OzSail Matador

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Two days and a night on Matador, an 85 foot carbon-fibre maxi that raced the world before it came to Airlie Beach. You sail the Whitsundays to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, snorkel the fringing reefs, and sleep on board under the stars.

Days

2 days, 1 night

Age

12 years and over

Group size

Up to 21 guests

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, around 4 to 4:30pm on day 2

Return

Airlie Beach, around 4 to 4:30pm on day 2

Accommodation

On board Matador, shared below-deck berths or on deck

Transport

85 foot ex-race maxi yacht

Meals

All meals on board, including breakfast and a pasta dinner

Route

View map

Included experiences

Matador — sail an ex-race maxi and help hoist the sails
Whitehaven Beach — time on 7 km of white silica sand
Hill Inlet — walk the Tongue Point trail to the lookout
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park — up to three snorkel stops
Overnight anchorage — sunset, dinner and stargazing on deck

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: AIRLIE BEACH TO WHITEHAVEN BEACH

Meet the crew at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach at about 8am, and Matador sails at around 8:30am, the exact time set by the tides. She's an 85-foot carbon-fibre maxi built by Eric Goetz, with 31 race wins in 52 races and two world maxi series. Lend a hand hoisting the sails or stretch out on deck. The skipper picks the course through the 74 Whitsunday Islands, named by James Cook, who sailed through on Whit Sunday in 1770, with snorkel stops at spots like Blue Pearl Bay off Hayman Island and Border Island. Wetsuits, masks and snorkels are on board, and the crew will teach you if you're new to it.

DAY 1 AFTERNOON: HILL INLET AND A NIGHT AT ANCHOR

On Whitsunday Island you walk the Tongue Point trail to the Hill Inlet lookout, where at low tide white sand and blue water swirl together in shifting patterns. Then it's down to Whitehaven Beach, about 7 km of almost pure silica sand, so fine it squeaks underfoot and stays cool even in the midday sun. In the evening Matador anchors in a sheltered bay. Dinner is a hearty pasta cooked on board, the sun goes down over the islands with a drink you brought, and on fine nights you can sleep up on deck under the stars.

Overnight: On board Matador, at anchor in the Whitsundays

DAY 2: SNORKEL AND SAIL HOME

Breakfast is served on board, then there's one more snorkel on the fringing reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, where you might share the water with turtles, parrotfish and giant clams. Then Matador turns for home under sail. You're back in Airlie Beach in the afternoon, usually around 4 to 4:30pm, though weather, tides and getting everyone ashore can move that time.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: South Village Meeting Point C, Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach.
Departure time: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Meet around 8am for an 8:30am sailing; tides set the exact time, confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Airlie Beach on the afternoon of day 2, usually around 4 to 4:30pm.
Minimum age: 12 years. Most guests are 20 to 40, and families are welcome.
Accommodation note: Shared sleeping below deck on single and double mattresses for up to 21 guests; couples can ask for a double when booking. On fine nights you can sleep on deck.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian and other diets are catered for at no extra cost when you tell us at booking.
Please note: Only carry-on size bags are allowed on board and large bags are turned away at the dock; most Airlie Beach accommodation will store your main luggage. Seasickness tablets are not supplied.

What to bring

A small backpack, no bigger than airline carry-on size
Your own drinks, in cans or plastic
Beach towel, sunscreen and a hat
Thongs or sandals and light clothes
A jumper and a waterproof jacket for the evening
Your favourite music

What is included

2 days and 1 night sailing on Matador
All meals, including breakfast, a pasta dinner, salads and fresh fruit
A bed on board with fresh linen
Snorkel gear and stinger suits, plus snorkel lessons if you need them
Local fees
An experienced sailing crew

Not included

Alcohol (bring your own, no glass)
Snacks such as chips, chocolate and soft drinks
Marina parking, about $8 a day, if you drive

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.