Day Trips Vs overnight trips

The Whitsundays are one of the top holiday destinations in Australia, home to 74 islands, countless fringing reefs, sitting in the heart of the beautiful and breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, making it a must-see for any Australian trip. 

There are many great ways to experience the Whitsunday Islands, all best by sea, allowing you to have an up-close-and-personal experience. Many tours leave from Airlie Beach to explore the Whitsunday Islands, some offering day trips and other night trips, varying in length.

There are pros and cons to each, depending on the type of traveller you are. It can be hard to know which trip is right for you, below are some points that might help you decide. 

Day trips

Day trips are extremely good for those short on time or on a budget. There are several different extensive day tours, each catering to different types of trips, some spending more time at the beach, and others more time snorkelling. Day trips are great if you want to experience all the best of the Whitsundays but aren’t too keen on spending the night at sea, or if time isn't on your side. They are also great for those who might get seasick, as you spend less time cruising around and more time in the water or exploring on land.

Since it is a day trip with limited time, you won’t get to do much sailing like you would on an overnight trip. Your crew generally try to get you to your destinations as quick as possible, and therefore don’t spend much time leisurely cruising around. If you are looking to try your hand at sailing or just spend more time on the water, an overnight trip might be more appropriate. Luckily, there are 2-day, 1-night trips if you are short on time, as well as many longer trips.

Overnight trips

Overnight trips give guests a more extensive opportunity to explore the Whitsunday Islands. Trips generally range in length from two to six days depending on the boat and company. Different tours leave on different days of the week, so make sure to take this into account when booking.

Overnight trips often give you a lengthier opportunity to explore the Whitsundays, spending more time snorkelling at more locations and more time at Whitehaven Beach. Some boats will even let you try your hand at sailing, helping them hoist sails, which is a great experience in itself.

Most of the overnight sailing tours spend the night on the ocean on the boat itself. Some boats offer private accommodations, shared accommodation or a combination of both. Spaces can be small compared to what people are used to, so they aren’t always ideal for families or those who like a lot of personal space to roam around. There are several options of multi-day trips that are designed for you to stay on land in resort accommodations (see Ride to Paradise ), that give you more space and room to roam. 

Both overnight sailing tours and day trips are a great way to see the Whitsundays, and there is a trip right for any type of traveller, depending on what you want to see and do. Doing your research and picking the right tour is an important part of enjoying your trip, so always chat with a travel agent before booking to make sure it's right for you.