British Defender 2D1N
Departure Times
Pricing Options
Highlights
| Whitehaven Beach | Hill Inlet Lookout | Great Barrier Reef |
| Snorkelling | Delicious Catering | Air-conditioned |
| Authentic Sailing | Fun & Social Vessel | BYO Alcohol |
The newly refurbished British Defender combines thrilling adventure sailing with social fun!
- Ideal for those wanting a fast and adventurous sailing trip in the Whitsundays
- Explore Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and snorkel at two different sites
- A well-known social racer that's popular amongst solo travellers and backpackers
- Budget-friendly option, perfect if you're short on time in the Whitsundays
Take the ride of a lifetime onboard British Defender! For 2 days and 1 night, experience all the beauty the Whitsundays have to offer whilst enjoying Maxi Racing at its finest with your social crew. Snorkel the famous Great Barrier Reef at two different sites, soak up the sun at Whitehaven Beach, see the swirling sands from Hill Inlet Lookout, and sail with speed along glassy waters!
Taking out a total of 26 passengers, this vessel boasts ample space, air-conditioning, and a fun social atmosphere that is popular amongst the backpacker community. As you explore fringing reefs, island-hop with lifelong friends, and bask in a Whitsunday sunset from the decks, you'll never want to leave!
Highlights
- Offers a fun and fast maxi racing experience
- 26 passengers, creating a social atmosphere
- Ample time at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
- Snorkel two different fringing reef sites
- 77ft long vessel with a spacious open planned deck space
- Large shaded area on deck for sun protection
- Comfortable air-conditioned interior
- Clean, fresh linen provided for all guests
- All meals included and made fresh onboard
- Morning tea and afternoon tea, tea and coffee provided
- BYO alcohol
- Suitable for those who suffer from seasickness as the boat doesn't roll too much
Don't miss out on the Whitsundays most popular MAXI - MAXImum deck space and MAXImum fun! Don't settle for an average sail, take the ultimate sail on board British Defender. You too can become part of the crew during the 2 day 1 night sailing cruise around the Whitsundays!
*Please note that the shared accommodation is assigned by the crew. Half a double bed may be available upon request.
*The minimum age for this trip is 16 years. Anyone under age 18 must be travelling with a guardian.
Sample Itinerary
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Featuring a jam-packed itinerary, you're guaranteed to experience the best of the Whitsundays aboard Defender's speedy decks during your 2 day and 1 night adventure. As you sail from one destination to the next, passengers are welcome to get involved and help the crew set the sails and sit at the wheel, but you're also welcome to sit back, relax and feel the tropical breeze!
Whitehaven Beach an...
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Featuring a jam-packed itinerary, you're guaranteed to experience the best of the Whitsundays aboard Defender's speedy decks during your 2 day and 1 night adventure. As you sail from one destination to the next, passengers are welcome to get involved and help the crew set the sails and sit at the wheel, but you're also welcome to sit back, relax and feel the tropical breeze!
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
Begin your journey to the northeast side of Whitsunday Island to reach the soft sands of Whitehaven Beach! Boasting 7kms of the purest silica sands in the world, Whitehaven is the perfect location to relax with a good book, spot friendly local marine species, and wade in crystal-clear shallows with friends new and old. After ample time relaxing, take a guided bush walk through tropical vegetation to reach the remarkable Hill Inlet Lookout. With swirling sands and turquoise lagoons as far as the eye can see, you'll want to bring along your camera for this adventure!
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
Diving into the glassy underwater playgrounds of the Whitsunday's inner fringing reefs is a dream! Laden with exotic marine life and sprawling coral species, snorkelling is the perfect way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. During your adventure on Defender, you'll get the chance to snorkel at two flourishing sites. The most renowned snorkel destinations are located at the northern end of the islands, generally around Hook Island and Hayman Island. The experienced crew on Defender will determine the best snorkel locations based on the day's weather and tidal conditions to deliver you the optimal snorkelling experience during your trip!
Please note, that itineraries can change due to the weather, tides and your captain's professional judgement.
Layout
The saloon features 2 dining tables so that all passengers can dine together in comfort, unlike other vessels where lap dining is the norm. British Defender has 3 bathrooms with hot showers and toilets. On deck, the vessel is wide, boasting plenty of deck space to chill out, with a shade awning built into the boom and extending over the whole centre deck space. Defender carries a maximum of 28 guests plus 4 experienced crew members. Onboard are 6 double bunks, and 16 single bunks. Defender was constructed in 1989 and is 77 feet long.
Our Delicious Sample Menu
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*All sample menus are subject to changes and amendments with no given notice.
Day One
On arrival: Seasonal fruit platter
Lunch: Fresh wraps and delicious salad selection
Afternoon Tea: Homemade Nachos
Dinner: Aussie BBQ skewers, garlic bread and two types of freshly-made salads
Day Two
Breakfast: Con...
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*All sample menus are subject to changes and amendments with no given notice.
Day One
On arrival: Seasonal fruit platter
Lunch: Fresh wraps and delicious salad selection
Afternoon Tea: Homemade Nachos
Dinner: Aussie BBQ skewers, garlic bread and two types of freshly-made salads
Day Two
Breakfast: Continental style breakfast with cereals, toast and fruit salad, served with tea, coffee and condiments
Morning Tea: Tea, coffee and biscuits
Lunch: Tasty burgers and salad
*If you have any dietary requirements (gluten-free, celiac, lactose-free, dairy-free, or vegan) there will be a fee of $10 per day to cater towards those needs. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any requirements.
