FAQ: ABOUT OUR CRUISES
SUNSET CRUISES
Where do we go on the Sunset Cruise?
The route of the 90-minute sailing cruise in Cleveland Bay will depend on the wind (strength and direction) and the skipper will ensure that it is the most comfortable ride for the prevailing conditions. Please note we do not anchor on our sunset cruises.
What if I don't drink wine (sparkling, white or rose) or beer?
We also have soft drinks available onboard, however, if you want to bring pre-mixes, that's fine. Just let us know at the time of booking. We do not permit spirits or red wine on board.
Can I bring my children* on a Sunset Cruise?
We generally say that the Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise is adults-only. However, we do make an exception during school holidays when kids are welcome. During the school holidays, we will arrange special child-friendly drinks and snacks to be on board.
On our Private Sunset Cruises, kids of all ages are welcome - it's your event after all!
*see below for our child policy.
LUNCHTIME SAILING CRUISES
How long do we spend at anchor on the Lunchtime Sailing Cruise?
Generally, we spend around an hour and a half at anchor - just enough time to have some fun, relax and have lunch.
Which Bays do we visit on the Lunchtime Sailing Cruise?
Our favourite bay to visit on a Lunchtime Sailing Cruise are Radical Bay, Florence Bay or Arthur Bay. Where we go depends on the wind/swell conditions on the day and also guests preferences. We have a chat with all our guests on the day and find out their preferences and combine that with our advice based on the day's conditions.
Please note that no commercial operators are permitted to visit Florence Bay and Balding Bay on weekends.
PRIVATE CHARTERS
How long is a private charter?
Our standard private charter is four hours. We believe this is the perfect length of time for non-sailors/boaties or families with young kids. Four hours is long enough to fit a sail, swim and some lunch in but not too long for kids to get "bored" or tired.
If you are looking for a more leisurely day out with friends, love sailing or want to visit Five Beach Bay or stop at two beaches, we recommend five or six hours. Please contact us to book more extended charters.
Can we go snorkelling?
We do not offer snorkelling tours, however when the weather permits (i.e. light winds), guests may be able to snorkel on our Lunchtime Cruises and Private Charters.
FAQ: ABOUT YOU & YOUR GROUP
CHILDREN
Is the boat suitable for children?
Yes, definitely. Pilgrim is large and stable with two deep cockpits, which are safe and most kids love being on board.
We recommend our Lunchtime Sailing Cruises or Private Charters for kids.
Our Sunset Cruises are more tailored to relaxation and adults with alcoholic drinks served and generally will only take children during school holidays.
What is your child policy?
Child prices apply to children up to 14 years, inclusive. If you have an infant, please enquire at time of booking.
I have a baby, is there somewhere from him/her to sleep?
Yes, we have had heaps of babies sleeping on one of the beds on board. It's safe and close by to the skipper so we can keep an ear/eye out on your little one at all times.
MEDICAL
What if I have a medical condition or am pregnant?
In most cases, there are no issues with medical conditions or being pregnant onboard. The only thing to bear in mind is we can be up to one hour from accessing medical assistance if it becomes required.
Will I get seasick?
Please be aware that although Cleveland Bay is protected there can be some swell on occasions, if you are susceptible to seasickness or worried about it we recommend you take precautions/medication before the trip. Please ensure you select medication specifically for motion-sickness.
ELDERLY AND GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES
Is the boat suitable for the elderly or people with difficulty walking?
If they can walk up a couple of stairs with assistance, then yes and we can make them very comfortable on board.
FAQ: ABOUT CATERING
Can I bring my own food and drink?
We strongly recommend against it. Our charters are all about relaxation and enjoying the day. Our crew will do everything for you while you're on board, prep your lunch, pour your drinks etc. If you BYO, that takes away from the experience as you'll be prepping before you leave home, lugging bags and eskies to the boat and then having to wash it up and put it away when you get home. If you are adamant you wish to BYO please contact us and we can see what we can arrange, there will be minimal discount, if any.
Our Sip & Sail Sunset Cruises & Lunchtime Cruises are all-inclusive - no need to bring any food or drink. If you have special dietary requirements, please advise us in advance and will let you know what we can provide.
Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, in the majority of cases, although notice is required and there may be a small surcharge. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Do you have drinking water on board?
Yes. We have sparkling and still water available onboard, however, if you wish to bring a reusable water bottle, we can refill this for you with filtered water.
Please note we are trying to reduce our impact on the environment and would appreciate it if you didn't bring single-use plastic bottles on board.
