Coral Sea Marina Resort

What Coral Sea Marina Resort does

Coral Sea Marina Resort is a privately owned, integrated marina and tourism destination in Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, operating as the principal gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The asset comprises 520 wet berths accommodating vessels from 11 to 80 metres with power up to 400amp (three phase), a 77-room oceanfront resort with pool and beach access, and a marina village hosting more than 50 tourism operators, waterfront dining venues, and retail tenants. The property also includes the Ocean Club floating guest facility, The Lookout Lounge event space, an on-site boutique spa, and a 24/7 high-flow diesel fuel wharf, and it operates a globally distributed e-commerce merchandise store.

The business is technically anchored by an embedded electricity network that the marina owns, manages, and resells electricity through under Australian Energy Regulator approval granted on 31 August 2023, giving it direct control over a critical utility input for berth holders and tenants. Sustainability is embedded into the operating model: the marina holds 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation, Superyacht Ready status, Clean Marina Level III (ISO 14001), Fish Friendly Marina, and is the first marina in Australia to receive Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid model combining recurring monthly berthing subscriptions, resort accommodation stays, fuel wharf transactions, marina village tenant arrangements, event hosting (including the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race), branded merchandise sales, and the Coral Sea Academy edu-tourism programming. The customer base spans recreational boaters, superyacht captains and crew, charter and tourism operators, and visiting tourists. The marina is owned by Paul Darrouzet, who acquired the asset in 2013 and has led a multi-year repositioning under the 'Monaco of the Pacific' thesis, with day-to-day executive leadership provided by CEO/General Manager Kate Purdie.

Name

Coral Sea Marina Resort

Legal name

Coral Sea Marina

Website

https://coralseamarina.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Coral Sea Marina Resort is a privately owned 520-berth marina and 77-room oceanfront resort in Airlie Beach, Queensland, serving as the gateway to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef for recreational boaters, superyacht operators, charter companies, and visiting tourists.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marina and Resort Hospitality

NAICS

Marinas (713930), Marinas (71393)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Marina & Waterfront Full-Service Hotels (THAGAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Coastal & Island Eco-Resorts (THAAAHAG), Marine Recreation Rentals & Tours Retail Counter (On-site Sales) (CRAMAIAM)

Keywords

• Marina berthing services
• Superyacht marina facilities
• Waterfront resort accommodation
• Marine tourism services
• Marina fuel wharf

Headquarters

HQ city

Airlie Beach

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Marina Berthing Services: Short and long-term berthing for vessels from 11m to 80m. The marina offers 520 wet berths with power up to 400amp (3 phase), 24/7 fuel wharf with high-flow diesel, and comprehensive marine services.
2. Marina Village Retail and Dining: The marina village hosts over 50 tourism operators including waterfront dining venues, cafes, and retail businesses. The resort features an Oceanfront resort with private pool and beach, boutique spa, and multiple dining options.
3. Merchandise Sales: Online e-commerce shop selling branded merchandise including apparel (polo shirts, caps, visors), accessories (water bottles, bags, scarves), homeware (mugs, coasters, notecards), and marine-themed gifts. Prices range from $5 to $180.
4. Oceanfront Resort Accommodation: 77-room waterfront hotel with private pool and beach access, operated in conjunction with the marina facilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Coral Sea Marina Resort operates a 520-berth premium marina in Airlie Beach, Queensland, providing short and long-term wet berthing for recreational vessels and superyachts from 11m to 80m, with 400amp three-phase power, 24/7 high-flow diesel fuel wharf, concierge, marine maintenance, and chandlery services. Integrated with the marina is a 77-room oceanfront resort hotel, a marina village of 50+ tourism operators, a boutique spa, the Ocean Club floating guest facility, the Coral Sea Academy edu-tourism program, and an online branded merchandise shop. The marina also runs an embedded electricity network authorized by the Australian Energy Regulator, supplying continuous power to berths and landside tenants.

Product overview

Coral Sea Marina Resort operates as a single unified resort destination combining marina berthing services with hospitality and tourism experiences. The core product is the 520-berth marina with supporting resort facilities, supplemented by the Coral Sea Academy educational initiative and an online merchandise shop. The property features the Ocean Club floating facility, The Lookout Lounge event space, marina village retail/dining precinct, and spa services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Coral Sea Academy: Educational tourism initiative providing events and resources connecting people to boating, the environment, and sustainability in the Whitsundays.

