Go on, spoil yourself and indulge. Only eight guests in four private queen cabins all fully air-conditioned with ensuites.
Snorkel over spectacular fringing coral reefs, admire stunning beaches, tranquil anchorages, and the legendary Whitsunday Islands. Climb aboard and cruise the crystal blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef in comfort and style.
Private charters available. See "Join Tour" for prices.
Days
- 3 days, 2 nights
Group size
- Max 8
Start / finish
- Airlie Beach / Airlie Beach
- Airlie Beach, 1pm on day 3
Return
- Airlie Beach, 1pm on day 3
Accommodation
- 2 nights on board in private cabins, each with an ensuite and its own air conditioning, at anchor in a quiet bay each night.
Transport
- Whitsunday Getaway, a 13 metre Lagoon 440 sailing catamaran crewed by a skipper and hostess and carrying only 8. She has a big deck and a cushioned forward seating area, and is Advanced Eco Certified. Board at Coral Sea Marina South, Meeting Point C, at 2:30pm.
Meals
- All meals are cooked on board from fresh local seasonal produce — reef fish in coconut and lime, barbecue steaks, meat platters, and croissant or pancake breakfasts, with sunset platters and desserts. Fresh fruit and cookies are out all day. Alcohol is bring your own, and glass bottles and red wine are allowed.
Route
Included experiences
- Whitehaven Beach — a few hours on the purest silica sand, then a guided walk with your hostess
- Northern Whitsunday Islands — snorkelling a reef full of colour on day 2
- Quiet anchorages — the small group means the least crowded beaches and bays
- Stand-up paddleboarding on the last morning
- Sunset snacks on deck before dinner each evening
- Sailing a catamaran through the island scenery, with the crew doing the work
Reviews
4.9
Based on 67 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 67 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the quality of the crew, the quality and abundance of food prepared aboard, the comfort and cleanliness of the cabins, and the variety of activities including snorkelling, swimming, walking and paddle boarding. What stands out most often is the skill and attentiveness of the skippers in finding quiet anchorages and uncrowded snorkelling sites, combined with the warmth and professionalism of the hosts in creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the trip. The most common caveat is that whilst the cabins are comfortable and well-appointed for their size, they are compact, and travellers should be prepared for limited fresh water, modest heating and cooling in some cabins, and the sound of generators and wind at night; a few also note that underwater visibility and weather conditions are beyond the operator's control, and that snorkelling opportunities depend partly on seasonal factors.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“The Whitsunday Getaway 3 night tour”
We really enjoyed the Whitsunday Getaway. Our skipper Aaron handled the catamaran with ease and knew a great deal about the area and its marine life, and we still got to sail every day despite the poor weather. Ella looked after us with a smile throughout and the meals were tasty and generous. The crew and the rest of the group made the three days great fun.
“Sailing trip well worth it”
We spent three nights on the catamaran Getaway with Karl and Natalia, and nothing was too much trouble. The snorkelling was great, the island stops were quiet rather than crowded, and the food was fresh and healthy. I hadn't realised how beautiful the Whitsundays are until we sailed rather than stayed on land. With only four couples aboard it never felt full, and I'd say bring plenty of sunscreen.
“A must!”
We did the three-day, two-night trip on Getaway II and it came down to the people: skipper Andries knew his stuff and Ella was warm and full of enthusiasm. Over one full day and two half days we saw several whales, one swimming right beside us, and we snorkelled, walked and explored the islands and Whitehaven Beach. The cabins were good and the food was plentiful and well cooked, and the three other couples aboard made fine company. A professional, well-run team.
“Excellent way to enjoy the uniqueness of the Whitsunday Waters”
We had a great three-day, three-night trip on the catamaran Getaway with skipper Marc and host Lucy. The boat sleeps eight but nobody else had booked, so it was just the four of us as a family. Marc found lovely spots for snorkelling and we saw whales, manta rays, black tip reef sharks and turtles, the food was excellent, and the walks opened out onto views of Whitehaven Beach. The one letdown was the wind, which meant more motoring than sailing; a wetsuit is worth packing, as the stinger suits left us cold.