We strongly recommend against it. Our charters are all about relaxation and enjoying the day. Our crew will do everything for you while you're on board, prep your lunch, pour your drinks etc. If you BYO, that takes away from the experience as you'll be prepping before you leave home, lugging bags and eskies to the boat and then having to wash it up and put it away when you get home. If you are adamant you wish to BYO please contact us and we can see what we can arrange, there will be minimal discount, if any.
Our Sip & Sail Sunset Cruises & Lunchtime Cruises are all-inclusive - no need to bring any food or drink. If you have special dietary requirements, please advise us in advance and will let you know what we can provide.
Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, in the majority of cases, although notice is required and there may be a small surcharge. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Do you have drinking water on board?
Yes. We have sparkling and still water available onboard, however, if you wish to bring a reusable water bottle, we can refill this for you with filtered water.
Please note we are trying to reduce our impact on the environment and would appreciate it if you didn't bring single-use plastic bottles on board.
FAQ: ABOUT THE BOAT
Is there a toilet onboard?
Yes, down below, we have one toilet for your use.
Is there any shade on the boat?
There is an awning on board which we will put out when we are at anchor. However, we cannot use the awning when we are sailing; generally, there are some areas of shade created from the sails.
Yes, down below, we have one toilet for your use.
Is there any shade on the boat?
There is an awning on board which we will put out when we are at anchor. However, we cannot use the awning when we are sailing; generally, there are some areas of shade created from the sails.
FAQ: WHAT TO BRING
What should I bring?
For our lunchtime cruises and private charters:
For our sunset cruises:
What shoes should I wear?
We prefer bare feet. However, if you wish to keep your shoes on, please wear ones with a non-marking sole. No heels, no black soles.
What do you mean by non-marking shoes?
Non-marking shoes are shoes that have sole material that does not scuff off and leave marks on the floor. There are some sole materials that are designed for good traction that will leave marks, usually black marks on the floor.
Is snorkelling equipment included?
No, we are not a snorkelling tour but when the weather suits, you may be able to snorkel. Please bring your own snorkelling gear if you wish to snorkel.
Do I need to wear a stinger suit or wet suit?
Certain times of the year in North Queensland are stinger season (usually between late October – April/May). At this time of the year, we do highly recommend wearing a stinger suit.
For our lunchtime cruises and private charters:
- Bring along a small bag with things that you would usually take to the beach:
- Sunglasses, sunscreen & a hat
- Camera
- Swimmers & towel
- If you want you can bring your own snorkel gear too (see note above)
For our sunset cruises:
- During the winter months, just bring something to keep you warm once the sun has set.
What shoes should I wear?
We prefer bare feet. However, if you wish to keep your shoes on, please wear ones with a non-marking sole. No heels, no black soles.
What do you mean by non-marking shoes?
Non-marking shoes are shoes that have sole material that does not scuff off and leave marks on the floor. There are some sole materials that are designed for good traction that will leave marks, usually black marks on the floor.
Is snorkelling equipment included?
No, we are not a snorkelling tour but when the weather suits, you may be able to snorkel. Please bring your own snorkelling gear if you wish to snorkel.
Do I need to wear a stinger suit or wet suit?
Certain times of the year in North Queensland are stinger season (usually between late October – April/May). At this time of the year, we do highly recommend wearing a stinger suit.
FAQ: GENERAL ADMIN
Do you pick up from Townsville?
We generally 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.
Where is the office located?
We don't have an office; however, we can be contacted by phone or via email, or you can find most of the information on our website.
Is there parking available?
There is a car park a very short walk away at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal (near IGA). Please allow time to park as finding a spot can be tricky at times.
Where do we meet?
Please meet on the corner of the Peppers Boardwalk deck next to the Car Ferry Ramp (see map for exact location). One of the crew will meet you there (lookout for a white Pilgrim Sailing shirt) and show you to the boat.
Please do not come to the boat as it is a private marina and all guests must be escorted.
We generally 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.
Where is the office located?
We don't have an office; however, we can be contacted by phone or via email, or you can find most of the information on our website.
Is there parking available?
There is a car park a very short walk away at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal (near IGA). Please allow time to park as finding a spot can be tricky at times.
Where do we meet?
Please meet on the corner of the Peppers Boardwalk deck next to the Car Ferry Ramp (see map for exact location). One of the crew will meet you there (lookout for a white Pilgrim Sailing shirt) and show you to the boat.
Please do not come to the boat as it is a private marina and all guests must be escorted.
