AUSTRALIA SAILING TOURS

15 Australian Sailings, Whitsundays First

84 sailings  ·  from $35 a head

The Whitsundays are the reason people learn the word maxi. These 15 cover the day boats and the overnight bunks, plus Sydney Harbour and the Gold Coast, with the season and the bunk count spelled out.

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure - From Port of Airlie to the Whitsunday Islands
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Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure

1.Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,307 reviews · 10 hours · from $183Our pick

Spend 10 hours aboard Cruise Whitsundays’ fast Camira catamaran, sailing from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Walk with a guide to the lookout, swim, snorkel a fringing reef, and enjoy morning tea, BBQ lunch, afternoon tea, beer, wine, cider, soft drinks, and water. Guides such as Dakota, Joel, and Mossi have earned praise for warm, helpful service.

“Such a great trip! The staff were so friendly and helpful, creating a great atmosphere. There was snacks and food available throughout the day. And what an experience seeing Whitehaven beach in person! Definitely recommend.”

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2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar - Snorkeling at Mantaray Bay and beyond
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2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

2.2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 771 reviews · from $466

Spend two nights aboard Avatar, the Whitsundays’ commercial sailing trimaran, with up to 26 people. You’ll visit Whitehaven Beach, snorkel calm reef waters, eat all meals onboard, and sleep at sea. Crew members such as Alex, Ella, Sammy, Dave, Tyler, and Casper have been praised for their warm service, but cabins are compact and comfort is basic.

“Great trip all round! Awesome welcome from Skipper Sammy and Ella. Nice food, cool snorkel spots and great visit to Whitehaven Beach!”

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2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef - Snorkeling around Hook, Hayman, and Border islands
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2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

3.2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 752 reviews · from $466Top rated

Spend two nights aboard the 82-foot sailing yacht Spank Me, visiting Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling around Hook, Hayman, Border, and Whitsunday islands. Captain Alex and crew handle meals, gear, sailing, and the route. Expect shared bunks, basic marine facilities, limited fresh water, and a social group of up to 27 people.

“We loved going snorkling, swimming, camping one night on an island. Food was good and crew was very nice. A lot of people on the boat but everyone was friendly.”

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Full-Day Whitsunday Sail and Snorkel Adventure with Lunch - A full day on the water, not a quick snorkel trip
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Full-Day Whitsunday Sail and Snorkel Adventure with Lunch

4.Full-Day Whitsunday Sail and Snorkel Adventure with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 653 reviews · from $142

Join Red Cat Adventures aboard Tongarra for an adults-and-teens day from Airlie Beach to Langford Island. You’ll get snorkeling gear and a stinger suit, enjoy lunch and snacks, try a banana boat ride, walk the beach, and return at sunset. Crew members such as Nat, Cooper, Charlotte, Jarrod, and Patrick may be on board.

“Great team of people who were in charge of the boat Weather was awesome and we had great time snorkelling and swimming Will definitely recommend!”

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Airlie Beach: Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling - Crossing the Whitsunday Passage under sail
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Airlie Beach: Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling

5.Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 640 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $137

You spend about nine hours aboard the 62-foot gaff-rigged schooner Providence, sailing toward Whitehaven Beach, walking to Hill Inlet Lookout, and snorkeling a fringing Great Barrier Reef site. Crew members such as Jack, Fin, Harry, and Phone have been praised for friendly help, though wind and sea conditions can change the plan.

“It was a spectacular day thanks to Harry and Phone. Was super relaxing and well run. They kept to the timetable and got back when they said. left at 7:30am, back by 4:30pm. They brought the sails out on the way home and was really cool. We brought our own lunch as 1 of our group is celiac and easy and safe to just bring a lunch. Tons of fresh water, coffee and tea on board. If that's. it your thing, make sure to bring what you need as nowhere to buy. Would def sail with them again.”

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Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas - Snorkeling the sheltered lagoon
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Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas

6.Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 565 reviews · from $243

Sail from Port Douglas with a maximum of 33 people aboard Sailaway’s catamaran. Snorkel the sheltered Low Isles lagoon, join a glass-bottom boat tour with a marine biologist, walk to the 1878 lighthouse, and enjoy buffet lunch. Crew members such as Jake, Zara, Anna, and Cooper have been praised for clear instruction and calm support.

