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Party Boats Cairns

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Category: BoatsLocation: CairnsListings: 6

Cairns Boat Suppliers, Compared

What to Ask Before Booking a Boat

A private charter puts your group on its own boat, which turns a reef day into a party rather than a shared tour. Charters here split by departure area: boats leaving on the Port Douglas side head for Low Isles and the outer reef, while city-side boats cover Trinity Inlet and the Great Barrier Reef beyond it.

How the fleet breaks down by group size:

  • Up to about 11 guests: luxury catamarans, motor yachts and cruisers for reef days and overnight trips.
  • Around 20 to 25 guests: a red-sailed timber junk and a catamaran that heads to Low Isles or the outer reef.
  • Up to 120 guests: a big sailing catamaran on Trinity Inlet with a dance floor and kitchen for a full function.
  • Drinks: some boats allow BYO and others run a pay-as-you-go bar, so ask before you set the budget.
  • Food: most of these boats can arrange catering, from a seafood lunch to a chef on board.

Charter pricing depends on hours, numbers and catering, so ask each operator for a quote with your date and group size. A sail can anchor a team building day or a birthday party.

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Sea, season and the rebooking question

  • Wind and swell decide whether a reef day goes ahead, and the skipper makes the call.
  • Ask whether a cancelled charter is refunded, credited or moved to another date.
  • The dry season, roughly May to October, is the busier charter season, so hold a date early.
  • In the warmer months, ask whether stinger suits are on board for swimming and snorkelling.
  • Keep a backup date for any wet-season charter.

What to ask before you sign

  • Is the price for a set number of hours, and what does extra time cost?
  • How many guests are allowed on board for a day trip versus an overnight stay?
  • Who supplies food and drinks, and is there a corkage or BYO fee?
  • Is there shade, a toilet and somewhere to change on board?
  • What safety briefing and crew come with the charter?

Getting guests to the boat

  • Book a coach or minibus to the marina, since a group arriving together keeps the departure on time.
  • For a Port Douglas departure with guests staying in the city, plan the transfer both ways.
  • Agree a meeting point and a cut-off time with the skipper.

Everything You Need to Know About Boat Hire

Can a whole group charter a boat to Low Isles?

Yes. Some charters on the Port Douglas side take private groups to Low Isles, and others head to the outer reef. Ask how long the day runs and what is included.

Which boat suits a big function on Trinity Inlet?

The large sailing catamaran on the inlet takes up to 120 guests and has a dance floor, a kitchen and a sound system. It suits work functions, Christmas parties and birthdays.

Can we bring our own drinks on a private charter in the far north?

On some boats, yes. Others run a pay-as-you-go bar, so ask each operator about BYO, corkage and glass rules.

What happens to a reef charter if the weather turns?

The skipper can move or cancel a trip when wind or swell make it unsafe. Agree the rebooking or refund terms in writing before paying a deposit.

How many people fit on a small private yacht here?

The smaller luxury boats take between 8 and 11 guests, which suits a family celebration or a close group of friends.

Do Port Douglas and city-side charters go to the same places?

Not quite. Port Douglas boats tend to head to Low Isles and the outer reef, while city-side boats work Trinity Inlet and the reef off the coast.

Occasions perfect for boats