“The Ultimate ‘Getaway’”
We had a brilliant time on Getaway 2 with skipper Mark and Lucy, who was deckhand, cook and mechanic all in one. The boat had everything we needed, the scenery was stunning, and the snorkelling was the standout. Mark's stories and Lucy's know-how added a lot, the bushwalks and Marky's Mouse were great, and the whole thing felt wonderfully relaxed.
“Whitsunday Getaway - 44ft Catamaran 3nights”
Sam, our skipper, knew all the best spots for snorkelling and the calmest overnight anchorages, and he was good fun to be around. Rachel cooked us plenty of varied, excellent meals and nothing was ever too much bother. With four couples aboard, each with an ensuite, the boat felt comfortable and roomy. I'd happily recommend this crew and this boat.
“Trip of a lifetime!”
We spent three days and three nights on Getaway, something I'd wanted to do for years and finally did for my 40th. Sarah, our hostess, cooked beautifully and was lovely with it, and skipper Carl took us to secluded beaches where it felt like we had the place to ourselves, then found somewhere calm to anchor each night. We swam and snorkelled plenty; the only slight shame was the clarity of the water, which is hardly something they can control.
“Sailing in Absolute Paradise”
We were a group of four near the end of seven weeks in Australia, and the catamaran trip was one of the high points. Our captain Isaac got the sails up whenever he could and found the best places to snorkel, and the hostess, whose name I've since forgotten, turned out delicious meals from a tiny galley; both were friendly and easy to be around. Swimming and walking along Whitehaven Beach is hard to beat, and we fitted in some hikes as well. My one gripe was the instruction not to bring anything with zips, which confused us until the hostess explained it really just means no large suitcases.
“Getaway 3D3N: an amazing and unforgettable adventure!”
We've sailed in plenty of places over the years, and the Whitsundays surpassed all of them. Skipper Edward took us to fantastic spots and Angelina worked wonders in the galley. Both were terrific, and it's a trip we'll be talking about for a long time.
“3 night Whitsunday cruise on the Getaway boat”
An enjoyable three-night cruise on Getaway. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the snorkelling at Mantaray Bay was the best bit.
“Fabulous”
Our trip on Getaway II was superb, with Isaac skippering and Rachel alongside him: a warm welcome, fresh and delicious food, and everything carefully organised. The cabins were comfortable and the bathrooms clean, and we had nothing to complain about. We saw whales swimming near the boat and had two snorkelling sessions on the reef, where we fed George the grouper. Best of all was the white sand at Whitehaven, and the 6.30am start was well worth it to have the beach almost to ourselves.
“Look no further and book this :)”
Captain Karl and deckhand Abbey looked after my partner, me and the rest of the group brilliantly, and it was the most personal and enjoyable catamaran trip we've done. They shaped each day around what we felt like doing, so we could snorkel, hike, swim, sunbathe or simply sit and read. The boat was excellent and the cabins comfortable, with a light, a window, power and a bathroom. If you can, take the three-day, three-night option so it all has time to sink in.
“Getaway II 2D/2N tour”
We'd never spent a night on a catamaran and were nervous after being told other trips had been cancelled for bad weather. Captain Karl was excellent, hugely experienced, keen to find out what we wanted from the trip and happy to get us involved in sailing the boat. We got two good walks and a snorkelling stop, though the rough sea had churned up the sand and visibility was poor, and the overnight moorings were beautifully calm. Our reservations: the food was plentiful and well cooked but not the gourmet the brochure promised, the hosting was more help-yourself than we'd expected, and the boat could have done with a deep clean, so we'd repeat the itinerary with Karl but on a newer vessel.
“Bad then Very Good”
Our original trip was cancelled the day before departure because of the skipper's family situation, which was frustrating after we'd arranged our travel around it. The staff were helpful and found us a place on a longer catamaran trip, the Whitsunday Getaway, which cost more and took some rearranging but proved worth it. Skipper Sam and host Annie were excellent and professional, the six other guests were good company, and the food, scenery and snorkelling were all first rate. We'd happily do it again.
“Magical 3 Nights on Getaway.”
Three days and three nights on Getaway with a crew who went out of their way for us. Annie was a wonderful hostess, focused on making our time both aboard and ashore enjoyable, and Sam was a careful, safety-minded captain who timed our stops so we weren't there with every other boat and tried to tick off each guest's must-do. The three other couples aboard added to it as well. The only thing short of full marks was the catamaran itself, which was looking a bit tired and could do with some care.
