Sailing The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays will always be a 'bucket list' favourite on every travellers list, and it’s easy to see why. A collection of 74 tropical islands off the east coast of Queensland, Australia, the Whitsundays boast sandy white beaches, glassy blue waters, and thriving, colourful reefs waiting to be explored.
As a result, the Whitsundays is globally recognised as a sailing mecca and iconic holiday destination, with hundreds of perfectly curated tours to cater to every type of visitor. Whether you want to embark on a bareboat charter, book an overnight sailing tour, or even cruise around on your own private vessel, there’s a way to sail the Whitsundays that is ideal for you.
Why should I sail the Whitsundays?
There are so many marvellous wonders and attractions that make the Whitsundays a unique destination for sailing enthusiasts and tourists alike!
Access beautiful beaches: The Whitsunday Islands are home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in Australia. Most famous is the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach. Whitehaven, known for its pure white silica sand and pristine blue waters is an award-winning beach that rightfully makes its way to the top of every tourist’s bucket list. The only way to get to the beach - aside from a helicopter or sea plane - is to embark on a sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands.
Visit stunning coral reefs and marine life: From the sandy shores of the Australian mainland, you might be able to see some curious marine life lingering close to land, but if you want to see more variety and thriving underwater environments, you’re going to want to head out to the fringing reef. There are so many amazing reef spots worth visiting around the islands that make for idyllic for snorkelling or diving. Among the vibrant coral reefs, you’re much more likely to see exciting creatures like turtles, rays, Maori wrasse, clams, and fish. Venture even further and you’ll sail as far as the one and only Great Barrier Reef, where the marine life is even more magnificent.
Ideal weather for sailing: The Whitsundays boast ideal sailing conditions year-round, making it a favourite for boat enthusiasts and tourists visiting during quieter seasons. Take a look through our full guide to weather in the Whitsundays for more information.
Variety of tours: There are so many different types of sailing tours on offer in the Whitsundays, with something that appeals to every sort of visitor. Whether you're travelling on a budget or sparing no expense for a special occasion, keen for a social, fun boat or a quiet, chill sail, all about the beach or more interested in exploring beneath the ocean's surface, there's a tour that'll meet your every desire.
Where to sail in the Whitsundays
There are a whopping 74 Whitsunday Islands - how is anyone to decide where to sail to? We've compiled a list of the most popular hotspots among the islands to give you a better idea of where you might like to venture during your visit.
Planning A Trip To The Whitsundays? Don't Forget To Book Your Tours In Advance To Avoid Missing Out!
Whitsunday Island
The largest of all 74 islands in the area is Whitsunday Island itself, which is home to both Whitehaven Beach and the dreamy Hill Inlet - a must-visit photo stop for all visitors. A short 15-minute bush walk through the island will take you to Hill Inlet Lookout, where three different lookout points treat guests to various angles of the famous swirling sands below.
Most day tours and overnight tours through the Whitsundays include a visit to Whitsunday Island in their itinerary, since it's the spot that most tourists want to see. Seeing as they're so popular, these spots can get rather busy, so if you're hoping to hit Whitehaven or Hill Inlet at a quieter time, we would recommend booking a private charter or an overnight tour and beating the crowds, as all day tours tend descent on Whitsunday Island at a similar time of day.
Other popular islands to sail to
Among sailing enthusiasts, some of the most popular Whitsunday islands to sail to include Langford Island, Black Island, Hamilton Island, Hook Island (home to Nara Inlet), Daydream Island, and Long Island.
It's worth bearing in mind that not all of these islands are equipped for visitors to stay on them, and some can only be accessed via private or bareboat charter. Read through our full guide to the islands you can stay at in the Whitsundays.
Great Barrier Reef
If you have the time, sailing as far as the outer Great Barrier Reef is an epic adventure you're not likely to forget. Get up close (but not too close!) to some of the most impressive coral reef in the world and observe the beautiful marine life that thrive amongst it. If you're keen to get this natural world wonder ticked off your bucket list but you're short on time, you can make it out to the Reef in a single day. But if you have more time on your hands, an overnight trip to the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most spectacular activities you can do!
Fringing reef
If time or weather conditions don't allow a trip all the way to the outer Reef, you can stay within the Whitsunday Islands and still explore some spectacular reef sites. Off the coast of islands like Hook Island, Black Island, Border Island, and Hayman Island, snorkellers and scuba divers can be found investigating the beautiful fringing reef that acts as a colourful playground for Whitsunday marine life. Check out our full rundown of the 10 best snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays for more information!
Types of Whitsunday sailing tours
As mentioned earlier, there is a Whitsunday tour that suits every type of visitor, no matter the age, budget, time of year, or preferred itinerary. Generally speaking, these can be broken down into four main categories:
- Day Tours: Short trips that sail guests out to the top Whitsunday highlights like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, typically including lunch and some snorkelling along the way, then bringing you back to Airlie Beach in time for supper.
- Overnight Tours: The most popular option for tourists looking to make the most out of their time in the Whitsundays. These multi-day sailing tours range from social backpacker boats to low-key catamaran cruises, where guests sleep and eat on board, visit multiple islands and reef spots, and enjoy golden sunsets at sea.
- Private Charters: The ultimate tour option for families or groups who want the full, exclusive sailing experience, complete with the whole boat to yourself, your own skipper, and a customised itinerary to suit your wishes.
- Bareboat Charters: These are an awesome option for experienced sailors who are keen to captain their own private charter without a crew.
