When it comes to reality TV, few shows serve up chaos quite like Below Deck Down Under. Packed with sparkling seas, shocking guests, and high-stakes stress, it's the perfect cocktail for steamy hookups—and even steamier drama. Whether it's a harmless flirtation or a full-blown boatmance meltdown, love on the high seas rarely stays smooth for long.
Even though the show is in its third season, the first two seasons of Below Deck Down Under delivered some of the wildest relationship moments in franchise history. While some boat romances stayed sweet, others exploded into arguments, firings, or crew-wide tension that nearly derailed entire charters. From deckhands to stews to chefs, no one has been immune to the siren call of a little onboard chemistry—and the fallout that often follows.
7 Harry & Margot
Below Deck Down Under Season 2
Harry Van Vilet's adorable crush on Margot Sisson during season 2 was one of the lighter romantic storylines, but it still created a ripple of awkwardness. From the start, Harry wore his heart on his sleeve, making it clear he was smitten. Margot, meanwhile, was friendly and flirty but never really reciprocated the romantic feelings.
Their relationship created tension on deck, especially as Harry struggled with mixed signals. Even though Margot tried to be gentle about setting boundaries, it was clear Harry's feelings sometimes got in the way of their work dynamic. Thankfully, their situation never spiraled into serious drama—just a bit of secondhand embarrassment for viewers.
Harry and Margot's flirtation in the grand scheme of Below Deck Down Under boatmances was more sweet than chaotic. Still, the awkwardness made for some cringe-worthy moments, especially as Harry struggled to read the situation. It served as a reminder that unrequited crushes and close quarters rarely mix well.
6 Jamie & Magda
Below Deck Down Under Season 1
In season 1, Magda and Bosun Jamie Sayed had a flirtation that felt casual on the surface but carried some hidden tension underneath. Magda's laid-back attitude clashed with Jamie's more by-the-book leadership style, even as a bit of attraction buzzed between them. The result was a strange relationship where it was never quite clear whether they were flirting or fighting.
While they never took things too far, the blurred lines made working together slightly more complicated. At times, it seemed like Magda was trying to impress Jamie—or irritate her—in ways that distracted them from the job. The underlying tension eventually bled into crew meetings and performance reviews.
Ultimately, the Jamie and Magda situation didn't lead to full-on drama, but it showed how easily professionalism can be compromised when feelings are involved. Their story served as a quieter example of how even low-key boatmances can mess with the ship's chain of command. Sometimes, it's the almost hookups that cause just enough friction to matter.
5 Magda & Ryan
Below Deck Down Under Season 2
Below Deck Down Under's Magda Ziomek's loyalty to her boyfriend back home was constantly tested throughout season 1, but her flirtation with Chef added another layer of complexity. Ryan, ever the agent of chaos, wasn't shy about stirring the pot in the galley and among the crew. His playful teasing and occasional flirtiness towards Magda didn't go unnoticed.
While nothing physical happened between Magda and Ryan, the emotional tension contributed to an already toxic work environment. Magda spent half her time texting her boyfriend and the other half navigating awkward moments with Ryan. Meanwhile, Ryan's arrogance and Magda's distracted energy often led to communication breakdowns in service.
Though not a traditional boatmance, their messy energy still managed to impact the team's morale. Misplaced attention, jealousy, and misunderstandings spread faster than a galley grease fire. Sometimes, emotional affairs can be just as destabilizing as physical ones.
4 Luke & Margot
Below Deck Down Under Season 2
The situation between Luke Jones and Margot wasn't a romantic boatmance—it was a serious violation of boundaries that shocked both the crew and viewers. After a night of heavy drinking, Luke entered Margot's cabin while she was unconscious, sparking immediate concern. Captain Jason Chambers acted swiftly, removing Luke from the boat the next morning.
The incident caused a seismic shift in the crew's dynamics, forcing everyone to reckon with serious consent and safety issues onboard. Margot received unwavering from most of her crewmates, but the emotional fallout was palpable for the rest of the season. The incident brought necessary conversations about workplace safety and respect to the forefront.
Unlike other boatmances, this situation wasn't about flirtation—it was a dark moment that marred an otherwise light-hearted show. It proved that while Below Deck loves drama, there are clear lines that shouldn't be crossed. In of "chaos," this one carried real-world consequences far bigger than the show itself.
3 Jaimee, Culver & Luka
Below Deck Down Under Season 2
During Below Deck Down Under season 2, deckhand Culver Bradbury quickly hit it off with new stew Jaimee Neale. Their flirtation developed into a full-fledged boatmance, filled with playful banter and cozy moments. It seemed like a smooth sail—until a new deckhand boarded. When Luka Brunton ed the crew, Jaimee's attention noticeably shifted. Despite being involved with Culver, she formed a flirty connection with Luka that became increasingly obvious. Tensions rose as the triangle took center stage among the crew.
On the final crew night out, Jaimee shocked everyone by kissing Luka. Though she still left the boat with Culver, their romance didn’t survive much longer after the charter season ended. The short-lived triangle left a lasting impact, proving love at sea is rarely simple.
2 João & Tzarina
Below Deck Down Under Season 2
Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph was caught off guard when João Franco ed Below Deck Down Under as the new Bosun, especially given their past friendship history. Though hesitant at first, the two slowly began a romantic bond while working together. Their chemistry led to a heartfelt dinner date, where they opened up about their feelings.
As their boatmance blossomed, it brought both tension and excitement to the crew dynamic. Viewers were drawn to their emotional journey and personal growth throughout the season. However, the romance didn’t last, and the pair went their separate ways once filming ended.
1 Marina, Wihan & Tzarina (Season 3)
Below Deck Down Under Season 3
Below Deck Down Under season 3 got steamy when Bosun Wihan du Toit started showing interest in stew Marina Marcondes De Barros. The two flirted openly, and a short-lived romance bloomed quickly, with sparks flying on and off duty. But things got complicated when Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph revealed she had also been romantically involved with Wihan before Marina ed the crew.

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The love triangle created awkwardness in the galley and on deck, especially as Tzarina’s feelings seemed unresolved. Tension simmered beneath the surface, with subtle jabs and uncomfortable conversations peppering the rest of the season. Marina, caught off guard by the revelation, began questioning Wihan’s intentions and honesty.
Eventually, the romance fizzled out as the pressure of the triangle proved too much to manage in such close quarters for this season of Below Deck Down Under. Tzarina and Marina managed to maintain professionalism, but their bond was tested. In the end, Wihan’s inability to handle the situation maturely left both women frustrated and fans cringing.
Below Deck Down Under airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
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