
Looking for the best boat hire in Airlie Beach? As the buzzing hub to the stunning Whitsundays and gateway to the gorgeous Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is one of Australia’s best water playgrounds and has a great selection of boats available to hire.
There are two types of boat hire available in Airlie Beach. With Airlie Boat Hire, you can hire a boat for the day, or longer if you wish, with a valid boat licence. They also have the option to take out their smaller boat without a boat licence but you need to stay within the restricted boundaries – still fun for a day out though exploring the amazing Airlie Beach bay, fishing, swimming and snorkelling.

The other types of hire are called Bareboat experiences where you skipper the boat yourself. These typically have a minimum number of nights that need to be booked and are more of a holiday hire, rather than just a day cruise. Surprisingly though, and this doesn’t happen in many places around the world, you do not need a boat licence!
Experience is much preferred but training is available to boost those confidence levels. Safety and vessel briefings are given in great detail and your planning of the adventure will be helped by an experienced team. Charter companies also make themselves available 24/7 in the case of assistance and happy to be there throughout your charter. They are also available to be onboard for the whole holiday for you if this is an option you would prefer. You can visit most islands in the Whitsundays however, there are boundaries in case you wanted to go off exploring further! Having these boundaries makes this experience available to everyone, not just those with licences and boating knowledge. It truly is the ultimate way to explore the Whitsundays!
Here are our top 5 boat hires in Airlie Beach…
Airlie Boat Hire
This popular self drive boat hire in Airlie Beach is a perfect way to hit the water for the day. With small to medium sized vessels available, this is the most straightforward way to get out on the water, soaking up those Whitsunday vibes. Whether it’s snorkelling, swimming, diving, fishing or just relaxing, hire your own boat in Airlie Beach and do it at your own pace.
Airlie Boat Hire are the most convenient and cheapest boat hire in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.

Whitsunday Escape
Whitsunday Escape offer boat hire in Airlie Beach where you become the skipper in this bareboat yacht experience. Create your own holiday by choosing what suits you and your needs. Choose your own boat, itinerary, pace and memories to be made with Whitsunday Escape.
They have the largest self-contained, sleep onboard and modern fleet of boats with sailing yachts, catamarans and power boats available. The hardest part will be deciding which one to take on your water adventure!
Queensland Yacht Charters
Queensland Yacht Charters are where you really can sail off into the sunset! Hire your own boat in the Whitsundays and explore these beautiful tropical islands. Starting with a minimum 5 day charter, Queensland Yacht Charters offer luxury at the highest level, especially as they are a member of the worldwide leading charter company, Dream Yacht Charter.
With the experience and knowledge of the charter team, you can be confident that this dream holiday will be pure relaxation at its finest!

Portland Roads – Sailing The Whitsundays
Don’t miss the opportunity to tick another experience off the bucket list with Portland Roads. Hire your own catamaran and create a holiday of a lifetime with loved ones. Imagine mooring overnight at one of the beautiful and pristine marinas available, where you can explore tropical islands, adding to the adventure and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Cumberland Charter Yachts
With a fleet of floating hotels in the shape of sailing yachts, catamarans and power vessels, Cumberland Charter Yachts offers the perfect self hire holiday. Soak in the scenic views on every turn with an unforgettable and unique experience. And who doesn’t want to spend the day anchored at a secluded white, sandy bay?
Don’t miss this incredible experience to hire your own boat in Airlie Beach and explore the Whitsundays your way! Whilst there are many boat trips and tours available across the whole of the Great Barrier Reef, there is nothing better than being able to explore with your own agenda and at your own pace. The Whitsundays wouldn’t want it any other way!
Dreaming of exploring the Whitsundays? Have you hired a boat or yacht from Airlie Beach before? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Happy Water Experiences!
