What should I bring on the overnight trip?

Bring clothing suitable for warm days and cool nights, reef-safe sunscreen, and personal items. Bedding and towels are provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, basic snorkeling gear is provided, but you can bring your own if preferred.

Yes, the trip includes fresh, locally sourced meals and drinks.

Can I book just a day trip instead of overnight?

This specific trip is designed as an overnight experience; ask about day-only options with the operator.

Is this trip suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome, but must be comfortable in the water and supervised at all times.

What if I get seasick?

Take seasickness medication beforehand if you're prone to motion sickness, and notify the crew.

Boat Charters at Magnetic Island with Big Mama Sailing

Located along Queensland’s rugged northeast coast, Magnetic Island offers striking vistas of turquoise waters, rocky coves, and vibrant marine life. Big Mama Sailing’s Private Samurai Overnight Charter turns a trip to this tropical paradise into an immersive seafaring adventure. This unique experience combines the thrill of being on the water with the comfort of staying aboard a well-equipped vessel, making it the ideal choice for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

The Private Samurai Charter features a sleek, spacious boat moored in the calm waters of Nelly Bay, offering panoramic views of the island’s distinctive granite bays and coral-fringed reefs. Guests can enjoy cruising through crystal-clear waters, discovering hidden beaches only accessible by boat, and snorkeling over colorful coral formations teeming with marine life. The trip’s highlight is the overnight stay aboard the boat, which allows travelers to experience Magnetic Island’s nocturnal marine ecosystem, including glimpses of elusive creatures like octopuses and sea turtles.

Big Mama Sailing’s crew provides expert guidance, ensuring safety and enriching the journey with local insights. The boat itself is a modern vessel equipped for comfort, with plenty of deck space for sunbathing and relaxing under the stars. Its design emphasizes a seamless connection between adventure and leisure, making it suitable for couples, families, or groups. Alongside the scenic cruising, guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals and drinks, making the entire trip a seamless blend of activity and indulgence.

This overnight charter stands out as a premier way to experience Magnetic Island’s coastal beauty, offering a private, personalized adventure that’s hard to match in the region. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a marine escape, Big Mama Sailing provides a memorable journey into Queensland’s iconic waters, leaving travelers with stories to tell for years to come.

About Big Mama Sailing

Big Mama Sailing operates from Townsville City, Queensland, offering a fleet of heritage and performance sailing vessels for private and shared charters. The operator runs scheduled and private trips around Magnetic Island and the Townsville coastline aboard vessels including Big Mama, the performance cruising catamaran Ragamuffin 111, and the classic sailing yacht Samurai. Guests can book half-day, full-day, sunset and overnight private charters tailored for families, groups and corporate outings.

Shared and private options include half-day sails, full-day adventures, sunset sails and overnight charters. Specific experiences list onboard amenities and activities: the Big Mama half-day sail includes morning tea and a light lunch plus snorkeling and paddle boarding; the Ragamuffin 111 half-day sail accommodates up to eight guests and emphasizes spacious comfort and snorkelling; the Samurai full- and half-day sails provide options to participate on deck or relax while staff manage the voyage. Full-day itineraries note snorkel gear and paddleboards are available on board for guest use.

Booking guidance and trip notes advise guests to bring swimwear, snacks and drinks on many private charters and to expect small-group sailing formats on select vessels. Big Mama Sailing focuses on day trips and extended sails between Townsville City and Magnetic Island, highlighting flexible charter types and multiple vessel choices for different group sizes and sailing preferences.

Crews support onboard activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding and helping guests to the helm, and many itineraries recommend bringing personal sun protection, towels, and any preferred snacks or beverages for a comfortable day on the water.