Escape Winter & Explore the Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef on a Luxurious Live-Aboard Yacht

 Sydney Sundancer, which is based in Sydney over the summer, relocates to Hamilton Island for the winter season, offering an exclusive way to slow down and see the Great Barrier Reef close up.

An elegant, traditional sailing yacht

Sydney Sundancer is an elegant sailing yacht with sailing hosts Lynne and John Boyce who have 30+ years experience on the water. They also designed and coordinated construction of the yacht, with a brief  to incorporate the luxury and comfort of a motor vessel combined with the grace and serenity of a sailing yacht. The boat is something special,with a luxurious teak fit out and an incredibly large amount of clear deck space. Based out of Hamilton Island for the winter, it is perfectly positioned to show you and your guests the bes

t the area has to offer.

Master reef guides, coral, whales, dolphins and more…

The operation is also High Standard Tourism Operator (HSTO), certified to operate in an ecologically sustainable manner - and Lynne is a certified Master Reef Guide (MRG), able to deliver a high quality reef experience. Lynne is in the water at all times guiding guests to the very best sights, whilst John is nearby in the tender guaranteeing guests safety and confidence.

Highlights include getting close and personal with colourful corals, friendly fish, terrific turtles, magnificent manta rays and delightful dolphins. Visiting over winter also means you get to view humpback whales, which migrate from Antarctica to give birth to their young. And with a hydrophone (underwater microphone) onboard, you are able to listen to the remarkable songs, calls and conversations of the whales.

Gourmet food on the high seas

Lynne is also an accomplished chef, and has published a cookbook: “Gourmet Sailing… Delicious Dining on the Great Barrier Reef & Other Delights”. Needless to say guests are well looked after in the dining department, with barbecued king prawns peri peri with wild rice and salad, or marinated ocean trout in pepperberry liquor just a taster of what is on the menu while aboard.

Private charters in paradise

Even though Sydney Sundancer is licensed to accommodate up to 14 guests, live-aboard bookings are limited to a maximum of 8 guests - with two trip options: 

• A Great Barrier Reef Luxury Expedition Cruise for two couples  (4 guests) only who are accommodated in staterooms with private bathrooms. 
• A Great Barrier Reef Private Expedition Cruise is for up to 8 guests accommodated in various locations and cabins.