Stylish life out at sea, featuring the latest exterior and interior design. Innovative, spacious, bright and sophisticated, this new yacht offers cruising the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays with infinite confidence.
Each tour visits the beautiful Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. A short walk takes you up the Hill Inlet Lookout, from where you have a breathtaking view over the curved sands of Whitehaven Beach. Afterwards a sunbake or beachwalk session on the super fine sand is due. The tour stops in various of the dreamy Whitsunday Bays for snorkelling. Underwater you will find a whole world of itself, full of colourful corals and fish.
Days
- 4 days, 3 nights
Group size
- Max 10
Start / finish
- Airlie Beach / Airlie Beach
- Airlie Beach, 4pm on day 4
Return
- Airlie Beach, 4pm on day 4
Accommodation
- 3 nights on board in cabins, at anchor in a different bay each night.
Transport
- Blizzard, a family owned and operated yacht carrying a maximum of 10, combining traditional sailing with modern comfort. She leaves Coral Sea Marina South at 9am.
Meals
- All meals are prepared on board and served properly — baked Tasmanian salmon, roast chicken with potato salad, gourmet deli wraps, and cooked breakfasts with espresso coffee. Cheese platters and appetisers in between. Bring your own alcohol.
Route
Included experiences
- Whitehaven Beach — a morning on one of the best beaches in the world
- Hill Inlet lookout — a guided bush walk to the view over the swirling sands
- Manta Ray Bay and Butterfly Bay — a whole day among the northern reefs
- Langford Reef, Nara Inlet and Tongue Bay — wherever the wind suits on day 3
- Humpback whales — migrating through between June and September
- A sea scooter — to pull you along underwater
- Stand-up paddleboards off the back of the boat
- Learning to sail, or sitting back while the crew work
Reviews
4.9
Based on 147 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 147 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the Blizzard for its excellent crew, high-quality food, and the sense of sailing a real yacht rather than being herded on a crowded tour boat. The boat's small maximum capacity of ten guests, modern condition, and knowledgeable skippers who plan snorkelling stops and beach visits for optimal timing and solitude stand out most frequently across reviews. The most common caveat is that sleeping quarters are small and can become uncomfortably hot at night, though this is generally accepted as inherent to life aboard a monohull sailing yacht.
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.
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.
“A Dream Come True!!”
Jessie and Jamie looked after us from beginning to end on Blizzard. Jessie planned the route carefully around our group and was happy to explain the sailing, the ecosystems and the local history as we went, and he stayed close by while we snorkelled so nobody felt rushed or unsafe. Jamie's meals and snacks were plentiful and nothing was ever too much trouble. Blizzard is comfortable and had everything we needed, with all the equipment provided, so just bring your suncream and a hat.
“The absolute highlight of my East Coast trip!”
I have just finished a three-day sailing trip on Blizzard and it was the best part of my east coast journey. Captain Jessie clearly lives and breathes sailing: he took us safely through windy conditions and out to secluded spots away from the usual crowds. He and Tris, the skipper, worked together so well they barely needed to speak, and Jamie, who was being mentored by them, added a lot to the atmosphere. Between the three of them we were thoroughly spoiled with food and it felt more like sailing with friends than a standard tour.
“Top sailing adventure!”
We had a really nice time on Blizzard. Jesse and Jamie were welcoming hosts who made sure everyone enjoyed themselves, and the food was great. The forecast was poor but we got a sunny day at Whitehaven Beach and some lovely snorkelling, at times with the stop entirely to ourselves. Coming back to Airlie Beach in rain, wind and waves, Jesse had the boat completely under control.
“Whitsundays”
The three-day Blizzard trip has a full itinerary, so you don't miss out on anything. Skipper Jessie knew the Whitsundays inside out and was easy to talk to about any concerns. Carmen cooked amazing food, and we snorkelled at the best tide times with perfect visibility and the place to ourselves, seeing massive fish, turtles and beautiful coral. We also had plenty of time at Whitehaven Beach to swim, sunbathe or walk up to the viewpoints, and the small group meant we all got to know each other properly.
“10/10”
Our three days on Blizzard were amazing. Jessie the skipper took us to all the best spots at the best times and got us snorkelling in several great places. We had a lot of fun and would recommend it to anyone who wants to see the Whitsundays.
“Wow !”
Skipper Jessie's local knowledge of the tides, weather, snorkelling spots and history was excellent, and the team kept safety front and centre throughout. It was good to do proper sailing, and his enthusiasm for it made the whole thing better. Deckhand Celina cooked delicious meals, vegetarian included, led tours and helped Jessie get us there safely, and it was lovely hearing him teach her as we went. Blizzard is comfortable and looks the part, and the snorkelling was superb with diverse sea life and unspoiled reef.
“Beautiful Whitsundays”
Sailing around the Whitsundays on Blizzard was superb. Jesse tailored the trip expertly to the tides and weather, chose good overnight anchorages and managed the time so well that he added extra things to the itinerary. Deckhand Selina was just as important, guiding us on the walk up to the Whitehaven Beach viewpoint and making healthy, tasty meals while helping Jesse keep the voyage safe. I loved every minute of it.
“An enjoyable 3 days with great company. Definitely recommend if”
This was my second boat trip during my visit to Australia and I really enjoyed it. Jesse and Alex made a great crew, with plenty of knowledge and skill, and we were well catered for food-wise. The wind was light but they made the most of what there was, and Blizzard is comfortable and easy to move around. We visited a couple of islands and snorkelled in several places, swimming with bat fish and trevally, and being out overnight gives you a proper night sky with almost no light pollution.
“Fantastic 3full day and 2 night trip amazing”
An absolutely fantastic trip that I would highly recommend. Jessie the skipper and Al on deck were both great guys and the food was fab. We sailed every day as the wind was good, and the group was excellent company. We were lucky enough to see turtles, whales and dolphins while sailing, a leopard shark and huge parrot fish while snorkelling, and stingrays at Whitehaven.
“3D2N blizzard”
If you want a boat trip around the Whitsundays, book this one. The food was brilliant and my partner's nut allergy was catered for effortlessly. Tris and Leo were phenomenal: Tris has a great sense of humour and could probably sail round the world blindfolded, and Leo is helpful, kind, relaxed and a superb cook, and both were happy to answer questions and have a laugh with us. The boat is comfortable and clean, the snorkelling was incredible and the beaches looked almost too good to be real; I would have gone straight round again.
“A unique experience. Definitely recommended.”
We were really looking forward to sailing on Blizzard, and we did get great sailing weather, snorkelling on the reef, turtles, beautiful anchorages, sunsets and walks on snow-white beaches. It was almost too good to be true. The food was very good and the skipper and co-skipper were very friendly. The boat is approved for ten people, though, and that felt a bit tight, and slightly less adventurous sailing might have suited us better.
“We’ll be back”
We spent three nights on Blizzard for our two-year anniversary. Sam and Niko went above and beyond to make it exciting, fun and relaxing. The food was great, with plenty of coffee and good chats, and Sam made sure my girlfriend got to swim with a turtle before we finished.
“Really experienced the Whitsundays.....”
My wife and I took our family and a friend of our granddaughter on a four-day, three-night sail on Blizzard. There were nine of us, so we had the boat to ourselves with Tris and Sam. Tris doesn't normally do fishing, but my son and grandchildren had brought rods and lures, and we caught mackerel, shark and tuna, with another shark taking most of the tuna. We went to great snorkelling spots, fabulous swimming beaches and interesting fishing places; Tris made sure we saw the best of the Whitsundays and Sam kept us well nourished, and the three-night trip is the one to do.
“Great boat, crew and feed !”
We had a great time on our three-night cruise on Blizzard. The weather was not the best, with big swells and strong winds, but Trist and Sam navigated around the worst of it and we still saw plenty. We snorkelled among beautiful fish and coral and saw turtles and dolphins from the boat, and body surfing at Whitehaven Beach was a highlight. The food and coffee were excellent and the other guests were great fun.
“What an EXPERIENCE on BLIZZARD!”
I did four days and three nights sailing the Whitsundays on Blizzard. Tris and Sam were a great crew, always ready with a cup of tea and with plenty to tell us about the islands. The stops and short walks ashore were all worthwhile, and Whitehaven Beach really is as good as people say. I care about my food and I was impressed by what came out of that galley.
“Blizzard with Sharon & Brent”
We have just got back from sailing on Blizzard and it was great. We snorkelled over lovely coral and saw turtles and some enormous fish, swam at Whitehaven Beach where we spotted stingrays and a shark, and actually sailed for most of the trip. Brent and Sharon are experienced sailors who know the area well, and the food was delicious.
