• Experience an unforgettable Whitsundays sailing adventure on one of Australia’s most famous traditional Tall ships
• Channel your inner Tarzan as you swing into the water on our unique rope swing
• Enjoy a relaxed pre-dinner drink from the fully licensed bar as you witness a glorious Whitsunday sunset
• Visit famous Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach
• View the colourful coral gardens and diverse marine life on the Great Barrier Reef from a glass bottom boat
• Snorkel pristine fringing coral reefs off Whitsunday Island, Hook Island and Hayman Island
• Help hoist the sails and try your hand at sailing an historic Tall ship
• Families are very welcome on our Airlie Beach and Whitsundays sailing holidays.

Explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands on this classic Tall ship shared charter sailing tour for up to 32 guests. You’ll experience traditional sailing aboard one of Australia’s most famous Tall ships as you sail to iconic Whitsundays destinations, including Whitehaven Beach & Hayman Island.

You’ll be transported back to the time of Captain Cook and the First Fleet as you sail to many iconic Whitsundays locations on our historic 88ft Tall ship sail boat.

Experience hands-on traditional sailing as you join in hoisting the sails and have a turn at sailing - or simply relax and sunbathe on the spacious deck, watch the billowing sails and enjoy the stunning view of the Whitsunday Islands.

Our 2-day/2 night and 3-day/3 night shared charter sailing tours from Airlie Beach are one of the only boats that are specially geared to cater for families.

We love it when you come along with friends, as a couple, single travellers or groups of families.

We can accommodate you in 10 guest cabins and 6 different cabins styles to choose from.  

Yes we are one of the only liveabaord shared charter sail boats in the Whitsunday Islands to accept families with kids on our Great Barrier Reef sailing tours!  

There are lots of opportunities to snorkel pristine reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef, including the fringing reefs off famous Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island and Hayman Island, where you’ll meet unique marine life residents, including sea turtles, colourful tropical fish and George the famous Giant Maori Wrasse.

If you’re travelling between July - September, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales in the warm Whitsunday waters - a truly stunning sight to behold!

This is a great sailing tour for first time or beginner snorkellers as instruction is included in your tour, so you’ll feel comfortable snorkelling the coral reefs in no time! 

You’ll enjoy a range of exciting and unique activities on our liveaboard shared charter sailing tour:

• Channel your inner Tarzan on our unique rope swing
• Explore the pristine reefs from above the water on a stand-up paddleboard
• View the colourful coral gardens and diverse marine life from the comfort of a glass bottom boat
• Take a turn sitting in the bow nets up front and dangling your feet out over the water
• Enjoy bushwalks to scenic island lookouts, including famous Hill Inlet Lookout
• Snorkel straight off island beaches and explore the pristine fringing reefs
• Swim in the clear, warm waters of the Whitsunday Islands
• Experience spectacular island locations and amazing island sunsets

All meals are included, freshly prepared onboard and served by your crew, so the only thing you need to plan is your next fun activity!

Whitsundays Sailing Tour -Tall Ship Boat layout and accommodation

Originally built in Holland and launched in 1902, our historic 88ft timber sail boat was Sydney's Tall ship from 1985 until 1999, sailing up and down Sydney Harbour twice a day and participating in the First Fleet re-enactment in 1988.

Today, she provides unforgettable sailing cruises to the Whitsunday Islands.

Recently refurbished in 2018, she has beautifully maintained, classic and unique features, including:

• 2-masted square-rigged topsail Schooner with 11 sails, 127ft/28m
• beautiful wooden details
• spacious saloon with fully-licensed bar
• large shaded area and wide, spacious deck
• a unique 127ft/28m Tarzan rope swing - a thrilling way to enter the water
• bow nets where guests can sit and dangle their feet in the water
• stand-up paddle boards and glass bottom boat.

Enjoy comfort and privacy with separate male and female bathrooms as well as 10 private air-conditioned double, twin or shared cabins featuring ‘old world’ charm.

All cabins are appointed with brass lamps, cedar and oak timbers, personal reading lamps and comfortable beds.

• Shared Single: Single bed in either a 4-share or 6-share cabin with shared amenities
• Private Twin Cabin: Two single beds in a private cabin with shared amenities
• Private Double Cabin: One double bed in a private cabin with shared amenities 
• Private Twin Ensuite Cabin: Two single beds in a private cabin with a private bathroom

Whitsundays sailing adventure

Experience a classic Whitsundays sailing adventure on one of Australia’s most famous timber Tall ships. On our 2-day/2 night or 3-day/3 night Whitsunday Islands shared charter sailing tours you’ll enjoy air-conditioned comfort, plenty of space with accommodation for up to 32 guests, and a host of unforgettable activities on offer.