More Information
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What To Bring
- Swimmers
- Beach & bath towel
- Change of clothes
- Small, zipperless overnight bag*
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Warm pullover for the evenings (seasonal)
*This vessel does not allow zipped bags, please bring with you a soft eco-style bag often found at Coles or Woolworths.
In need of somewhere to store your luggage while you're away? We've got you covered! Come down to The Travel Shop (344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach) anytime betwee...
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What To Bring
- Swimmers
- Beach & bath towel
- Change of clothes
- Small, zipperless overnight bag*
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Warm pullover for the evenings (seasonal)
*This vessel does not allow zipped bags, please bring with you a soft eco-style bag often found at Coles or Woolworths.
In need of somewhere to store your luggage while you're away? We've got you covered! Come down to The Travel Shop (344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach) anytime between 7am and 6pm to drop your bags at our secure luggage store.
You will also need to bring your own alcoholic beverages, available for purchase in town. No glass bottles, please.
What's Included
- Skipper
- Crew
- Drinking water
- Meals
- Linen
- Wetsuit hire
- Snorkelling equipment
- Marine Park fees
- Wet weather jackets if needed
What's Extra
- BYO alcohol (no glass). Soft drinks are available for purchase on board (bring cash).
- Please note passengers with any dietary requirements (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free etc.) will need to pay a surcharge of $20 per person payable on check in. This does not include vegetarians. Please enquire upon booking if unsure.
- Luggage storage
Terms and Conditions
Your Responsibilities:
NOTE: The minimum age for Defender is 16 years. Anyone under age 18 must be travelling with a guardian.
You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.
It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.
It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.
You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time.
Prices/Extra Costs:
All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply.
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.
We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.
Travel Risk/Insurance:
It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances.
Merchant Fees:
Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.
Other:
Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages.
All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.
Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:
Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value.
E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.
You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.
Cancellations
Client Cancellations:
All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 30 days of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.
Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee.
It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.
Supplier Cancellations:
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.
In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.
Refunds:
All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.
Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.
You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.
Accountability/Misconduct:
All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators.
Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.
Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.
Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Sailing Whitsundays. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the accommodation set-up on Defender?
Defender has 6 double beds and 16 single beds. The crew will assign bedding based on bookings once you arrive. So don't worry about having to share a bed with a stranger! You will only share a double bed if you're part of a group booking as there are plenty of single beds available for everyone.
What is the minimum age for Defender?
The minimum age is 16 years old, and anyone under age 18 must be travelling with a guardian. However, Defender is recommended for 18-35 year olds.
Do I need to bring my own towel?
Yes, we recommend you bring your own bath and beach towels. There are no towels supplied on board. If possible, please bring a microfibre towel.
Is there air-conditioning on board?
Yes, there is air-con inside the vessel. Perfect for those humid summer months.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
There is not a fully licenced bar onboard so you are permitted to bring your own alcohol if you choose to do so. Just keep in mind that no glass or red wine is permitted.
Is there drinking water on board?
There are fresh Airlie Beach tap water tanks onboard. There is also a filtered drinking water tap in the galley so be sure to bring a refillable water bottle.
Can I charge my phone on board?
Yes, there are USB charging points available in the main saloon.
Are there hot showers on board?
There are 2 showers onboard, both with hot water available for guests to use.
Can I smoke on board?
Yes, you are permitted to smoke in the designated smoking areas.
Is there an afterparty for Defender?
There is! It's hosted at Mama Africa nightclub on Airlie Main Street, and takes place in the evening when you get back to Airlie Beach!
Can I bring children on board?
No, the minimum age for Defender is 18 and above.
Where can I store excess luggage?
You can store any excess bags for as little as $10 a day in our Travel Shop which is located at the top of Airlie Beach's main street. The address is 344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802.
Is there parking available at the marina?
Yes, you can park at the marina however daily rates do apply.
What meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. Along with morning and afternoon tea.
Where do we go?
Depending on the weather the crew will take you to the most sheltered and safe snorkelling locations within the Great Barrier Reef marine park. You will also visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet lookout (weather dependent).
How many bathrooms are on board?
There are two bathrooms on Defender at each end of the maxi yacht. Each bathroom has a toilet, sink and hot shower.
Can I still go if I get seasick?
If you suffer from seasickness, we recommend you take travel sickness medication and ensure you are sitting in the fresh air during sailing.
How many crew will be on Defender?
There will be at least 3 crew members on board; a host, skipper and deckhand.
Is there an afterparty?
Yes, typically the afterparty is at Beaches in Airlie Beach.
Is Defender wheelchair friendly?
No, Defender is a maxi yacht and unsuitable for those in wheelchairs.
Is bed linen provided?
Yes, you will be provided with clean sheets and pillows for your stay.
What do I do if my trip is stood down?
In the event that Defender has been stood down, you will be contacted by either the tour operator or by us at Sailing Whitsundays. In that case, we will then go through your options. You can read more on our stand down information page.
Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9 / 5.0
Based on 186 reviews
Reviews by our Sailing Whitsundays customers
CREW - 9/10
FOOD - 9/10
BOAT - 9/10
If possible for one or two Power points. The rest was perfect!
CREW - 10/10
FOOD - 10/10
BOAT - 10/10
Had an awesome time, crew were good as!
QUALITY OF TRIP - 10/10
CREW - 10/10
FOOD - 10/10
BOAT - 10/10
Would you travel again - YES
