•  Flexible itinerary based on weather and reef conditions
• Waterslide, paddleboards and onboard dive board
• Social onboard atmosphere with shared meals and activities
• Whitehaven Beach visit with guided walk to Hill Inlet lookout
• Multiple snorkelling locations around the Whitsunday Islands
• Optional introductory scuba diving available
• Traditional timber schooner sailing experience
•  2 day 2 night Whitsundays sailing, snorkelling and optional scuba diving tour
• Designed specifically for travellers aged 18–35

A 2 day 2 night Whitsundays sailing adventure for 18–35s combining snorkelling, optional scuba diving, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and a fun social atmosphere aboard a traditional timber schooner.

Dive tours Whitsundays sailing the Great Barrier Reef, dive and snorkel the Whitsundays over two days and two nights aboard a traditional timber schooner. This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for real adventure, social energy and maximum time in the water.

What to Expect

This 2 day 2 night Whitsundays sailing tour is designed for younger travellers aged 18 to 35 who want a balance of snorkelling, optional scuba diving, iconic island stops and a social onboard atmosphere rather than a quiet, technical dive liveaboard.

Departing from Airlie Beach, you will sail through the Whitsunday Islands aboard a large traditional timber schooner, visiting sheltered snorkelling bays, reef-fringed beaches and headline destinations such as Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet lookout. The itinerary is flexible and adjusted daily based on wind, tides and conditions, allowing the crew to choose the best locations for snorkelling, diving and sailing.

This is not a party-only boat, but it is social, energetic and interactive. Guests are encouraged to help hoist sails, take the helm under supervision and enjoy group activities, meals and evenings together. The experience is ideal for solo travellers, couples and groups looking to meet like-minded people while exploring the Whitsundays above and below the water.

Optional introductory scuba diving is available for guests who want to try diving for the first time, while certified divers can enjoy relaxed reef dives in sheltered island locations. Snorkelling is a major focus of the trip and is available to all guests throughout the itinerary.

Features and Highlights

Sailing the Whitsundays on a Traditional Timber Schooner

This tour operates aboard a 21-metre traditional timber schooner purpose-built for overnight sailing adventures in the Whitsundays. Sailing is a genuine part of the experience, not just transport between locations. Guests are welcome to help raise sails, grind winches and learn basic sailing skills while cruising between islands.

The vessel carries up to 32 guests with 4 professional crew, creating a lively but well-managed atmosphere suited to younger travellers. When conditions allow, the schooner sails rather than motors, offering a true Whitsundays sailing experience.

Snorkelling and Optional Scuba Diving

Snorkelling is a core part of this tour and takes place at multiple sheltered reef locations around the Whitsunday Islands. These fringing reefs rise close to the surface, allowing snorkellers to see coral gardens and marine life without needing deep water experience.

Optional introductory scuba diving is available for guests with no prior dive experience. Certified divers may also join relaxed reef dives depending on conditions and group composition. This is not an advanced or outer reef dive expedition, but a fun, accessible way to experience scuba diving in island conditions.

Snorkelling instruction, equipment and guidance are provided, with buoyancy aids available to help guests feel comfortable in the water.

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout

A highlight of the trip is visiting Whitehaven Beach, famous for its brilliant white silica sand and clear turquoise water. Guests land on the beach and take part in a guided bushwalk to the Hill Inlet lookout.

The walking track to the lookout is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, offering panoramic views over the swirling sands and tidal patterns at Hill Inlet. This viewpoint is considered one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Australia and is a key reason many travellers choose an overnight Whitsundays sailing tour over a short day trip.

Onboard Fun and Social Atmosphere

This tour is known for its fun, social vibe. Onboard features include a large inflatable waterslide, dive board, paddleboards and an onboard movie lounge. Group activities, beach games and evening events encourage guests to socialise and connect.

While there is a social atmosphere, the focus remains on sailing, snorkelling, diving and exploring the islands rather than late-night partying.

