The Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Yacht Charter – Sailing Vacation Itinerary

Example Yacht Charter Itiniary – Great Barrier Reef  

Great Barrier Reef Yacht Charter – Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart Cairns and cruise past the picturesque Snapper Island and the mouth of the Daintree River. Enjoy the spectacular views of the world heritage rainforest clad mountains and the Great Barrier Reef as you familiarise yourself with your vessel. You can try your hand at trolling as we cruise to Mackay Sand Cay. It is a very pretty place with abundant bird life and the perfect place for an introductory snorkel or even an introductory scuba dive. At the end of the day you can relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the magnificent sun set behind the Alexander Range.

DAY 2: Cruise to the outer reef to see the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef at her best. We will spend the day snorkelling or diving. here there is a profusion of corals and hundreds of colourful reef fish for your underwater entertainment. Depending on weather conditions and level of comfort required we can anchor at many uninhabited islands or anchor behind the outer Barrier Reef which is extremely comfortable and puts the most fantastic reef in the world, a step off the transom. Tonight we can enjoy a BBQ of succulent freshly caught painted lobster or delicious reef fish served with fresh salads and fine Australian wines under the twinkling stars. There is no place on earth quite like it!

DAY 3: We head north along the famous Ribbon Reefs or alternatively do some island hopping – Hope Isles, Two Isles which are situated on the inner reef. The outer reef provides the best snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing but the inner islands provide a lovely place to stretch the legs, beautiful beach walks at sunset, fishing, crabbing and some very pleasant and relaxed snorkelling, swimming and sun bathing.

DAY 4: Would also be spent with either an outer reef or island destination

DAY 5: We cruise to Lizard Island, a stunning continental island. Lizard Island is referred to as the “Jewel of the Reef”. Here we have an exclusive resort and more secluded beaches than you could visit in a week. There is a walk to the lookout that is highly recommended for its spectacular views of the reef, this is the same spot from which Captain James Cook, who discovered Australia, also viewed the scenery. Lizard Island has a variety of reefs fringing the island with such spectacular sights as the “clam gardens” – coral gardens full of amazingly coloured giant clams, some over a metre in length. There is quite a choice of activities, either snorkelling, scuba diving, beach walking and exploring the island. We can arrange picnics or beach Barbecues.

DAY 6: Two places which are a must when visiting Lizard Island are Mermaid Cove and Blue Lagoon, named for its amazing colour, is a sheltered lagoon area surrounded by white sandy beaches. The only life we find here are birds and the occasional monitor lizard (for which the island is named) who will happily inspect any morsels you care to share. Your own private paradise. No visit to the Ribbon Reefs and Lizard Island would be complete without a snorkel or dive at the Cod Hole, the world famous Potato Cod, up to 1,000lb each gather in this area and can be hand fed. It is truly an incredible feeling to swim with these huge, but harmless creatures. 

Great Barrier Reef Yacht Charter – Itinerary – DAY 7: Perhaps a relaxing morning on the beach, a swim and a snorkel before a sumptuous lunch and then get ready for spectacular flight over the Ribbon Reefs back to Cairns International Airport. What a great way to finish your trip.