Products and services

• Marina Berthing Short and long-term wet berths for vessels from 11m to 80m, with power up to 400amp (3 phase), 24/7 fuel wharf with high-flow diesel, CCTV surveillance, and security access, available to recreational boaters, superyacht captains, and charter operators cruising the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
• Oceanfront Resort Accommodation 77-room waterfront hotel with private pool and beach access, providing resort accommodation for visitors and marina guests in Airlie Beach, Queensland.
• Concierge Service Concierge support for berth holders and guests covering bookings, provisioning, transport via courtesy car fleet, and tailored guest experiences.
• Marine Services and Chandlery On-site marine trades, maintenance, and chandlery services supporting vessel upkeep and provisioning for berth holders and visiting boats.
• Coral Sea Marina Resort Merchandise Shop Online shop selling branded merchandise including apparel (polo shirts, caps, visors), accessories (water bottles, bags, scarves), homeware (mugs, coasters, notecards), and marine-themed gifts, with prices ranging from $5 to $180.
• Coral Sea Academy (EduTourism Events)

Quantifiable outcome

• Eliminated 70,000 plastic straws per annum from marina operations
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ecotourism AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoral Sea Marina was the first marina in Australia to become Sustainable Tourism Certified through Ecotourism Australia. This partnership recognizes the marina's commitment to minimizing negative impacts and maximizing benefits for the environment, communities, and culture. The globally recognized certification places Coral Sea Marina amongst an elite group of businesses demonstrating exemplary sustainability in the tourism industry.
• Marina Industries Association (MIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong partnership with the Marina Industries Association for Clean Marina Level III accreditation, Superyacht Ready accreditation, Fish Friendly certification, and industry awards. The MIA sets criteria for marina industry best practice and recognizes excellence through awards and accreditations.
• Superyacht Group Great Barrier ReefcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership positioning Coral Sea Marina as a leading superyacht destination in Queensland and key hub for luxury vessels cruising the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. Promotes the region to superyacht operators globally.
• Tourism WhitsundayscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with regional tourism body for promotion of the Whitsundays as a premier tourism destination. Coral Sea Marina is a major sponsor of Tourism Whitsundays events and initiatives.
• Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of QTIC providing access to industry development resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities within Queensland's tourism industry.
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with GBRMPA for marine park zoning, responsible reef practices, Eye on the Reef app promotion, and environmental stewardship. The marina operates within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• Tangaroa BluecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProud supporters of Tangaroa Blue, a not-for-profit dedicated to marine debris removal and prevention. Partnership includes Ditch the Flick campaign, Rig Recycle bin program, and Australian Marine Debris Initiative participation. Volunteers collect marine debris using Tangaroa Blue's data collection app.
• International Seakeepers SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoral Sea Marina is a Marina Partner and the first in the South Pacific. The partnership supports marine science and education by utilizing vessels as platforms for oceanographic research, educational outreach, and marine conservation. Promotes citizen science expeditions and ocean conservation programs.
• Whales of the WhitsundayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum sponsor of the Whales of the Whitsundays program which led to the Whitsundays becoming a Whale Heritage Site - only the second in Australia and first in a World Heritage Area. Supports responsible whale watching and marine conservation.
• Whitsunday Climate Change Innovation HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint hosting of Zero Emissions Marine Tourism Events as part of the Whitsunday Healthy Heart Project. Partnership focused on decarbonisation of marine tourism industry through hydrogen and electric technology adoption.
• Great Barrier Reef FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Whitsunday Reef Islands Initiative and Seagrass Restoration Project. The Great Barrier Reef Foundation supports reef restoration efforts through collaboration with the marina, CQUniversity, and Reef Catchments.
• Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CQUniversity)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with CQUniversity's Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre for seagrass restoration project. The marina hosts a dedicated seagrass nursery within the marina precinct as part of this collaboration.
• Reef CatchmentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in seagrass restoration project working alongside CQUniversity and Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Supports Whitsunday Reef Islands Initiative for regional environmental conservation.
• Whitsunday Regional CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Healthy Heart Reef Project dedicated to decarbonising the tourism sector and achieving sustainable destination accreditation. Committed to zero net emissions target by 2050.
• Volunteer Marine Rescue WhitsundayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum sponsor providing premium berthing for fleet vessels and significant fuel contribution. Partnership supports marine safety and rescue operations in Whitsunday waters through Coral Sea Academy training and education programs.