The Vessel

Airlie Beach Beach Dive and Snorkel Boat

• 21-metre traditional timber schooner
• Maximum 32 passengers
• 4 professional crew
• 2 bathrooms and 2 freshwater showers
• 8 double beds and 16 single bunks
• New dive deck for easy water access
• Large shaded deck areas
• Onboard movie lounge
• Waterslide, paddleboards and dive board

Accommodation is shared bunk-style and air-conditioned, suited to social travellers comfortable with shared spaces.

Meals and Inclusions

Included in Price

• All meals including snacks
• Dive gear
• Snorkelling equipment and instruction
• Fresh quality linen
• National park fees
• Paddleboards, waterslide and onboard activities

Meals are freshly prepared onboard and designed to keep guests fuelled for active days on the water. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

Sample Itinerary Overview

Please note itineraries are indicative and adjusted based on weather, wind and sea conditions.

Day 1
Depart Airlie Beach mid-afternoon. Sail through the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel at a sheltered bay, enjoy sunset drinks and dinner onboard.

Day 2
Snorkelling and optional scuba diving at selected reef locations. Visit Whitehaven Beach and complete the guided walk to Hill Inlet lookout. Evening social activities onboard.

Day 3
Morning snorkel or swim, breakfast onboard, sail back through the islands and return to Airlie Beach around midday.

Who This Tour Is For

• Travellers aged 18–35
• Solo travellers and social groups
• First-time snorkellers and introductory divers
• Guests wanting an active, social sailing experience
• Those wanting more time in the Whitsundays than a single day tour

Age Requirements and Participation Rules

Snorkelling Ages

• Snorkelling is open to guests aged 6 years and over, provided they are confident swimmers.
• Buoyancy aids are available for less confident swimmers.
• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times while in the water.

Snorkelling takes place in sheltered island locations where coral rises close to the surface, making it suitable for younger participants who are comfortable in open water.

Scuba Diving – Introductory (First-Time Divers)

• Minimum age: 12 years
• No prior scuba diving experience required
• All introductory dives are conducted under the direct supervision of a qualified dive instructor
• Participation is subject to completion of a medical questionnaire and crew assessment on the day

Introductory scuba diving is conducted in calm, protected reef locations and is designed to be a safe first experience rather than a deep or technical dive.

Scuba Diving – Certified Divers

• Minimum age: 12 years (with valid certification)
• Divers must present proof of certification prior to diving
• Dive sites and depths are selected based on conditions, experience levels and safety

Certified divers should note this is an island-based Whitsundays dive experience, not an outer reef or technical dive expedition.

Important Notes for Parents and Guardians

• This tour is marketed primarily to 18–35 year olds due to its social nature and shared accommodation
• While younger snorkellers may be permitted, this tour is not designed as a family-focused product
• Parents should carefully consider onboard dynamics, shared cabins and evening social activity before booking with children

For families or travellers with younger children seeking quieter or family-specific experiences, alternative Whitsundays snorkelling tours may be more suitable.

Who This Tour Is Not Suitable For

• Travellers seeking a quiet or luxury experience
• Guests wanting advanced or outer reef scuba diving
• Families with young children
• Guests with limited mobility
• Those uncomfortable with shared accommodation

Health, Fitness and Safety Information

• Basic swimming ability required
• Guests must be able to climb ladders and move around a sailing vessel
• Introductory scuba diving subject to medical questionnaire and age limits
• Not suitable during pregnancy for scuba diving activities
• Diving subject to weather and crew assessment

How This Compares to Day Tours

Unlike day tours from Airlie Beach, this overnight sailing experience allows you to:

• Visit multiple snorkelling locations over two days
• Experience sunset and evening sailing in the islands
• Avoid rushing between destinations
• Spend more time at Whitehaven Beach and reef locations
• Build friendships with fellow travellers

Day tours suit tight schedules. Overnight sailing suits travellers who want immersion.

Why Book Through Barrier Reef Australia

Barrier Reef Australia specialises in matching travellers to the right Whitsundays experience based on age, activity level and expectations. We provide honest advice on which tours suit social travellers, first-time divers and snorkellers, and which tours are better for serious or technical diving.

We are available seven days a week excluding Christmas Day and offer personalised support before and after booking. Book a Discovery Call with one of our team.