• Explore some of the Whitsunday’s most iconic destinations, including Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and Hayman Island.  
• Snorkel pristine reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef and meet colourful marine life
• View the stunning coral reefs from above on a stand-up paddle board or from the comfort of your very own glass bottom boat
• Sail on an historic timber Tall ship with old world charm and loads of unique features

Features:

• Traditional sailing experience on an historic boat
• Skipper and crew
• Fully air-conditioned
• Linen and towel
• Saloon area with a licensed bar (no BYO) - alcohol cost not included in tour price
• Hot showers and 240V power available on board
• Meals freshly-prepared onboard
• Drinking water, tea & coffee
• Enjoy swinging from the Tarzan rope!
• Wetsuits, snorkelling equipment and instruction
• Large spacious decks and cabins
• Private and shared cabins available
• All Marine Park fees
• Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour 
• Stand-up paddle boards
• Guided island walks
• All Marine Park fees
• Courtesy local transfer to/from Airlie Beach to the Marina and return 
• Environmentally friendly bag provided upon check-in

What to bring

• Swimmers
• Change of clothes
• Small, zipperless overnight bag 
• Sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Beach towel
• Jacket for winter months
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• Prescription mask (if required)
• Cash for onboard purchases

Excess luggage can be stored at several places in town including most boat check-in offices, a 24-hour locker shop on The Esplanade, most hostels, or at your accommodation. Most charge between $5-10pp for the duration of your trip.

Sample Itineraries

2-day, 2-night Whitsundays Tall Ship Shared Charter Sailing Tour

Day One

3.00pm: Check-in at Explore Whitsundays, Shop 1, 4 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach by 3.00pm.

You will be provided with a soft bag for the tour, as well as introduced to the ship and given a brief safety tour before setting sail. 

5.30pm: We set sail for the beautiful Whitsunday Islands.

8.00pm: Enjoy a delicious dinner served by your crew then settle down to your first night on the water.

Day Two

Morning: Awake to the stunning sight of the Whitsunday Islands.  Keep an eye out for whales frolicking in the water (season depending). Enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting sail to Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Island.

Mid-morning: Take a guided bushwalk to the Hill Inlet Lookout. Don’t forget your camera - this is one of the most picturesque views in the Whitsundays, where you can witness the turquoise waters and white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach meet and mix in a stunning swirling display.

Lunch: Head back to the boat for a delicious, relaxed lunch.

Afternoon: Sail around to famous Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy an hour on the pure white silica soft sand or take a dip in the ocean before setting sail along the eastern side of Hook Island.

Evening: Your second overnight anchorage will be in one of the many sheltered bays that surround this beautiful location.

Day Three

Morning: After breakfast, snorkel one of the many fringing coral reefs and spot diverse marine life. You can also view the colourful coral gardens from the comfort of the glass bottom boat.

11.00am: Set sail for home after an unforgettable 2-day Whitsundays sailing adventure.

2.30pm: We arrive back at Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach.

3-day, 3-night Whitsundays Tall Ship Shared Charter Sailing Tour

Day One

5.00pm: Check-in at Explore Whitsundays, Shop 1, 4 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach by 5.00pm**

6.40pm: Courtesy pickup/transfer from Airlie Beach to Abell Point Marina. You will be provided with a soft bag for the tour, as well as introduced to the ship and given a brief safety tour before setting sail. 

7.30pm: We set sail across the Whitsunday Passage to your first overnight anchorage point.

9.30pm: Enjoy a delicious light supper served by your crew.

Day Two

Morning: Awake to the stunning sight of the Whitsunday Islands. Keep an eye out for whales frolicking in the water (July-September). Enjoy a delicious breakfast before we set sail for Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Island.

Mid-morning: Take a guided bushwalk to the Hill Inlet Lookout. Don’t forget your camera - this is one of the most picturesque views in the Whitsundays, where you can witness the turquoise waters and white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach meet and mix in a stunning swirling display.

Lunch: Head back to the boat for a delicious, relaxed lunch.

Afternoon: Sail around to famous Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy an hour on the pure white silica soft sand or take a dip in the ocean before setting sail along the eastern side of Hook Island.

Evening: Your second overnight anchorage will be in one of the many sheltered bays that surround this beautiful location.

Day Three

Morning: After breakfast, snorkel one of the many fringing coral reefs and spot diverse marine life or enjoy a glass bottom boat tour.

