Tour Highlights
- Spend 3 days & 2 nights sailing on a tall ship exploring the Whitsunday Islands region on this beautifully preserved boat
- Visit iconic locations such as Hill Inlet and its swirling sands and Whitehaven Beach
- The perfect sailing holiday experience for adventurous and sociable guests looking for more time sailing, snorkelling and enjoying the scenery of the Whitsundays.
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- Skipper & Crew
- All meals & snacks
- Tap water, tea & coffee
- Bath towel
- Stand up paddleboards
- Snorkelling equipment & tuition
- Lycra Sun Suits
- Marina levies
- Maximum 32 Guests
- Suitable for all ages and abilities 18+
Sailing the Whitsundays for 3 days and 2 nights on a beautifully preserved tall ship. The perfect experience for visitors looking for more time sailing the Whitsundays, snorkelling and paddle boarding.
What to Expect
Experience the Whitsundays on a 3-day, 2-night sailing adventure aboard the beautifully preserved tall ship, Solway Lass. Perfect for those seeking an extended sailing experience, this trip offers ample opportunities for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. Departing from Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina, this fully catered voyage is designed for the fun and adventurous, providing a unique yachting holiday.
Features and Highlights
Solway Voyager Cruises Whitsundays
- Departure and Return: Mondays and Fridays year-round from Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina.
- Accommodation: Up to 32 guests on board, ensuring a cozy yet adventurous experience.
- Destinations: Visit iconic spots like Whitehaven Beach and other hidden gems in the Whitsunday Islands.
All-Inclusive Adventure
- Catering: Fully catered meals included.
- Activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and beach exploration.
- Community: A great way to meet fellow travelers and form lifelong friendships.
Solway Lass: A Historical Tall Ship
- Age: Older than the oldest living human, Solway Lass has been sailing since 1902.
- Historical Significance: The longest continuously operated tourism vessel globally.
- Sails: Equipped with 11 magnificent white billowing sails.
- Stories: Hear fascinating ghost stories and historical tales shared with passion.
Fun Facts about Solway Lass
- Original Build: Constructed in Holland in 1902, originally named Stina.
- Name Changes: Renamed Adolf in 1905, and after WWI, sold and renamed Solway Lass by a Scottish shipping company.
- Danish Era: Sold to a Danish shipping company in 1949 and renamed Sundeved.
- Australian Journey: Sailed to Australia in 1983, underwent a major refit, and was restored to the name Solway Lass.
Private Charter Options
- Exclusive Use: Ideal for private events or celebrations for up to 30 guests.
- Flexible Itineraries: Tailored cruising routes for your special event.
- Extended Cruises: Options for 2 nights or more to fully immerse in the sailing experience.
Sailing Holiday Experience
Join us aboard Solway Lass for an unforgettable sailing holiday in the Whitsundays. From snorkeling vibrant reefs to exploring secluded beaches, this adventure promises relaxation, excitement, and a deep connection with the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Book your spot on our next sailing adventure and discover why sailing the Whitsundays is the ultimate way to explore one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders.
To read more about the Whitsundays, read our visitor information page and read our blog to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef.
See all sailing tours and overnight holidays in the Whitsundays.
Itinerary
Yacht Accommodation
Solway Lass Guest Corridor
The cabins lead off either side of the corridor. When Solway Lass was refitted for Whitsunday sailing adventures, the idea was to create a feel of old-world charm, befitting of an authentic century-old Tall Ship.
We are pretty confident that when you get on board Solway Lass you will feel that you have been transported backwards in time. Note the headroom inside Solway Lass is well over 2 metres. While guest cabins are small, they are comfortable for sleeping.
Double/Twin Cabins Ensuite
Double/Twin Ensuite Cabins have a toilet and shower cubicle. In the cabin area are a hand basin and mirror.
Double Ensuite Cabin can be extended to accommodate a family of four. The top single bed is extended to make another double for the children. A ladder provides ease of access.
While the cabin is not massive, there is enough room to be comfortable and get a good night’s rest after a busy day on Solway Lass.
Four (4) Share Cabin
Solway Lass has 3 x four share guest cabins and 1 x six share guest cabin.
Beds have reading lamps above them.
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
9 am Depart from the Coral Sea Marina and set sail to Tongue Bay, the gateway to world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Take a short, guided bush walk up to the Hill Inlet Lookout to take in the 7km stretch of the remarkable Whitehaven Beach sands below you.
