10-Day Great Barrier Reef Yacht Charter: Southern Ribbon Reefs & Islands
10 planned days, starting at Cairns and finishing at Cairns. Stops include Cairns, Fitzroy Island, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Michaelmas Cay and further stops detailed below. Confirm the daily passages and shore plans with your captain before booking.
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Plan this charter
- First planned stop
- Cairns
- Final planned stop
- Cairns
Shore plans to discuss with your crew
- Day 1Exploring Cairns Esplanade
- Day 1Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Day 1Kuranda Scenic Railway (optional pre-charter)
- Day 1Dinner overlooking the marina
- Day 2Snorkelling at Welcome Bay
- Day 2Hiking to the lighthouse
Confirm joining and departure ports, yacht availability and the daily passage plan before paying a deposit. The captain decides anchorages and any route changes for weather, sea conditions and local restrictions. Shore venues, marine-park permissions and activity bookings require separate confirmation.
Map connections are schematic, not a navigable passage plan. Distances, safe approaches and passage times must be checked by the captain.
Ask for an itemised quotation covering the charter fee, taxes, APA or package expenses, berth charges and any delivery or redelivery costs.
- DAY 01
Cairns
Your Great Barrier Reef yacht charter begins in Cairns, the gateway to the northern reef. Board your luxury yacht and enjoy a welcome reception as you prepare for your aquatic adventure.
- Exploring Cairns Esplanade
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Kuranda Scenic Railway (optional pre-charter)
- Dinner overlooking the marina
- Anchorage
- Marlin Marina, Cairns
- Dining
- Welcome dinner at Ochre Restaurant
- DAY 02
Fitzroy Island
A short cruise brings you to Fitzroy Island, a continental island surrounded by fringing reefs. Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking to the lighthouse for expansive views.
- Snorkelling at Welcome Bay
- Hiking to the lighthouse
- Visiting the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Anchorage
- Welcome Bay
- Dining
- Casual beach barbecue on the island
- DAY 03
Green Island
Visit Green Island, a beautiful coral cay ideal for families. Explore the island's rainforest walk, observe marine life from a glass-bottom boat, or try helmet diving.
- Glass-bottom boat tour
- Seawalker helmet diving
- Rainforest boardwalk
- Beach relaxation and swimming
- Anchorage
- Green Island Anchorage
- Dining
- Lunch at Green Island Resort (by arrangement)
- DAY 04
Arlington Reef
Cruise to Arlington Reef, a sprawling outer reef system known for its extensive coral gardens and diverse fish populations. It's a fantastic spot for both novice and experienced snorkellers.
- Extensive snorkelling
- Spotting reef sharks and rays
- Underwater photography
- Diving (certified divers)
- Anchorage
- Arlington Reef Anchorage
- Dining
- Themed dinner: 'Taste of the Reef' with local seafood
- DAY 05
Michaelmas Cay
Explore Michaelmas Cay, a protected sand cay and seabird sanctuary. Enjoy birdwatching, snorkelling in the calm, clear waters, and relaxing on the pristine sand.
- Birdwatching (terns, noddies)
- Snorkelling in shallow waters
- Picnic on the cay
- Exploring the sand island
- Anchorage
- Michaelmas Cay Anchorage
- Dining
- Sunset cocktails and canapés on deck
- DAY 06
Norman Reef
Anchor at Norman Reef, one of the most vibrant outer reefs. Known for its 'wall of fame' dive site and excellent visibility, it offers spectacular coral formations and marine encounters.
- Advanced snorkelling and diving
- Observing giant clams
- Spotting Nemo (clownfish)
- Coral garden exploration
- Anchorage
- Norman Reef Anchorage
- Dining
- Italian night with fresh pasta and local produce
- DAY 07
Hastings Reef
Discover Hastings Reef, another spectacular outer reef providing diverse underwater landscapes. It's a prime location for spotting reef sharks and various species of hard and soft corals.
- Snorkelling and introductory diving
- Exploring swim-throughs
- Observing vibrant reef fish
- Sunbathing on the yacht's deck
- Anchorage
- Hastings Reef Anchorage
- Dining
- Asian fusion dinner prepared by your chef
- DAY 08
Upolo Cay
Visit Upolo Cay, a small, uninhabited sand cay perfect for a secluded beach experience. Enjoy the feeling of having your own private island for the day.
- Private beach experience
- Building sandcastles
- Shallow water snorkelling
- Paddleboarding around the cay
- Anchorage
- Upolo Cay Anchorage
- Dining
- Gourmet picnic lunch on the cay
- DAY 09
Double Island
Return closer to the mainland, anchoring near Double Island. This beautiful island offers sheltered bays and opportunities for watersports and relaxation.
- Jet skiing and wakeboarding (if available)
- Exploring secluded coves
- Relaxing on the beach
- Sunset drinks with island views
- Anchorage
- Double Island Anchorage
- Dining
- Farewell gala dinner on board
- DAY 10
Cairns
Enjoy a final breakfast on board as your yacht cruises back to Cairns. Disembark with a treasure trove of memories from your luxurious Great Barrier Reef yacht charter.
- Final views of the coastline
- Last-minute souvenir shopping in Cairns
- Reflecting on marine adventures
- Planning future yacht charters
- Anchorage
- Marlin Marina, Cairns
- Dining
- Farewell brunch at a local Cairns café
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