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There's a particular kind of quiet that only happens on the water. The city noise drops away, the sails catch the wind, and for a few hours, nothing else matters but the horizon.
RedBalloon sailing cruises and yacht charters are built for exactly that feeling. Whether it's a couple celebrating an anniversary, a group chasing a Whitsundays sunset, or someone who's never held a rope in their life, there's a sail for them. Give it as a gift and you're not giving a thing they'll put in a drawer. You're giving them a story they'll retell for years.
Sailing Cruises and Yacht Charters
A sailing or yacht charter is one of those gifts that works for almost anyone. Some people want to learn the ropes and feel the wind do the work. Others want to hand it all to the skipper and enjoy the view. Either way, it's a day worth giving.
These sailing adventures suit birthdays, anniversaries, or just a Tuesday that needed an upgrade. Explore the full range of cruises across the country to find the one that fits.
Sydney sailing and yacht charters
Sydney Harbour was made for sailing. For a group outing, the Private Yacht Charter in Sydney for up to 10 passengers puts an experienced skipper at the helm while everyone else takes in the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water.
For something more intimate, the Private Luxury Yacht Sailing Experience for Two is two hours of Sydney Harbour with just the two of you and a skipper who knows exactly where to point the bow for the best views.
Brisbane sailing
Never sailed before? Learn to Sail over a Full Day in Brisbane and walk away with real skills for bareboat charter, not just a photo on a boat. Snacks and a soft drink are included, and no experience is needed to start.
Gold Coast sailing
On the Broadwater, the Exclusive Sailing Cruise with Seafood Lunch and Bubbly for Two pairs a private charter with a glass of something cold and a fresh seafood platter. It's an easy way to turn an afternoon into an occasion.
Whitsundays sailing adventures
If one region owns the word sailing in Australia, it's the Whitsundays. For a full day out, the Whitsunday Islands Sail, SUP and Snorkel Day Tour covers the reef, the paddleboards and the snorkelling in one trip aboard a premium catamaran.
For a longer day on the water, the Whitsundays Full Day Sail with Lunch and Snorkelling adds a banana boat ride and hours at the Langford Island sandbar to the mix.
Prefer your sailing with a side of theatre? The Whitsundays Tall Ship Sunset Sail with snacks and bubbles puts you aboard a classic gaff-rigged schooner as the sky turns pink over Airlie Beach.
For something shorter and just as scenic, the Whitsundays Sunset Sail over Two Hours circles Pioneer Bay as the light turns gold.
Explore More Water Sports
Sailing is just one way to get out on the water. For something faster or further underwater, browse the full range of water sports, from jet boating to snorkelling and everything in between. And if the gift you're after is more about the view from above than the view from the deck, our range of flying experiences covers scenic flights, joy flights and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you learn to sail?
Most first timers picture something like the Sydney to Hobart, all hands on deck against the open sea. That's not what our sailing range is about. Think chef-cooked meals and champagne on a luxury yacht, a banquet lunch aboard a tall ship, or a twilight cruise built for two. If you do want to actually learn, our sailing schools will teach you the basics from the ground up, no experience required.
What to wear on a sailing trip
Flat, rubber-soled shoes keep you steady on deck. Comfortable clothing beats anything flowy that could catch the wind. Pack a light layer for when the breeze picks up, sunglasses for the glare off the water, and enough sunscreen for the whole crew. The sun works just as hard on an overcast day.
Do I need sailing experience to book a sailing charter?
No. Most RedBalloon sailing experiences come with a qualified skipper who handles the boat, so you can sit back or get involved as much as you like. The Sailing Hands-On Experience in Sydney Harbour for two is built specifically for beginners, with full training given on board.
What's the difference between a sailing cruise and a yacht charter?
A sailing cruise usually joins you with other guests on a set route, while a yacht charter is a private booking just for your group. Both come with an experienced skipper, so the choice comes down to whether you want the boat to yourself.
How long do sailing experiences with RedBalloon go for?
It ranges from a two hour sunset sail to a full day out on the reef. The Whitsundays Sunset Sail with antipasto, for adults only, runs a couple of hours and is a good example of a shorter, adults-only option.
Is a sailing or yacht charter experience a good gift?
It's one of the better ones. Nobody remembers the socks they got for their birthday, but they will remember the afternoon they spent sailing the Gold Coast Broadwater with a glass of something sparkling in hand, like on the afternoon Private Gold Coast Sailing Charter for two hours.
What should I bring on a sailing cruise?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a light layer for the breeze and flat, non-slip shoes. Some charters include food and drinks, so check what's included before you pack a picnic.
Can I sail in the Whitsundays without any experience?
Yes. Most Whitsundays sailing adventures are fully skippered, so you can join in on the ropes or just enjoy the reef, the islands and the sunset from the deck.