How To Do The Whitsundays

Lily Kerley

Updated Tue 24 Sep 2024

Best way to do the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays region is home to an incredible array of pristine islands, blissful bays and flourishing sections of the Great Barrier Reef. And, with an overwhelming array of tours and experiences available to travellers, it can be daunting to figure out how to “do” the Whitsundays! So, our team of local travel experts have put together a handy guide on the best way to explore this slice of tropical paradise… indeed the best way to “do” the Whitsundays whatever your budget and time frame is!

Once you have arrived in Airlie Beach, the hub of Whitsunday Island experiences, there are plenty of ways to get out there and do the Whitsundays, ticking off all of the must-sees on our Whitsunday Bucket List. So, hop on board because, with our dreamy, flexible itinerary options, there really is something for everyone here in this corner of island bliss!

How to do the Whitsundays on a budget

Just because you’re frolicking amongst a luxe, tropical wonderland on modern sailing vessels does not mean you have to break the bank! Here are our favourite ways to do the Whitsundays on a budget for those looking to be savvy with their savings.

Inexpensive overnight sailing

A two-day, two-night sail aboard the lively Atlantic Clipper is sure to show you the very best of the Whitsundays for less than $180 per person a night. This multiday tour will sail guests to Whitsunday Island where you can venture to Hill Inlet Lookout for unbeatable views and Whitehaven Beach for pristine white, soft sands. Atlantic Clipper is a social, jam-packed experience that includes a fully-catered menu, snorkelling gear, an onboard spa, stand-up paddleboards and more!

Best value-for-money packages

Our unbelievable Sail and Stay Adventure Package boasts some of the best value in the Whitsundays market. Save on 4 nights of luxury Airlie Beach accommodation and an enchanting two-day, two-night catamaran island tour, at only $137 a day, per person! Experience snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, swimming in crystal clear bays, island sailing and modern resort accommodation for a fraction of the usual cost.

Cheap eats & activities

Fill the rest of your tropical getaway with an array of free things to do in the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach such as bayside BBQ’s, swims in the Airlie Beach Lagoons and lush island hikes. And, when it’s time to fill your adventurous appetite, travellers can’t go past the cheap, fresh and tasty eats available in Airlie Beach!

How to do the Whitsundays in style

The epitome of class, elegance and effortless beauty, there are a wide variety of luxury vessels to take you around the dazzling Whitsunday Islands. Here are our favourite ways to do the Whitsundays in style!

	Island romance & sunset champagne Whitsunday Getaway will take you on the journey of your island celebrity dreams, complete with a charming and romantic atmosphere. Available as a two-night or three-night luxury sailing experience, this modern, smooth and spacious catamaran will have you sipping champagne at sunset and enjoying nibbles illuminated by moonlight! This island sail stops at all of the bucket list destinations as well as an array of glorious hidden gems reserved for longer tours such as Getaway. Renowned for its fresh, gourmet catering and enchanting ambience, Whitsunday Getaway is a unique and stunning tropical experience for lovers of little luxuries.
	Thoughtful comforts & modern luxury Or, take a ride on our literal dreamboat, the newly-renovated Powerplay. She really will take you on the luxe island adventure you have been dreaming of! With an intimate capacity, modern finishes and spacious interiors, Powerplay will take you on the smoothest, most scenic tropical escape in the Whitsundays! Take a dip in the onboard heated spa, enjoy alfresco starlit dining and dive off the back for a cool dip in world-class waters! Perfect for those who want an adventure but also comfort and luxury, Powerplay is available as a two-night, three-night and extended four-night island hiking tour!
	Exclusivity & special memories Or, if you’re looking for something exceptionally special, our range of luxury catamaran private charters will have you soaking up the natural wonders of the Whitsundays with a select group of your choosing! That’s right, whether you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway, an unforgettable girls weekend or simply a more private option, our wide variety of exclusive, seamless catamaran charters are a perfect start for your magical Whitsunday experience.
	Dine & rest glamourously Airlie Beach is also home to plenty of fine dining and glamorous, seaside accommodation options, so make sure you explore our trendy yet charming town! Lap up the oceanfront views on the Airlie esplanade as you indulge in local fresh seafood and divine cocktails!

How to do the Whitsundays adventurously

With a backyard of natural wonders, there are plenty of ways to do the Whitsundays adventurously! Scuba diving, reef snorkelling, onboard dance parties and more are at your fingertips when you book with Sailing Whitsundays!

	Dive & thrive If you’re a diver, either beginner or experienced, the Whitsundays is one of the best spots in Australia to jump in and explore the Great Barrier Reef! We recommend the unforgettable extended Kiana Outer Reef Expedition to squeeze in an ample number of dives into the big blue! Keep your eye out for marinelife like reef sharks, sea turtles, abundant tropical fish, manta rays, dugongs and giant clams… just to name a few! Check out our range of comprehensive scuba dive tours to find the perfect adventure for you!
	Snorkel with turtles Or, If you’re more of a snorkeller at heart, not to worry! In fact, most of our Whitsunday Island tours offer snorkelling in wonderful, bustling fringing reef destinations. Keep your eyes out for dugongs amongst seagrass, graceful sea turtles and the natural rainbows of both hard and soft corals. The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage-listed natural wonder, and is actually the largest reef ecosystem on Earth! So, grab your gear and dive in to witness this magic for yourself!
	Dance the night away in paradise Our range of social boats provide both fun and adventure, so hop aboard for a nautical dance party with old and new friends! Spend your days exploring, snorkelling and frolicking amongst divine island bays and return to your spacious vessels to socialise, party and have a ball. With something for every type of vibe, check out our selection of social party boats in the Whitsunday Islands.
	Adventurous add ons To get your adrenaline pumping through the roof, try our range of adventurous day tours and optional add ons! Scenic flights, beach skydives, guided segway hires, waterfall swims and fishing tours, there really is something for every kind of adventure-lover in the Whitsundays.

How to do the Whitsundays in a day

Short on time? Not a problem! Our travel experts know the very best way to do the Whitsundays in a day! Just because you’re constrained by time, doesn’t mean your ventures in the Whitsundays have to be any less wonder-filled, so let’s get busy living it up in paradise!

Speedy & smooth

One of the most beloved day tours in the Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Bullet, will take you to all of the most impressive Whitsunday gems in just a day. Designed especially for maximising your time in glittering snorkel spots, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, Whitsunday Bullet is a family-friendly, flexible and unforgettable day for everyone! Soak up the sun, salt and sand and dig into a fresh, gourmet buffet lunch prepared by your highly-trained, expert crew!

Authentic sailing

You can’t mistake Camira, our classic, speedy, purple sailing catamaran that hosts one of the most popular day tours in the Whitsundays! Learn the ropes as your friendly crew shows you what’s what on this 85-foot ocean catamaran, and enjoy a smooth yet efficient ride out to the amazing Whitsunday Island. Spend ample time venturing up to Hill Inlet Lookout to view the swirling sands, exploring the soft Whitehaven shores and snorkelling the vibrant reefs before you tuck into a delectable buffet lunch with free beer and wine provided! Enjoy a scenic route home through the lush Whitsunday Islands. Camira is also available for an enchanting sunset sail for those who prefer the luxury over the adventure on their day in the Whitsundays!