Whitsundays Overnight Sailing Tours: Need to Know
Where will I sleep? Will it be rough? Where will the boat go?
These are the questions that are frequently asked by travellers heading to the Whitsundays and heading out on an overnight sailing tour for the first time.
Before heading out on board an overnight sailing trip, travellers should be prepared as best they can, so all they have to do is relax and enjoy a magical experience sailing around the Whitsunday Islands.
Where will I sleep?
Everyone will sleep onboard the vessel, and you will be designated a bed depending on the set-up of the boat and the type of accommodation you have booked.
Those who are in shared accommodation will often sleep in an open plan area usually in the saloon area of the vessel. There are usually single and double beds or bunk beds in this set-up. Those who have booked a private cabin (requires 2 people) will be designated a cabin that will feature either twin singles or a double bed. Some cabins also have a private ensuite which is an optional upgrade at the time of booking.
Will it be rough?
The Whitsundays is sheltered by the islands and Great Barrier Reef and therefore it is generally calm on the water. The vessel’s skipper will determine the best places to visit during the trip, depending on the weather and the tides, and each evening, the vessel will anchor in a sheltered bay to minimise any movement during the night.
The skipper can stand down a trip if there are poor weather conditions expected.
Where will the boat go?
Each itinerary is different and remains flexible to work around weather and tide conditions, however, the crew will endeavour to stop at the main highlights along the way. Generally, the itinerary will include a stop at Whitehaven Beach, a bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout and around four different snorkel spots around the islands.
Can I snorkel?
If you are a capable swimmer, yes. Every overnight boat trip will offer several snorkel opportunities at some of the best spots in the Whitsundays. To assist, the crew will issue snorkelling equipment and a wetsuit and there are floatation devices available to use as well. Please note, that it is at the discretion of the crew to determine whether a guest can swim or not, depending on their swimming abilities.
Are meals onboard included?
Yes, all meals and snacks on board are included in the price and a sample menu is available on our website. Generally, there are 3 main meals offered throughout the day with snacks in between. All meals are prepared onboard by the crew.
Please check if the vessel you are booked on is BYO (bring your own alcohol) or has an onboard bar.
How fast does the vessel travel?
This depends on the vessel and the weather conditions. Obviously, if there is a nice breeze, the sailing vessels can reach quicker speeds which provide an even more enjoyable ride around the islands. When they are not sailing, most boats motor at around 7-8 knots.
