The Whitsunday Islands are the perfect place to introduce your children to boating life on the ocean and to explore the beauty of this amazing part of Australia. The Whitsundays offers a plethora of wonderful cruising options to suit your family getaway, offering some that's ideal for every family.  It's always best to do your research before booking to ensure you find exactly what's right for you and your loved ones.

We have broken down the four prime ways to get your family onto the water in the Whitsundays.

Overnight Boat Trips

Overnight trips allow you and your family to spend some quality time on the water, spending your nights on the ocean and your days in the sea. Each boat has different age restrictions and accommodation arrangements, so please be sure you choose the right tour for you and your family. Ask your booking agent which tour is right for your family, making sure you let them know the ages of your children.

• Milady - 4+ years
• Prima - 4+ years
• Eureka II - 4+ years (please reconfirm with us if anyone is under 8)
• Entice - 6+ years (4+ on request)
• On Ice - 6+ years
• Blizzard - 6+ years
• Whitsunday Adventurer - 6+ years
• Reefsleep: Great Barrier Reef Adventures - 6+ years
• Reefsuites: Great Barrier Reef Adventures - 6+ years
• Waltzing Matilda - 7+ years
• Kiana- 12+ years
• Summertime - 12+ years

Please note that most vessels require children to stay in a private cabin with their parents/guardians. Minimum ages are subject to case by case reviews - if you're unsure always feel free to ask! 

Day Trips

Day trips are a great way to spend time on the water with your family. The Whitsundays offer a huge variety of day trips to choose from, whether you a wanting a sailing boat, a fast catamaran, scenic flight or an on-land adventure.

• Providence - all ages
• SeaLink Whitehaven Big Island Day Tour - all ages (0 - 4 yrs free) 
• Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure - all ages
• Ocean Rafting - Southern Lights - all ages
• Whitehaven Xpress - all ages
• Hamilton Island Freestyle - all ages
• Reefworld - all ages
• Whitsunday Bullet - 2+
• CW: Great Barrier Reef Tour from Airlie Beach - all ages
• CW: Whitehaven Beach Half Day Tour from Airlie Beach - Morning Cruise - all ages
• Big Fury - 3+
• Thundercat - 2+ 
• Camira - 4+ 
• Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Adventure from Airlie Beach - 6+
• Domino - all ages

Private Charters

A private charter allows you to take full control of your holiday and have a boat all to yourself. On a private charter, you will be provided with an experienced skipper and a friendly host to do all the hard work and guide you to all the hot spots of the Whitsunday Islands. You and your family get to choose what you would like to do and when. All food and soft drinks are provided and prepared for you so that you can indulge in full relaxation. There are many different boats to choose from, including private day or overnight charters to create your personalised cruise, so it is best you speak to one of our travel agents to find your best match.

Stay in luxury onshore accommodation by night and go on day trips

Day tours in the Whitsundays are becoming more and more popular among families and groups of friends. It is the perfect way to spend a fun-filled day doing the activity of your choice and free up your evening so you can explore Airlie Beach's town centre. Sailing Whitsundays can combine one or many day tours with your choice of accommodation style. We specialise in creating family packages so that you get more for less with your loved ones.

We also work closely with reputable and local Holiday Apartment hosts that provide us with affordable and family-friendly accommodation. Below are two of our favourite properties:

Airlie Searene Apartments

Airlie Central Townhouse

However you choose to get out amongst the Whitsunday Islands, the friendly staff at Sailing Whitsundays are happy and willing to help you choose the very best option for your family.

Call us at +61 74914 2425 or chat to us live so that we can help start you planning what we know will be the holiday of a lifetime!