Whitsunday Sailing Adventures Whitsunday Blue 2D/2N

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Two nights aboard Whitsunday Blue, an adults-only sailing catamaran that takes just eight guests, with Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout and reef snorkelling on the way. Meals are cooked on board by your crew, and you bring your own drinks.

Days

2 days, 2 nights

Age

18 years and over

Group size

Max 8 guests

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Airlie Beach
Coral Sea Marina, around midday

Return

Coral Sea Marina, around midday

Accommodation

Private cabin on a sailing catamaran (three ensuite, one shared with crew)

Transport

Sailing catamaran

Meals

All meals on board, plus morning and afternoon tea; BYO alcohol

Route

Map of Whitsunday Sailing Adventures Whitsunday Blue 2D/2N

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Included experiences

Hill Inlet Lookout — short guided walk to the view over the swirling sands
Whitehaven Beach — swim and walk on the white silica sand
Fringing reefs — snorkel sheltered bays with the crew
Stand-up paddleboards — paddle around the boat and the reef
Night at anchor — underwater blue lights draw in marine life

Whitsunday Sailing Adventures Whitsunday Blue 2D/2N

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: AIRLIE BEACH TO THE ISLANDS

Check in at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach for a mid-afternoon departure. There's a glass of bubbles as you step aboard Whitsunday Blue, a 40-foot sailing catamaran with only four guest cabins, then a safety briefing from your skipper and host before you slip out into the Whitsunday Islands. There are 74 of them, named by James Cook, who sailed through in 1770 believing it was Whit Sunday, and they are the sea country of the Ngaro people. By sunset you're anchored in a quiet bay. After dinner on deck the underwater blue lights go on, and fish gather around the hull in the glow.

Overnight: At anchor in a sheltered bay (private cabin on Whitsunday Blue)

DAY 2: WHITEHAVEN BEACH, HILL INLET AND THE REEFS

There's no fixed running order out here. Your skipper picks each stop around the wind, the tides and where the crowds aren't, so no two trips are quite the same. Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the group, is part of every trip: seven kilometres of silica sand so fine it squeaks underfoot and stays cool in the sun. The crew lead a short bush walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout, where the tide swirls white sand and turquoise water into patterns that change by the hour. Back on the beach, look for stingrays and baby lemon sharks in the shallows.

Overnight: At anchor in a sheltered bay (private cabin on Whitsunday Blue)

SNORKELLING AND PADDLING

Between beach stops the crew take you to fringing reefs in protected bays, the coral that grows close to the islands' rocky shores, and point out what to look for. It suits first-timers as well as strong swimmers, and stinger suits and flotation aids are on board. Green turtles, clownfish, reef sharks and big Maori wrasse are all possible, the wrasse easy to spot by the hump on its head. When you'd rather stay on top of the water, take a stand-up paddleboard out around the boat. From July to October humpback whales come up from Antarctica to the warm, sheltered water of the islands to calve.

LAST MORNING: BACK TO AIRLIE BEACH

Wake to a final morning in the islands, with breakfast on deck and maybe one last swim or paddle while the bay is still glassy. Then it's sails up for the run back across the Whitsunday Passage, the deep channel between the islands and the mainland that Cook steered through, with the green hills of the coast rising ahead. You arrive back at Coral Sea Marina around midday, with the afternoon free in Airlie Beach.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach. Check-in details come with your booking.
Departure time: Departs mid-afternoon (around 3pm) and returns around midday two days later. Departure days are confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: 18. This is an adults-only trip.
Fitness: Relaxed. The walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout is short, and every activity is optional.
Dietary needs: Most special diets can be catered for with a surcharge; kosher and halal meals are not available. Tell us when you book.
Accommodation note: There are four private cabins. Three have their own ensuite; one shares an ensuite with the crew, with separate doors.
Please note: Bring only a small soft bag. Extra luggage can be left in Airlie Beach. The route depends on weather and tides.

What to bring

A small soft bag only (no hard cases or wheeled luggage)
Change of clothes
Swimwear
Toiletries
Beach towel
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle
Camera
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun protection: sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Warm clothes for evenings (seasonal)
Your own alcohol

What is included

Two nights in a private cabin on board
All meals while on board, plus morning and afternoon tea
Drinking water
Skipper and host
All linen, bath and beach towels
Wetsuits or stinger suits
Snorkelling gear
Stand-up paddleboards
Marine Park fees
Starlink wifi on board

Not included

Alcohol: bring your own (no glass bottles except wine and champagne)
Soft drinks, sold on board
Special diets (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, dairy-free): $15 per person per day, paid at check-in
Holiday surcharge for nights at sea from 24 December to 2 January, or departures over Easter Friday to Monday: $20 per person per night, paid at check-in

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

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.