“Great adventure with great people, great food and great experien”
Three days and nights on the Getaway catamaran, made all the more memorable by Captain Sam, his crew Maria and Liv, and the others sailing with us. They had us relaxed within minutes and got the most out of the time and weather available. Maria and Liv produced superb meals with real pride in the variety and presentation. Worth bearing in mind that the crew set the tone, but it's down to you and your fellow passengers to join in.
“Great trip on Whitsundays Getaway!”
We did the Whitsunday Getaway over two days and two nights and it was superb. The boat was in good condition, and our captain Karl and host Marie-Anne were attentive and made sure we enjoyed our time aboard. The food was really good. Booking was easy too: the tour we first chose became unavailable and the team moved us onto this one without any fuss.
“The BEST experience ever !”
We did two days and two nights on the Whitsunday Getaway and it was wonderful. Our skipper Warren knew the area inside out, and hostess Laney was so cheerful that she kept everyone entertained. We had enough wind to actually sail, walked up to a few lookouts, and snorkelled over coral and fish. The food was lovely and nothing was ever a problem.
“Great experience in such a beautiful place.”
We sailed on Getaway 11 for three days and three nights. We're older travellers but managed every activity on the trip, and we'd recommend it to any age. The meals were generous and varied.
“3D3N on Getaway”
A great trip. We saw whales, fed the fish, and went snorkelling and paddle-boarding. Warren, our captain, was friendly and really knew the area, and Marlee looked after us efficiently. The food was fresh and wholesome with plenty of it, and there was lots of time for swimming and walking.
“3D3N Trip on Getaway”
Our three-day, three-night trip on Getaway was fabulous. We watched a mother whale feeding her calf and saw dolphins, turtles and stingrays, fed the fish, and fitted in good walks and snorkelling, with Whitehaven Beach the highlight. Captain Warren was friendly, helpful and clearly an experienced sailor, and our host Marlee was efficient and full of knowledge; what she produced from that tiny galley was astonishing. There was plenty of food and drink, and even without the best weather it was a relaxing few days.
“Sailing Whitsundays 2D2N”
We've just come back from two days sailing around the Whitsundays on Getaway. The islands are beautiful, the snorkelling was superb and the sailing itself was great fun. The captain and crew member were helpful, friendly and full of information, and the meals that came out of that small galley were delicious.
“A magical experience”
The trip was a winner from start to finish. Captain Adam and host Bec looked after us properly, the private queen cabin and en suite were spotless and the meals were lovely. Best of all was sailing with the mainsail and jib up through the islands, with snorkelling and swimming along the way. I'd recommend the Whitsunday Getaway.
“Whitsunday Getaway Catamaran 2 night trip”
We had a wonderful time on this catamaran. Alex did everything she could to keep things smooth and stress free, and nothing was too much trouble for her or our skipper Ed. We snorkelled, swam with turtles, saw whales and plenty of coral and fish. Alex's cooking was plentiful and varied, Ed grilled a great steak, the cabin was comfy, and we'd love to do it all again.
“Magestic Sailing”
A great few days sailing the Whitsundays, snorkelling and enjoying the sunshine, and the sunsets were something else. Dave, our captain, and Simone, our hostess, both knew the area well and were easy company, and there was plenty of food. It was my first time sailing overnight and it surprised me — Dave sheltered us between the islands so the water stayed calm. I'll be recommending it to family and friends.
“Couldn't have been more fun!”
A relaxing, interesting and thoroughly fun trip. Karl the skipper was hugely experienced and knew his stuff, Bec was a great hostess, and the other passengers were good company. Karl anchored in quiet bays so the water stayed calm overnight, and took us on scenic island walks, snorkelling over coral and colourful fish, whale watching and stand up paddle boarding. Bec ran the dinghy and the crew jobs as well as cooking delicious meals and endless cups of tea, and nothing we asked for was a problem.
“Absolutely brilliant”
A fantastic trip, with four couples on board, each with our own cabin and en suite, a big comfy bed and plenty of room for bags; the staff were friendly, informative and good to talk to while still leaving us our own space. Bec's food was fresh and filling — buffet breakfast, make your own sandwiches at lunch, a hot meal and pudding each night, good snacks in between and careful attention to dietary needs. We sailed at sunset, visited Whitehaven Beach and walked up to the Hill Inlet lookout, had two good snorkels and saw an Aboriginal cultural site, with plenty of time simply enjoying the sailing and the scenery. Ron and Bec were excellent, and once you add up what accommodation, food and separate day trips would have cost, it's very good value.
