Hi. Love sailing the Whitsundays and all the better for Portland Road Charters. We were on Lawless. Great sail boat. Lots of room inside and out. Great showers, which can be a bit ordinary on most boats.The weather was nice, could have used a bit for breeze. But when we had some the boat was easy to handle and sailed through the sea like a happy dolphin.We like a good coffee in the morning and the pod machine was a life saver.There were turtles, wales, coral and lots of fish, all enjoyed all the more by the snorklers.Great walks as well with rewarding views at the end.Mike was very experienced and his advice about the boat and where to moor or anchor was worth its weight in pirates gold.Beds on most yachts are quite firm, which is a bit firm for me. That’s one on six, and I’m softy. I think next sail I will pack a mattress topper.Overall we laughed lots, had a marvellous time and a fantastic experience.

If you are reading these reviews, sitting on the fence about whether you would be able to sail a bareboat, please do it. When you deal with a company as professional and ethical as Portland Roads you will quickly realise you're in safe hands and you will have the most amazing time of your life.We had no sailing experience and stayed on Freedom with seven people and the catamaran was luxurious, spacious and technologically advanced. I've been to the Whitsundays twice before but with the advice of our briefer, Brad, we moored, swam and snorkelled the most amazing spots it is unimaginable.Portland Roads is a well thought out, ethical company who truly live their values of conserving the environment, reducing wastage and respecting nature and Indigenous culture.There is limited telephone and internet access so have an unwired holiday. Go with friends and family who are willing to go on a bit of an adventure, or who just want to relax on the boat. Take some seasickness tabs for those who are a bit nervous about staying on water.Take on John and Brad's recommendations because they are highly knowledgeable and they want you to get the best experience. All of their partnering providers are awesome to deal with.Like me, I hope you have one of the best times of your life with your friends or family. Highly recommended.

The best birthday week I've ever had in my life is thanks to Portland Roads! We sailed with the Whitsunday Freedom and it certainly is a luxury catamaran. Spacious, clean and easy to drive/sail for a novice like myself.Our briefer, Brad, is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful and answered all of my questions about the boat, their sustainable practices, rubbish disposal, areas to swim and snorkel, where to see wildlife etc.For those thinking about sailing the Whitsunday Islands, don't hesitate. I highly recommend Portland Roads! I loved it so much, I'm already planning my next sail with them. Thank you again John and Brad.

I had one of the best travel experiences on this trip and sailed with catamaran 'Freedom'. this is my first time living in a catamaran, and i felt very comfortable living in there. My friends and I saw so many whales and manta rays. We even get to swim with the turtles and fishes. Brad is dedicated and so knowledgeable. Following his advice, we were able to get the most out of it and went to a new spot every day for new snorkelling experiences. I would definitely wish to come back again to experience it again.

What a week! Our maiden sailing adventure as a family was amazing - we are hooked on sailing! Coming face to face with a 2m manta ray, having a turtle we named Topper hang out with us for more than an hour, seeing whales breaching, witnessing the rainbow colours of the fish and just being surrounded by nature and my fave people was exciting and blissful all at once. Brad from Portland Roads was a great trip advisor. Patient and funny and full of all the great tips! So grateful to him and Lucy our trusty vessel. Thank you!

Amazing family adventure on Lucy (11-16 June 2024), perfect winter conditions 22 degrees with mild evenings - absolutely magic! Continual communication and local knowledge from Brad was fabulous (absolute legend 😊). Snorkelling at the southern end of Chalkies was great and the sunset lookout well worth a visit. Be sure to open your hatch at night and watch the amazing stars.

The best start to this bareboating expedition was the incredible local knowledge of our Portland Roads vessel manager, Mike. With a calm, clear and very experienced briefing, Mike sent us away in (initially) rough seas, able to capably deal with what was ahead, which turned out to be calm clear days with great visibility in the bays recommended by Mike to snorkel in, with loads of coral, fish and other sea creatures.The local touch is something that you cannot buy.The vessel was spotless and so well equipped. We were able to prepare all manner of meals with the kitchen facilities on board, relax on various areas on the vessel and had easy access to extensive safety equipment and supplies, not that they were needed. Refrigeration and coolers were ample. Bathroom facilities were excellent.The communications system to the Portland Roads Base was easy to operate.Bedding was very comfortable and relaxing - with the hatch open at night and fresh air coming in, it was like sleeping in a hammock.The very clear commitment by Portland Road to management of our fragile environment is to be commended, as is the recognition and involvement of traditional owners of the Ngaro sea country in Portland Roads' operations.All in all, an incredible, locally owned and operated establishment.An experience to never forget.