Located halfway between Brisbane and Cairns on the northeast Queensland coast of eastern Australia, the Whitsunday archipelago is comprised of 74 islands created when sea levels rose in ancient times and drowned the coastal mountain range. Now only the summits protrude above the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. They are topped with palms and tropical rain forests, and fringed with spectacular white-sand beaches. Part of the Great Barrier Reef lies just to the east, creating the world’s undisputed top snorkeling and scuba diving venue in a marine park where sea creatures thrive. Humpback whales, manta rays, stingrays, dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, mackerel, coral trout, sailfish, and black marlin all frequent these waters. The fishing is exceptional.
Only eight of the Whitsundays are inhabited and most of those isles have resorts, such as Hamilton Island, home to The Moorings Power in Australia. A Hamilton Island powerboat charter is a voyage into natural wonders highlighted with superb snorkeling and scuba diving, pristine beaches, and the unspoiled beauty of rugged isles mingled with fine dining, boutique shopping, and forays to bustling waterfront towns with lively nightlife. Power cruising in the Whitsundays is the adventure of a lifetime, one that will inspire fond memories for years to come.
A Hamilton Island powerboat charter in the Whitsunday Islands is set in brilliant aquamarine waters sheltered behind the stunningly beautiful Great Barrier Reef, which blocks the swells rolling in from the Coral Sea. The winds are generally light, between 10 and 20 MPH, assuring little chop during passages. The tidal range is impressive, running from 3 to 12 feet, which causes swift currents of up to 5 knots in narrow channels between islands. Navigation is mainly line-of-sight. A Hamilton Island charter is well within the reach of skippers confident in basic coastal navigation.
The weather is splendid all year. The coolest and driest season begins in July, at the height of the Australian winter, with average daily temperatures of 71°F (22°C) that increase slowly through the Australian summer in December, with average daily temperatures of 86°F (30°C). The wettest months are from January through March, and the driest months are in August and September. Scuba diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef is the best in the world, without exception. Visibility is generally excellent. The coldest water temperature is 70°F (21°C) in July. In December, it’s 84°F (29°C).
The Whitsundays are among the most beautiful tropical isles on Earth. Much of the area is undeveloped parkland, affording an opportunity to kayak, Windsurf, fish, swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in an unspoiled natural setting. A Hamilton Island powerboat charter conveys an experience that is both memorable and inspiring, relaxing and rejuvenating. Quiet anchorages abound, and when the desire to sample the fare at upscale restaurants or to hoist a few pints in traditional Down Under pubs takes hold, there are several places to go. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a highlight of any Hamilton Island powerboat charter. Seaplane or helicopter tours present a stunning aerial view of the outer reef, and guided fishing and diving excursions on the reef are just a few of the popular activities in the Whitsundays, the world’s premier power cruising ground.
The Great Barrier Reef was first discovered in June 1770 when a 41-year-old British naval lieutenant named James Cook sailed the bark Endeavour to Australia as part of a scientific expedition to the South Pacific. The size and extent of the reef impressed Cook, whose ship actually ran aground on it, causing severe damage to the hull. The reef continues to instill awe in all who see it. At 1,242 miles in length, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure in the world. It’s so massive it can be seen from outer space. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established in 1975 to protect the coral and the sea life that depends on it, and today it’s one of the richest ecosystems anywhere. A Hamilton Island powerboat charter wouldn’t be complete without a sojourn to the outer reef on a guided excursion by water or by air.
Hamilton Island Resort is one of the premier vacation destinations in the Whitsundays. Four and five-star hotels, a marina, a boutique shopping village, upscale restaurants, swimming pools, pristine beaches, walking trails, and much more are all part of a visit to the island retreat. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the Koala Gallery Wildlife Experience, which features a sanctuary for kangaroos, koala bears, wallabies, wombats, and Tasmanian devils, as well as crocs that would make the legendary film character Crocodile Dundee proud. It’s a great place to learn about the creatures that make Australia unique.
Stretching more than five miles along the shores of Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is one of the finest on Earth. The sand is composed almost entirely of quartz crystals worn smooth by the power of the sea, giving the beach a snow-white appearance that is simply dazzling. The crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea lap gently on the shore and beyond are scenic slopes cloaked in a lush green rain forest. Cruising to Whitehaven Beach is a must on any Hamilton Island powerboat charter.
At the north end of Hook Island is picturesque Mantaray Bay, a special management area set aside to maintain the exquisite beauty of the undersea scenery. Billed as the best snorkeling and scuba diving site in the Whitsunday Islands, the sheltered waters teem with all manner of tropical fish swimming amid hard and soft coral formations. Manta rays and the impressive Maori Wrasse put in regular appearances during the winter months. For scuba divers there are numerous valleys, caves, and swim-throughs that will intrigue and inspire. Visibility is exceptional and water depths extend to 82 feet.
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