“5 Stars”
We thought that this would be a relaxed way to see as much as possible of the Whitsundays, and this trip didn't disappoint.
Phil and Bec were just wonderful, they had a daily smile on their faces and their passion and professionalism just oozed out of them. They 100% looked after our every need, with some great snorkelling for the people that loved it and some great food for us foodies. Thanks for making our trip so enjoyable and for giving us some wonderful memories..
“Amazing Whitsundays - Great Crew”
My husband and I did this 2 night sail near the start of our 3 weeks in Australia and we loved it! One of the highlights of our trip - the Whitsundays are fabulous and it was the perfect way to experience them. We had all types of weather which gave us the full sailing experience and our skipper Shane was talented and entertaining. He and our hostess Jas took exceptional care of us and made the trip one to remember.
The sailing was relaxing and we got to see a great sunset, snorkel 2 different beautiful areas, swim and paddle board along with a visit to Whitehaven Beach. Really it couldn't have been much better. We experienced a bit of everything at an unhurried pace.
We had been a bit concerned about space as my husband is 6'7" tall and although certainly their are lots of places to trip up or knock yourself out, he did great and our cabin although mainly a bed, was just perfect for us. The catamaran is the perfect size for a group of 8, plenty of places to hang out together or sneak away to your own corner.
Thank you Shane and Jas! and to our other sailing couples!
“Excellent, can't fault it.”
Staff at the office were great and thorough with loads of advice. Absolutely loved our time on the Getaway II. Capt Jimmy & Bec were fabulous and attended to everything we could have wanted. The boat itself is well appointed and comfortable with each room having windows and an en-suite. Food was great and plentiful, we couldn’t have been happier. Small number, only 8 guests made it comfortable. Had drinks and music but not late or rowdy, just sociable. Would not hesitate to recommend and will certainly return one day.
“Best birthday yet - sailing with friends in the Whitsundays”
This trip was the highlight of our 5-day trip to the tropical north and my best birthday yet (I've had quite a few to compare). Travelling with my husband, and 4 friends from overseas, we loved every minute of the experience. We and our guests were blissed-out within the first couple of hours on board. The vessel is comfortable and well maintained, with enough space for everyone and enough spaces for variety. The itinerary was well-paced, and took in some wonderful places for relaxing and snorkeling - the last morning, we spent 2 hours in the water that went by in a flash - there was such an amazing variety of sea life. Perhaps the best part of the trip was the crew. Captain Jimmy, who oozed confidence and was always watching out for our safety. And Becca, who tirelessly and graciously cared for our comfort. Both were delightful company as well.
“Fantastic 2-Night Cruise”
My husband and I did the 2-night Whitsunday Getaway catamaran cruise and had a fantastic time! We were one of four couples on the boat, so it was a really nice size group! We are from the USA but everyone else was from different parts of Europe, so it was really cool to meet people from different countries. Although we were the youngest couple (30), everyone else was a blast and we had 2 nights of really fun "family style" dinners. We ended the trip with a WhatsApp group message!
The trip itself was really fun. We snorkeled, paddle boarded, visited White Haven beach, sunbathed on the trampoline, and watched for dolphins and sharks at night. Our captain was Brayden and our crew was Rebecca. Both were great and provided us with a perfect tour. The food was AWESOME. It's amazing what Rebecca could create in her small kitchen!
The cabins are very small - so don't expect lavish luxury. It is essentially a double bed, a small closet, and a very small bathroom (the sink faucet doubles as your shower head). It was perfectly fine for our purposes, but some people may not have enjoyed it if they were expecting more space. I was told (after the fact) that the cabins at the bow of the boat are larger, so request one of those if you can!
Sleeping was fine, but I recommend bringing ear plugs because between the sound of the generator (for air conditioning and power) and the wind (Summer is a VERY windy time in the Whitsundays) it can be pretty noisy. Nothing some wine can't fix though!
Thanks for a great trip!
