SIMBA: The New Luxury Charter Yacht in the Great Barrier Reef

Ideally equipped for charter in the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, SIMBA (previously called TEXAS T) was purchased by owners craving the freedom to explore Australia’s coastline and eventually the South Pacific.

“The owners were attracted to the vessel’s go-anywhere capabilities and the prospect of heading off north or south to enjoy long-range cruising,” explains Jeni Tidmarsh, Director of Luxury Charter Group, the appointed charter managers.

“They wanted to share that with others and have refurbished and upgraded SIMBA for charter. SIMBA is ideal for charter with expansive decks, luxurious accommodation and all the watertoys on board for guests to spend quality time together and experience the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef in total comfort.”

There are 74 islands in the Whitsunday group, only eight of them inhabited, so your charter aboard SIMBA offers a myriad of experiences that can include hiking, leisurely nature walks, fishing, diving, snorkelling, or the worldly delights of Hamilton and Hayman Islands with their resorts, dining, golf, karting, spas, shopping and more.

For avid anglers, especially during marlin season (September to early December) the waters off Cairns are famous for the 1000-pound black marlin known as “granders”. SIMBA offers a large teak swim platform and cockpit which are versatile for launching watertoys, fishing, and storing bait and your catch, and the Captain and crew have the local knowledge of the best places to cast your line.

Just north of Cooktown, the Ribbon Reefs abound in fish and pristine reefs. Charter guests can catch tuna, wahoo, coral trout and mackerel, or dive beneath the waters and experience the rainbow-hued corals and abundant marine life such as turtles, reef sharks, rays, eels and colourful reef fish.

There are some spectacular anchorages among the Ribbon Reefs and further north, just a 40-minute cruise, Lizard Island is a ‘must visit’ destination, famous for the “Cod Hole” dive spot at the top of Number 10 Ribbon Reef. Lizard Island is a marine park and teeming with marine life. In the winter months of June and July, dwarf minke whales can be seen frolicking on the surface as they make their migratory journey to warmer waters.

Groups and families looking to explore the wonders of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef will find all the comforts of home and several options when it comes to deck and interior spaces for relaxing and unwinding, ensuring that life on board is easy while on your charter vacation.

The cockpit and swim platform are the perfect place for sunbathing and socialising, while the aft deck above is set-up for dining undercover around the large timber dining table and cocktail bar.

For entertaining, the flybridge is an additional spacious all-weather area, with large gloss teak table, seating, lounges and bar. At the bow is a cosy seating area for guests to enjoy the best views while cruising or sunset cocktails The spacious saloon invites charter guests to get comfortable in the cosy lounge, with a library and the latest TV/AV system, ideal for film nights. The décor has been refreshed to convey a laid-back beach house vibe suited to the “barefoot luxury” of charter aboard SIMBA.

Guests will be fascinated by the impressive pilothouse equipped for worldwide exploration and bench seating puts you in the front row for viewing the Captain’s skills as he navigates SIMBA among the islands to choose your mooring for activities each day and to drop anchor in the evening.

Accommodation for up to eight charter guests comprises a full-beam master, VIP and two twin bunk cabins, each with its own private ensuite. The master stateroom has a king bed with plenty of storage and TV, plus large ensuite including separate curved glass tiled shower and full-size bathtub and TV. The two twin guest cabins feature over and under bunk beds, porthole windows, two TVs and ample storage. The VIP cabin has a double bed, wardrobe, TV and large ensuite.

For making the most of the water wonderland that is the Whitsundays, SIMBA is equipped with a full selection of the latest watertoys, including two new jetskis and dock, kayaks, SUPS, wakeboards, wakesurfers, snorkelling gear and full scuba set-up, plus crab pots, outriggers and a new mesh swimming pool.

If greeting the morning with exercise, yoga or meditation sounds like the ideal start to your day, the crew can assist with an energising on-deck or beach session before breakfast.

Skillful, energetic and friendly, SIMBA’S crew of four are adaptable to all kinds of charters, from the simply sight-seeing to the action-packed. All of them are qualified instructors in the various watersports and experts in the must-see attractions and hidden gems around the Whitsundays and the Reef.

Your skilled Chef on board is renowned for her delectable seafood dishes, fusing her native Brazilian traditions with European and Asian influences. Watching her whip up culinary creations in the open galley is a treat in itself and guests will marvel at the mouth-watering menus she concocts for every meal.

The charter experts at Luxury Charter Group will work with you on your ideal itinerary tailoring your charter aboard SIMBA to your preferences for activities, interests, meals and special celebrations. Email our Australian-based luxury charter expert, Rebecca Montgomery, or give her a call on +61(0)490 094 072.

PHOTO CREDIT: Queensland Destination photos: Tourism and Events Queensland