“Perfect sailing experience”
I want to thank Brent and Sharon for how they ran our three days and two nights on Blizzard. They were kind, attentive and professional throughout. I have a bad back and Brent did everything he could to keep me involved, including taking me round in the tender when I could not snorkel properly, while Sharon kept the meals and snacks coming. Nothing to fault.
“Blizzard with Brent and Sharon”
Just back from Blizzard with Brent and Sharon. The snorkelling was great, with turtles, fish and lovely coral, and the view at Hill Inlet is hard to beat. Good food and a first-rate crew.
“2day 2 night on board the blizzard”
Just back from two days and two nights on Blizzard with Brent and Sharon at the helm. We got hands on with the sailing and did plenty of swimming and snorkelling, including with turtles, plus Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and the rope swings. The food was excellent and both hosts knew the area well and were good for a laugh.
“Excellent small group sailing charter”
Highly recommend Blizzard for a small group crewed sailing charter in the Whitsundays.
We were looking for a short (2 night) sailing charter in the Whitsundays on a monohull sailboat with comfortable accommodations. We found all of that and more in our Blizzard charter.
Our skipper for the 2 day/2 night charter was Tris, who is also the owner of Blizzard, a very well maintained Beneteau Oceanis 50. First mate and cook for our trip was Sam. Both were outstanding. Tris is an excellent sailor, and his confidence helped his guests relax. Sam was an extremely competent first mate and an excellent cook to boot. He was always looking for ways to help make it a good experience for the guests. (The boat can comfortably accommodate at least 8 guests, and possibly more, depending on who sleeps with whom; on our trip we had 6 adult guests and 2 children, plus skipper and first mate. We chose one of the two private double berths with en-suite bathroom.) Tris and Sam made the sailing and the hospitality, both of which can be challenging at times, look easy.
Our trip included great sailing, the spectacular scenery of the Whitsundays, beautiful snorkeling (we saw sea turtles and huge wrasse, among lots of other fish), great food, and good company with Tris, Sam, and the other guests. We couldn’t have asked for more. Highly recommend a Blizzard charter.
PS the booking was managed by ABC Travel in Airlie Beach, and the ABC Travel staff also checked us in for the charter on arrival in Airlie Beach. I wanted to put in a good word for them as well: in our dealings with them by phone from the US, and in person at check-in, they were very helpful.
“A must do in the Whitsundays”
Hubby and I recently had a 2 night cruise on Blizzard. There is no better way to see the sights of the Whitsundays then being on a yacht. Tris the Skipper was friendly and his partner Catherine was very welcoming and very friendly. The Deckhand Sam was a true gem he was super friendly and was there at all times offering assistance to all passengers. Tris cooked one night for us was well, and his food was also pretty good. We had plenty to eat with breakfast, lunch and dinner and morning and afternoon snacks. A great afternoon sipping wine and eating nibblies on the deck after a great day snorkelling, Whitehaven Beach and a walk to the look out. The snorkelling was great with many fish to be seen at the snorkelling sites. Hubby enjoyed the sea scooter (I think that's what it is called) which he thought was great zooming around near the rocks underwater. The cabins were very clean and enough room to sleep and store your bag. Would recommend Tris and the team of Blizzard any time and would def do this again. We could not fault this trip at all. The only way to see the great wonder of the Whitsundays
“Blizzard blew me away”
I had the absolute pleasure of spending 2 nights and 3 days on Blizzard. The experience was amazing. I am a local and have been out on the water many times but the adventure I had with Skipper Tris and his brilliant deckie Sam was exceptional. We went to places I have never been before, we saw whales, turtles, stingrays and lots of fish, we enjoyed time on Whitehaven Beach and Langford Reef. Nothing was too much trouble, the atmosphere was relaxed the sailing was exhilarating and my cabin was very comfortable. I want to finish by saying the food was 5 star, I really enjoyed the meals….. although I could not eat it all because the serves were so generous. This was the best experience playing in my own backyard that I have ever had. If you are looking for a Whitsunday sailing adventure , and want to enjoy some sailing, snorkelling, walking on one of the best beaches in the world, have brilliant company and eat gourmet food…. I encourage you to book your trip with Blizzard.
“Incredible 2 days onboard SY Blizzard”
We did the 2 day/2night sailing trip on Blizzard, captain Brent and Sam were sensational hosts with excellent local knowledge and hospitality. Sam's
Cooking was next level and food all around was above and beyond what we expected. Snorkelling and fish feeding were top experiences well executed. Under full sail we travelled at over 9 knots. Would highly reccomend this tour :) take sunscreen!!
“Sailing perfection”
An incredible trip with a wonderful crew, Brent and Sam were fantastic crew who made sure we had as comfortable and enjoyable time as possible and were also great to hang out with and equally respectful of everyones space.
The food was fantastic and plentiful and the boat itself was lovely, The September trip was the perfect temperature for us, Beach weather in the day and perfectly cool for sleeping at night (bring a jumper for the evenings!)
The crew tailored our experience to the tides and winds to ensure the best timings for each attraction.
Would highly recommend the Blizzard sailing ship with Brent and Sam as the crew.
“Blizzard - one of my highlights of Australia”
We took a 3 day, 2 night cruise on the Blizzard this past week. The trip was incredible and definitely one of my highlights whilst in Australia. The crew (Sam and Brent) were incredible not just in terms of their sailing expertise but also genuinely great guys to sit down with a chat to. We were fed amazing meals prepared on board, all of which we ate together under the stars which provided a breathtaking backdrop. The cabins (ours was a twin) were comfortable and there was plenty of space on deck or the cabin to relax. During the days we went to Whitehaven beach (a must in this area) and made numerous stops for snorkelling by the reef, even with turtles! There was no set timetable and Brent & Sam left it up to us for how long we stayed at each place. If you are looking to take an overnight boat trip, make sure you choose the Blizzard from Airlie!
“Blizzard - Whitsundays sailing trip”
My boyfriend and I did the three day, two night sailing trip on the Blizzard and it was great. Tris was our skipper and Sam was the deck hand. Both were great hosts. Sam cooked, cleaned and shared lots of knowledge about the islands and fish that we saw. We ate like kings and every detail was taken care of for us. The boat was comfortable and can take up to 10 guests but we only had 6 on our trip so there was room to spare. Over the course of the trip we stopped at 2 snorkeling spots, as well as Whitehaven beach and Langford beach. We had a great time. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone.
If you have never been on a sail boat before or are prone to sea sickness you should definitely bring some Dramamine, because it can get rocky, but it’s still a lot of fun and a great experience.
“Overall Pleasant trip on Blizzard with One Significant Snag”
I had a good time on this trip, and talking it over afterwards it was clear everyone had, mostly thanks to the group of passengers, who all got on well. Whitehaven Beach was beautiful, though I found the snorkelling disappointing, with so much bleaching that I spent my time hunting for live coral. Sam, our deckhand, was excellent and cooked delicious meals. The one real problem was the skipper, Dave, who was moody and irritable and at times downright unpleasant; I gather some people like his manner, but nobody on our trip did.
“Great 3 day 2 night trip”
Sailing the Whitsundays in a small group on Blizzard is worth doing, and the boat was comfortable with the right amount of space. Cam was friendly and an excellent cook, and Scott was a safe pair of hands who knew the reef well and picked good snorkelling spots. That said, Scott's safety focus tipped into being patronising, he told us little about the itinerary and we never got the chance to help sail, which the description suggests you can. It felt like a tight ship when several of us were hoping for something more light-hearted.
“Absolutely fantastic experience”
I would say the bedroom/cabins are not for the claustrophobic but that being said - it is a sailing boat! Food on board was really really great and we were kept well fed the entire trip - Alex & Cam were our crew on board and both lovely guys - always keeping calm no matter what and still made our trip very enjoyable even though it rained most of the time!
“Enjoyable sailing experience with amazing crew”
We loved our time on Blizzard, and Alex and Sam clearly enjoy their job, keeping us safe, fed and entertained. We also did far more actual sailing and less motoring than I expected. My one complaint is that ten guests plus two crew felt like a squeeze for the size of the boat, with the skipper sleeping in the common area and eight of us sharing one toilet, and shade was hard to come by at midday. Otherwise the food was great and plentiful, the snorkelling spots well chosen, there was enough time at Whitehaven Beach, and on the last day they brought out a sea scooter and a paddleboard.
“Why do a day trip”
Forty-eight hours on Blizzard, and leaving at four in the afternoon is a good way to miss the day trippers. Alex and Carl were superb, keeping us safe and making sure we had as much fun as possible. There was time for snorkelling, bush walking and lying about on beaches that were often deserted because of when the crew got us there.
