Are Australian charter prices all-inclusive?

Rarely. The figure you are quoted is usually the boat, and a list of extras sits behind it.

Start from the fact that most operators do not publish a price at all. Only 7 of the 44 verified operators in this directory show a standing dollar tariff; the rest quote on enquiry. So the first job is getting a written quote with the inclusions itemised.

What is commonly extra

• Fuel and gas, often charged on return at the level used.
• Food and drink, unless the charter is catered.
• A refundable bond, which on bareboat can run to thousands of dollars held against a card.
• A damage waiver, charged per day, which reduces but rarely removes your excess.
• Linen, towels, and sometimes a final clean.
• Tender fuel, stand-up paddleboards, snorkelling gear, fishing gear.
• Mooring or marina fees away from base.
• The Great Barrier Reef environmental management charge on commercial reef trips, per person.
• Skipper or cook day rates, plus their food, if you add crew.

What all-inclusive usually means

On crewed charters, all-inclusive normally covers the boat, the crew, food and some drinks, and sometimes fuel within a set range. It rarely covers alcohol beyond a basic allowance, marina fees, or tips. Ask which of those five items is in and which is out.

Getting a comparable quote

Ask every operator the same question: total payable for our dates and our group, with every line item named, plus the bond and the waiver. Then compare. A cheaper boat with a daily waiver and a fuel surcharge can land above a dearer one that includes both.

Costs breaks the line items down further, and the booking and contract checklist has the questions in a form you can paste into an email. For what the bond and waiver actually do, see what is a bond.