Airlie Beach Dive And Snorkel Boat

• 21 meter traditional timber schooner
• 32 passengers
• 4 crew members
• 2 showers, 2 bathrooms
• 8 double beds and 16 single beds
• New dive deck
• Depart Airlie Beach approx 2.15pm
• Return Airlie Beach day 3 approx 12 midday  

Dive Boat Menu

Breakfasts:

• Fresh breads served with a selection of spreads, tropical fresh fruit platter with honey and yoghurt, a selection of cereals, tea and coffee

Lunches:

•  Selection of cold meats including shaved champagne honey ham and roast beef, tuna salad pasta, pesto pasta, selection of green salads, cheeses, rolls and wraps.

Dinner:

• Dinner 1st Night

  Oven baked Hake served with herb and lemon dressing on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes

  Homemade crunchy coleslaw

  Fresh Aussie Damper and rolls

  
  Dinner 2nd Night

  Spaghetti Bolognaise served with cheese, a mixed green salad 

  and garlic bread

Snacks:

• Fruit platter, biscuits, chips, dips, cookies & Amercian Hot Dogs (on the last day)
  
  Soft drinks available for purchase.

  Special diets are catered for on request; please let us know at ABC Travel when you book in your trip.

Sample menu only. Common dietary restrictions and food allergies can be catered for but must be advised upon booking.

 

Fun in the Sun with old world charm

An amazing liveaboard dive and snorkeling sailing adventure is offered aboard this 79-foot timber vessel, the spectacular Whitsunday Islands’ iconic spots are revealed over two full days and two nights.

Most of the Whitsundays’ 74 islands remain in their natural state with no major developments, often untouched since Captain Cook sailed through and named them in June 1770.

Leaving from Airlie Beach, a youthful but experienced crew ensures safe passage while the awesome scenery is showcased from the deck.

You can also take the wheel, hoist the sails and grind the winches, if you want.

With a busy itinerary, a fun time is assured with all the delicious meals as well as morning and afternoon teas and drinking water included.

After crossing the Whitsunday Passage, going around the southern side of Hook Island and sailing right up into a picturesque vista, the narrow, fjord-like and heavily wooded Nara Inlet.

Passing through Hook Passage, heading to the north-east of Whitsunday Island, passengers land at stunning Whitehaven Beach to take in more picturesque views from lookouts.

Mantaray Bay is great for snorkelling as is Blue Pearl Bay’s coral beach on Hayman Island before passing North Molle Island on the return journey.

Take a swim in the warm clear waters among an amazing variety of colourful fish and marine life around the coral reefs, with buoyancy noodles available so people can relax in the water.

The boat has a large onboard inflatable waterslide, dive board and standup paddleboards and, organised with young travellers (18-35 years) in mind, there’s a great choice of activities that are fun and great for socialising.

These include games on the beach and as part of evening events and parties.

When the vessel is under sail, relax and sunbake on the expansive deck while taking in the awesome scenery. 

An on-board movie theatre offers yet another alternative for entertainment or for when you want some time out.

Though weather or wind may vary the itinerary, beautiful scenery and beaches are always very much a part of the journey.

See more liveaboard sailing tours and snorkle and scuba diving tours in the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

• Meeting Time 1.45pm - Departs 2.00pm - Returns 12.00pm
• Meeting point: Coral Sea Marina South End (Meeting Point C)

Departure Instructions

Check-in on the day of travel at the tour office at Airlie Beach at least 2.5 hrs before (earlier in the day if possible).

Destinations

• Hayman Island
• Hook Island
• Whitsunday Island
• Whitsunday Passage
• Hook Passage
• Hill Inlet Lookout
• Shute Harbour

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Monday, Thursday, Saturday

Duration

2 days and 2 nights

Available for Purchase / Hire

Certified and Introductory Scuba diving - Payable on board

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information

New Horizon = $20 – Gluten free, lactose intolerant, and vegan

Eco Certifications

• Small soft bag with change of clothes and any medication
• Swimwear and Beach towel
• BYO alcohol (no glass or red wine)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses & Hat
• Certified divers please bring your certification card & logbook

• Generally, this tour caters to the 18-40 years age group - social trip
• Age restrictions are removed for Private Charters.