Private Cruises in the Whitsundays: Options & Prices
Your own boat, your own crew, your own schedule — from two-hour sunset sails to full-day exclusive charters, with real prices.
What counts as a private cruise?
Any charter where the boat is exclusively yours. In the Whitsundays that spans four formats — the right one depends on your group size, occasion and budget.
The four formats
- Sunset sail (2 hours, 10–40 guests): tallship or catamaran at golden hour with a drink in hand. $60–$100/head. The best price-to-memory ratio on this list.
- Private half-day cruise (10–25 guests): swimming, snorkelling, island stop — your group only. $120–$200/head.
- Private full-day charter (8–30 guests): Whitehaven + snorkel + lunch, custom itinerary. $200–$350/head.
- Luxury crewed charter (6–12 guests): premium motor yacht or sailing cat with skipper, chef and water toys — half-day to multi-day. $300–$1,000+/head.
When a private cruise beats a shared tour
- Milestones: proposals, anniversaries, milestone birthdays — privacy does the heavy lifting
- Groups of 10+: past about ten people, private charters hit price parity with premium shared tours
- Small children: your schedule, your swim stops, your nap times
- Photography: no crowds in frame, and crews who know the light
Booking notes
BYO is common on sailing charters (cans, no glass); catering from platters to chef-prepared is arrangeable with notice. Peak season weekends book 4–8 weeks out. Confirm the swim stop, the music setup and the wet-weather reschedule terms before paying the deposit.
Your Questions, Answered
How much does a private cruise cost in the Whitsundays?
From $60–$100/head for a two-hour sunset sail to $300+/head for luxury full-day charters. Private means the boat price divided by your group.
What's the minimum group size?
None technically — couples book private sunset sails constantly. Economics just improve with numbers.
Can you arrange proposals?
Yes — crews do them regularly. Tell the operator; most will help with timing, a quiet anchorage and even photography.
Private cruise vs shared tour?
Shared tours win on price for small groups; private wins on flexibility, privacy and experience. Past ~10 guests, private often matches on price.
The Boat Deck Is Yours
Every private option, compared with the shared alternatives.
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