Private Charters for Families, Friends and Celebrations
Planning something special?
Whether it’s a family day out, a birthday, a hens weekend, or a milestone worth marking, a private charter with Pilgrim offers an easy, relaxed way to bring people together.
From flexible timing to generous local food and a caring crew, we take care of the details — so you can focus on enjoying the time, not managing the day.
How Private Charters Work for Families & Friends
We offer a few classic private charter options, and you can either book as-is or tailor the timing, food and more —especially helpful for families with children or mixed ages.
What You Can Tailor
Every group is different. Some of the most common ways you can personalise your charter include:
Start times to suit ferry schedules, travel plans or nap times
Food preferences and dietary requirements
Extra time at anchor for swimming, floating or relaxing
A simple beach set-up for lunch and beach games (ideal for younger children)
Extras such as a mermaid surprise or cupcakes for birthdays.
If you’re not sure what will work best, we’re always happy to talk it through.
How We Host Private Charters
-
![Family celebration-activities]()
Sailing to Suit
A relaxed style of sailing that works for all ages — whether guests want to be involved or simply settle in and enjoy the time together.
-
![Gourmet lunch platter with prawns and antipasto]()
Food & Wine, Done Right
Generous, locally sourced food prepared with care, with dietary needs handled seamlessly so everyone feels included.
-
![Hens-wedding-family-celebrations]()
A Setting that Brings People Together
A calm, beautiful space where you get to relax and shared moments happen naturally.
-
![Friends-together]()
Your Day, Your Way
Flexible timing, thoughtful hosting, and the freedom to tailor the experience around your group.
Ways to Spend Your Day on the Water
We offer a couple of classic private charter formats as a starting point.
Private Day Charter
A flexible private sailing experience combining relaxed sailing, time anchored in a quiet bay, and a generous local lunch served on board.
Families with younger children may choose to include a shaded beach cabana for lunch and beach games, adding relaxed time ashore.
Available as a four or five-hour option during the day or the Day to Dusk which finishes at sunset.
-
Sailing, Swimming & Wildlife spotting
Includes Local Prawns & Antipasto Platter, plus Organic Wines & Local Beers
-
Recommended for 10-16 guests.
Four or Five Hours
-
Flexible start times to suit travel or ferry schedules
Adjusting the pace of the day between sailing, swimming and relaxing at anchor
Food and beverage selections to suit dietary needs or the occasion
Celebration touches for birthdays or special occasions
A simple beach set-up for lunch and relaxed time ashore (popular with families and large business events)
Trek & Sail — combining sailing with a guided island walk, best suited to active groups and confident walkers
Private Sunset Charter
A relaxed end-of-day experience, often chosen when time is short or as a beautiful way to finish a special day.
A shorter private sail focused on sailing, shared platters, relaxed conversation and watching the sun set over Magnetic Island or once a month the added bonus of the full moon rising.
-
1.5 to 2 Hour Sunset Sail
Local Cheese Platter & accompaniments
Organic wines, Local beers and non-alcoholic options
Available with a Full Moon Rise once a month (Full Moon Private Charter)
-
For 10-20 guests
1.5 - 2 Hours
-
Beverage upgrades such as champagne or premium ready-to-drink options
Celebration touches for birthdays or special occasions
Hosted tasting experiences with local makers
Post-cruise dining arrangements so the evening flows on smoothly
Not sure which suits your group? We’re always happy to help you decide.
-
![]()
Birthdays
-
![]()
Proposals
-
![]()
Birthdays
-
![]()
Family Get-Togethers
-
![Wedding-on-Pilgrim]()
Weddings
-
![]()
Hens
-
![]()
Weddings
The Yacht
Pilgrim is a 58-foot sailing yacht, with classic lines and a confident presence on the water.
Designed for relaxed days outside Pilgrim offers generous deck space, two deep secure cockpits and plenty of room to move comfortably - making her well suited to families, friends and mixed-aged groups.
Well suited to group hosting:
Comfortably hosts up to 16 guests
Licensed to carry up to 24 guests.
Secure cockpits set back from the edge
Easy access on and off the yacht with crew assistance if needed
Shaded and open areas to suit different preferences
Life-jackets, stinger suits and all safety equipment is on board
Toilet on board
Our charters are designed to be easy to organise
Final numbers aren’t required to get started — all details can be finalised closer to the day
Start times can be adjusted to suit meetings, ferry schedules, or travel plans
One point of contact from planning through to the day itself
Flexible payment options, including individual payment for group bookings
Transfers and transport can be arranged
What Families & Groups often ask us
-
Pilgrim is licensed to carry up to 24 guests plus crew. For most private charters, we recommend hosting up to 16 guests so everyone has plenty of space to relax, move around comfortably, and enjoy the day.
Larger groups can work well too — particularly when everyone knows each other — and we’re happy to talk through what will feel best for your group.
-
Yes. We regularly host multi-generational groups. Children are provided with lifejackets, the cockpits are deep and set back from the edge, and our crew are always nearby to help with getting on and off the yacht if needed.
-
All private charters include food and beverages, prepared with quality local produce or house-made elements. See menu here.
Charters are fully hosted with an experienced skipper and a dedicated host, so everything flows easily without you needing to manage a thing.
Optional Extras
If you’d like to add something special to your private charter, a small range of optional extras can be arranged in advance:
Champagne
Townsville Brewery pre-mix options
Tropical fruit platter
Sweet treats
Snorkelling gear
Transfers from island accommodation
Return ferry transfers from Townsville
Souvenir Turkish towels
Just let us know what you’re considering and we’ll advise on what works best for your group.
Can we bring our own food or drinks?
BYO food and drinks are not recommended. Part of the Pilgrim experience is being able to relax and enjoy the day without having to organise, carry, or manage anything on board.
All charters include generous food and beverages, prepared with quality local produce and hosted by our crew — so most guests find there’s nothing extra they need to bring.
-
We keep a close eye on the forecast and only sail when conditions are safe and enjoyable. If the weather isn’t cooperating, we’ll be in touch to reschedule or offer a full refund — whichever suits you best. Our goal is for you to have a great experience.
-
Absolutely. We can accommodate most dietary requirements with notice, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergies. We’ll confirm details during planning so it’s seamless on the day.
We also simplify the menu for children on board too.
-
We don't pick up from Townsville, as takes over 1.5 hours to sail from Townsville to Magnetic Island once we have picked you up. We believe this "commute" takes up too much of your precious time onboard rather than spending it cruising the waters surrounding Magnetic Island.
We can arrange ferry tickets for you to get to Magnetic Island in 20 minutes with Sealink and we are located 2 minutes walk from the ferry terminal. -
No worries at all — we understand that plans can change.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, just let us know at least 7 days before your cruise, and we’ll happily offer a full refund or move your booking to another day (subject to availability).
Friendly tip: If you're feeling unsure about the weather, don’t stress. We only sail in safe and comfortable conditions — and if we need to cancel, you’ll get a full refund or a chance to reschedule.