“Amazing sailing cruise with amazing crew”
We've participated to a 2-day 2-night cruise with the awesome crew composed of Jessie as skipper and Siobhan as hostess. These guys were amazing in organizing and driving the cruise, always finding the right and quiet place to stay overnight, having set a perfect programme to match our wishes and always providing the good advices to benefit the most of our experience! This allowed us to spot whales, to snorkle close to the turtles, to swim with an amazing view on the coral and enjoy some fun on the paddle boards; and obviously to spend some time on whitehaven (at the best time before the crowd arrive!)
Besides the food on board was excellent!!
In summary, what an experience! I highly recommend for those that want smaller group than the usual boats and who look to enjoy some good discussion and sharing of experience with the crew!
“A Must Do”
Fabulous, amazing, adventurous, romantic, fun, relaxing, fun, different to my every day life, best experience ever. We spent 2 nights, 2 days on Getaway II with the amazingly talented and accommodating Siobhan (our hostess with the mostess ) and the very knowledgeable and skilled Jessie (our skipper). Snorkelling, swimming, eating. Saw heaps of beautiful fish and coral, majestic turtles, whales, dolphins, walked on pristine beaches, what more could one ask for? If you don’t do anything else this is a must do
“Very good”
Very nice crew and a very nice boat:-) the places we visited was very fine. And the snorkling were safa and we saw a lot of fish, even a mantaray.
“Sail in Style and Develop Your sailing Skills”
Just back in Airlie Beach after a fantastic three-day trip to the Whitsundays. Nick the skipper had a good sense of humour, encouraged us all to take a turn at the helm and had the snorkelling gear out at every opportunity. Ebony was lovely and produced delicious food from a modest galley, and had the paddle boards ready whenever we wanted them. The catamaran itself was superb.
“An Amazing Getaway”
There were five of us and we thought three nights wouldn't be enough, so we booked a private charter with Whitsunday Getaways. Veronica sorted the arrangements with no fuss and we were met at Port Airlie by our skipper Nick and host Ebony. Nick was experienced and professional, and Ebony served simple, fresh, delicious food and took some great photos. The weather was perfect, the sailing was good and it was a very relaxing few days with a small operator that clearly holds high standards.
“Fantastic time!”
My husband and I booked three days and three nights on Whitsundays Getaway 2, a lovely catamaran with plenty of space and comfort. We enjoyed all of it: the friendly crew, the food, the other guests, and the snorkelling, walking, scenery and wildlife. Happily recommended.
“The Getaway”
A lovely if pricey catamaran trip, and we enjoyed sailing on Getaway even when the weather turned wet. She takes only eight passengers in four en-suite cabins, which were clean and comfortable, with plenty of room to sit or move about. Dave and Ebony were a good crew, taking us to some beautiful spots and cooking nice meals, and we snorkelled at three superb sites and hiked to Whitehaven, then tried paddle boarding in the rain. The downsides: the boat ran out of fresh water on the last day, bottled water and soft drinks were charged for, and tea and coffee were only available at breakfast.
“Three nights on the Getaway II with Chris and Jess”
Three nights on a fabulous catamaran with three other couples and a crew of two who knew the area very well. We were lucky with the weather and the winds, and the snorkelling was exceptional. I'd recommend it to any couple.
“Blissful”
We spent two nights on the catamaran Whitsunday Getaway exploring the islands. There's a long list of dos and don'ts beforehand, but the skipper and his assistant were so relaxed that we felt at home straight away, and the eight of us had small but comfortable en-suite cabins with big beds. We moored in Macona Inlet off Hook Island, had barbecue dinners both nights, snorkelled at several spots with good gear and stinger suits provided, and walked up to the Hill Inlet lookout above Whitehaven Beach, which was the only crowded part of the trip. We could each take a turn steering, and my only gripes were seasonal: too little wind so we motored most of the time, and cloudy water because the coral had started spawning.
“Just perfect trip with Whitsundays Getaway Catamaran”
My girlfriend and I did a three-night trip on the Whitsunday Getaway catamaran and it was a highlight of our time in Australia. Peaceful and beautiful. Chris and Morgan made a great team, his stories and her constantly good mood being a big part of it, and we'd love to come back and sail with them again.
“WOW!”