“A top tier sailing trip”
We can’t say enough about this trip! We sailed on the Blizzard with Scotty and his deckhand Darcy, and we were amazed with the service and level of professionalism displayed. We felt at home and in good hands as we toured the Whitsundays for three days. This is not a party boat filled with backpackers, but rather a relaxing adventure in the company of mature individuals from all around the world. The accommodations were very nice, and the food was simply delicious. We loved to see how well young Darcy performed at sea, and were amazed at his cooking abilities (try the salmon)! Scotty was a true professional, who has been sailing all his life. He was very calm and and extremely knowledgable when it came to the many questions we asked. Whithaven beach is the most stunning beach we have ever seen in our lives, and the sand is like white powder under your feet. The crew can find you fish, sea turtles, stingrays and just about any other marine life you would like to snorkel with. There’s no better place to have deep conversations than rocking in a sailboat, parked in a quiet bay under the Australian stars. Our only complaint was having to get off the boat when it was all over. If (when) we come back, we would certainly do this excursion again!
“Amazing New Year on Blizzard with Scotty and Kyle”
Wow ... what an amazing way to see in the New Year!!!!
Just returned home from a holiday of a lifetime in Australia and without doubt the highlight was our trip on Blizzard sailing around the Whitsundays.
Our skipper Scotty and deckie Kyle were awesome!!
Great sailing , great food and special memories made forever..
A special thanks to Scotty for giving me the time and confidence to get in the water and try snorkelling ... loved it so thank you !!!
HIGHLY recommend a trip on Blizzard !!!
Hopefully one day we'll be back to repeat another amazing trip !!!!
“Highly Recommend the Blizzard!”
My fiancé and I had a fantastic trip on the Blizzard. The winds were strong but Scotty made an itinerary that allowed all to enjoy the trip regardless. Kyle made great food and always kept us well fed. I had previously snorkeled in Port Douglas and this experience far exceeded the previous trip. We had a great time meeting other people from around the globe. Thanks for the amazing experience!
“Incredible....will be back”
We had been talking about a trip to the Whitsundays after a sailing trip at Fraser Island earlier in the year. Timing had it that we were both working in Mackay so we started to look for a sailing trip for the weekend and came across the Blizzard - 2 nights/2 days, a beautiful boat, private en-suite cabin, all meals and a small group of 10 people to meet and explore the Whitsundays with.
We arrived on Friday afternoon, just a short drive after work and boarded the boat at 4pm. Gary and Des were laid back, welcoming and experienced - immediately we knew we would have a relaxing long weekend and see all the best of what the Islands had to offer.
Stopping at Tongue Bay and walking to the lookout on Whitsunday Island was one of my highlights. The view of Hill Inlet...amazing and then walking down to Whitehaven Beach for a swim was beautiful. By day we went snorkeling amongst the turtles and stingrays and relaxed on deck with drink in hand by night.
Great company, clean rooms, plenty of space, delicious food....we will be back.
“What an experience!”
Literally had the best two days of my life thanks to the Captain Gary & his ‘to be skipper’ Mitch!
Mitch with his cooking and dry Ozzie humour. Gary with his charming Australian ways, sailing with a smile on his face.
Although we snorkelled with Turtles, getting to see al the reef and different little islands (including Whitehaven beach looking even better in person), it wouldn’t have been possible without the knowledge of both Gary & Mitch.
Gary & Mitch knew so much about what was where, when the tide would go one way or the other. They would integrate us as much as possible to make you feel one of the team. Everyone getting on like best friends including the crew members (however remaining very professional and responsible at the same time -important when sailing a boat).
Overall opinion - use iSail - Blizzard - Gary & Mitch like your life depends on it
“2 Day/ 2 Night Sailing trip on Blizzard”
I am very glad I saw the Whitsundays on Blizzard. Skipper Scottie and the crew, Liam and Ethan, were professional and informative as well as good fun, and I wanted a friendly boat rather than a hard-partying one. The cabin was comfortable and I only felt a little seasick, which staying on deck and watching the horizon sorted out. The food was really good with lots of snacks, all ten of us gave snorkelling a try, and I felt safe the whole time.
“Whales, snorkelling and sailing on Blizzard”
Went on Blizzard for a 3D/2N trip around the Whitsundays. Blizzard is a lovely yacht and has enough space for everyone on board (it is a yacht not a house).
Our skipper Scottie was very knowledgeable and made the trip more personal.. we stopped to view whales at every opportunity, which all the guests loved. He also took us under sail more than motor, which was great.
Des was our deckie and the food was amazing! We felt constantly fed and my girlfriend was well catered for, even as a veggie; had separate meals prepared. Des was very keen to learn about sailing but it did seem she had very little sailing experience and Scottie was sailing the boat himself.
Our crew were really good and definitely added to the great experience. Being early in the whale season we did not expect to see any. We were fortunate enough to see multiple breaches and one whale come within 50m of the boat. We snorkelled with turtles and saw some great sections of reef.. you read so many horror stories of the Great Barrier Reef so it was great to see that it is still thriving (if you are willing to not go to the tourist sites that are visited daily by hundreds of people!)
The Whitsundays are truly incredible and we felt this was the best way we could have seen them. We will definitely be back and have been inspired to start sailing more!
Thankyou for a great time
“Personal and Professional”
We chose a two night cruise on Blizzard after weighing up the other options in Airlie Beach, and once aboard we knew we had picked right. Captain Scottie was professional and a highly skilled sailor, and his first mate Andy was diligent and friendly. My wife, our 16 year old daughter and I all thoroughly enjoyed it and felt we got value for money.
“The highlight of my trip to Australia”
Travelling with a friend in our early twenties, we could not decide between a party boat and something more civilised, and Blizzard turned out to be the best decision of the trip. Scotty the skipper has an incredible knowledge of the local marine life and a clear passion for sailing, so we sailed rather than motored wherever possible, and he kept away from the other boats and took us to snorkelling spots most of them never visit. With few people aboard it felt personal, and he shaped the trip around what the group wanted. The food was so good that the snacks we brought were never needed.
“Great trip”
We spent two nights on Blizzard with skipper Scottie and Desiree on crew. The boat was clean with plenty of space to move about, we saw whales, turtles, sting rays and sharks, and Scottie taught us the gear properly; his snorkelling demonstration was the best I have had. The food and the company were good and we played cards over drinks in the evenings. The one drawback was that for all his skill and knowledge, Scottie made some patronising remarks that left everyone a little uneasy around him.
“Great Sailing”
We booked a two night sail on Blizzard, a 50 foot Beneteau, and had a lovely trip even though the weather could have been kinder. Scotty the skipper and Desiree, who assisted and cooked, had it all well organised, the food was very good and the boat quite clean. Scotty likes to actually sail rather than just run the engine and knows the Whitsunday waters well, and the snorkelling stops, clear instructions and entertaining stories made it thoroughly enjoyable.
“Blizzard - just not long enough!”
The best hosting and skippering of any trip like this I have done, and there have been plenty. Lachlan and Terry were informative, organised and good fun, with lots of personal touches, and most importantly we felt completely safe with them. The food was excellent for what a yacht galley allows, and the standard of the boat and its facilities was very high for first-time sailors.
“Best experience on blizzard”
This was my third trip out to the reefs and the best three days I have had in the Whitsundays. Skipper Loccy made it with his knowledge and enthusiasm, and he went to real trouble to get us to the best snorkelling spots. The food was fantastic too, and of all the boats this is the one to be on.
“Incredible trip aboard Blizzard!!”
It was the first time on a sailing boat for my boyfriend and me, and Scotty the captain made us feel in secure hands; he knows everything nautical and his passion for the reef comes through when he talks about it. First mate Tash was lovely and friendly and a remarkable cook given the galley she was working in, so we ate very well. The weather was the only let-down, though on the wet first night a couple of dolphins came right up to the boat for a good half hour. Between the snorkelling, the Milky Way from the deck and the powder-soft sand of Whitehaven I could not pick a favourite; the boat was new and well equipped and we had an ensuite double.
“The perfect Whitsunday sailing experience on Blizzard”
We have just finished a fantastic three day trip on Blizzard with Scotty and Mitch, and the sailing itself was brilliant fun. Both of them were extremely knowledgeable and added a great deal to the trip, and Scotty's local knowledge certainly improved the visit to Whitehaven Beach. The snorkelling was very enjoyable and the food was excellent, plenty of it and good quality. This is my third trip to Australia and it stands above everything else I have done here.
“Blizzard with Chris”
Our trip on Blizzard with Chris and Chloe was fantastic. Chris is a very experienced skipper who knew a lot about the Whitsundays, the wildlife, sailing and Australia generally, and Chloe's cooking was delicious. We got a bit of everything: sailing, snorkelling, relaxing and good views of Whitehaven Beach.
