Activtities

Cruising

Utopia Charters offer luxurious cruises along the Great Barrier Reef, one of nature’s greatest wonderlands.

If you want to cruise the Reef, explore the uninhabited islands or have a sumptuous lunch in the shade of a palm tree surrounded by tropical blue waters, join Tom and the team on Utopia for a magnificent holiday escape.  Utopia has a 3.8 metre Zodiac tender for exploring reefs, remote bays and beach landings.

In our local waters, by far the best option to get a real feel for the stunning Islands and reefs in this area is to do a two (very rushed), three or four day plus cruise from Magnetic Island to Port Hinchinbrook and back.  Utopia also does packages between Cairns and the Whitsunday's.

We start by cruising through either the inner or outer reef network stopping as often as you like to swim, fish or relax either in the crystal clear waters of sheltered reef lagoons or to explore isolated sand cays.  We give you the option of a number of different routes to take, some obviously better suited when there's windy conditions in open waters.  Along the way you choose where, how often and for how long to stop - no rushing and no pressure.  If you are keen to catch a fish or two, there are plenty in these areas and whilst travelling between locations at trolling speed.  There is nothing better than lounging  back on the rear deck being served cold drinks and snacks while waiting for yet another fish to take off on your line.  This leg of the voyage may include either one, two (or as many as you like) overnight stays on the reef.

Mid trip, some of our guests opt for a land stopover for one night to stretch the legs, maybe have a restaurant meal, or just a look around and Port Hinchinbrook Marina is a great spot to do this.  Otherwise there are plenty of great sheltered anchorages throughout the Hinchinbrook Channel.

The coastal half of the trip is predominately in flat sheltered waters exploring the magnificent Hinchinbrook channel, venturing up some of its larger creeks with optional overnight stays that allow more time for exploring and Barramundi fishing from the tender.  Guided Barra charter trips can be organised at an additional cost with specialist operators for those in your group wishing to do some serious estuary fishing, whilst others may want to stay on board Utopia and just relax and soak up the atmosphere of this unique world heritage location. 

Leaving the Hinchinbrook Channel you travel out alongside the world’s longest jetty and off into the waters of the Palm Island Group.  Here we have some special locations where you can swim with the fish and visit deserted beaches just like the best you've ever seen on any postcard.  The bottom part of the voyage between the Palm Group and Magnetic Island is a twenty plus mile stretch of water where you can either fish your way through or cruise the uninhabited Islands dotted along the way.  Additional stops are again optional. 

Winter escapes are a very popular holiday and bookings are essential to avoid disappointment during this period.