedules and vessel availability can all play a part.
Are you planning a holiday for one couple, a family with children, multiple families or a group of friends?
Once you know how many guests are travelling and how you'd like everyone to sleep, it becomes much easier to choose the right vessel layout and level of comfort.
Not sure whether you want to sail or motor? You're not the only one.
Monohulls suit guests who enjoy the feel of traditional sailing.
Sailing catamarans are popular for their space, comfort and stability.
Power catamarans are a great option for guests who prefer space, comfort and stable cruising without managing sails.
Yes — sailing catamarans also have engines, so they can still be a practical option even if you don't plan to sail. That gives you more vessel choices if power cats are unavailable.
Compare the feel of each vessel type to help narrow down what suits your crew best.
A great option for guests who love the experience of sailing and want a classic yacht holiday.
One of the most popular choices for families and groups wanting comfort, room to spread out and the option to sail.
Ideal for guests who want the comfort and space of a catamaran without handling sails.
Explore practical tools to better understand where you can go, what to expect and how to prepare for your charter.
See available public moorings and start understanding your route options.
View mooring mapsFind approved overnight and daytime anchorages to shape a practical itinerary.
View anchoragesCheck tidal information to help plan movement, access and timing during your trip.
View tide tablesStart with sample itineraries based on trip length and travel style.
View itinerariesUnderstand seasonal conditions and choose dates that suit your ideal holiday style.
View weather infoUse our experience calculator to get a rough sense of how your knowledge lines up with a charter.
Check your experienceWelcome back. More than 40% of our guests have chartered with Cumberland before. If you've chartered elsewhere but are new to the Whitsundays, our local knowledge and planning tools can help you get more out of your trip.
The Whitsundays offer sheltered waterways, beautiful anchorages, fringing reefs, island resorts and world-famous beaches. Our planning tools can help you understand what's possible for your timeframe.
View suggested itinerariesChoosing the right operator matters just as much as choosing the right boat. Explore why so many guests choose Cumberland for their Whitsundays holiday.
Why choose CumberlandMany guests are surprised by the value of a bareboat holiday — especially when costs are shared across couples, families or friends.
Your boat becomes your accommodation, your transport and your base for exploring the islands — all in one.
Explore our current specials for additional savings and bonuses.
It depends on your boating background, confidence and the type of vessel you choose.
A formal boat licence is not required, but some boating experience works in your favour.
Yes — many families love the flexibility, privacy and adventure of a Whitsundays charter holiday.
Whether you already know what type of boat you want or you're still figuring out whether a bareboat holiday is right for you — we're here to help.
