Jervis Bay Sailing Charters

• 0423 790 900
• Jervis Bay Sailing Charters, Frank Lewis Way, Woollamia NSW, Australia
• jervisbaysailingcharters.com.au

The Activity Snapshot

Our rating: A relaxed, wind-powered sailing experience that offers access to the bay’s protected anchorages, with each journey shaped by the conditions on the day.

The Shift to Wind Power

The transition from the concrete pavement of Huskisson Wharf to the rolling pitch of a catamaran deck forces an immediate physical adjustment. The diesel engine hums briefly, pushing the twin hulls past the moored commercial trawlers, before cutting out entirely. In its place comes the sharp, heavy snap of the jib catching the morning southerly and the rhythmic slap of water against the fibreglass bow. As the sails fill with the morning breeze, the sounds of the bay come into focus, from the movement of the water against the hull to the wind through the rigging

This experience places you in the middle of the Jervis Bay Marine Park within twenty minutes. Within minutes, the wide expanse of Jervis Bay opens up around you, with views stretching across the water to the white sand beaches along the shoreline.

Deep Dive: Jervis Bay Sailing Charters

Navigating the 100 square kilometres of the marine park requires localized knowledge of shifting sandbars, sudden wind changes, and protected coves. Jervis Bay Sailing Charters combines expert local knowledge with a stable 1260-model catamaran that provides a steady platform for exploring these waters. Drawing very little water, the vessel can access a range of shallow anchorages near the Booderee National Park cliffs, allowing guests to experience different parts of the bay, giving guests access to secluded areas of the bay while enjoying a comfortable and relaxed sailing experience.

Leaving the Wharf

The morning begins with a strict removal of shoes. The deck is a barefoot zone, prioritizing grip on the smooth surfaces. As the boat clears the mouth of Currambene Creek, the water colour shifts violently from the murky, tannin-stained brown of the estuary to a deep, heavy indigo. Passengers naturally gravitate to the forward marine nets, suspended directly over the water, watching the distinct line where the river runoff meets the tidal push of the Tasman Sea.

Under Sail

Inside the saloon, the atmosphere is comfortable and sheltered. The central timber table provides a convenient space for guests to enjoy food and drinks they have brought aboard for the cruise. The interior carries a faint scent of salt spray and marine upholstery. Passengers relax on the cushioned aft benches in the shaded cockpit while taking in the surrounding scenery. Through the wide cabin windows, the water shifts once again, turning a luminous turquoise as the hull glides over the shallow, sunlit seagrass beds near Long Beach.

The Friction of the Bay

Each sailing experience is shaped by the weather conditions on the day, making every trip a little different. If the summer nor’easter fails to arrive, the sails drop, and the auxiliary engine takes over, breaking the quiet. Out near Point Perpendicular, the ocean swell rolls through the heads, creating a side-chop that will quickly test anyone prone to seasickness. The glare off the white gelcoat deck in the midday sun is intense, requiring heavy polarization to see the dark shapes of resident bottlenose dolphins breaking the surface.

The Local Insider’s Edge

• Parking reality: Most departures operate from Woollamia, a convenient access point on the western side of Jervis Bay. Guests should confirm their departure location before travelling, as some tours may occasionally depart from Huskisson Wharf. Parking arrangements, signage, and local access conditions may vary by location and season.
  

• The Bow Nets: The prime position is lying flat on the forward trampoline nets, but this area gets entirely soaked when the boat punches through a headwind chop.

• Seasickness protocol: If you feel the nausea building, do not go down into the internal hulls to use the marine toilet. Stay above deck, stand in the breeze, and watch the fixed horizon of Bowen Island.

• The “Golden Hour”: The late afternoon twilight charters offer the best visual contrast. The sun drops behind the Cambewarra escarpment, throwing the sandstone cliffs of Point Perpendicular into deep, saturated orange light.

• What to Pack: Bring a highly water-resistant windbreaker even on 30-degree days, as the wind chill off the water drops the ambient temperature significantly. Pack polarized sunglasses to cut the surface glare and spot the seagrass meadows below.

Stay with Experience Jervis Bay

Stepping off the wharf, you are usually salt-crusted, slightly windburned, and carrying wet towels. After a day on the water, it’s nice to return to a comfortable space where you can shower, relax, and unwind. Experience Jervis Bay management team prepares our coastal houses to serve as highly functional base camps for this specific type of physical fatigue. You walk through the door, drop the heavy gear, and head straight for the shower.

• For the Active Explorer: Properties like The Boathouse or Plantation Point Retreat are rigged for the aftermath of saltwater activities. They feature high-pressure outdoor hot showers to strip the salt off your skin before you even step inside, dedicated hanging spaces on the back decks for drying wet weather gear, and deep washing machines for heavily soiled clothes.
• For the Family Adventurer: Houses situated one street back from Moona Moona Creek offer flat, easy walks for tired legs. These properties feature secure, fully fenced yards where children can run off any residual energy, while adults utilize the expansive, covered timber decks to set up dinner without needing to navigate a busy restaurant.
• For the Quiet Seeker: Our tucked-away cabins in the older, heavily treed sections of Vincentia prioritize isolation. These homes feature wide verandahs overlooking the coastal heath, creating a peaceful setting surrounded by nature.

The Perfect Pairing

Once the catamaran docks at Huskisson Wharf and you retrieve your shoes, consider making your next stop Jervis Bay Brewing Co. Take a short 3-minute drive (or a scenic 25-minute walk) south to Jervis Bay Brewing Co., tucked away in the Huskisson industrial estate. While the indoor taproom offers a relaxed atmosphere, many visitors enjoy spending time outside under the shade of the spotted gums, where the shade under the front spotted gums is perfectly cool. Order a schooner of their signature Point Perp Pilsner—a crisp, 4.5% ABV lager named after the local climbing mecca—and a plate of whatever the rotating food truck is serving up that afternoon. It’s the perfect spot to sit back on heavy wooden benches and pick the remaining dried sea salt out of your eyebrows.