“Highlight of our trip downunder”
I was glad I booked this sailing tour well in advance, as it met all our expectations. There were only ten guests, which made a huge difference, and we had a private room with a bathroom on Blizzard; those rooms are at the front, so you can open the hatch for a sea breeze. The atmosphere was very laid back and the food was quite good, and my only wish is that we had done three nights so we could have seen more of the reef. We spent three weeks in Australia and this was the highlight.
“Blizzard: Scottie, Tiago and Rosie”
A beautiful boat, a professional crew and views that took our breath away. Captain Scottie sails all over the world and knows the Whitsundays like his pockets, so the route was customised to the weather; we were properly sailing, and although the waves can be high we never felt in danger, which made us enjoy it far more. We snorkelled over coral and saw turtles and fish, please touch nothing, and walked on Whitehaven Beach, while Rosie and Tiago cooked real food. It is not cheap, but it beats rushing through on a one day tour, and I would go aboard again and let the captain pick the destination.
“Sailing on Blizzard”
I booked a two day, two night tour on Blizzard and it was a magnificent trip. It took me a while to choose a boat, as some are old and tired, but Blizzard is only a few years old and in excellent condition. Our captain Scotty was professional and knowledgeable and did everything he could to keep us feeling safe and enjoying ourselves, and Terry prepared very tasty food, with vegan and vegetarian options if you say so in advance. My one tip is that taller people should take a cabin rather than shared accommodation, as the space can be a bit tight.
“Awesome trip with Scotty and Rosie on Blizzard!!”
An unforgettable trip around the Whitsunday islands on Blizzard, which takes ten people at most so it never felt crowded. The beaches, snorkelling and paddle were good fun, and Scotty and Rosie looked after us the whole way; Scotty is an interesting man with plenty of great stories, and Rosie kept the good food and snacks coming. Three days well spent, and the cabin for two is worth it if you are a couple.
“Blown away by Blizzard”
Five of us were after a couple of nights on a yacht, snorkelling with fish and turtles, meeting friendly people and getting some sun, and Blizzard was an excellent choice for seeing the Whitsundays. Our skipper Scotty was entertaining and interesting to listen to, and our host Rosie cooked all our meals, which were very tasty; nothing was too much trouble for her. It was comfortable, sociable and easy-going, and I felt thoroughly spoilt.
“An amazing few days!”
My husband and I spent two fantastic days and nights on Blizzard, having never done anything like it before. Scottie our captain was fantastic, made us feel welcome and is clearly comfortable at sea, and he knows the reef so well that we got great snorkelling, beaches and sailing. His mate Rosie was pleasant and worked hard to make the trip a good one, and between the fun, the food and the company it was a wonderful couple of days.
“Fantastic!”
We booked the two day, two night overnight sail on Blizzard for our honeymoon in Australia. With only nine guests aboard we could go wherever we wanted, and Scotty is experienced enough that we got real sailing, saw turtles and snorkelled over one of the loveliest stretches of reef, and we paddled near Hook Island. It did get quite windy and we were both sick once, so bear that in mind before choosing an overnight sail, but it is still a trip we will remember.
“Great sailing with Blizzard in Whitsundays”
Two nights sailing in the Whitsundays was the highlight of our family holiday with my husband and our two teenagers. We knew the coral had been damaged by the cyclone, but Scotty and Mitch, Blizzard's crew, still brought us to some nice snorkelling places, and we saw whales, dolphins, stingrays, lemon sharks and turtles at close range. We finished with some great sailing back to Airlie Beach.
“Fantastic, best thing we've done in Australia!”
After nine months in Australia, my personal highlight is the trip we have just had on Blizzard, captained by Scotty with Yas as first mate. Great weather made the snorkelling, paddle boarding and wake paddle-boarding, Scotty's own invention, really enjoyable. Scotty's knowledge and experience are second to none, and Yas was friendly as well as a great cook. Even with cyclone Debbie having wiped out the islands only weeks earlier, they still showed off the best of them.
“Mature aged sailing”
My husband and I have sailed the Whitsundays many times over the years, and found Blizzard clean, comfortable and well fed, with a friendly mix of guests of different ages and nationalities. We sailed after cyclone Debbie, so the water visibility was poor and the vegetation was in a sad state, but you cannot argue with nature and there was still beauty to see. Connor, our deckhand, was capable and worked very hard. I did find the skipper Scott's constant talk about the boat and about himself, and the very long briefings, rather hard going.
“Fantastic!!!”
We compared a lot of boats and picked Blizzard because we wanted good value and a small group, and it delivered. Danny and Heidi could not have been kinder, the food and snacks kept coming, and the boat is modern, clean and reasonably spacious, with everyone on board around the same age and easy to get along with. We visited an aboriginal cave and Whitehaven Beach, which no photograph prepares you for, then did three snorkelling sessions with masses of fish and coral and even a turtle. We only sailed once because it was so calm, but we had glorious weather right through, so do not let February put you off.
“Whirlwind tour on Blizzard”
We chose Blizzard because we felt too old for a party boat, and ended up with six good companions and an excellent crew in Danny and Laura. We walked across the island to Whitehaven Beach, saw the lookout in sunshine and the beach itself in warm rain, and Danny found us superb snorkelling with coral, fish, turtles and dolphins. The food was great. Two things I would pass on: bring a small dry sack and a water bottle, and be ready for the hot, cramped sleeping quarters that come with any monohull.
“Fantastic time on Blizzard”
We spent two nights on Blizzard and had a fantastic time. The boat is smart and surprisingly roomy even with twelve on board, and we made the most of every chance despite indifferent weather. My only problem was the captain: Scotty came across as wrapped up in himself and was dismissive when my girlfriend tried to talk to him, though I do think he wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and it may just have been a personality clash. Mitch was the making of the trip for us, warm, funny and a good cook who went out of his way over my girlfriend's dietary needs.
“Blizzard 2nd-4th Dec 2016”
We have just come back from Blizzard with skipper Dave and deckhand Heidi and had a wonderful time. The trip was well organised and the crew had clearly worked out the best route to get the most from our time aboard. Dave worked tirelessly during the snorkelling to get everyone to the good spots and ferry back anyone who had had enough, and Heidi produced lovely meals and snacks at the right times. The group mixed well, and it suits couples and friends rather than anyone looking for a heavy drinking trip.
“Amazing!”
My mum and I sailed on Blizzard for two nights and three days and had a fantastic time snorkelling the reef. Scottie and Razza looked after us throughout and the food was very good. Happy to recommend it.
“Best snorkelling trip ever on Blizzard”
Scotty's planning and attention to detail made the trip: the snorkelling was superb and we nearly always had a spot to ourselves, even at Whitehaven Beach. Heidi's food was tasty, plentiful and always arrived at the right moment. They both put themselves out for us, adding an early boat ride to catch the sunrise and some fun on the paddle boards, and it was clear they knew their jobs and enjoyed them. Thanks to them both, and for the lovely coffee.
“The Blizzard, fantastic boat and crew!”
My partner and I had wanted to sail the Whitsundays for years, and Blizzard was the right choice. The boat was very clean and the crew were lovely, and skipper Scotty knew a great deal about the Great Barrier Reef and plenty else besides. The meals were excellent with always enough to go round, and we snorkelled some superb spots with lots of coral and marine life.
“Amazing Trip On Blizzard”
Skipper Scotty and host Ellen went out of their way to make the trip. Scotty's knowledge of the reef meant fantastic snorkelling, swimming with turtles, whale watching and quiet, calm overnight anchorages, and both of them were down to earth and good company sitting around chatting in the evenings. The boat itself is really nice, and I would pay the extra for an ensuite so you are not queueing for a warm shower after a cold snorkel. We would holiday on Blizzard again.
“Trip on the Blizzard would have been perfect without the unwante”
Every part of this trip was good apart from the attention I got from the skipper. I was the only single woman on board, and a couple of his remarks, plus an offer to take me off to a small island alone at night, left me uncomfortable, whether or not it was meant that way, and I have seen other guests mention something similar. As a non-smoker I also found there was a lot of smoking on board, with some guests ignoring clear instructions about where to do it. Otherwise it was a lovely trip: stargazing from the deck, beautiful Whitehaven Beach, three excellent snorkel stops including a morning swim with turtles, simple decent food, and a better living space than I expected on a boat.
“Family reunion on blizzard!”
We came out from Scotland to see our daughter and her partner and wanted to do something special on our first trip to Australia, so chose Blizzard as it suited couples after something relaxing but exhilarating. It was our first time snorkelling the reef and John and Ellen took us to the best spots; we saw turtles round the boat, and the highlight was waking to three whales, a mother, father and calf, less than a hundred metres away. Ellen was a perfect host and fed us very well, and I trusted John completely, including in high winds that made for exciting sailing. We had the boat to ourselves and would sail on her again.