A great four-day, three-night sail with Chris and Morgan aboard Getaway II. The crew, the food, the cabins and the places we went were all wonderful, and the three other couples were good company. Chris took us to uncrowded anchorages to snorkel, swim and paddle board, timed Whitehaven Beach for when it was quiet, and got us to the lookout at just the right moment to see the swirls of sand in the water. He knew the Whitsunday Islands well and shared plenty of interesting information.
“Getaway to Whitehaven Beach”
This sail will be one of the highlights of our trip. Phil the skipper and Deb our host made it safe and fun, the views were spectacular, the snorkelling was excellent and the food was good. Whitehaven Beach must be about the best beach anywhere. Thanks to Phil and Deb.
“Best way to see the Whitsundays!”
Our charter on Whitsunday Getaway 2 felt like luxury sailing without the price to match. Chris the captain was as experienced as they come, always teaching the group and keeping things fun, and he knows the best snorkelling spots and overnight anchorages around the islands. Morgan the first mate was just as good, the meals were delicious, and her coffee with the sun coming up over calm water is hard to beat. The cabins were comfortable and there was a lot of outdoor deck space and seating.
“3 night adventure on Whitsunday Getaway Catamaran with Mark (ski”
The highlight of our Whitsundays trip, and more than we expected. We shifted our dates to make the three-nighter and were glad we did, seeing Hill Inlet, spending a couple of hours relaxing on Whitehaven Beach and doing a long hike on Hayman Island, which needs proper footwear. We snorkelled at some lovely spots, tried stand-up paddle boarding and Mark even had us fishing for squid one evening, while Kerry and Mark fed us surprisingly well and looked after everything. A few tips: take a rain jacket and warm layers, ear plugs if you sleep lightly, a torch as the cabin lighting is dim, and keep showers brief because fresh water is limited.
“Whitsunday Getaway Catamaran Sailing”
We had a great two-night, three-day sail on the Whitsunday Getaway catamaran. Phil skippered and Deb hosted, and both were so easy to talk to that it felt like sailing with friends, with Deb keeping everyone very well fed and Phil planning the stops on the water and on land. We sailed around Whitsunday and Hook Islands, swam at Whitehaven Beach and walked up to Hill Inlet for the spectacular view, saw a whale, a turtle and a stingray, and one of the group swam alongside a Napoleon fish while snorkelling at Luncheon Bay. Phil let the keener sailors help steer, anchor and work the sails, or you could do nothing at all, which is what I chose.
“Personalized service on Whitsunday Getaway 2N”
We sailed on Whitsunday Getaway for two nights and couldn't have chosen better, with only six passengers across four cabins it felt personal from the start. Kerrie and our captain Matt were an attentive team, and we went to Hill Inlet, where you look across at Whitehaven Beach with the same white sand and turquoise water, although we were a little disappointed not to land on Whitehaven itself. There were two snorkel sites with plenty of marine life, and when we said we wanted to see a turtle, Kerrie took us out in the tender and let us swim with one. Each cabin had its own head and double bed, sleeping with the hatch open to watch the stars was lovely, and the meals were great, especially the first night's chicken.
“Small group catamaran sail”
Thanks to Mark and Carrie, who made the trip in spite of the weather we had to sit out, and who kept an eye on everyone (one of them caught me before I slipped overboard). This was three nights with eight guests and two crew, and the boat was clean and comfortable for its size, with small cabins, small en-suites and one-minute showers because fresh water is limited. The food was good and simple, grilled fish, steak and chicken, with mid-morning and sunset snacks, and drink is bring your own. We snorkelled off Hayman Island, Hook Island and Whitehaven Beach, and there was paddle boarding, sailing, swimming and hiking with all the gear supplied.
“Awesome two day getaway!”
Our two day sailing trip was better than we had expected. Jimmy our captain and Kimberley our host were friendly and fun and showed us a good time around the Whitsundays. We snorkelled, went paddle boarding and spent time on the beaches, and the food was well prepared and presented. It will be one of the high points of our visit to Australia.
“Whitsunday getaway catarmaran 2 night”
A fabulous way to explore the Whitsunday Passage, on the Whitsunday Getaway catamaran. Four air conditioned ensuite cabins, good food, snorkelling, good company, and a great skipper in Phil with Rachel standing in as hostess. There is plenty of food and you bring your own drink, and the boat is stable and in good condition. We visited Whitehaven Beach including the walk to the lookout, snorkelled at a couple of spots and anchored in a quiet, sheltered bay at night.
