Providence V Sailing Providence V - Private Charter

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Sail to Whitehaven Beach on your own private charter of Providence V, a gaff-rigged schooner from yesteryear, for up to 24 guests — with snorkelling at Dumbbell Island and morning tea, lunch and an afternoon fruit platter for everyone.

Days

9 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Private, up to 24

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Airlie Beach

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Providence V, a gaff-rigged sailing schooner, with skipper and host

Meals

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon fruit platter; drinks extra

Route

Map of Providence V Sailing Providence V - Private Charter

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Included experiences

Whitehaven Beach — 90 minutes or longer on the sand
Dumbbell Island — snorkelling
Hook Passage — morning tea under sail
Sunset sail home

Providence V Sailing Providence V - Private Charter

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: ALL ABOARD PROVIDENCE V

For one day the whole ship is yours, with up to 24 of your own people on board. You board at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, the main departure point for boats heading out to the islands. Providence V is a 62-foot gaff-rigged schooner, a replica of the Grand Banks fishing schooners of Newfoundland, built in North Queensland in 1988 from local timber. She played a starring role in the 1992 film Survive the Savage Sea. Your skipper and host run the boat, but anyone keen can haul on a halyard or take a turn at the wheel. Kick off your shoes and find a spot on deck as she heads out into the Whitsunday Passage, named by James Cook when he sailed through in June 1770.

MORNING TEA THROUGH HOOK PASSAGE

Morning tea comes round as the schooner threads Hook Passage, the narrow channel between Hook Island and Whitsunday Island. Hook Island's steep slopes drop straight into deep water, and Whitsunday Island beside it is the largest of the 74 Whitsunday islands. Keep watching the water here. Turtles surface to breathe, dolphins ride along with the boats, and from June to September humpback whales come up from Antarctica to calve in these warm, sheltered waters. Under sail there is no engine roar, only wind and water, which is part of the charm.

MIDDAY: WHITEHAVEN BEACH AND DUMBBELL ISLAND

The usual plan gives you about an hour and a half on Whitehaven Beach, about 7 km of sand that is close to pure silica, so fine it squeaks and so pale it stays cool under bare feet. Then lunch is served on board as you sail to Dumbbell Island for a snorkel over its fringing coral, with masks, snorkels and stinger suits in season supplied. Would you rather not leave the sand? You can choose to spend the whole charter at Whitehaven instead, and lunch becomes a picnic on the beach. It is your day, so the crew shape it around your group.

AFTERNOON: SAILING HOME AT SUNSET

In the afternoon the fruit platter comes out and the bar opens for anyone who wants a drink. If you have added a seafood platter or a drinks package, this is when it shines. The schooner turns for home across the passage, and the islands go blue and then purple behind you as the sun drops towards the mainland ranges. It's the hour when a wedding party gathers for photos at the bow and everyone else stretches out on deck. You sail back into Coral Sea Marina as the light goes, about nine hours after you left.

Map

Good to know

Departure time: Runs daily.
Suits: All ages.
Dietary needs: For any dietary needs other than vegetarian, bring your own food to keep in the eskies on board. Don't bring your own esky or platters, as room is limited.

What to bring

Drink bottle
Towel
Bathers
Sunglasses
Spare clothing to change into
Snacks

What is included

Private charter for up to 24 guests
Skipper and host
Morning tea, tea and coffee, lunch and afternoon fruit platter
Water — bring your own drink bottle
Snorkelling equipment
Stinger suits in season
Reef tax

Not included

Drinks — available to buy on board, EFTPOS available
Wetsuits, recommended May to August — hire from Aqua Dive at Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach

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.