After taking in the breathtaking views, jump back onboard as we head to Whitehaven Beach South for the afternoon. Head ashore for beach activities or relax as you feel that silica sand between your toes before Anchorage is at Whitehaven Beach for your first Whitsunday Island sunset.
DAY 2
Enjoy breakfast with Whitehaven Beach as your backdrop. After a hearty breakfast, head ashore for paddleboarding, and beach games. Or enjoy a walk up to Whitehaven Beach South lookout to take in the views from the opposite end of the beach. Lunch onboard as you sail north to one of the beautiful bays of Hook Island. Feeling energetic? Get involved with setting the sails or taking the helm.
You will arrive in time to enjoy an afternoon snorkel before the golden hour as the sun sets over the Whitsundays for your last night. During dinner share your travel conversations with your new-found friends whilst on deck under the stars.
DAY 3
Enjoy Breakfast on the top deck while the curious marine life swims around the vessel. After breakfast you’ll kit up with snorkelling gear, ready to jump in and explore the fringing coral reefs. The vibrant, tropical fish will welcome you into their home as they flurry about in the water maybe spot a turtle if you’re lucky. Choose to walk up to the Langford Island lookout and take some photos of the 120-year-old majestic ship Solway Lass anchorage in the distance or go beachcombing along the sandspit.
After lunch, it’s time to set the sails for the final time to make way across the Whitsunday Passage. Arrive back at Airlie Beach at 4.00 pm.
Sample Menu
Your trip includes all meals and snacks throughout the duration of the trip. We use locally sourced, seasonal fruits and vegetables and our crew freshly prepare each meal for you to enjoy. Usually served buffet-style, meals are a great communal time to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 1:
Morning Tea: Assorted Muffins
Lunch: Cooked Meats, Wraps, Coleslaw and Salad (V: Kofta / Falafel)
Afternoon Snack: Nachos (V)
Dinner: Butter chicken with rice (carrot, onion, beans, capsicum) (V: Vegetarian Tofu)
Dessert: Cheesecake
Day 2:
Breakfast: Croissants, Cereals, Yoghurt, Spreads, Tea and Coffee
Morning Snack: Banana Bread
Lunch: Build your own Burgers with Fried Onions, Cheese, Pesto Pasta Salad and Mesclun Mix Salad (V: Vego Burgers)
Afternoon Snack: Spring rolls and quiche
Dinner: Baked Parmesan Fish with Potato Salad and Garden Salad (V: Vegetarian “fish”)
Dessert: Fruit Cake with Custard
Day 3:
Breakfast: Cereals, Yoghurt, Fruit Bread, Spreads, Tea and Coffee
Morning Snack: Lamingtons
Lunch: Beef Tacos V: TVP
Afternoon Snack: Sunset Platter – Cheeses, Dips and Crackers, Vegetable Crudités, Kabana, Olives, Onions, Gherkins
Additional Information
Please pack your belongings for your trip in a soft-sided bag.
What to bring: clothes, beach towel, toiletries, hat, swimwear, sunscreen, jacket/sweater, camera, sunglasses, running shoes or sandals for island walks, cash or credit card for onboard purchases.
Best Time of Year To Sail The Whitsundays
Summer, which is between the months of November – April in the Whitsundays, is the most popular time to travel, mainly for international guests. This is mainly as it tends to coincide with the end of the school year leading into the colder winter months. Enough to make anyone want to head for warmer and sunnier destinations such as in Queensland Australia! During these months, this tropical landscape turns it on, the days are hot and the chance of rainfall is higher. The waterways flow and the greenery becomes luscious.
During the winter season, between the months of May – October, the climate in the Whitsundays region stabilises. This results in minimal rainfall, steady winds, and comfortable temperatures. While the temperature drops compared to summer, it’s still a warm 25°C average and the humidity drops. This makes it a more comfortable sleeping temperature, and everyone can be more active during the day. With less rain, comes more frequent beautiful, blue skies, and more predictable weather. During these winter months, the region is quieter and less crowded. This means often you’ll feel like it’s just you that’s experiencing the beautiful islands at that time. You’ll often have scenic lookouts to yourselves, and a whole stretch of beach for your group!
