Magnetic Island Private Charters
Time on the water, the way it suits you.
Private Sailing Charters on Magnetic Island
A private charter with Pilgrim is about time together with no distractions.
We’ll plan the day around:
Who you’re bringing with you
How long you’d like to be on the water
What you’d like the day to be like
Start with a classic charter, then we can tailor the timing and details to suit your group—family celebration or business event.
“Excellent service from first point of contact to end of sail. Thank you for the wonderful day ”
Who Our Private Charters Suit
Friends, Families & Celebrations
For bringing people together — without the organising stress.
Relaxed private charters for family and friends
Great for birthdays, hens, anniversaries, proposals and weddings (or simply a day on the water)
Experienced hosts who handle the details end-to-end
Flexible payments and easy planning, even if numbers change late
Optional extras available, plus help with getting everyone there and home
Welcoming for all ages, with crew support so you don’t have to manage the small stuff
Businesses & Events
For business groups who value ease and attention to detail.
Works well for business groups of all sizes
Suits teams with different interests and expectations
Flexible timing to fit your schedule
Option to balance sailing with extra time ashore
Can be shaped for guests who are more or less comfortable on the water
We handle the details (dietary requirements, planning and scheduling)
Result: a smooth, considered, easy experience for everyone involved
Pilgrim is also available for product shoots, brand content and creative projects by arrangement.
How We Host Private Charters
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We Sail, Always
The sails go up, the engine goes off, and everything just slows down. That’s the beauty of real sailing—and it’s at the heart of every charter we do.
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Quality Ingredients, Simply Served
Local prawns, delicious cheese, and generous platters—fresh, seasonal, and made to share. Simple, delicious, and best enjoyed with a glass of wine on deck.
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Barefoot Luxury, Your Way
Think quality without the pretence—your own private yacht, chilled drinks, great service, and a relaxed atmosphere. No shoes required, just good company.
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Seamless Service, Every Step Of The Way
From the first message to the last cheers on board, we’ve got you covered. Friendly crew, thoughtful touches, and no fuss—just a memorable day!
Choose Your Private Charter
We offer a couple of classic private charter formats as a starting point.
Some guests book straight from the classic options. Others prefer to talk things through first.
Private Day Charter
A flexible daytime sail with time to settle in, swim, explore a bay, and enjoy lunch together. Available as a four or five-hour option during the day or the Day to Dusk which finishes at sunset.
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Sailing, Swimming & Wildlife spotting
Includes Local Prawns & Antipasto Platter, plus Organic Wines & Local Beers
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Recommended for 10-16 guests.
Four or Five Hours
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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
The perfect way to wind down at the end of the day —offering a relaxed, scenic sail as the sun sets over Magnetic Island.
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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)
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For 10-20 guests
1.5 - 2 Hours
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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.
Pilgrim — Our Classic Yacht
Pilgrim is a 58-foot sailing yacht designed for relaxed days on the water — spacious, comfortable, and beautifully kept.
With room to move, shaded areas, and plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the view, she’s well suited to private groups of all ages.
Private Charter FAQ’s
Planning your sailing experience or small boat adventure is easy! Find all the essential information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience with Pilgrim Magnetic Island.
Guest Numbers
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Pilgrim is licensed for 24 guests, however we recommend up to 16 guests on board to ensure everyone has plenty of space, especially on slightly windier days when the front of the boat may get some sea-spray.
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Please contact us to discuss your large group booking, there is a 10% discount for groups of 16 or more.
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No problem! We just have a minimum charge which equates to 10 guests, so if you have less and are booking online. Select 10 guests and then enter the number of guests you actually have in the special requirements.
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No problem! Book for your best estimate and then once you have finalised numbers, ideally two weeks before, which is when final payment is due, just let us know and we'll update your booking. If two weeks out you still don't know, then let us know your best estimate and make payment on that number and then if it changes nearer the time, let us know and we'll sort out the difference then.
Children & The Elderly
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Yes, definitely. Pilgrim is large and stable with two deep cockpits, which are safe and most kids love being on board.
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Our child prices apply to children from 1 to 14 years inclusive on our day charters. Infants are FOC.
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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.
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If they can walk up a couple of stairs with assistance, then yes and we can make them very comfortable on board.
Food & Drink
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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 still want to BYO after hearing all that, please contact us directly to discuss.
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We recommend making use of our complimentary bar with premium beverages. However if you don't drink wine or beer and wish to bring your own pre-mix drinks, you are welcome to bring a few with you. When you board the vessel please hand them to the crew who will keep them chilled for you and serve along with the other drinks. NO SPIRITS, RED WINE OR LARGE ESKIES PLEASE!
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Yes, in the majority of cases, although notice is required and there may be a small surcharge. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
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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.
General Admin
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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.
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Certain times of the year in North Queensland is stinger season (usually between late October – April/May). At this time of the year, you must wear one of the stinger suits provided.
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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 package in the 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.
The Boat
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Yes, down below, we have one toilet for your use.
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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.
Making A Booking
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You can book in online or contact us via email or phone with all the details. If out of hours please use online booking.
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To secure a date we request a 25% deposit, with full payment (& final numbers) due two weeks in advance. You will receive a reminder email. If you are booking within two weeks of the experience full payment is due at the time of booking.
