The Whitsunday Islands are one of the most beautiful places on the east coast of Australia. This paradisiacal archipelago is best explored on a multi-day boat trip, as this will take you to the white beaches, viewpoints, and colorful snorkeling spots. As soon as you board, the enjoyment can begin. The crew provides delicious meals while you make new friends and enjoy the view over the ocean. The highlight of the sailing trip is Whitehaven, where an enormous river meets the ocean, with crystal clear blue water and snow-white sandbanks. This is paradise on earth! Below, we share our tips for great tours and our experience with this amazing two-day sailing trip in the Whitsunday Islands.

How to Get to the Whitsunday Islands?

The coastal town of Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. In the harbor of Airlie Beach, you’ll find boats of all sizes, and this is where all the Whitsunday tours depart. There’s not much to do in Airlie Beach itself, so you won’t need to spend more time there than necessary. The only thing you really must do, besides taking a tour to the Whitsundays, is to take a scenic flight over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Further down, we share more about this unforgettable flight.

What is the Best Time to Visit the Whitsundays?

From April to October is the dry season, which is, of course, the best time to visit the Whitsundays. There is little rain, and the sea is cooler during this period, meaning there are virtually no jellyfish. From November to March, the sea is warmer, and you’ll need to wear a wetsuit to avoid jellyfish stings. There’s more rain during this period, but it’s quieter, and prices are usually much lower. Both seasons have their pros and cons, but if you have a choice, the period from April to October is the best.

What Are the Best Boats and Tours?

When it comes to Whitsunday tours, there’s a wide variety to choose from. However, there are a few tours that really stand out, and if you want to do them, it’s advisable to book well in advance. Below, we list the best tours. On multi-day tours, you sleep on the boats, and sometimes spend a night in a tent on the beach. In addition to the beautiful nature, the experience of sailing and being together with a fun group of travelers is a big part of these tours. The comfort and privacy on multi-day tours are limited, but it’s an incredible experience.

• 1 Day with Camira: If you’re short on time or don’t want to overnight on a sailboat, this day trip with Camira is perfect. You’ll still sail (weather permitting) and visit the most beautiful spots: Whitehaven and Inlet Hill.
• 2 Nights with Avatar: This is the only trimaran sailing in the Whitsundays. The unique boat offers more comfort due to its stability and nets between the three hulls.
• 2 Nights with SpankMe: With this former raceboat, you’ll sail through the most beautiful spots. If the weather allows, you’ll even spend a night camping on the beach. Despite the catchy name, this is not necessarily a party boat.
• 2 Nights with ProSail: With this organization, you also explore the Whitsundays on a fast ex-raceboat. Here, you’ll only overnight on the boat, not on the beach.

Our Choice: The Multi-Day Sailing Trip in the Whitsundays

We chose 2 Nights with ProSail, and we highly recommend it. However, we later heard that this tour is a bit more expensive than competitors like Avatar and SpankMe, and the differences are minimal. All three tours visit the main attractions in the Whitsundays, and the comfort level is roughly the same. These are ex-raceboats, so don’t expect too much comfort. Fortunately, the atmosphere and the stunning surroundings more than make up for that. The advantage of Avatar is the two nets where you can lie, so if it’s still available for your dates, we’d recommend booking that boat.

What’s a Multi-Day Sailing Trip in the Whitsundays Like?

After meeting the group and crew, you’ll get instructions on life aboard the boat for the coming days. Then, you’ll sail out of the harbor and, if the weather permits, the sails will go up. The itinerary depends on the wind, but you can expect alternating stops at beaches, islands, and multiple snorkeling spots. One place that will definitely be visited is Whitehaven Beach & Inlet Hill. This is the most famous location with vast sandbanks. You’ll often spend an entire afternoon or morning here, and with a bit of luck, you’ll be there before the day tours arrive.

The crew takes care of delicious meals and snacks while you enjoy the beauty above and below the water. In the evening, you can have a drink or play a game, and sometimes—though not always—a little party might break out. These are not party boats by design, but with a fun group of travelers in Australia, a party can sometimes unexpectedly happen. You sleep below deck in the dormitory, which also has a toilet and shower.

What is the Average Age on Board?

The ages on our trip ranged from 18 to 62, but most of the travelers were between 20 and 35 years old. Of course, every group has a different dynamic, but generally, most travelers are between 20 and 30. There’s often a nice mix of solo travelers, couples, and friends, so you’ll quickly meet new people during the trip.

What Should You Bring to the Whitsunday Islands?

Space on board is limited, so you won’t bring all your luggage. Leave your backpack or suitcase at your accommodation in Airlie Beach and take only a small backpack with essentials for two days. On multi-day sailing trips, you’re allowed to bring your own snacks and alcohol. However, glass containers are not allowed. All drinks go into one large cooler, so make sure you remember which ones are yours! It’s also handy to bring a towel for after you shower. A water bottle is useful, and earplugs and an eye mask are also nice to have.

Extra Tip: Take a Scenic Flight Over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef

You can also see the Whitsundays from the air by taking a flight over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. We thought this was one of the most exciting activities during our trip! This is truly a bucket list experience you shouldn’t miss in Australia. From the air, you can enjoy stunning views over the Whitsundays with its white beaches and azure waters, and then head toward the Great Barrier Reef, which looks absolutely beautiful from above. Of course, snorkeling at a place like this is amazing, but from the air, you really get to see the shapes and various shades of blue in the different depths. No need for travel sickness tablets, as the flight doesn’t involve sharp turns. Wear a dark shirt for the flight, as wearing a light one will result in a reflection on your window, which can create a spot on your photos.

Tip: For real thrill-seekers, there’s another popular activity in Airlie Beach: skydiving over the Whitsundays. If this has always been on your bucket list, then this is one of the most beautiful places in the world to take the plunge, as the view over the Whitsundays is simply stunning!

Best Restaurants in Airlie Beach

Airlie Tandoori – At this takeaway restaurant, you can order the best Indian dishes.
Boaty’s – If you’re in the mood for a drink in the evening, Boaty’s is a fun place.
Fat Frog Beach Cafe – This café is a little outside the center, but it’s the best choice for breakfast or lunch.
Anchor Bar – Enjoy delicious food with an ocean view. The menu mostly features meat and fish dishes. This restaurant is open from Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Treehouse – For a hearty breakfast or lunch, Treehouse is the place to be. The menu includes bagels, tacos, green bowls, smashed avocado, and quinoa salads.
Le Shack – The best takeaway coffee in Airlie Beach.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Airlie Beach (Gateway to the Whitsundays)

If you enjoy staying in a dorm at a friendly hostel, Bounce Airlie Beach is by far the best option. The beds are comfortable, the staff is friendly, there’s a bar and ping-pong table. They also organize fun activities, so it’s easy to meet other travelers here. If you prefer staying in a private room but still at an affordable price, Airlie Beach Magnums is a great recommendation. You’ll sleep in a cozy room right in the center, but still in a peaceful oasis. The green garden makes it an extra pleasant place. For a great apartment with a lovely pool, take a look at Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments. The apartments are on a hill, so you’ll enjoy a beautiful view over Airlie Beach from here.

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