There is abundant marine life year-round, including some absolute favourites – turtles, dolphins and Nemo fish. During the months of July – Sep, the sheltered waters of the Whitsunday Islands become the temporary home of migratory Humpback Whales. As they raise their calves with needed protection from predators, they can often be seen from the boats, breaching and diving. A truly spectacular sight.
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Airlie Beach
Departure Time
Departs 9.00am - Returns 4.00pm
Departure Instructions
Departs and returns from the Coral Sea Marina
Destinations
- Hill Inlet
- Whitehaven Beach
- Tongue bay
- Hill Inlet Lookout
- Hook Island
- Langford Island Lookout
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Monday, Friday
Duration
3 Day 2 Night
Fitness Level Required
Active
Additional Information
BYO vessel
What to Bring
- Please pack your belongings for your trip in a soft-sided bag. Store hard luggage bags in Airlie Beach storage facilities.
- Clothes, beach towel, toiletries, hat, swimwear, sunscreen, jacket/sweater, camera, sunglasses, running shoes or sandals for island walks, cash or credit card for onboard purchases.
Child Policy
Minimum age 18
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operators policy:
Cancellation Policy for Individual Travellers.
We RECOMMEND ALL GUESTS have Travel Insurance which covers cancellation for a variety of reasons, including Pre-trip COVID cancellation cover. Cancellation due to contracting COVID or as a close contact will now no longer be considered a valid reason to cancel or postpone a trip.
Extended / Overnight Tour Cancellations
If you or your guests cancel:
- Between 60 and 30 days of departure, you will forfeit 25% of the ticket price.
- Between 14 to 30 days before departure, you will forfeit 50% of the ticket price.
- Within 14 days of departure, you will forfeit the full trip fee.
- Private Charter Tour Terms and Cancellations
- Booking will be confirmed on payment of deposit.
- Balance payments are to be made in full 30 days before charter commencement.
- Cancellations 60 days before departure result in a loss of 50% of the deposit.
- Cancellations 30 to 60 days before departure result in loss of deposit.
- Cancellation within 30 days of departure date will result in forfeit of Full Charter Price.
We highly recommend that all charterers have travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations.
Travel Insurance
The Operator strongly recommends that guests have travel insurance to:
cover valuable items (e.g. Cameras, Luggage)
protect against unforeseen flight or coach cancellations, road closures or late arrival into Airlie Beach for any reason which subsequently leads to missing the scheduled departure time,
cover medical conditions that may occur during carriage, and the associated extra costs of accessing medical care around the islands, including returning to port or emergency air evacuation.
cover against an emergency where you need to return to port urgently, e.g. a family member becomes very ill,
cover against full ticket refunds, including the agent commissions component
Please ensure that the guests understand the details of the cover included for the Travel Insurance to ensure that it covers the above for their peace of mind.
Liability
Guests should note that sailing, snorkelling and aquatic activities can be dangerous, and while our Crew will make every effort to ensure guest safety, Explore Whitsundays and the Operator cannot be accountable for the actions of guests that are beyond the Crew’s control. Guests should be aware that marine stingers and other marine life live in the tropical waters of the Whitsunday Islands.
Guests will be required to complete a pre-departure questionnaire and sign a travel agreement during the check-in process. The Operators have the applicable Shipowners insurance to cover public liability for our guests and staff. A copy of the certificate will be forwarded if required.
Travel Agent Fees
We recommend that guests who book through an Agent read the agent’s terms and conditions before booking. The Operator will not be responsible for the refund terms and conditions of your travel agent if for whatsoever the trip is cancelled.
Itineraries and Weather
The Operator reserves the right to alter the tour or the itinerary of any of its tours and organise alternative carriers to those advertised if necessary. The Operator will always consider the safety of guests and staff, and as a result, some locations may not be visited if the wind, visibility or wave/tidal conditions are not suitable or parts of the park have been closed by the managing authority. If it is raining, our tours still operate, as the guests can still experience the Whitsundays, including swimming and bushwalking. If the winds are light, the tours will still run; however, it will be necessary to use the motors on the boats to travel between locations.
We do not provide any guarantee that the winds will be consistent and from a suitable direction to make sailing possible. The Whitsundays is deemed partially smooth waters, and tours will only be cancelled if the Regional Harbour Master closes the area due to gale warnings or the Operator deems it unsafe to travel. If tour cancellations are necessary and ticket balance payment or pro-rate refunds are approved, the amount being paid for the ticket to the Operator will be refunded. Explore Whitsundays does not cover additional costs over or above the ticket amount. We do not guarantee a refund of the travel agent commission component or any other costs associated with the guest’s travel arrangements.
