What Is A Tender Boat?
A tender is basically a small speedboat that brings guests from a larger boat to the shore or to shallow reef sites. Most large boats in the Whitsundays will have a tender so guests can access more areas of the Whitsundays. Tenders vary on each vessel, but they are an important part of your Whitsunday itinerary if you want to visit places like Whitehaven Beach. Let's take a closer look at tenders, how they work, and why they are necessary for exploring the best locations in the stunning Whitsunday Islands!
What is a tender on a boat?
A tender on a boat is a smaller boat that can transfer guests from the main vessel to the shore. Tenders are necessary on most Whitsunday boat tours and private charters as they allow passengers to access the more shallow islands and reefs of the Coral Sea. Large vessels, such as maxi yachts, superyachts, catamarans, or sailboats, can't get too close to shallow areas or they might damage the ship and the environment. Tenders are small and lightweight, giving them access to the more protected parts of the Whitsundays.
How do tender boats work?
Tender boats make it easy to get from a large vessel to the shore or a shallow snorkelling site. The small tender is usually attached to the larger boat with a rope, making it easy to tow the tender in the back of the boat while sailing. More extravagant vessels, like superyachts, may have space onboard to store their tender.
When it's time to go ashore, the main vessel will anchor in one spot and bring the tender up to the side of the boat. With the assistance of the experienced crew, you can then climb down onto the small tender and sit on the sides. Once the tender has reached capacity, the skipper will turn on the motor and bring you to your destination. Then once you've finished exploring onshore or snorkelling at your reef site, the skipper will help you back onto the tender and return you to the main vessel!
Why are these smaller boats called tenders?
These small speedboats are called tenders because they "tend" to the larger vessel. A tender is also sometimes called a dinghy. Either way, tenders help enhance your boat trip because you can visit more places! Without a tender, you would have to stay on the ship and couldn't venture out to the more secluded island and reef destinations of the Whitsundays. That is, unless you wanted to swim all the way from the vessel to the shore, which is not recommended!
Are tenders accessible for those with limited mobility?
Getting on and off a tender does require a bit of mobility, though the crew onboard are happy to assist guests as much as possible. If you have a wheelchair or severely restricted mobility, you likely won't be able to use the tender. You will have to step off the main boat and onto the tender, and then step off the tender into the shallow water when on arrive onshore. The boat crew can help you climb on and off the tender, but you should be able to walk unassisted.
There are plenty of boat trips in the Whitsundays that cater to those in wheelchairs or limited mobility, so chat with our travel agents to find the perfect vessel for you!
Top places to access with a tender in the Whitsundays
If you're wondering why tenders are so important in the Whitsundays, check out all these amazing places that tenders allow you to visit! All of these destinations are surrounded by shallow water or reefs and cannot be accessed by large boats unless there is a tender.
These boat trips use a tender to visit the top Whitsunday destinations!
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is one of the top destinations in the Whitsundays. With its silky white sand and crystal clear water, it's a tropical paradise that cannot be missed. South Whitehaven Beach is a 7km strip of white silica sand surrounded by turquoise water and pristine forests. As you approach South Whitehaven, the water gets too shallow for large boats. A tender can bring you right up to the shore so you can have the beach day of your dreams.
Hill Inlet Lookout
Hill Inlet Lookout is the world-famous viewing platform on Whitsunday Island that provides panoramic views of the swirling sands at Whitehaven. Most boats access Hill Inlet Lookout by anchoring in Tongue Bay, located just around the headland to the north of Whitehaven Beach. A tender will bring you from your boat up to a small, rocky beach clearing in Tongue Bay. From here you can hop out of the tender and follow the walking track up to Hill Inlet Lookout.
North Whitehaven Beach and Betty's Beach
The same trail that takes you up to Hill Inlet Lookout also branches off and brings you to North Whitehaven Beach. This is the section of the beach is separated from South Whitehaven Beach by the swirling sands of Hill Inlet. North Whitehaven Beach is known for its iconic fallen driftwood tree and its population of docile stingrays. Walk around the north headland from North Whitehaven Beach and you'll find Betty's Beach. This secluded, stunning location also has white sand and sapphire water, but fewer crowds than Whitehaven.
Blue Pearl Bay Beach
Blue Pearl Bay is a gorgeous spot off Hayman Island that is popular for overnight anchorages in the Whitsundays. Nestled between two dramatic cliffs lies a tiny but breathtaking beach that you can access with a tender. Here you can swim, sunbathe, and snorkel right off the beach, and you'll likely have it all to yourself as it's not a super touristy spot.
Fringing Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Sites
The Whitsunday Islands are home to the fringing Great Barrier Reef. These diverse and vibrant coral gardens grow off the sides of islands, as opposed to the Outer Reef which grows up from the ocean floor. Access to the reef sites in the Whitsunday Islands varies depending on the tides and the vessel. Some catamarans and small speedboats can get close enough to the reefs where you can just jump off the boat to snorkel. Larger boats, or shallower reef sites, may require you to use a tender to get to your snorkel location.
Scuba Diving Sites
For the Whitsunday boat tours that offer scuba diving, a tender will usually transport you to and from the dive sites. Many protected reef sites have restricted access, so large vessels can't approach too close or they may damage the corals. Tenders can bring scuba divers out to the best dive sites so they can safely explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