“Sailing experience on Blizzard”
The boat was in excellent condition and very comfortable on our two-day, two-night trip. Scotty was keen to set sail at every chance and barely touched the motor, which is what we had hoped for, and Freya coped well with seven guests at short notice, turning out simple, good food with no fuss. Scotty passed on plenty of information, but his tone was rather condescending for a group of educated adults, and we were surprised by the way he invaded the personal space of one of the single women on board. What annoyed us most was the smoking: both crew smoked at the back of the boat where the guests sit, none of us smoked, and the company should either advertise it as a smoking boat or stop it.
“Trip of a lifetime on Blizzard”
One of the best experiences we have had, on a fifty-foot sailing boat. The food was plentiful and Ellen was helpful throughout, and the captain took us to the best snorkelling, where we saw plenty of sea turtles and all sorts of fish and coral. We literally sailed into the sunset, and Whitehaven was spectacular, especially as we were the first group on the beach that morning. Everyone on board got on well and we had great fun together.
“Awesome sailing experience in Great Barrier Reef”
The two nights on Blizzard flew by. Scotty and Ellen were a fantastic team and showed us some terrific sailing, and the boat is beautiful and really comfortable with a small group. They worked hard to make sure we were enjoying ourselves in and out of the water and were well looked after, and the overnight anchorages and dive sites were stunning. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat.
“Isail Blizzard 3D 2N cruise”
A relaxing small-group sail. I signed up on my own and everyone was friendly, and my gluten- and dairy-free diet was catered for far better than I expected, with gluten-free bread, wraps and crisps bought in specially. The food generally was much better than I had imagined and there was an abundance of it, with fresh fruit at breakfast and salads at dinner. Scotty's tone was a little condescending, but he is very experienced and I felt entirely comfortable with the way he handled the boat; this is not a party boat, and it is good value.
“We had an amazing time on the Blizzard”
My husband and I compared all the Whitsundays sailing options and, as we definitely did not want a party boat, went for a smaller group, which we were very happy with. We had our own cabin with an ensuite, small as you would expect on a boat but nice and clean. The crew were lovely and made a real effort, and the food and the activities were excellent. Two or three days is about right, though by the end we would happily have stayed longer.
“Amazing sailing trip with the Blizzard”
A very nice sailing trip on Blizzard. Scotty and Nina were friendly and professional and I felt safe even though the sea was fairly rough. The snorkel spots were superb and the food was very good.
“Awesome trip!”
We had a great time on the two-night Blizzard trip. We set out in the late afternoon for a sunset sail with snacks and drinks on deck, then a freshly cooked dinner before settling in a bay overnight. The next day began with a snorkel and about two hours at Whitehaven Beach, then another beautiful sunset among the islands, and on the last day we did two more snorkels, seeing turtles at one and a great variety of fish at Hayman Island. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks were all provided and the rooms were great, though it gets hot at night so some of us ended up sleeping on deck.
“Once in a lifetime trip!! Absolutely amazing”
We chartered Blizzard privately for six of us and, while it was not cheap, we felt we got excellent value. Captain Scotty was clearly very experienced, which was reassuring, and once he realised we were all strong swimmers he took us to snorkelling spots we would never have reached on a public trip. The food was outstanding, nothing extravagant but fresh and healthy. The fridge failed while we were on board so our drinks were not cold, which was a shame in the heat, but these things happen and it did not spoil the memories.
“Absolutely recommended”
Great crew, a clean boat and delicious food. We chose the three-day trip on the sailing boat Blizzard and it was one of the best trips I have done. The crew were really professional, and I would recommend a Whitsundays cruise with them.
“Amazing”
My friend and I took the two-night trip on Blizzard. We did not want a party boat, but nor did we want everyone in bed after dinner, and the other passengers felt the same and were lovely. The captain was very professional but lacked warmth and did not always seem happy, though when my friend felt uneasy about snorkelling he put her at ease very quickly, which matters more. The food was fine and covered a range of allergies; I would pay a bit extra for an ensuite and book early, as there are only two and the other three cabins share.
“Great time on Blizzard”
My friend and I did a two-night trip on Blizzard and had a brilliant time. Captain Scotty knew his stuff and made us feel at home, and Mel, the deckhand, was just as good. The boat is only a few years old, so the cabins are clean and comfortable and she sails beautifully. The food is simple but fair for what you pay.
“Amazing experince on Blizzard with Scotty and Mel”
Our two-day, two-night trip on Blizzard was the highlight of my holiday in Australia. Captain Scotty knew a great deal about the Great Barrier Reef and took us to the best snorkelling spots. Mel, our deckhand, was friendly and welcoming and cooked some lovely simple food, which was just what we needed after a day snorkelling and sailing. I would recommend it to anyone.
“Amazing trip”
We did two days and two nights on Blizzard and had a great time. Scotty and Mel were welcoming, Mel cooked well and gave us tips on where to head next, and Scotty was patient with the snorkelling. It was my first time and I was terrified, but he held my hand the whole way and kept me calm. After dinner he had everyone laughing with rope tricks, which brought the group together.
“Wonderful experience!”
Scotty and Mitch had us on Blizzard for two nights and two days. Scotty sailed as much as he could, which was exactly what we wanted, and took us to snorkelling spots nobody else visits, plus whales in a bay and some fine sunrises and sunsets. Mitch cooked well and, being a local lad, knew a huge amount about the area, wildlife, fishing and diving, and he took us ashore at Whitehaven Beach. With three other couples and two girls travelling together there was never a dull moment, but plenty of time to relax too.
“Fantastic Trip”
My wife and I were very happy with our trip on Blizzard. I have never seen so much marine life in two days, including sailing close to a group of humpback whales. The food was good, Captain Scott looked after us well, and the stars in the evening were something else.
“Blizzard 2 days 2 night”
We travelled with Scott and Mitch and it was the best part of our stay in Australia. Scott was professional and efficient, everything ran to time, and there was always something to keep us busy - two days felt like a week. Mitch is young but very professional, always calm and keen. We'll come back with our kids one day.
“The experience of a lifetime!!!”
My husband and I did the three-day, two-night trip on Blizzard and had a wonderful time. Captain Scottie was a character, direct about safety and keen for everyone to enjoy themselves, and Mitch, our first mate, was attentive and hospitable even though it was his first trip on the boat. The food was tasty and there was plenty of it, and the private ensuite was well worth the extra. We snorkelled at two lovely spots with full-length wetsuits provided and no fins, to protect the reef, and we saw a humpback and her calf breach close by and dolphins playing in our wake at sunset.
“Sailing the blizzard”
This was a great trip for us as a couple. Scotty gave us a warm welcome on the wharf and Mel was just as good; the two of them worked well together and mixed easily with the guests. The food was good, the cabin was nice and our fellow passengers were good company, and when we were at Whitehaven they tracked down the whales they had spotted - we counted at least eleven. We had a bit of swell and good winds, and always felt safe.
“An amazing time on the blizzard!”
We had a fantastic few days on Blizzard exploring the Whitsunday Islands. The weather wasn't always kind but my boyfriend and I still had a great time, and it was one of the highlights of our Australian road trip. Scotty, Mel and Darcy were lovely, helpful and very funny, the food was good and we felt completely safe with them. The snorkelling spots were beautiful - turtles, stingrays and all sorts of colourful fish - and it was the first time a skipper had given us a proper snorkelling briefing.
“Blizzard - fantastic”
My girlfriend and I spent three days and two nights on Blizzard and it was the high point of our time in Australia. Captain Scotty, his son and Mel made sure we were comfortable and well looked after, and Scotty used his knowledge of the tides and conditions to time each stop for the best of the Whitsundays. We sailed, snorkelled the reef and came face to face with turtles, and Scotty passed on tips from his diving days and talked us through the reef and its wildlife. Mel's cooking and company were excellent.
“Incredible Experience!”
Our trip on Blizzard around the Whitsunday Islands was brilliant. The skipper and crew were friendly and reassuring, happy to explain where we were and to suggest things to do during the trip and afterwards. We did bush walks, snorkelling and sailing, with plenty of time to relax in a beautiful place. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
“Blizzard with Scotty & Matt”
I did the Whitsunday sailing trip on Blizzard and it could not have gone better. Scotty and Matt were helpful and friendly throughout; Scotty took us to three snorkelling spots and to Whitehaven Beach and told us about the reef, its history and the conservation work, while Matt turned out excellent meals. He factored in everything, right down to timing Hill Inlet with the tide, and the snorkelling was perfect - we saw everything from rays to turtles.
“Amazing stay!”
Our trip on Blizzard was really good. The crew were friendly and knew the area well, the snorkelling spots they take you to are beautiful, and at Whitehaven Beach you are almost on your own. The boat is comfortable and the sailing itself was great fun, and with only ten guests it feels personal.
“FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE ON THE WHITSUNDAYS”
My wife and I have just come back from two great nights in the Whitsundays. Scotty took twelve of us to some cracking spots, and the snorkelling was excellent, as was the football on the beach. Special thanks to Mel, who made the trip that bit more special - lots of laughs and lots of good food.
“A great two day sample of the Whitsundays”
We booked Blizzard, a fairly new Beneteau 50, at short notice. We have sailed our own boat for years and bareboat chartered plenty of times, but this was our first crewed charter with a mixed group, and we had a great time with a good bunch of people including complete beginners. Captain Scotty was good at adjusting the itinerary for the best anchorages and snorkel sites, delivered on his promise of swimming with turtles, and gave us a talk about the reef on the first evening. Mel did a great job in the galley; the only hard part was sleeping in the heat and humidity, which comes with the territory.
“Blizzard sail trip”
Thanks to Scotty and Mel for a great two and a half day trip. Scotty is a skipper with a lifetime of sailing behind him and he makes sure everyone enjoys themselves, while Mel keeps the boat running and everyone fed. If you want a small group of no more than ten, Blizzard is the one - just bear in mind they don't go out to the outer reef.
“Great trip, amazing location, great crew & great boat”
My cousin and I sailed on Blizzard and the trip was spot on. Scotty and Rain were brilliant - happy to answer anything and full of knowledge about the reef, the sea life and the islands - and they were attentive with everyone, which made for a good atmosphere. The food was well prepared and we never went hungry. Safety was taken seriously and the skipper planned each stop for the right time of day, so we saw turtles, rays, colourful coral, tropical fish and even a shark.
“We had a great time on the Blizzard!”
A friend of mine spent two nights and two days on Blizzard and it was just amazing. The boat is in great condition, and Scotty, the skipper, was a great bloke - full of information and doing everything he could for every person on board. Emma also did a great job with the cooking and the daily preparation. It may cost a little more than others, but it is worth it.
“Thank you Blizzard!”
Three days and two nights on Blizzard was bliss. The boat takes ten and we had a good mix of people on board, with a great crew and lovely food. We sailed close to Hill Inlet the first night and went in the next morning, with the crew full of useful local knowledge throughout.
“I want to go back to the Blizzard!!!!!!”
We had the best time on Blizzard - the crew, the food, the boat, the company, the snorkelling. We wanted a mix of fun, relaxation and adventure and got all three. Thank you David and Fallon.
“Great”
We did a two-day trip on Blizzard for our honeymoon and it was excellent. Good boat, good crew, good food and good sailing, and they made a real effort to reach the popular spots before the crowds and to find good snorkelling. We had a go at stand up paddle boarding, and the other guests were great company.
“The yacht, crew and scenery- truly a five star experience!!”
We spent two days and two nights sailing the Whitsundays on Blizzard, a modern, well maintained yacht that felt surprisingly spacious for two crew and ten guests. We had been to Airlie Beach before and done day charters, but this was our first overnight sail and we were surprised how much we enjoyed it. Our skipper Dave picked the night anchorages carefully so we had calm, comfortable nights despite the rising wind, and his knowledge of the area was excellent - the swirling sands at Hill Inlet and swimming among hundreds of fish at Mantaray Bay were the highlights. Fallon produced generous, delicious meals from a tiny galley, and both crew were always there with a smile.
“highlight of our trip. 100% relaxing”
Sailing on Blizzard was one of the best things we have done. Lovely boat, crew and fellow passengers, beautiful scenery and very good food. We went stand up paddling and snorkelling, saw turtles and visited the Hill Inlet lookout and Whitehaven Beach.
“2 night adventure on blizzard”
We have just come back from a two-night sailing trip on Blizzard with captain Dave and first mate Fallon, and had a fantastic time. Dave's sailing was professional and he gave us endless time during the day, full of information about the area, and Fallon's cooking, cheerfulness and sailing were just as good. In the late evening Dave left us to ourselves, which meant five couples who had only just met ended up talking and becoming good friends. I would recommend Blizzard to anyone, and ask for Dave and Fallon if you can.
“A Ten Knot Blizzard in the Whitsundays!”
A memorable family trip that we thoroughly enjoyed, and one I would recommend to novice sailors and their families. The yacht was very clean and modern, Tris and Shaun were experienced, the equipment - paddle boards, snorkels and wetsuits - was good quality, the meals were delicious, especially the gnocchi and chicken wraps, and we sailed at over ten knots, which had even the crew grinning. There were a few things to fix: one lot of chicken was not cooked through, cigarette butts were not always disposed of properly, and the boarding instructions were unclear. The crew also seemed distracted on the first night, and I would tell passengers to bring earplugs and seasickness tablets if they are not used to boats.
“great experience”
Our sailing trip on Blizzard was amazing. Dave took us to the best places at the best times, finding sheltered snorkelling spots even though it was windy, and we never ran into a crowd, not even at the Whitehaven lookout. Both Dave and Steff were friendly and always ready to help, and Steff looked after us well with good food and a smile. Good snorkelling, fun sailing and lovely scenery.
“Blizzard is the best!”
Blizzard was completely awesome. The crew were friendly without ever being in your face and took us to some great spots - Whitehaven Beach, stingrays and snorkelling with turtles. The food is good even for a vegetarian like me, and the boat looks small from the outside but is cosy inside, with a power point in the rooms for charging camera batteries. Dave and Steph were perfect hosts with great knowledge of the area; paddleboarding is now my favourite watersport, and thanks for the stories and the stargazing.
“Great sailing trip with nice people”
We sailed on Blizzard with Dave and Steff and it was just great. Steff cooked very tasty meals and was always friendly and helpful, and Dave is a good sailor who clearly enjoys it - he showed us the best snorkelling spots and helped us find turtles. The way back was windy, and it was good fun to sail that fast with someone so experienced at the helm.
“Great sailing trip”
We had a trip aboard Blizzard with Tris and Steff. She is a well kept fifty-foot Beneteau with plenty of space for the numbers carried, good facilities - snorkelling gear, wetsuits and paddle boards - and excellent food cooked by the very cheerful Steff. We snorkelled in two spots, did some nice sailing and visited Whitehaven Beach, and thoroughly enjoyed it despite the weather. Tris was an excellent skipper, though a little more information about the plans and the islands would have added to it.
“Blizzard”
I brought my parents aboard Blizzard and we got windy, sunny weather with just enough cloud slipping in for the sunrise and sunset shots. The boat is spotless and modern with a comfortable interior, and our skipper Dave seemed able to conjure up wind, turtles, rays and even the sea eagles on demand. Stef was almost brand new to the boat but made it a warm, cosy place to come back to when we were cold and hungry. Bring a waterproof jacket, because Dave gets everyone out on deck; my only complaint was that they went for smooth peanut butter rather than crunchy.
“A great time despite the strong wind and rough seas!”
We had a good few days on Blizzard with Dave and Rhianna, though the seas were rough enough to make sleeping tricky, and I would still happily do it again. Whitehaven Beach and swimming with the turtles were the highlights, while the snorkelling was fine but not as colourful as the reef further north. The food on board was good, and although Dave and Rhianna did not seem to get on, it made no difference to our trip. Take only what you really need, as space on board is tight.
“Birthday Blizzard”
We booked Blizzard for my thirtieth birthday, and three days and two nights was just right to get to know the other eight passengers and our hosts Dave and Brittany. Our double cabin was cosy but small, so we spent most of our time on deck chatting and drinking champagne, and Brittany cooked simple, healthy meals that were very welcome after a day on the sands of Whitehaven or snorkelling off the islands. Visibility underwater was only a few metres, but Dave made sure we saw turtles, and big batfish come up if you dangle your feet off the stern. Stinger suits, hot showers, paddle boards and the scuba jet are all provided, and mooring in sheltered bays with music on and the stars out was a lovely way to end each day.
“Beautiful Blizzard”
We spent two days on Blizzard over Easter, having deliberately looked for a boat that would not be all vodka shots and jumping off the rigging. Our skipper Dave handled the boat beautifully all weekend and shared what he knew without crowding us, and we sailed on longer the first evening so we reached Whitehaven ahead of the crowds, with the sand and the viewing decks almost to ourselves; we saw stingrays, fish, crabs and had loggerhead turtles drift alongside us while paddle boarding. Our hostess was a good cook and an experienced diver, so between her and Dave we were well fed and taken to some excellent snorkelling spots, with the Seadoo to play on. I would recommend it to anyone over thirty, to families and to solo travellers; the only thing missing was a chart to identify the fish we saw.
“Absolutely brilliant!!!!”