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch on the sun-soaked deck and relax as you sail to your second swimming location. Choose between snorkelling or beach time.

Evening: Your final overnight anchorage will be at either Blue Pearl Bay off Hayman Island or somewhere close to Langford Reef. Relax on the decks with a drink from the licensed bar and enjoy a stunning sunset.

Day Four

Enjoy another day of swimming, snorkelling and sailing in the Whitsunday Islands.

4.00pm: We arrive back at Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach.

After party: Come along to the after party with the other sailing tours at a local bar in Airlie Beach.

Sample Menu

Day One

• Light Supper – Selection of Party Pies & Sausage Rolls, Pumpkin Soup with Warm Crusty Baguette
• After Dinner Snacks – Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and Cake

Day Two

• Breakfast – Fresh Fruit Salad with Yoghurt, Cereals, Toasts & Spreads, Tea, Coffee & Juice
• Morning Tea – Cake and Biscuits, Tea and Coffee
• Lunch – BBQ Sausages served with Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad, Creamy Potato Salad, Leafy Green Garden Salad and Fresh Cobb Loaf
• Afternoon Tea – Tropical Fruit Platter
• Nibbles – Nachos with Melted Cheese, Salsa, Sour Cream and Guacamole
• Dinner – BBQ Chicken Breast with Thai Green Curry or Peanut Satay served with Steamed White Rice, Garden Salad, Fresh Tatziki & Mixed Herb Damper.

Day Three

• Breakfast – Fresh Fruit Salad with Yoghurt, Cereals, Toasts & Spreads, Tea, Coffee and Juice
• Morning Tea – Cake and Biscuits, Tea and Coffee
• Lunch – Cold Meats with Fresh Breads and a Creamy Mayo Tuna Salad, Curried Egg Salad and a Creamy Pasta Bake
• Afternoon Tea – Tropical Fruit Platter
• Nibbles – Antipasto Platters
• Dinner – Roast Pork with Corn on the cob, Pumpkin, Potatoes, Peas and Gravy
• Dessert – Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce

Day Four

• Breakfast – Cooked Breakfast of Scrambled Eggs, Bacon and Baked Beans on Toast also the option of Continental Breakfast
• Morning Tea – Tea and Coffee with Freshly Baked Muffins
• Lunch – Bacon, Ham and Mushroom Quiche served with Caesar Salad, Greek Salad and Cous Cous Salad
• Afternoon Tea – Tropical Fruit Platter

NB. We can provide for special diets, please advise at time of booking.

See more liveaboard sailing tours in the Whitsunday Isands on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.  

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

• 2-day, 2-night shared charter:
• Departs: 5:30pm - Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
• Returns: 2:30pm - Thursday, Saturday & Monday

Departure Instructions

Departs from Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach

Destinations

• Whitehaven Beach
• Whitsunday Island
• Hill Inlet
• Nara Inlet
• Hayman Island
• Hook Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Tuesday, Friday, Sunday

Duration

2-day, 2-night or 3-day, 3-night shared charter

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Alcoholic beverages (fully licensed bar onboard) (no BYO allowed)
• Bottled water
• Soft drinks

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

This is a water-based activity, for safety reasons all passengers must be able to swim and speak fluent English.

Additional Information

• A $20 per night (per person) Public Holiday Surcharge is applicable to tours departing on the 24th, 25th and 26th of December 2019. New Year’s surcharges may also apply, please enquire at the time of booking.
• All departures and itineraries are subject to weather.
• Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator.
• It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to actions of our clients which are beyond our control.
• We strongly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure.
• Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 2.5% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.
• This is a water-based activity, for safety reasons all passengers must be able to swim and speak fluent English.
• Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip.
• Please advise both your holiday specialist at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions, including food allergies you may suffer from.

Eco Certifications

• Swimmers
• Change of clothes
• Small, zipperless overnight bag
• Sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Beach towel
• Jacket for winter months
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• Prescription mask (if required)
• Cash for onboard purchases
• Excess luggage can be stored at several places in town including most boat check-in offices, a 24-hour locker shop on The Esplanade, most hostels, or at your accommodation. Most charge between $5-10pp for the duration of your trip.

• Children must be supervised by parents/carers at all times.
• Minimum age 3

• Cancellations made 60-30 days prior to travel will result in a 25% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made 14-30 days prior to departure will result in a 50% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made inside 14 days prior to departure will result in loss of 100% of ticket price.
• If the sailing company has to cancel the trip (prior to the boat
• s departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus card fees.