At Aroona, we offer an experience unlike any other on the Great Barrier Reef. With purpose-built vessels, an incredible crew, and a deep love for the ocean, the Aroona difference is something we live and breathe every day.
Stepping on board Aroona is the gateway to some of the most remote and breathtaking locations in Australia. At 70 feet, she’s been custom designed to access places the bigger boats simply can’t reach. Reefs, rivers, islands, those secret spots we love to share with our guests. She’s spacious, stable, and versatile, with a full width flybridge and beautifully appointed cabins that feel more like a floating hotel than a charter boat.
As Yachting Magazine wrote back in 2020, Aroona is “a nautical Humvee, locked and loaded for the promised land.” That line stuck with us because it sums up exactly what she is. Built to handle long-range expeditions confidently, she’s tough, reliable, and perfectly suited to life out here. Whether we’re diving or snorkelling in the best locations on the Great Barrier Reef, chasing barra in Princess Charlotte Bay, running kitesurfing trips out wide, or supporting research projects, Aroona does it all with ease.
We’re also proud to be the longest-operating private charter vessel on the Great Barrier Reef. That history brings with it a depth of knowledge and connection to this region that only time can build.
And now, with the addition of our two custom-built tenders, Zephyr and Makani, we’re able to offer even greater flexibility and access. These agile support boats allow guests to head off on more personalised adventures, from early morning fishing missions to remote snorkel sites and private beach drop-offs. They’ve quickly become part of the family and are already changing the game for how we explore.
But what really makes our trips special is our crew. We’re a close-knit team of locals who’ve spent decades working these waters. From guided recreational fishing to dive instructing, kitesurfing pioneering, marine science to hospitality, we bring a wealth of experience and passion to every trip. We’re not just here to steer the boat or cook the meals (though we do that really well!) We’re here to share the magic of the reef, to tailor each trip around our guests, and to create the kind of adventures people never forget.
Captain and Business Manager, Ross Miller was a pioneer of kitesurfing in Far North Queensland. Back in 1989, he began testing all kinds of board and kite combinations, eventually strapping two-foot straps onto a single fin surfboard and catching the bus to the beach to test downwinders along Cairns’ northern beaches. With over 20 years of experience exploring the GBR in search of the most idyllic kitesurfing locations, he now leads what we proudly call the premier kiting experience on the reef.
In 2015, Aroona was the official support vessel for the longest kitesurfing world record attempt, documented in the film ‘Kite the Reef’ by Dean Miller. During that expedition, we mastered launch techniques, developed custom logistics, and refined every detail of the experience, including the addition of a purpose-built launching pontoon. Whether you’re an experienced kitesurfer or brand new to the sport, our reef lagoons, downwind outer reef runs, and glassy sandbanks offer the perfect playground, backed by a dedicated chase boat for safety and support.
Captain Lorenzo, who has worked for 15 years on live-aboard dive vessels in the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns, commented that Aroona’s true standout feature is her versatility. “We can support everything from family charters and diving expeditions to specialist fishing expeditions and marine science trips. Better yet, we tailor our crew to each charter, so you’re always surrounded by guides and team members who are experts in the type of experience you’ve come for.”
Every charter is different. That’s the beauty of it. We build the itinerary around you, your interests, your pace, and the conditions. Want to fish the flats at first light? Let’s go. Keen to dive a remote bommie no one else has access to? We know just the spot. On Aroona, it’s about creating something truly personal. And because we keep our groups small and private, every detail gets the attention it deserves.
And then there’s the food. With a private chef onboard, you’ll be treated to incredible meals made with fresh, local ingredients. Think reef fish caught that day, tropical fruit, and sunset drinks served up on the back deck. It’s one of those things that guests always comment on—how good it feels to eat well after a big day of adventure.
We also care deeply about the places we visit. With our long history on the reef, we’ve built strong relationships with researchers and conservation groups. We support ongoing marine science work, and we’re always looking for ways to reduce our impact and protect this extraordinary ecosystem for future generations.
For us, Aroona is more than just a boat. She’s a platform for connecting people, nature, and the wild, beautiful places that make up the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re after something truly unique, equal parts luxury, adventure, and meaning, we’d love to welcome you aboard.
This is the Aroona difference. And we can’t wait to share it with you.
Read Yachting Magazine’s feature on Aroona: ‘Down Under Adventure’—a journey aboard a 70-foot Outer Reef yacht through Australia’s Great Barrier Reef by Kevin Koenig here.
