FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have a boat license?

Airlie Boat Hire do have boats suitable for those with and without a boat licence, we will provide you with a suitable boat that does not exceed a speed of 10kts in order to comply Marine Law. We will give you some information on boat handling and the waterway prior to departure. These boats are restricted to the bay only and cannot get to the islands. If you do have a boat license we can offer a range of different sized boats for your needs. These boats can get out to all of the islands and Whitehaven Beach. Our boats can be hired for a day or multiple days or at the last minute – a half-day hire subject to availability. We are also able to accept International Licences, you just need to check with us that they are recognised by the Queensland Government. We can provide Skippered Hire for anyone without a boat license but still wanting to get out to the islands. Please note, this service must be pre-booked, is an additional cost and is subject to availability.

What is the GBRMPA EMC charge?

The Environmental Management charge (EMC) is vital to help look after the day to day management of the reef, and improving its long – term resilience.

To support the tourism industry during COVID, the government gave the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) a grant to cover the cost of the Environmental Management Charge (EMC) From July 1 2023 the fee is being reinstated. The fee is $8pp ( 4 and over) per day for the first 3 days of the booking. All fees collected are passed directly onto the GBRMPA.

This fee only applies to the Yellowfin 6.5m, 7m Southerner, and McLay CrossXover 651 boats.

What is the cancellation policy?

You are welcome to cancel the hire up until 48 hours prior to your booking for any reason and will receive a full refund (minus and booking and credit card fees.)

If the weather is forecasted to be over 20-25knots we are not able to send you out. We will provide the option of rescheduling the hire, (subject to availability) or provide a refund (minus booking and credit card fees). We will base this from the weather report the day prior to your booking.

Our full terms and conditions can be found on our website on our helpful information.

What is the agreed arrival time to pick up the boat?

Airlie Boat Hire will contact you the afternoon prior to your hire. We will confirm all details for your hire on the following day and balance of payment will be finalised.

PLEASE NOTE – Hirers must arrive at the agreed time, failure to do so will result in forfeit of payment and Hire

What time do the boats have to be returned?

All our licensed boats need to be returned by 4pm or extra charges may be incurred.

Is a deposit required?

Yes, we take a 50% deposit on the boat that you choose via credit card to secure your booking for the Licensed Boats, this will secure your booking and the balance of payment will be taken the night before your hire. For our unlicensed boats a $50 deposit is required.

Is a bond required for hire of the boats?

For the fuel, yes, but we do not hold a bond for the boat. However, we do tell our customers that they are liable for any damages that are caused to the boats, up to $1,000. Prop damage is the most prevalent, but we do try to have our customers minimise the risks for no damage with our run-throughs. Please ask us if you have any concerns.

We hold a $250 fuel bond for the licensed boats (Sportsrider and Centrecab) and a $50 fuel bond for the Kakadu Tinny. When you return to the marina we calculate the fuel that you used and refund/charge your card the difference. 

Is fuel included?

For the unlicensed SmartWaves fuel is included.

The licensed vessels – fuel is not included. We take a $250 fuel bond for Sportsrider/Centrecab and $50 for Kakadu Tinny. We give you a full tank of fuel to depart with then on arrival back into the marina we calculate the fuel you have used and amend the difference (refund or charge your card).  The price will be the fuel bowsers at Abell Point Marina on the day.

What if the weather is awful?

If the team at Airlie Boat Hire deem the weather to be unsafe for boating (2 metre swell and over 20 knots), we will offer you the opportunity to reschedule or receive a refund. If the weather is up to 20 knots hirers will be offered alternative options when weather conditions are not suitable for Whitehaven or outer islands. If customer chooses not to take the alternative options, 50% of hire will be forfeited. This decision will be made on the morning of your departure so please contact our office the night prior for an update. You must provide at lease 48 hours notice to Airlie Boat Hire to cancel a booking or full payment will be due.

Where do we pick up the boats?

All of our boats are located on our Marina Berth – Coral Sea Marina – Resort, Berth N00, South Village, Shingely Drive, Airlie Beach.

Can we tow the boats away?

You can tow the Kakadu tinny. we no longer provide the option for towing away the Centre cab or the Sports Rider unless pre approved in special circumstances from the owner.

The unlicensed boats can not be towed, just picked up from the Marina Berth.

Can we have the boat delivered to a specific location?

We no longer deliver boats, but are happy for you to pick up the Kakadu Tinny or Smartwave Xtra and tow away yourself

Are children under 12 years old classified as a half person?

Under the Queensland Laws, all children under 12 years of age are classified as 1 person; the laws in other states vary.

Can we rent multiple boats for a group?

Absolutely, we are happy to rent multiple boats to a single party, however, it is recommended that you book ahead so we can fully accommodate your needs. Please call or email us for a quote.

Can we hire the boats for multiple days to camp on the Islands?

Yes, no problem! However, you do need to purchase a camping permit to do this. All information can be found on the Queensland Government website at https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/whitsunday-islands/camping.html#dugong_beach_whitsunday_island.

Can I take the boat to the Outer reef?

No, our boats can get to the beautiful reefs around the islands with great snorkelling and diving, so there is a great scope for fishing. Please note, our poly boats do have area limitations and are only allowed within the very large and diverse Pioneer Bay

Where can I take the unlicensed Smartwave boats?

Our poly boats do have area limitations and are only allowed within the very large and diverse Pioneer Bay.

What will I need to bring?

Your mobile phone, hat, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, snacks, drinks and sense of adventure! We sell ice and bait and hire fishing rods/basic tackle boxes, stinger suits, snorkelling gear and water sports gear if you do not have your own. Children under 12 are required to wear a life jacket, we supply these also. Be aware that you will not always be fully shaded from the sun so you may also need other sun protection too.

Can I bring my own tackle/ bait/ fishing gear?

Absolutely! However, if you do not have your own gear, we have a range of equipment available for hire including fishing rods/basic tackle box, stinger suits, snorkelling gear, water sports gear and we can also arrange bait and ice for you.

Can we bring our own esky?

Yes, you can bring your own esky, but we do provide eskies on all our Licensed Boats and our unlicensed boats have two built in eskies under the back seating.

Can I bring food and drink on the boat?

Absolutely, yes!

Can we rent a boat if coming off a cruise ship?

Yes, we do hire boats to passengers off cruise ships, however there is a little more planning involved. We suggest you read the attachment below for all the information you need to know such as getting to the boat, food and drink arrangements and timings. If you do have any questions after reading it, then please contact management on 0419 143 049 and we would be more than happy to assist. (put link for cruise ship page)