• Marine Rescue QLD WhitsundayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContinued partnership with state marine rescue organization following transition from Volunteer Marine Rescue. Supports safety at sea for local and visiting boaters.
• Superyacht AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for superyacht industry recognition and awards. Multiple Superyacht Australia Awards received including Australian Superyacht Industry Service Provider in 2017, 2021, and 2024.
• Prostate Cancer Foundation of AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual BIG AUSSIE BBQ fundraising events have raised over $10,000 combined in 2022-2023. Partnership with Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club has contributed over $600,000 to PCFA through annual Rendezvous events.
• Clipper Round the World Yacht RacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing supporter and host port for Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Whitsunday Clipper Race Carnivals in 2018, 2020, and 2024 injected over $1.4m into local economy. Next visit scheduled for 2026.
• Tourism Events QueenslandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for delivery of major events including Clipper Race Carnival, Great Barrier Reef Festival, and Airlie Beach Race Week.
• The Last Straw Great Barrier Reef CampaigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst marina in Australia to have all food outlets signed up to The Last Straw campaign. Partnership eliminates plastic straws from 5 dining venues and 123+ vessels, removing 70,000 straws per annum.
• Great Barrier Reef LegacyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with non-profit social enterprise for coral reef research expeditions, education, and stewardship. Educational events through Coral Sea Academy connecting guests with reef conservation.
• Whitsunday Healthy Heart ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed by Whitsunday Climate Change Innovation Hub, this project brings marine tourism operators together to measure and reduce carbon footprint. Coral Sea Marina hosts Zero Emissions Marine Tourism Events through this partnership.
• Flying ScientistsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram based out of University of Queensland that engages regional Queensland communities in science and sustainability. Coral Sea Academy hosts Flying Scientist events featuring researchers like Dr Kate Helmstedt.
• Sailability WhitsundaysminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonation of use of start boat for Sailability program providing sailing opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages. Part of commitment to making sailing accessible to all.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Chelsea Premium Piers: Superyacht and cruise facility at Chelsea, Sydney (formerly Captain Cook Cruises). Competes for east coast Australian superyacht berth leases and luxury charter clientele in the same regulatory and tourism market.
• Port Denarau Marina: Fiji's premier superyacht marina and South Pacific hub for vessels cruising between Australia, New Zealand, and the islands. Competes for the same trans-Pacific superyacht itineraries and HNW charter clientele as Coral Sea Marina.
• Sanctuary Cove Marina: Large Gold Coast marina combining berthing with a resort and integrated tourism precinct. Comparable Queensland full-service marina-and-resort operating model at scale, though cooler-water and more residential-oriented than Coral Sea.
• d'Albora Marinas (NSW): Network of premium Australian marinas (including Nelson Bay, Cabarita Point, Rushcutters Bay) with integrated dining and tourism offerings. Comparable full-service marina operating model across multiple sites, with a broader Australian east coast footprint.
• Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Marina: Established Queensland yacht club marina on Moreton Bay offering berthing, marine services, and club facilities. Comparable Australian east coast marina with strong member ecosystem, though more club-oriented than Coral Sea's resort/marina village model.
• Sydney Superyacht Marina (White Bay): Purpose-built superyacht facility in Sydney Harbour targeting the same Australian east coast superyacht itinerary set. Direct competitor for seasonal superyacht berth contracts and provisioning services.
• Hamilton Island Marina: Queensland superyacht and recreational marina in the Whitsundays, sharing the same Great Barrier Reef cruising grounds and similar Whitsunday Island visitor profile. Most geographically and demographically direct peer in the region.

Broad incumbents

• Port Vauban (Antibes): One of the largest superyacht marinas in the Mediterranean and a global benchmark for superyacht berthing. Comparable at the high end of the superyacht value chain; serves a different cruising region but competes for global superyacht brand positioning and captain reputation.
• Yacht Haven Grande (USVI): Premier Caribbean superyacht marina with integrated luxury amenities. Competes for global superyacht itineraries and high-end charter cruising; analogous model combining marina, hotel, and dining precinct at a tropical cruising hub.

Regional players

• Orakei Marina (Auckland): Large Auckland superyacht marina serving the Hauraki Gulf and Pacific cruising routes. Comparable in scale and superyacht positioning, but on the other side of the Tasman; competes for South Pacific superyacht programming.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CoralSeaMR
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdICVzhFxWqYFCXW2HNVdVg
• Facebookfacebook.com/coralseamarina
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coral-sea-marina
• Instagraminstagram.com/coralseamarina

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Coral Sea Marina Resort