After five months travelling around Australia and Asia, the three-day, two-night trip on Blizzard was one of my highlights. I had never been on a proper sailing boat before; she was immaculate, captain Dave and his crew were professional and lovely, and with a small group everyone got on well. We sat out on deck watching the scenery go by and were fed freshly cooked meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The snorkelling stops were unbelievable - I saw more there than I did on the Great Barrier Reef - and Dave knew the area so well that he took us where no other tours went, got us to the busier spots first, and made brilliant Whitehaven Beach a place I did not want to leave.
“Amazing taste of luxury sailing”
We had a great time sailing on Blizzard, thanks to Dave the skipper, who was welcoming and relaxed, and Sean, who cooked some seriously good meals. The boat was clean, comfortable and complete luxury. We snorkelled, paddle boarded at sunset and stargazed, with plenty of food and snacks along the way. The small group made it, and I cannot recommend the trip enough.
“Heavenly!”
We sailed on Blizzard for a two-night trip and the boat is lovely and very luxurious. The crew, a host and our skipper Dave, were skilled and helpful, and told us plenty about the area as we sailed. We got off the boat several times, at Whitehaven Beach and a couple of quieter beaches, to walk, snorkel and stand-up paddle, and it was stunning. The other passengers were nice and polite too, and I would recommend it for solo travellers and couples.
“Blizzard fantastic”
We have just come back from three days and two nights aboard Blizzard, and cannot speak highly enough of our skipper Dave, who was knowledgeable and never found anything too much trouble, or of Sophia, who seemed able to turn her hand to anything. We had never sailed before and came away feeling as though we had been doing it for years; being under full sail was a joy. We met great travellers from all over the world, and enjoyed everything, particularly the snorkelling and turtle watching and arriving at the main spots before the big tourist boats. Our one gripe is with the booking company, which really should email boarding passes.
“Blizzard Sailing Whitsundays”
I have just got back from a trip on Blizzard with my parents, and the boat is a beauty, clean and spacious. We had the spinnaker up as soon as we left the harbour and sailed into the sunset, and the stargazing at night is remarkable if you are used to European skies. Sophia the deckhand cooked lovely food and our skipper Dave took us to the most beautiful places, where we swam with turtles and saw tiny sharks and massive rays; one of them always circles the snorkelling group, so weaker swimmers need not worry. Take an underwater camera and do the walk on one of the islands, because the view from up there is worth the effort.
“Amazing Sailing trip on The Blizzard!!”
We did the two day, two night sail on Blizzard with Captain Dave and Sophia, in a cabin with an ensuite, and felt thoroughly spoilt. There was good sailing whenever the wind came up, good food and eight other guests who were great company. We spent time at Whitehaven Beach and a second beach, and snorkelled in two spots with protective and snorkel gear provided, seeing beautiful coral, masses of fish, huge turtles and even a Maori wrasse. We also saw a pair of pilot whales, which Captain Dave said he had not seen in three years.
“Great Family Adventure”
We wanted a trip that our three children, aged five, five and seven, could enjoy with their grandparents, and six days and five nights aboard Blizzard gave us far more than a taste of the Whitsundays. Neither my mum nor the children had snorkelled before, but Luke and Sophia were so patient that by the fifth day they were snorkelling confidently over reef we had entirely to ourselves, each site quite different from the last. The children loved being dragged behind the sea scooter, Luke ferried them and my mum around on rafted-up paddle boards for over an hour so we could enjoy the reef, and Sophia took them out in the tender for turtle spotting and runs on the beach. The food was good, the boat comfortable and fun to sail on, and on our last sail two humpback whales followed us.
“Amazing time on Blizzard”
Blizzard was recommended to us by a friend and it turned out to be a brilliant tip. With only ten on board including us we got to know the other guests, and we had some excellent sailing winds. Our skipper Ben was extremely experienced and took us on a great route around the islands, where we snorkelled over colourful coral among fish and turtles and spent time on stunning Whitehaven Beach. Annette prepared all the food beautifully and had no trouble catering for my gluten-free diet.
“Highlight of our Australia vacation”
This trip was pure heaven. We had completely clear skies and very calm seas, which surely helped, and we were aboard Blizzard, which was nearly brand new; the accommodation was clean and comfortable, if small, but it is a boat. The snorkelling was amazing, with numerous humpback whales, sea turtles, huge corals and masses of fish, and the food was excellent and more than enough. For the price I think it works out cheaper than a couple of nights in a hotel on the mainland where you pay for meals out.
“Trip of a Lifetime on the Blizzard”
We had a fantastic trip sailing the Whitsundays with Dave and Sophia on Blizzard. The weather was lovely, and we paddle boarded, snorkelled alongside Pierce and swam with sea turtles; Captain Dave made sure we were first up to Whitehaven Beach and Sophia made sure we were well fed. There was virtually no wind for most of the trip, but it picked up on the way back to Airlie Beach and Dave pulled out the spinnaker for the run home. We had good shipmates from Australia, Canada, the US and Britain, and I researched the boats carefully before choosing Blizzard; my only wish is that we had had another day.
“Wonderful way to experience the Whitsundays”
We spent three days and two nights aboard Blizzard in a small group with just one other couple, and our crew, Jesse and Sophia, tailored the trip to us perfectly. Jesse's knowledge of the area really showed; he knew the right spots to take us snorkelling and sent us up to the viewing point over the shifting sands before anyone else arrived, which was hard to get up for but entirely worth it. Sophia was a friendly host who knew the area too, cooked well in huge portions, and snorkelled with the group to keep an eye on those who were nervous in the water. We saw a turtle while snorkelling, spotted whales and stingrays, learnt to stand-up paddle board, and had a great sail back to port when the wind picked up.
“Amazing experience, fantastic staff”
I spent a long time deciding which company to sail with, and although it is an expensive trip we had such a good time that I would recommend Blizzard to anyone. There were only three couples on our trip, so we had plenty of space and plenty of time and attention from the crew. Our skipper Dave knew the islands, took us to some magnificent snorkelling sites and got us to Whitehaven Beach before anyone else. Swimming alongside turtles, reef sharks and George, the huge wrasse, will stay with me.
“A storming time on Blizzard”
We arrived in Airlie Beach with a dismal forecast, worried we had paid out for three disappointing days, but we needn't have; the forecast was wrong, and we would have had a smashing time either way. There were two groups of four of us, with the charismatic Jesse skippering and Sophia crewing. Blizzard is sleek and modern with plenty of mod cons, three toilets and comfortable berths, and although most of the boat is automated there was still plenty of sail time and plenty of sailing talk with Jesse. Paddle boarding and the sea scooter were enjoyable additions, the food was very good, the music was flexible to taste, and they even laid on a humpback whale over breakfast.
“Highlight of our Australia trip”
When people ask what my favourite part of Australia was, the answer without a doubt is sailing the Whitsundays on Blizzard. The crew got us to Hill Inlet at low tide as the first group of the day, so we had the views and the beach without another tourist in sight. They took us to some amazing snorkelling spots and were always on hand to help. Great boat, sailing, food and crew.
“Great time sailing on Blizzard!”
I worried that my very tall husband would not fit the berths, so I emailed and they sent me the boat's specifications; he fitted, with a couple of centimetres to spare. Blizzard is new, clean, well maintained and comfortable, and we had a double ensuite with our own very snug bathroom; there were only two other couples aboard, both mellow and friendly, and this is a laid-back cruise rather than a party one. The weather was perfect for sailing, and we did paddle boarding, snorkelling with quite a few turtles, swimming and a walk on a couple of islands. The food was fresh and tasty if not fancy, though as a vegetarian I was less keen on the bubble and squeak; bring a spare towel and your own alcohol, and consider earplugs, as the cabin fans are loud, though the crew happily left theirs off once we mentioned it.
“Dave and Dave you rock!”
Try to get on Blizzard with Captain Dave and Dave the cook, because we had a lovely time with them. They took us to the best and most secluded spots, and if you want a chilled, relaxing boat with good people this is the one. Captain Dave was excellent, very knowledgeable and a calming presence, and he made it clear it was our trip and we could stay as long or as short as we liked on each beach.
“Blizzard Sail Boat Whitsundays”
We had a brilliant time on Blizzard and it will be hard to repeat or beat. The food was good and the atmosphere very relaxed, and the extra money for that more personal touch is worth it. The high point was seeing a white-tipped reef shark in Maureen's Cove, which was scary in the best way. We also got some real sailing done in the high winds on the first day.
“Great time, didn't want it to end!”
Thank you to Julia and Captain Tris, who could not have done more to make our trip on Blizzard comfortable, and who took extra care from the very beginning to make sure everyone felt at home. Julia, how you managed to produce such delicious meals for that many people in such a tiny galley I will never understand. Tris has clearly built a business he can be justifiably proud of. One tip: take good waterproof sunblock and do not forget your feet, as the Whitsundays sun is brutal when the breeze stops you feeling it, and it caught a couple of people out on our trip.
