Located in the heart of the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are a must-visit when traveling up to Australia’s “Sunshine State”, Queensland. The picturesque natural landscape of the coast and islands are lined with secluded beaches, friendly towns, and a range of water activities, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Highlights:
- Sail around the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef
- Walk along the most beautiful beaches in the world
- Explore the vibrant sea life of this area including turtles, tropical fish, and whales.
- Yacht hire in Whitsundays
Know before you book:
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most trips have a limit on the number of people who can take part in the trip, due to Covid-19 limitations
The Idyllic Whitsunday Islands is an archipelago of 74 tropical islands located just 55km (34miles) off the coast of Queensland. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this area is known for its beautiful, pristine beaches such as the iconic Whitehaven Beach, warm weather, an abundance of sea life, and national parks.
The best way to experience this picture-perfect area is through one of the many Whitsunday yacht charters or Whitsunday sailing charters. Trips range from day trips to 2-3 day trips, making stops and the various islands and secluded bays.
Experience the trip of a lifetime and explore this area by snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef, taking in the scenic views, and soaking up the sun all from the comfort of a catamaran.
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Prices of Whitsundays Catamaran Hire 2021
Prices vary between $64($85 AUD) and can go up to $4899 ($6600 AUD) depending on the duration of the trip. The prices also depend on the type of vessel as they vary from sailing yachts to charter vessels. Trips can last from 1.5 hours to full-day and multi-day trips.
Compare prices across the ticket providers below:
Times
The departure times vary according to the availability of the trips as well as the type of trip booked, e.g, sunset, half-day cruise, or multi-day trip.
Best Time to Go
Since the Whitsundays Islands are located in the tropical state of Queensland that enjoys sunshine all year round, the best time to charter is any time really! However, to make the most of your holiday, take note of the following:
- April to May: Humidity lessens, and days are sunny with pleasant temperatures.
- June to August: Activity in the area picks up as visitors come to enjoy the Airlie Beach Race Week and the Hamilton Island Race Week. This is also the best time to spot humpback whales.
- September and October: This is peak season in the Whitsundays, and the area gets quite crowded.
- November to December: While the weather is warm during these months, the wind starts picking up, making sailing not too pleasant.
- January to March: This is the rainy season in the area, but still gets some great weather.
Whitsundays Yacht Charter
If you are looking for a more private experience be sure to check out these yacht charters
Whitsunday Islands: Multi-Day Private Charter Sailing Yacht
If you’re looking to customize your trip, be sure to check out this multi-day, private Whitsunday yacht hire. Visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and multiple snorkeling sites.
What we liked: There is no itinerary, so you can customize this trip according to your wants and needs
Highlights
- Experience real adventure sailing
- Visit Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitehaven Beach, and Tongue Bay
- Swim in crystal clear waters and snorkel over colorful coral reefs
- Enjoy bush walks with lookouts and stunning views
- Customize your itinerary with the professional crew
- Breakfast
- Morning tea
- Lunch
- Afternoon snacks
- Dinner and dessert
- Tea, coffee, and filtered water
- Snorkeling equipment & suit
- Bed, pillow, and bed linen
- All marine park fees
- Sun and rain umbrellas
- Hot showers
- Deck mats
- Alcohol and other beverages (please bring your own – big coolers with ice are provided)
- Transfers to and from the marina
There are many Whitsundays yacht hire options available, however, this trip is fully customizable and you can pick between a 3-day and 4-day charter. You can take your time exploring each of the stops you’ll visit.
Know before you book
- Duration: 3-4 Days
- Not suitable for: Children under 12 years and people with mobility impairments.
- This tour is subject to availability. Your tour is not confirmed until the local operator contacts you with confirmation.
- Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a guardian
- The local operator will contact you after booking to confirm your details. Please be available via phone and email.
Daydream Island: Full-Day Whitsundays Catamaran Sailing
Cruise the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays on this full-day catamaran cruise from Airlie Beach. Visit Whitehaven Beach, snorkel the inner reef, and enjoy a delicious Aussie barbecue.
What we liked: Meals and drinks are included.
Highlights
- Visit Hill Inlet
- Snorkel the inner reef
- Sail the Whitsunday Islands
- Receive all-inclusive meals and drinks
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Barbecue buffet lunch
- Beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Snorkeling equipment
- Wetsuit
- Guided walk to Hill Inlet
- No Exclusions
Discover the Whitsunday Islands National Park, with a guided walk up to Hill Inlet where you’ll learn the history of the Whitsunday Traditional owners, the Ngaro people.