“Perfect Whitsunday Getaway”
Eight of us took the catamaran as a private charter for my husband's 65th birthday and it was excellent. Phil the skipper and Deb the host looked after us properly, the four cabins are simple but comfortable with their own small ensuites, and the home-style cooking was generous. We saw whales, snorkelled with turtles, stingrays and masses of fish over lovely coral, and walked Whitehaven Beach. My only regret was booking two nights instead of three.
“Whitsundays Getaway, dream boat!”
My partner and I booked two nights on the Getaway and loved it. We snorkelled, paddle boarded, swam and sunbathed, and saw turtles and dolphins, though the underwater visibility wasn't great on our days, which is just luck. The food was lovely, Dylan and Kim were good hosts, and the walk at Whitehaven with the other couples was fun. The one drawback was our cabin at the back, sitting over the air-conditioning generator that runs loudly all night, so ask for a different one if you sleep lightly.
“Excellent sailing experience”
We did a 2 night experience on Whitsundays Getaway . The sailing was amazing, the crew very hospitable, the food was excellent and we were very very thankful for the AC in our cabins otherwise I would have jumped overboard at night! Although this was about AU$750 per person, its actually pretty good value when I consider how much we were paying for a good hotel in Airlie beach, WITHOUT food included per night!
My only complaint was with the rather ‘dramatic’ paperwork problems experienced in the office at the start. Despite paying 3 months in advance, having valid IDs and credit cards to prove identity, they are steadfast that you need to bring the card you paid with. This is a BIG problem if you loose, change cards, banks etc or have closed accounts as in my case, with no internet access to that settled account. Beware, this is quite a stressful way to start what should be a very relaxing event!
Despite that I would certainly recommend, just make sure that you have the same card with same card number…
“Whitsunday Getaway”
We did the 2-night sail aboard the catamaran "Getaway" 12-14 Dec 2014. This was truly on of the highlights of our 6-week stay in Australia. Dillion, our captain, and Kim, his 1st mate, took amazing care of us and the other three couples that were aboard the boat. The weather was not the best the day we departed Airlie Beach, i.e., overcast with threatening rain and flukie winds so we motored to Hook Island where we had a sumptous dinner prepared by Kim and Dillion. We had a strong thunderstorm that night, but we hardly felt it because Dillion has us tucked back in Marcona Bay. The next morning the weather was much improved, but the winds still flukie so we motored to our first snorkling site. The coral and the fish were amazing. We then headed to Tongue Bay where we could walk to the Whitehaven Beach overlook and the beach itself. I have never seen sand that white or that fine - incredible. We were able to sail some on the way to Stonehaven Bay where we spent the night. The next morning we motored a short distance to the Caves for our second snorkling adventure, which was even better than the first. From there we were able to sail for a couple of hours before getting back to Airlie Beach. In retrospect, I wish we had done the longer 3-night sail. Dillion and Kim were great and we throughly enjoyed getting to know the other three couples that shared this incredible adventure with us.
“Great Experience”
I joined three other couples on the two-night Getaway, picking it for the small numbers and the ensuite in each cabin. The cabin was far smaller than I expected and the ensuite cramped, and the air conditioning left ours freezing while the front two cabins were too hot, though the skipper did everything he could to make us comfortable. Whitehaven Beach was the highlight, the food was good home cooking rather than restaurant standard, and we snorkelled twice in wetsuits because of the jellyfish. We saw dolphins and turtles, and simply sitting out in the sea air with everything taken care of made for a fine couple of days.
“Paradise in the Whitsundays”
One word describes our two night sail on Whitsunday Getaway: Wow!
My wife and I booked our November sail back in August. From the second we embarked, our skipper (Dillon) and host (Kim) stole the show. We were welcomed with open arms, briefed on the boat's features and provided a general safety overview. From that point on, we experienced the adventure of a lifetime...beautiful sunsets, Whitehaven Beach and amazing snorkeling (colorful coral and tropical fish). If you're lucky like we were, you will forge new friendships with your boat mates! And if your concern is food, look for no further! Kim will blow you away with wonderful homemade meals. You WILL NOT go hungry on this boat.
