Siska 2D/1N Single Bunk

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Two days and a night on Siska, a 77 foot maxi yacht with two Sydney to Hobart wins behind her, sailing fast between the Whitsunday Islands with up to 23 guests. You help with the sails or take the wheel if you like, walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout, spend time on Whitehaven Beach and snorkel the reef.

Days

2 days, 1 night

Age

18 years and over

Group size

Up to 23 guests, with 3 crew

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Whitsunday Islands / Airlie Beach
Port of Airlie, around 4pm on day 2

Return

Port of Airlie, around 4pm on day 2

Accommodation

1 night on board, single bunk or half a double bunk in an open-plan cabin

Transport

77 foot maxi sailing yacht

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, plus morning and afternoon teas

Route

View map

Included experiences

Whitsunday Islands — help hoist the sails and take the helm
Hill Inlet Lookout — guided bushwalk to the view over the inlet
Whitehaven Beach — swim and relax on the white silica sand
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park — two to three snorkel sessions
At anchor — a night on board in the islands

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: AIRLIE BEACH TO THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Meet the crew at the Port of Airlie marina, a ten-minute walk from the main street of Airlie Beach, half an hour before Siska sails at 8:30am. Siska is a 77 foot maxi yacht with a racing past: second in the Fastnet, a win in the Parmelia Race from England to Perth, two Sydney to Hobart wins and two laps of the world before she came to the Whitsundays in 1992. She is still sailed fast. Help hoist and trim the sails, take a turn at the wheel, or lie back under the shade awning as she heels out into the Whitsunday Passage, named by James Cook when he sailed through in 1770.

Overnight: At anchor in the Whitsunday Islands (on board, in your single bunk or shared double bunk)

ACROSS THE TWO DAYS: WHITEHAVEN, HILL INLET AND THE REEF

There's no fixed running order. Your skipper plans the stops around the wind, current and tide. On Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands, a guided bushwalk climbs to Hill Inlet Lookout, where the tide swirls white sand and blue water into patterns that change by the hour. Below it runs Whitehaven Beach, 7 km of silica sand so pure it squeaks underfoot and stays cool in the sun. You get time to swim, walk and lie on it, with more beach time when the weather allows. For two or three snorkel sessions the skipper usually heads for the north end of Hook Island, the second largest island, whose fringing reefs sit inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Snorkel gear, a stinger suit and tips for beginners are supplied.

THE NIGHT AT ANCHOR

The Ngaro people have lived in these islands for at least 9,000 years, and it's easy to see why when the anchor goes down in a quiet bay. Meals are cooked on board from Australian produce: lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on the first day, eaten at the two big tables or out on deck. Bring your own drinks, with no glass and no red wine. Watch the sun go down over the islands, then sleep below in the open-plan bunk room, with a pillow and linen on every bunk. There's no wifi and patchy phone signal, so the stars get your full attention.

DAY 2: SAILING BACK TO AIRLIE BEACH

Wake to the sunrise from the deck and a continental breakfast, then the sails go up again. The morning brings whatever stops the skipper has saved for the second day, whether more beach time or another snorkel, before lunch on board. Then it's a last fast sail back across the Whitsunday Passage, your last chance to take the wheel. You're back at the Port of Airlie at around 4pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach, in front of the marina office, 30 minutes before departure.
Departure time: 8:30am. Siska sails on set days each week, confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Port of Airlie, around 4pm on day 2.
Minimum age: 18. The trip is popular with travellers aged 18 to 35.
Fitness: Relaxed. Helping with the sails and snorkelling are optional. Siska is not wheelchair accessible.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free meals can be made at no extra cost if you say so when you book.
Accommodation note: Open-plan dorm-style bunks below deck: 13 single bunks and 5 double bunks. There are 2 hot showers, no air-conditioning and no wifi, and phone signal is patchy in the islands. You can charge your phone in the saloon.
Please note: There is no luggage storage on the boat or at the marina, so arrange somewhere to leave big bags before you go. Smoking and vaping only in set areas on deck.

What to bring

A small soft bag with no zip (no suitcases or large backpacks)
Swimwear, beach and bath towel (towels are not supplied)
Change of clothes and toiletries
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
A jacket or jumper for the evening
Runners or sandals for the island walks
Reusable water bottle
Camera
Your own drinks: no glass and no red wine
Cash for the on-board shop

What is included

Skipper and crew
1 night on board in a single bunk or half a double bunk, with pillow and linen
Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, plus morning and afternoon teas
Tap water, tea and coffee
Snorkelling gear and basic tuition
Stinger suits
Guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout
All marine park fees and marina levies
Wet weather jackets if needed

Not included

Alcohol and soft drinks (bring your own)
Luggage storage
Parking at the Port of Airlie (daily rate)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.