Australia’s most awarded charter yacht
A magnificent micro expedition ship, built to enable discerning explorers to visit remote and remarkable locations in the utmost comfort. Although licenced to carry 50 day passengers, friendly owner hosts Lynne & John Boyce accept maximum 8 (live aboard) thus enabling them to personally introduce their guests to the wonders of nature, above & below the water.
Your friendly expert hosts, Lynne & John Boyce have more than 30 years experience exploring and sharing the Great Barrier Reef. They designed their yacht to accommodate two couples in luxurious staterooms that extend the full width of their ship. Each stateroom has 3 portholes and an ensuite. More guests can easily be accommodated making Sydney Sundancer ideal for family charters. With parents accommodated in the staterooms at the bow & stern and children accommodated in generously sized beds, a private charter for two families, becomes a very affordable option.
“Play Toys” include kayaks, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment and a hydrophone (underwater microphone) so guests can to listen to the magical songs of the giant humpback whales as they communicate with each other. “Sundance Kid”, the aptly named catamaran dive tender with 60Hp outboard motor even has A GLASS BOTTOM making Sydney Sundancer the first live aboard sailing vessel in the area to boast such a great facility.
But more importantly Lynne has been recognised by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as a Master Reef Guide, a qualification they save for only the “Best of the Best”. She is always in the water with guests on every snorkelling excursion to ensure that they see & experience the very best of every reef visited. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) that administers every activity within the Marine Park has recognised Lynne & John to be a High Standard Tourist Operator (HSTO). Within the whole Marine Park which is half the size of Texas or roughly equal to the size of all the islands of New Zealand combined, there are only 10 live aboard, crewed charter boat operators that GBRMPA has recognised as HSTO businesses. For Lynne & John, teaching their guests about Australia’s most cherished natural icon, The Great Barrier Reef is the best part of their job. When asked what they consider is the most rewarding aspect of their stewardship, they immediately respond that the shared learning experience is a great family bonding experience especially when they have 3 generations of the same family aboard.
Lynne & John believe that fantastic food is the best accompaniment to the breathtaking wonders of nature they share with their guests. So Lynne has published a cook book (in response to decades of requests from delighted charterers) entitled “Gourmet Sailing….Delicious Dining on the Great Barrier Reef & other delights” which will give you an appreciation for both the meals served and the daily adventures experienced. You can view this cookbook on line BUT a word of warning : do not open this book on an empty stomach else you will become instantly ravenous…..
Departure on day one is from Hamilton Island Marina once everyone has arrived (usually mid afternoon) & return is usually late morning (but can be earlier than 9am if anyone is on the early flight to Cairns). Once under way there is no need to return to Hamilton Island because Sydney Sundancer is a real expedition ship capable of extended voyaging but your skipper will ensure that each overnight anchorage is so calm that long stemmed wine glasses are safe on the dining room table. In the morning you can go snorkelling over colourful corals accompanied by friendly fish before breakfast, and your day just gets better from there!
Sydney Sundancers visitors book contains a lifetime of happy memories for the Boyces but the following written last year is their favourite :
Thank you Lynne and John for the most wonderful week aboard Sydney Sundancer. The experiences we’ve had with the kids have been truly exceptional. Seeing the Whitsundays and the reef with people who know it so well and love it so passionately makes all the difference. It is such a rare privilege to be able to do these things at all, but to do it in such luxury is something else. Thank you again for making our holiday so special
David- Sydney – NSW September 2018
Private yacht charters for up to 8 guests
$12,000 for 4 Days and 3 Nights
$15,000 for 5 Days and 4 Nights
$17,000 for 6 Days and 5 Nights
$19,000 for 7 Days and 6 Nights
Cabin bookings for only 4 guests, accommodated in private staterooms
4 Days and 3 Nights Forward Stateroom $5,500 Aft Stateroom $6,500
5 Days and 4 Nights Forward Stateroom $6,500 Aft Stateroom $8,500
6 Days and 5 Nights Forward Stateroom $7,500 Aft Stateroom $9,500
7 Days and 6 Nights Forward Stateroom $8,500 Aft Stateroom $10,500
Prices are for two guests sharing a stateroom. For 4, 5, & 6 day cabin bookings, guests are responsible for the cost of water taxi transfers to and from the yachts location because the yacht does not return to Hamilton Island, mid cruise.
Prices include Environmental Management Charge (sometimes referred to as Reef Taxes), all gourmet meals, snacks and hot beverages, but excludes all soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, where a large selection is available on board at reasonable prices.
PRICES ARE ALL INCLUSIVE EXCEPT FOR DRINKS. Alcohol can be purchased on board.
John & Lynne’s totally separate crew accommodation is at the stern of their yacht so the whole interior of their yacht is for guests to enjoy.
Contact us today to discuss your next luxury yacht charter in the Whitsundays. Or call our Charter Consultant direct on +61 (0) 434 214 446 – available 7 days per week!