You’ll learn about the history, flora, and fauna and enjoy a delicious lunch. You can relax on Whitehaven Beach or snorkel with turtles and stingrays.
Know before you book
- Duration: 10 Hours
- Departure point: Port Airlie
- Be sure to bring swimwear and a towel, protective clothing, a hat and sunscreen lotion, a light jacket/sweater for a windy or cool day, and a camera
- Due to the length and activity during the day this cruise is unsuitable for infants
Airlie Beach: Whitsundays and Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise
Glide through the Whitsunday remote areas, stunning bays, and peaceful islands, with this half-day cruise.
What we liked: You can choose between a morning or afternoon cruise.
Highlights
- Swim in crystal clear blue waters
- Visit Whitehaven beach- rated the most incredible beach in Australia
- Cruise to remote areas of the Whitsundays across azure waters
- Choose either a morning or afternoon departure
- 6-hour cruise
- Morning or afternoon tea
- Drinks and snacks
Get ready to be dazzled by the picturesque landscape and pristine white sand of Whitehaven Beach, one of Australia’s best beaches.
Know before you book
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Departure point: Cruise Whitsundays, Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach.
- Be sure to bring swimwear, a towel, protective clothing, a hat, sunscreen lotion, a light jacket/sweater for windy or cool days, a camera and money or a credit card for optional purchases
Airlie Beach: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine
Watch the sunset over Airlie Beach and enjoy nibbles and a glass of bubbly on this 2-hour sunset cruise.
What we liked: This cruise is wheelchair accessible.
Highlights
- Enjoy a cruise on a purpose-built catamaran
- Take in the panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach
- Get up close to the many points of interest of the coastline
- Try to spot turtles and dolphins
- Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and nibbles as you watch the sunset
- 2-hour cruise around the bay of Airlie Beach
- A glass of Australian sparkling wine
- Antipasto nibbles platter
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional drinks
Know before you book
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Departure point: Coral Sea (Abell Point) Marina, North Village, meeting point B.
- Additional drinks may be purchased from the fully licensed bar onboard
- This tour is wheelchair accessible
Whitsunday Sailing Charters
Check out these sailing charters:
Sunset Sail In The Whitsundays
Soak up the last bit of sun as it sets over the spectacular Hamilton Island while nibbling on light snacks and complimentary drinks.
What we liked: This tour provides the perfect picture opportunities.
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Snacks
- Informative commentary from our knowledgeable local skippers
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional drinks
Know before you book
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Departure point: Front St, Hamilton Island QLD 4803, Australia
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 58 travelers
Specification: Whitsunday Catamarans | Best Boat Trips 2024
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John –
The trip out to Whitehaven beach was good fun, the big twin hulled boat cut through the swell and Dave at the helm handled the occasional wind gusts with ease. The walk and swim at Whitehaven beach was good but the snorkeling was great. Two locations, the first with plenty of fish and second was an outstanding reef dive moving gently with current. The other outstanding feature was Jack the deckhand, whose lively personality and great rapport with the guests kept everyone comfortable all day. Dave and Jack together were accommodating and professional, we always felt safe.
John –
The trip out to Whitehaven beach was good fun, the big twin hulled boat cut through the swell and Dave at the helm handled the occasional wind gusts with ease. The walk and swim at Whitehaven beach was good but the snorkeling was great. Two locations, the first with plenty of fish and second was an outstanding reef dive moving gently with current. The other outstanding feature was Jack the deckhand, whose lively personality and great rapport with the guests kept everyone comfortable all day. Dave and Jack together were accommodating and professional, we always felt safe.
John –
The trip out to Whitehaven beach was good fun, the big twin hulled boat cut through the swell and Dave at the helm handled the occasional wind gusts with ease. The walk and swim at Whitehaven beach was good but the snorkeling was great. Two locations, the first with plenty of fish and second was an outstanding reef dive moving gently with current. The other outstanding feature was Jack the deckhand, whose lively personality and great rapport with the guests kept everyone comfortable all day. Dave and Jack together were accommodating and professional, we always felt safe.
John –
The trip out to Whitehaven beach was good fun, the big twin hulled boat cut through the swell and Dave at the helm handled the occasional wind gusts with ease. The walk and swim at Whitehaven beach was good but the snorkeling was great. Two locations, the first with plenty of fish and second was an outstanding reef dive moving gently with current. The other outstanding feature was Jack the deckhand, whose lively personality and great rapport with the guests kept everyone comfortable all day. Dave and Jack together were accommodating and professional, we always felt safe.