Whitsunday Region - Sail the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are one of the world's best year-round aquatic playgrounds. The calm and protected waters of the Whitsundays are nothing short of magical and offer some of the best sailing waters in the world.

Here is the perfect opportunity to skipper your own yacht or cruiser - even if you have never sailed before. Fully qualified staff will brief you on sailing and send you on your way. They'll help you design possible itineraries, and direct you on anchorages, tides, weather and so on to ensure that you get the most out of your bareboat holiday.

For those not so confident behind the helm of a yacht then a skipper can be organised for you until you are ready to take over. Or you can charter a trained crew and let them do the work for you. Vessels range from Maxi Racers to catamarans of all sizes.

Want to meet new people? Board a fully crewed overnight charter boat and have the time of your life. Day sailing trips are also available.

What to do once you're out in these perfect, crystal blue waters? Try snorkelling, swimming, parasailing or scuba diving. Or maybe just laze around the deck with a book and a cool drink.

You can also tour some of the Whitsundays' 74 islands. Only eight of these contain holiday resorts offering everything from wilderness to five star luxury. The rest are uninhabited.

Make sure you cruise by Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. It features a seven kilometre stretch of pure white silica sand and is one of the most photographed beaches in the world.

Articles

A coral wonderland

A coral wonderland

Coral gardens lace nearly every Whitsunday island, but it's also easy to take a boat to the Great Barrier Reef itself. Dive sites are dotted up and down the reef and qualified instructors will guide you through an encounter with tranquil marine life.


Cruising reef waters

Cruising reef waters

Much of the Great Barrier Reef is ideal for cruising or sailing, with islands providing idyllic sheltered waters and safe havens. Overnight, week-long or extended trips are on offer for those who love the wind in their hair and the sun on their face.


Discover tropical national parks

Discover tropical national parks

The region is a bounty of national parks, and many invite trekking and camping. Three make a backdrop to Airlie Beach, and many of the Whitsunday islands are entirely national parks. Others contain protected green chunks surrounding idyllic resorts.


Dive down to the coral

Dive down to the coral

The clear, warm waters of the Whitsundays invite divers from around the world. Great visibility, and abundant marine life await! Coral gardens lace nearly every Whitsunday island, and it's also easy to take a boat to the Great Barrier Reef itself. Dive sites are dotted up and down the reef and qualified instructors will guide you through an encounter with tranquil marine life. Day and extended dive trips are available to make the most of your coral adventure.


Diving the coral depths

Diving the coral depths

The Great Barrier Reef is a scuba diver's paradise. Queensland's warm subtropical climate is perfect for year-round diving and the water is clearer than crystal. Introductory dives and lessons are readily available along the length of the reef.  more


Get happily marooned

Get happily marooned

The seven Whitsunday resort islands – offering lodgings from budget to luxury - promise care-free days and a rich diversity of fun: parasailing, swimming, fishing, bushwalking, diving and coral viewing.


Marooned happiness

Marooned happiness

The seven Whitsunday resort islands - offering lodgings from budget to luxury - promise care-free days and a rich diversity of fun: parasailing, swimming, tanning, fishing, partying, bush-walking, diving, eating, sleeping, coral viewing...a true escape.  more


Sail in sheltered waters

Sail in sheltered waters

There's no better place to sail than the Whitsundays, sheltered from the open ocean by the Great Barrier Reef and laden with frequent, secluded anchorages. Be your own skipper or charter a crew.  more


The world's best beaches

The world's best beaches

Recognised as one of the world's best beaches, Whitehaven Beach is found on Whitsunday Island. Perfect for swimming, its pure white silica sands slope to clear, warm blue water, mostly shallow and calm.


White-sand best beaches

White-sand best beaches

The Whitsundays shelter the world's best beaches, particularly Whitsunday Island and its heavenly Whitehaven Beach. Ideal for swimming, its pure white sands slope to clear, warm, blue water, shallow and calm enough for snorkelling amid fishes and rays.


Whitsunday coral gardens

Whitsunday coral gardens

Coral gardens lace nearly every Whitsunday island, offering sheltered spots for snorkelling, diving and relaxing line-of-sight sailing in the tropical waters. Visitors thrill to see the coral formation of Heart Shaped Reef at beautiful Hardys Reef.


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