I highly recommend Whitsunday Sailing Adventures and specifically the Whitsunday Getaway. There is no better way to experience the Whitsundays then to go out on this boat and let the crew treat you to the experience of a lifetime.
“Sailing Whitsunday”
My husband and I did the three-night trip on the Getaway, a luxury catamaran taking eight people. The boat was lovely, with our own room and ensuite and plenty of space to move around given the small numbers, and we genuinely sailed rather than just motoring between the islands. Chris, our skipper, was knowledgeable and witty, and Ash was the perfect hostess and an excellent cook. The snorkelling spots were great with Chris explaining things at every stop, and we got on well with everyone aboard.
“The Best Crew in the Islands”
I took the three-night Getaway trip, captained by Chris with Ashleigh hosting, and the crew made it. Chris answered every question I had and talked me through my nerves about Australian sea life, and Ashleigh was always there with a fantastic meal and a warm cup of coffee. I'd have gladly paid a good deal more had I known what I was getting.
“First Class”
Booking onto Whitsunday Getaway turned out to be one of the best things we did in Australia. Booking and check-in were simple, and despite a short weather delay we had a brilliant time. Matt the skipper and Ash the host knew the islands well and were clearly passionate about the boat and about conservation, and they were always happy to chat. The boat felt new and well appointed, we were given all the snorkelling gear we needed for the reef, and the food was great too.
“Fantastic trip and great crew.”
We went out with the Getaway for a few nights and it was a blast. We snorkelled, dived and enjoyed the quiet of the reef, and the beaches were a startling white. The crew were friendly and professional, we picked up our drinks before boarding, and the food over those days was very good. We came away from it with some good friends.
“Fun with a great crew”
We did a catamaran sailing trip in the Whitsundays with Whitsunday Getaway, who supply the boat, skipper, host and food - you only bring your own alcohol. We saw some wonderful marine life, including a whale and a whole pod of dolphins, which was probably the highlight. Phil the skipper and Deb the host were great and made the trip a lot of fun, and the six other guests were a good bunch. We could have done with more wind for sailing, but we barely noticed.
“Enjoyable Trip”
We did a small-group trip on Getaway for three days and two nights: the boat was lovely, the meals were prepared fresh and were excellent, and the crew were helpful and informative. With a maximum of eight it felt very personal, and I liked that it's purely a snorkelling boat. Whitehaven Beach was the highlight, along with lying on the trampoline watching the stars, though at that time of year the water was murky with algae and much of the coral looked dead - we still saw plenty of fish. I'd have liked more snorkelling time and thought water and soft drinks could have been included, but it was a quiet, relaxing trip.
“An amazing trip on the Whitsunday Getaway!”
My husband and I were moved onto this boat when our original trip was cancelled for low numbers. We were disappointed at first, but realised how lucky we'd been. Phil the skipper and his wife Deb, the hostess, were terrific, and with only eight guests in four double rooms plus crew it felt very personal - we had brilliant company and a lot of laughs. The food, cooked by Phil on the barbecue with Deb and trainee skipper Claire, was delicious and plentiful, and the snorkelling sites were good and not crowded with other boats.
“Highly recommended sailing experience”
Lovely boat, great food and an excellent crew. Shane and Rebecca shared insights that made the trip for us. We got to Whitehaven Beach once the crowds had gone and had the best snorkelling spots to ourselves. The group was small, the private cabins were comfortable and the air conditioning meant we slept properly.
“Getaway 11 number 0ne”
A brilliant trip. The weather wasn't perfect for the time of year, but skipper Isaac still got us to the best places — the best snorkelling I've done in Australia, and swimming with the giant fish was something else. Our room and bed were comfortable and we had everything we needed, and Caitlin fed us beautifully and was always ready to take a photo. It isn't cheap, but it was worth it — thanks team Getaway II.
“The Perfect Way to Explore the Whitsundays”
My wife and I did this at the start of our honeymoon and it was a lovely way to see the Whitsundays. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating, and unlike other tours there was no rushing between places and plenty of time to relax. You get to all the main sights, with snorkelling, paddle boarding and some of the best sunsets going, and every meal is provided and very good. It is not luxury and moving about the boat can be a bit cramped, but that is part of sailing and took nothing away from it.
