Providence V Sailing Whitehaven Day Sail Snorkeling & Whitehaven Beach (Family Rate) Lunch Included

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A full day under sail on Providence V, a 62-foot timber schooner, to Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, with a snorkel over the fringing coral at Dumbell Island on the way home. This family rate covers two adults and two children and includes morning tea, a picnic lunch and an afternoon fruit platter.

Days

About 9 hours

Age

All ages; family rate is 2 adults and 2 children aged 1 to 12

Group size

Up to 24 guests

Start / finish

Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach / Whitehaven Beach / Dumbell Island / Airlie Beach
Coral Sea Marina, about 4:30pm

Return

Coral Sea Marina, about 4:30pm

Transport

62-foot gaff-rigged sailing schooner

Meals

Morning tea, picnic lunch and afternoon fruit platter

Route

Map of Providence V Sailing Whitehaven Day Sail Snorkeling & Whitehaven Beach (Family Rate) Lunch Included

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Included experiences

Whitsunday Passage — sail on a timber schooner and help hoist the sails
Hill Inlet lookout — guided walk above the swirling sands
Betty's Beach, Whitehaven — swim and time on the white sand
Dumbell Island — guided snorkel over fringing coral reef

Providence V Sailing Whitehaven Day Sail Snorkeling & Whitehaven Beach (Family Rate) Lunch Included

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: AIRLIE BEACH AND THE WHITSUNDAY PASSAGE

If you're staying in Airlie Beach, the free courtesy bus brings you to the northern end of Coral Sea Marina for check-in from 7am, and you sail about half an hour later. 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. Morning tea and coffee come round as she heads out across the Whitsunday Passage, named by James Cook in June 1770. Children love helping haul up the sails by hand, and under the captain's eye anyone can take the wheel. A big sailing boat rides smoothly, and turtles and dolphins are often seen on the way.

LATE MORNING: HILL INLET AND WHITEHAVEN BEACH

The schooner anchors in Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands. A short guided walk climbs to the Hill Inlet lookout, where each tide swirls white sand and turquoise water into new patterns. It is one of the most photographed views in Australia, so have the camera ready. Then it's down to Betty's Beach, a quieter corner of Whitehaven Beach, where the sand is close to pure silica and stays cool under small feet. You have about an hour and a half for the lookout, a swim and sandcastles.

AFTERNOON: LUNCH AND A SNORKEL AT DUMBELL ISLAND

Back on board, lunch is included: a chicken, salad and avocado wrap, a slice of savoury quiche, yoghurt and a big cookie, with a vegetarian option. Then you sail to Dumbell Island for a guided snorkel over the fringing coral, where reef fish crowd around and turtles are often seen. Masks, snorkels and stinger suits in season are supplied, and fins are left behind to protect the coral. Little ones who would rather stay dry can watch from the deck. In winter, from about June to September, keep a lookout for humpback whales with their calves.

LATE AFTERNOON: SAILING HOME

The sails go up for the run home and the afternoon fruit platter comes out. The bar opens too, for parents who have earned a drink. Children can take another turn at the wheel while the islands fall away behind you and the green hills of the mainland grow closer. You're back at Coral Sea Marina at about 4:30pm, and the courtesy bus takes Airlie Beach guests back to their accommodation, tired, sandy and happy.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Northern end of Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach, near the Kiosk Cafe and roundabout. A free courtesy bus runs from Airlie Beach accommodation and from the Coles car park on Island Drive (6:45am). Paid parking is available at the marina.
Departure time: Check in from 7am; departs 7:30am.
Finishes: Back at Coral Sea Marina about 4:30pm.
Minimum age: All ages, from babies up. The family rate covers 2 adults (13 and over) and 2 children (1 to 12).
Fitness: Relaxed. The Hill Inlet lookout is a short guided walk, and swimming and snorkelling are optional. Providence V is an older vessel and is not wheelchair accessible.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian is the only alternative to the standard lunch. For other diets or allergies, bring your own food in a standard lunch box; an esky on board keeps it cold. No personal eskies, as space is limited.
Please note: Stinger season runs roughly November to May, and stinger suits are supplied. In winter (about May to September) a wetsuit is worth hiring from Aqua Dive at the marina; pick it up the afternoon before. The sail needs a minimum number of guests to go ahead, and you will be told if it isn't met. Cloud or light wind won't stop the trip. Large suitcases can't come on the bus or boat. The times don't suit most cruise ship passengers.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
A change of clothes and shoes
A refillable water bottle (there is a water station on board; no bottled water is sold)
A warm jacket in winter
A card for drinks

What is included

Morning tea and coffee
Picnic lunch: yoghurt, a large cookie, a chicken, salad and avocado wrap with a slice of savoury quiche (vegetarian option available)
Afternoon fruit platter
Skipper and host
Snorkelling gear (masks and snorkels; fins are not used, to protect the coral)
Stinger suits (in season)
Reef tax (Environmental Management Charge)
Free courtesy bus from Airlie Beach accommodation

Not included

Drinks from the licensed bar (card preferred; no BYO alcohol)
Wetsuit hire, recommended in winter if you will snorkel for more than about 10 minutes
A 15% surcharge on public holidays

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.