“Blizzard buzz”
Blizzard is probably the closest you will get to a real sailing experience out of Airlie Beach, though you are very much a passenger; it is not a sail training course, so do not expect much time on the helm or the winches. There is room for something more hands on, or a couple of days longer, but as it stands this was the most luxurious sailing I have done, with electric pumps on the heads and a shower that is genuinely usable. Dave and Lauren were professional and worked hard to keep things fun, safe, interesting and comfortable, and with a steady south-easterly we barely motored at all, as the crew clearly want to sail rather than just get people from A to B. It is not a party boat, so the focus stays where it should be, on the geography and the wildlife, coral, giant clams, reef sharks, sea eagles and dolphins, with a few sundowners alongside like-minded fellow passengers, and the food was good.
“Another thing off the bucket list :)”
Luke and Julia looked after us brilliantly on Blizzard, with wonderful food and a few days I had long wanted to have. A trip well worth doing.
“Blizzard June 2012 - Far exceeded expectations!”
The four of us sailed on Blizzard with skipper Dave and hostess Elly, and it went well beyond what we expected after choosing iSail to avoid a party boat. Dave picked spots with good visibility, sailed properly wherever he could and regularly put up the big parachute sail, and snorkelling with wild turtles on the last day was the high point. The boat has only been running about half a year and is in superb condition, and Elly's food was excellent, including for my vegetarian girlfriend, with BYO drinks a bonus. Our en suite and private double cabins were compact, as you would expect on a yacht, but fine for a couple of days; bring a rain coat, and hire flippers if you like to dive down.
“Great boat, great crew, great people!”
Two nights on Blizzard in mid-April and I could not have asked for more. The boat only went into service in November, so everything was in perfect order and spotless, and the crew keep it that way, with shoes handed over as you come aboard. Dave is an ex-racer and knows how to get the most out of the boat, and Ellie cooked us several wonderful meals. Our group ranged from early twenties to mid thirties and was a fairly mature crowd rather than a drinking one; we visited Whitehaven, snorkelled three times and went paddle boarding.
“Highlights: Relaxing; reading by the full moonlight on the bow;”
We picked Blizzard through iSail and it suited us perfectly: I read on the bow by full moonlight, lay in the sun with the breeze on us between snorkelling stops, and we had wine and beers under the stars. The boat is new and clean, the cabins have air-con, and the food was excellent, especially the mustard potato salad. There were plenty of water toys, though we forgot to ask for the kite, so speak up if you want it. My one regret was missing low tide at the shifting sands, but a sunset on the beach with the moon rising behind us made up for it.
“Fantastic cruise on Blizzard 1st-3rd April 2012”
My girlfriend, my parents and I took the two-night cruise on Blizzard and it was faultless. Tris, the skipper, and Mink, the deck hand, were friendly, professional and knowledgeable, and the two private ensuite cabins we booked were excellent; the whole boat was spotless, modern and roomy for ten guests plus crew. We sailed several times, snorkelled three times, swam with turtles and made a comedy of stand-up paddle boarding, and Whitehaven Beach and the lookout were remarkable. Thanks to Tris for letting me take the helm on the way back, and to Mink for all the meals.
“Had a blast on Blizzard”
My girlfriend and I did a two-day, two-night trip on Blizzard, having booked nothing before arriving in Airlie Beach; do your research first, because a particular boat only runs on certain dates, and we changed our flights by a day to get on. Skippers Ken and Tris made us welcome straight away, the boat was beautifully kept, the cabins immaculate and the food excellent. There were only four of us, so space might be tighter on a full trip. The weather was mixed, with up to 30 knots of wind and choppy water, so bring something with you if you are prone to seasickness.
“Outstanding sailing experience on Blizzard”
We had a wonderful three days and two nights aboard Blizzard. The crew were very competent and made everyone comfortable, the food was fresh and good, and the boat handled well under sail. We visited two snorkel spots, went hiking and tried paddle boarding; good fun and good value.
“Fantastic trip on Blizzard”
Three of us took a two-night trip on Blizzard and had a fantastic time. We snorkelled twice among beautiful fish and coral and swam with large turtles, though one of our group missed the second snorkel because of the depth; a bit more encouragement for less confident swimmers would have helped, as the life jackets ride up and make it hard to feel in control. At Whitehaven Beach we saw lemon sharks and stingrays, walked through the woods past giant spiders and two goannas, and sunbathed on a secluded stretch. The boat was new and lovely and our double cabin small but with a neat shower and toilet, though the first night was very hot before the air-con went on; Tris and Mink were passionate, knowledgeable, easy-going company, and Mink cooked some fabulous meals.
“Whitsundays Magic on Blizzard”
I was on the same trip as Cols97 and agree with her completely; it was brilliant. Tris and Brendon were great hosts and the boat matched the setting. If you want a couple of days on the water in a bit of luxury, this is the one.
“Dream Holiday on Blizzard!”
I have just come home from a two-day, two-night sail around the Whitsundays aboard Blizzard, and it rounded off my Australian break beautifully. Thanks to Tris and Brendo for sharing their part of the world; I ticked off a bucket-list item, snorkelled among lovely coral and fish for the first time and had a go at paddle boarding, though I have yet to manage standing up. The food was amazing and the secluded spots away from the crowds were priceless, and I met wonderful new friends from all over the world. It was exactly what I wanted, classy, relaxing and carefree, and next time I will remember sunblock on my feet and ears.
“Brilliant sailing experience in the Whitsundays”
My boyfriend and I sailed on the sleek and comfortable Blizzard with eight other guests. Skipper Dave and deckhand Elly were friendly and enthusiastic, the weather was lovely and the food was very good. The snorkelling and paddle boarding were huge fun.
“Wonderful 3-day cruise aboard the Blizzard”
A very pleasant three-day cruise on Blizzard with Jessie at the helm. He knows the Whitsundays perfectly and took us snorkelling in incredible places with beautiful coral and fish, and we were lucky enough to meet whales on the way. Alessandro fed us very well indeed. A big thank you to them both.
“An out of this world experience with Blizzard”
We have just come back from four days and three nights on Blizzard. Captain Sam and deckhand Armin took us to wonderful reefs for snorkelling, secluded coves the larger companies cannot reach and beaches few people get to, and our morning at Whitehaven Beach was simply mind blowing. Sam was cool, calm and resourceful, and safety ran through every briefing, from the stinger suits to the tides and our overnight anchorages. The food from the kitchen gantry was first class at every meal, and the eight other guests were great company on a 15-metre yacht that suited the trip perfectly.
“Exceptional Experience”
We took Blizzard, the third boat in the fleet, and the trip was perfectly organised: not only the best spots around the Whitsundays but the right times for snorkelling, photographs and a quiet beach. The equipment, including snorkel gear and stinger suits, was excellent, the boat was clean and the food good, and my allergies were taken care of. With a maximum of ten on board the atmosphere stayed relaxed, and it really is a sailing trip rather than a diesel engine running all day.
“Fantastic trip... not to be missed!”
From the moment we boarded Blizzard to the moment we stepped off we had an amazing time. Sam and Sarah were fantastic hosts and great sailors who knew exactly where and when to go for the best views and the best snorkelling. The food was great and they even boiled the kettle before bed so we could have a cup of tea. They were brilliant with our teenagers too, who had experiences they had only dreamt of. Thanks for a fabulous four days.
“Simply Amazing”
Two of us and our daughters, 15 and 17, have just come back from four days and three nights on Blizzard, a beautiful 50ft yacht. Our experienced captain Tris set the itinerary himself around the weather conditions and took us to some really amazing places, including several snorkelling areas with fish and coral reef. He was not only an excellent captain but an incredible cook, and the meals were delicious. A must-do if you are visiting the Whitsundays.
“Experience of a lifetime.”
My family have just come back from a trip on Blizzard, a beautiful boat. Our skipper, Jesse, was fantastic, knowing where to go and when around the changing tides and the sunshine, and keeping us clear of other sailors. Brendon, our chef, put on great food. I would recommend it to anyone.
“Whitsunday sailing adventure on the Blizzard. A truely memorable”
My wife and I can thoroughly recommend the four-day, three-night trip on the yacht Blizzard out of Airlie Beach. It is a beautiful 50-foot yacht and we were comfortable throughout in our double ensuite cabin, with a calm, sheltered anchorage every night. Skipper Tristam and coxswain Xavier were unfailingly friendly and helpful, skilled sailors who know the islands well, and our French, English and Australian fellow passengers were excellent company. The food was abundant and fresh, and we saw the islands, sunsets, white beaches, corals and fish, plenty of birdlife including osprey, humpback whales with calves, sting rays and, as a treat, manta rays.
