• Every sense is catered for on this exhilarating Whitsundays Sailing cruise! Explore the Whitsundays Islands and adventure of snorkelling coral reefs!
• Hill inlet at Whitehaven is the 4th most photographed panorama in Australia, and the magical azure-white swirls will show you why. You wouldn’t want to miss your smiling face with a huge Maori Wrasse photo bombing your shot while snorkelling!
• Ideal for 18 - 35's and a total of 26 guests onboard for the time of your life in the Whitsundays 
• Whale watching June to October, snorkelling fringing coral reefs,- hoisting the sails and enjoying life. 

This is the perfect Whitsundays sailing holiday with plenty of socialising. Perfect for the young at heart, your island cruising encompasses snorkelling on Great Barrier Reef islands, trekking, and partying!

What to Expect

Experience the ultimate Whitsundays sailing holiday filled with adventure and socialising. Perfect for the young at heart, this tour offers snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef islands, trekking, and partying on a legendary maxi yacht.

Features and Highlights

Sailing Adventure Whitsundays

Set sail on the British Defender, an 83-foot maxi yacht, newly refurbished for your comfort. This yacht was built for the Whitbread Yacht Race and named by the Duke of Edinburgh, making it a favorite among British backpackers. The boat caters to 26 passengers, offering a fun and fast-paced sailing and snorkelling adventure around the Whitsunday Islands.

Itinerary Options

• 2 Day, 1 Night (June 1 to September 30): Enjoy a thrilling sailing and snorkelling adventure with plenty of time for socialising and exploring.
• 3 Day, 2 Night (October 1 to March 31): Similar to the shorter itinerary, but with more time at each location for additional snorkelling and activities.

Accommodation

• 14 single bunks
• 6 double bunks
• 3 bathrooms

Snorkelling and Activities

Explore azure bays and tropical islands throughout the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel in the clear waters of Hook Island, Hayman Island, Mantaray Bay, and Langford Reef. Enjoy hands-on sailing experiences, help the crew hoist the sails, and even take a turn at the helm.

Iconic Destinations

• Whitehaven Beach: Visit the pristine shores of the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and feel the 98% pure silica sands squeek between your toes.
• Fringing Reefs: Experience the vibrant marine life in an unforgettable snorkelling safari.

Socialising and Relaxation

This tour is ideal for travelers aged 15-35 looking to make new friends. Relax on the yacht's deck, enjoy sumptuous meals and snacks, and unwind under the tropical stars with ambient music and wine. The boat is air-conditioned to ensure comfortable sleep at night.

Inclusions

• All meals and snacks
• Snorkeling gear
• Air-conditioned accommodation

Departure Point

• Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina

This tour provides the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and socialising, making it an unforgettable experience in the Whitsundays. Enjoy the freedom to explore the stunning Great Barrier Reef and make lifelong memories with new friends. 

Explore more sailing tours from Airlie Beach on our website.

Sample Itinerary

Meet your crew at the Coral Sea Marina | Resort (formerly the Abell Point Marina) at 8 am for a headcount, to depart the marina at 8:30 am. Feeling energized? Help hoist the sails! Otherwise, sit back and relax as you float across the Whitsunday Passage to Whitsunday Island, finding anchorage at Tongue Bay.

Take a guided bush walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout to get that awesome photo of the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. After taking in those postcard views get amongst it and submerge your toes in the unique silica sand. Climb the driftwood tree, say hello to the local marine critters or try beachcombing for shells.

In the afternoon you’ll sail north to another island where you’ll anchor just before sunset. Enjoy a drink and pre-dinner snacks and be mesmerized by the golden hour as the sun sets over the Whitsundays. After dinner, grab a drink and get stuck into a conversation with new mates.

Early rise for breakfast, then kit up with snorkeling gear, ready to jump in over the fringing coral reefs. Stunning tropical fish and other marine life, a turtle if you’re lucky, will welcome you into their home as they swim, dart and go about their life. Time for morning tea before heading to another location for a swim, snorkel or a beach stop.

After lunch, it is time to set the sails once again and make way across the Whitsunday Passage. Arrive back into Airlie Beach at 4 pm. (Perfect time to get to your accommodation, refresh and meet your new friends out for an after party!).

From 1st October to 31st March this trip runs a 3 day and 2 night itinerary - Same itinerary as the 2 Day 1 Night with simply more time at each location so more snorkel & activities.

Maxi Yacht Features

• Offers a fun and fast maxi racing experience
• Comfortable, spacious interior
• Shaded area on deck for sun protection and relaxing
• 26 passengers, it is a sociable and fun trip
• All meals included and made fresh
• Morning tea and afternoon tea, tea and coffee
• Clean, fresh linen provided for all guests

Sample Menu

All meals and snacks are included for the duration of your trip. Our crew freshly prepares each meal for you to enjoy using locally sourced, seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Usually served buffet style; you can choose to eat anywhere onboard. Meals are a great communal time to get to know your fellow travellers.

DAY 1

Arrival: Donuts, Tea, and Coffee

Lunch: Pesto Pasta Salad, Tuna Salad, Cooked Meats, Deconstructed Salad, and Wraps (Vegetarian Option: Falafel/Kofta)

Afternoon Tea: Nachos (V)

Dinner: Chicken and Vegetable Skewers, Fresh Seasonal Salad, Potato Salad, and Garlic Bread (Vegetarian Option: Marinated Tofu)

Dessert: Chocolate Cake (Gluten-Free)

DAY 2

Breakfast: Cereals, Fruit Salad, Croissants, Spreads, Yoghurt, Tea, and Coffee

Lunch: Build your own burgers – Burger Patties, Fried Onion, Coleslaw, Bread Rolls (Vegetarian Option: Vegetarian Burger Patties)

Afternoon Tea: Lamingtons

Cabin Configuration

Open-plan style of accommodation on board made up of single and double beds. Bathroom facilities are shared. 

View all the tours and attractions in the Whitsundays.

Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

Meeting Time 8.30am - Departs 9.00am - Returns 4.00pm

Departure Instructions

• Guests are required to check in via an online waiver which is to be completed no later than 72 hours before travel
• Meet your crew at Coral Sea Marina South End (Meeting Point C) - (formerly Abell Point Marina) at 8.00am for check in, to depart the marina at 8:30 am

Destinations

• Tongue Bay
• Whitehaven Beach
• Whitsunday Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - Sunday

LOW SEASON: 2 Day 1 Night departs Tue, Thu & Sat
LOW SEASON: 3 Day 2 night departs Thu
HIGH SEASON: 3 Day 2 Night departs Thu & Sun

Duration

2 Day 1 Night OR 3 Day 2 Night depending on the season

Available for Purchase / Hire

Cash only onboard

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Additional Information

• Cruise is predominately suited to 18-35 year olds.
• Departures and itineraries are subject to weather conditions
• Please advise of your food allergies at the time of booking
• It is recommended that guests have some swimming confidence in the water.
• While many guests travel from abroad, it is crucial travellers have a good understanding of English for safety briefs.
• British Defender = $10 – Gluten free, lactose intolerant, vegan

Eco Certifications

• Clothes, beach and bath towel, toiletries, hat, swimwear, sunscreen, jacket/sweater, camera, sunglasses, runners or sandals for island walks.
• Please pack in a soft-sided, zipless bag, no hard case luggage - Must pack into a small soft bag (no wheels)
• BYO policy for all soft and alcoholic beverages - No glass or red wine available

• Minimum age 16
• Under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.