Meeting Expectations
If your tour expectations weren’t met, please email us at res@explorewhitsundays.com within five (5) business days of your return to Airlie Beach. We will contact the tour operator to discuss the circumstances and assist you in resolving the issue. Any compensation will be paid through your Travel Agent. Please allow up to 7 days for the transfer of funds.
In accordance with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland legislation, abuse directed towards our team will not be tolerated.
Minimum Guest Numbers
All vessels require a minimum number of guests to operate. The Operator reserves the right to cancel a scheduled trip if the minimum number of guests is not met. Where possible, the Explore Whitsundays will offer an alternative TOUR of a similar or higher standard.
Dietary Surcharges
Please be advised that guests on overnight vessels who request alternative dietary requirements (Such as vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free and dairy/lactose-free) will incur a surcharge payable on check-in. Please contact our Reservations Team to confirm your dietary surcharge as it varies from vessel to vessel.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate Halal and Kosher requirements.
The majority of vessels represented by Explore Whitsundays are owner-operated, with a small team provisioning for the vessels. Airlie Beach is a remote location and does not have the same access to alternative foods as metropolitan areas.
We believe food is very important for our guests’ experience and re-fuelling for a day of activities.
Luggage
Guests are asked to limit luggage as storage on yachts is minimal. Guests should pack in soft-sided bags, NO hard case trolley bags, please. Please note that there is NO luggage storage available at the Marina. There are options available on the Main Street of Airlie Beach.
Guest Behaviour
The Operator has the right to refuse to board guests who arrive intoxicated or who appear to be under the influence of illegal substances. While on tour, guests must abide by instructions from the Crew. Guests must also abide by the Law, and public nuisance, harassment, abusing our staff or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Guests who refuse to follow instructions and jeopardise the safety and security of the Crew, guests, themselves or the vessel may be restrained and removed from the tour. All associated costs of removal will be borne by the guest, and no refund of ticket monies will be provided.
English Language Comprehension
We ask that all guests (or at least one member of your party) have a good understanding of English. This is especially critical when guests are participating in water sports, swimming and snorkelling.
If customers cannot understand English, it is important that a companion traveller speaks English and can translate for the non-English speaking guest.
We do have snorkelling summaries in other languages, which are provided for guests to read. If guests have any concerns at all, please get in touch with us before departing.
Open Dated Vouchers
Approved agents may sell open dated vouchers that are valid for 12 months from the issue date. This open-dated ticket must be rebooked in association with your Explore Whitsundays booking number. Open dated tickets without an Explore Whitsundays booking number are considered invalid and will not be accepted.
Open Dated Voucher requests are accepted based on availability and are not guaranteed for your preferred date.
To book, guests need to email res@explorewhitsundays.com or ph: 07 4967 7555 with their travel date request. Guests will need to quote their Explore Whitsundays booking reference number at the time of making the request.
Guest Bed or Cabin Allocation
We will always try our best to accommodate our guest’s cabin requests.
Due to limited resources, this cannot be guaranteed. Alternatives will be offered, and if accepted, the booking will be completed.
Check-Out Times
The Operator will ask guests to vacate their accommodation and pack up their luggage on the final day to allow commencement of accommodation servicing.
For Solway Lass Guests, after lunch on the final day, guests will be asked to pack and vacate the cabin so servicing can be started.
Checking in for your tour
Guests on overnight tours must check-in before boarding
Guests are required to check in via an online wavier which is to be completed no later than 72 hours before travel. A confirmation email will be sent to the confirmed traveller.
Guest on day tours must check in before boarding
Guests are required to check in via an online wavier which is to be completed by 6.00 pm, the day before travel. A confirmation email will be sent to the confirmed traveller.
Delayed guests, please phone our office on 07 4967 7555
Explore Whitsundays – Children and Age Range Conditions
Age ranges vary depending on the vessel and conditions.
It is important to contact our Reservations on a case by case basis. The owner/operator of the vessel may be flexible based on the load factors, time of year, ages of children, number of children, and other age range restrictions may be amended.
Private Charters
Please call us for Private Charters
From
au$639.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Tour Code: 1135
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