“Great time. Many thanks. Narration from Kelly, Zara, and Jake was excellent. Veiws were amazing Equipment in good order. Lynch was delicious.”

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Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas - A closer look at the 90-minute route
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Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

7.Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 558 reviews · from $67

Meet at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina at 4:30 pm for a 90-minute Sailaway cruise on the Coral Sea. You’ll receive a welcome drink, hot and cold canapés, and views of the Low Isles, mountains, and Port Douglas coast. The crew, including captains such as Mark when rostered, keeps the evening relaxed, though rough weather can change the experience quickly.

“Excellent value for money first time on a yacht. The crew were friendly and made sure we had an awesome time.”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour - Leaving Airlie Beach aboard Matador
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Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour

8.Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 452 reviews · 2 days · from $350

Spend two days and one night sailing from Airlie Beach aboard Matador, a racing yacht with an English-speaking crew. You will snorkel coral reefs, reach Whitehaven Beach early, eat fresh meals, watch the sunset, and sleep onboard beneath the stars. Crew members such as Tony, Chris, Dave, Ruby, and Fi have earned praise for their friendly care and local knowledge.

“I had an amazing time on the Matador with Kate, Ash and Arron!! Literally would not change a thing. The boat was really nice and I slept pretty well. I usually get sea sick but didn't feel sick at all on this trip. We were the first on Whitehaven Beach which was really nice before all the other tour companies came in. We saw sharks, sting rays, turtles and dolphins, went snorkelling twice and swimming which was so much fun. We event we on a little sunset walk which was so pretty. Everything is exactly like the pictures so would definitely recommend.”

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Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands - Whitehaven Beach is the main event
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Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

9.Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 452 reviews · from $185

Sail from Airlie Beach aboard the spacious Camira catamaran for a full day around the Whitsundays. Walk to Hill Inlet Lookout with a guide, swim at Whitehaven Beach, snorkel a fringing reef, and enjoy barbecue lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol after snorkeling. The crew, including team members such as Alison, keeps the day social and well organized.

“Had a fabulous day. Crew were great, food was great, location for snorkelling was great. Couldn't fault the experience.”

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Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise - Starting at Campbells Cove in The Rocks
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Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise

10.Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 451 reviews · from $63

Meet at Campbells Cove in The Rocks for a twilight dinner cruise aboard a restored tall ship, sometimes the 104-year-old Southern Swan. Enjoy dinner, live commentary from hosts such as Howard or Ruth, and views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and more. Mast climbing costs extra.

“Sitting out on the deck of a three mastered tool ship nibbling canapés and sipping bubbles. There is no better way to experience Sydney Harbour and it’s very best.!”

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Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas - Snorkeling above coral, fish, and giant clams
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Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas

11.Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 436 reviews · from $243

Sail from Port Douglas toward Mackay Cay and the northern Great Barrier Reef, with marine biologist Barry offering reef interpretation, guided snorkeling, and help in the water. You’ll also get a glass-bottom boat tour, coral cay time, buffet lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments, and use of snorkel gear and seasonal protective suits.

“Had a great time snorkeling for the 1st time!! The crew was awesome! They made sure everyone had a great time & stayed safe. Didn’t have time to ask Isaac if he was single though :D”

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Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Afternoon Cruise - The Opera House and Fort Denison from the Water
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Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Afternoon Cruise

12.Tall Ship Afternoon Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 412 reviews · 1h 30m · from $48Best value

Spend 90 minutes aboard an 1850s-style wooden tall ship with an English-speaking crew. Help raise the sails, try the helm, hear Sydney stories from guides such as Ruth and Jim, and pass the Opera House, Fort Denison, and Harbour Bridge. Snacks and drinks are available onboard, but mast climbing costs extra.

“We really enjoyed the cruise. The kids had great fun helping with the sails and looking round the ship.”

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Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns - Sailing Toward Upolu Reef
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Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns

13.Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 408 reviews · from $179

Join Reef Daytripper at 7:30 am for a nine-hour sailing trip from Cairns to Upolu Reef and a sheltered lagoon. With a maximum of 20 people, you get guided snorkeling, reef equipment, morning tea, buffet lunch, and snacks. The crew may visit two sites, weather permitting, and can support newer swimmers and certified scuba participants.

“The crew was awesome. They were very helpful and created a great day for us on the reef. Would definitely recommend!”

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Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour - