Check out our latest communities fighting
AI scams on Reddit and Facebook
On SmartCustomer, businesses may not offer incentives or pay to remove reviews. Learn more about our Review Guidelines.
Portland Roads has a rating of 4 stars from 355 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with Portland Roads most frequently mention sailing experience, southern man and bucket list. Portland Roads ranks 1st among Cruises sites.
We monitor reviews for authenticity
Cruising on *** is one of the most awesome ways to spend time wth friends and visit the best scenic and snorkling spots on the Whitsunday's that you would never be able to do any other way. *** who did our daily briefing gave great advice about where to go to find the hidden jewels that most would never even know were there. Definately put a week on *** on the bucket list.
Thank you for providing us with such a fabulous holiday. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in paradise.
Thanks to Deano and his wealth of knowledge with the best snorkeling spots and giving us a full itinerary
What a legend he is, hope he gets a big Christmas bonus!
Thanks deano!
We have been planning to go sailing for several years. It did not disappoint. We saw multiple fish, 2 turtles and 2 dolphin fins as well as gorgeous scenery
*** and I, along with our two friends really enjoyed our time sailing on Ruby Sunday around the Whitsundays recently. Could not recommend Portland Roads highly enough. *** Martin (U. K.)
Absolutely Perfect!
After 20+ hours of travel from the US, we met Skipper Josh at the marina and immediately left the world behind us. The four of us could not have asked for a better experience in the Whitsundays (or anywhere in the world for that matter)! Our catamaran was clean, comfortable and made for an excellent home for the week. Skipper Josh was not only an expert sailor, he was a superb guide and excellent cook (we bought the Platinum package). We are seasoned travelers (albeit first holiday sailing like this) and honestly put this trip at the very top of anything we have ever done. If a simple, relaxing and picturesque holiday is what you are looking for- and at an exceptional value- Portland Roads is the way to go! Thanks again to Josh, John and your Portland Roads team for your hospitality- Mike, Kym, Josh and Dawn.
An absolute dream
Sailing on Portland Roads was absolutely brilliant. It is an experience that should be on your bucket list for it's beauty, unique getaway and accessible to all ages. Never having slept on a boat before, I was a little uncertain but it was fabulous. The serenity and relaxation that flows from being on the water is second to none. The crew working with Portland Roads and the fleet are ultimate professionals with the safety of guests equalled only by their respect and care of the reef and it's creatures. I cannot recommend the experience more highly. Amazing location, breathtaking experience and absolute professionals taking care of you and guiding you along the way.
After 20+ hours of travel from the US, we met Skipper *** at the marina and immediately left the world behind us. The four of us could not have asked for a better experience in the Whitsundays (or anywhere in the world for that matter)! Our catamaran was clean, comfortable and made for an excellent home for the week. Skipper *** was not only an expert sailor, he was a superb guide and excellent cook (we bought the Platinum package). We are seasoned travelers (albeit first holiday sailing like this) and honestly put this trip at the very top of anything we have ever done. If a simple, relaxing and picturesque holiday is what you are looking for- and at an exceptional value- Portland Roads is the way to go! Thanks again to ***, *** and your Portland Roads team for your hospitality- ***, Kym, *** and ***.
Great experience, Had a wonderful day sailing on the sea!
Whilst natural wonders always take my breath away, this time it was the operator who made me breathless. I am so impressed that I'm penning my first ever review. To everyone at Portland Roads thankyou. Your passion, knowledge and respect for the Reef is inspiring. I'm home now with every possible emotion of happiness. They say the world is too big to go back to the same place twice. I'm bucking that theory as l'm back again in 5 months time. I CAN'T WAIT.
We sailed for 3 nights on Due West and if youre going to explore the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands then sailing on your own boat is definitely the way to do it. *** took the time to find out what we wanted from the holiday and then made it happen. The bays and inlets we visited were stunning and with hardly anyone else around we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. This really was a trip of a lifetime and made so much more enjoyable because of ***s knowledge and passion for what he does. On top of it all the boat was stylish, luxurious and really comfortable. Thanks so much for a magical adventure and yes I would love to do it again.
What a beautiful adventure sailing the Whitsundays aboard Due West. Absolutely the best way to experience the beauty of this spectacular place and take a break from crowds and noise. The team at Portland Roads have thought of everything and will make your holiday enjoyable and memorable. Thanks so much for an amazing holiday.
*** and his team are beyond fabulous. Not only did we have the most wonderful time we will be back to do it again as the attention to detail, support and assistance combined with the Whitsundays backdrop makes for a heavenly holiday. Definitely put it on your bucket list.
Terrific Experience
Our family of 6 adults enjoyed 5 terrific nights aboard The Portland Roads sailing the Whitsundays. Our instruction session was about 4 hours before we departed, but was in the main, very good. The boat was comfortable and had everything you require similar to a serviced apartment. Easy to operate we enjoyed Hook Island and Whitsunday island mainly, from anchoring off Whitehaven beach to snorkelling in multiple places. The daily scheduled check ins with Mike also provided guidance and peace of mind. Would recommend.
WOW - what an amazing experience! Went away with a couple of girlfriends for 5 nights and cant believe how simple navigating around the islands was. I boarded a very exhausted mum of 3 and disembarked refreshed and rested... my husband thinks it took 10 years off my face; *** and his team are consummate professionals and awesome to deal with. Best holiday ever and will be back again!
John and his team are fabulous. Their warmth and reassuring style is brilliant to the newcomers. Their attention to detail and boats are gorgeous. The team, their boats and the whitsundays backdrop make for a sensational experience, second to none. Don't hesitate! It has to be on the bucket list.
What an amazing time sailing the Whitsunday Islands. Thank you Portland Roads. This is the best sailing experience Ive could hope for, john you have my recommendation. Ÿ'¯ŸŒŸ¼Ÿ˜Š
We sailed for five nights on Portland Roads. It was honestly the best holiday I could ever have imagined, utterly sublime and totally relaxing. I only wish it could have gone longer and will absolutely be back. The boat is comfortable, well set up and easy to operate even for novices like us!
Great experience on the 42 foot 16 tonne Lagoon Sail Catamaran œLucy. The key is their front man Deano who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of sailing the Whitsundays and is a full of fun character to boot. Available all hours by satellite phone if issues of problems arise. Highly recommended.
I can highly recommend Portland Roads if you are planning to sail the Whitsundays. Everything on the boat worked well and nothing broke down or ***. *** *** was terrific to deal with and suggested great bays and inlets to visit. The boat was set up really well and made it easy to sail, even if you have no sailing experience I would recommend you pay *** to teach you on the first day then you would be able to sail by yourself for the remainder of your holiday. The best part of the trip was having the flexibility to visit quiet parts of the islands without all the tourists in your company. Give it a go, one of the best holidays Ive ever had.
Answer: Good Afternoon Mary; A quick google search will show up our bonifide business in many areas - Facebook, Instagram, Google, Google My Business, our Website and the support we receive from Tourism Australia, Tourism Queensland, Tourism Whitsundays, the Master Reef Guides and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority - You can always call us directly on 1300 991 474, or even the owner directly on +61(0)427814553 - Julie, thank you for your quick response. We're quite new to SiteJabber and we did not even know there was a Q&A section on the platform. Fair Winds and Blue Skies Mary - We truly hope to spoil you in our beautiful part of planet earth.
In short, we give you one of our million-dollar boats;
You’ll grab up to 8 family and friends to join you (loosely called your crew).
Then for as little as $199 per person, per sailing day, you will become the skipper and sail the Ngaro Waters and Islands of the Whitsundays (74 islands, but who’s counting?)
For 6 days / 5 Nights you will live in and on the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
You will slip into Whitsundays time where your week with us will feel more like the most relaxing month of your life. You will live aboard one of our Lagoon Sailing Catamarans, sipping bubbles at sunset and cooking up a storm in the galley.
You will leave as a new custodian of our extraordinary reef and realise that adventure still lives in us all – No experience is necessary!

