Ocean Dynamics Private Ocean Free Charter Half Day

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A four hour private charter from Hamilton Island on Ocean Free, a luxury Maritimo motor cruiser, with an itinerary planned with you around the Whitsunday waters.

Days

4 hours

Group size

Private, up to 26

Start / finish

Hamilton Island / Hamilton Island

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Private luxury motor cruiser, Ocean Free, with 2 to 4 crew

Meals

Water and soft drinks; catering packages at extra cost

Route

Map of Ocean Dynamics Private Ocean Free Charter Half Day

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Included experiences

Whitehaven Beach — champagne on the sand
Great Barrier Reef — snorkelling, sea scooter at extra cost
Scuba diving — first-time or certified, at extra cost
Paddle boarding from the boat
Quiet bay — lunch at anchor

Ocean Dynamics Private Ocean Free Charter Half Day

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING AT HAMILTON ISLAND

Your charter starts at the marina on Hamilton Island, the only island in the Whitsundays with its own commercial airport, where Ocean Free waits for your group alone. She's a 60-foot Maritimo motor cruiser with three air-conditioned levels, a teppanyaki BBQ, a heated outdoor shower and a sun deck on the bow. Before the day, the crew of two to four plans the four hours with you, so the time goes where you want it. A beach, a quiet bay, a snorkel or all three? The route is yours, and the crew fits it to the wind and tide on the day.

WHITEHAVEN BEACH AND HILL INLET

A favourite choice is Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the group. The beach runs for 7 km, and its sand is about 98 per cent pure silica, so fine it squeaks underfoot and stays cool in the summer sun. At the northern end, the tide swirls white sand and blue water together in Hill Inlet, the view on half the postcards in Queensland. The crew can bring champagne ashore while you swim or walk the sand. If the weather closes Whitehaven, they'll take you to another beach instead, such as Chalkies Beach on Haslewood Island, just across the channel.

SNORKEL, PADDLE AND LUNCH AT ANCHOR

The Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981, reaches right into these islands as fringing reef, with coral growing along the island shores in shallow, sheltered water. Use the snorkel gear and paddle boards on board, or, for an extra cost, ride a sea scooter or try a first scuba dive with the crew. Certified divers can arrange a dive as well. Lunch is an extra too: antipasto and fruit platters, a picnic, a BBQ or seafood platters, served while you sit at anchor in a quiet bay. Water and soft drinks are included, and there's a licensed bar.

BACK TO THE MARINA

With your four hours nearly up, Ocean Free cruises back to Hamilton Island at an easy 14 to 16 knots, leaving time on the bow for a last look across the islands. Extra stops cost extra, so tell the crew what matters most to you when you plan the day, and they'll build the route around it.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Departs from Hamilton Island.
Dietary needs: Special dietary requirements can be catered for with 24 hours notice.
Please note: Catering options include antipasto and fruit platters, picnics, basic, gourmet or beach BBQ, and seafood platters. There is a licensed bar on board and for beach functions. The boat has two bathrooms and takes up to 26 passengers in local waters or 12 on the outer reef.

What is included

Private charter on Ocean Free with crew of 2 to 4
Paddle boards and snorkelling equipment
Complimentary water and soft drinks

Not included

Sea scooters
Diving — a quote is tailored on request
Lunch and catering
Additional stops

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.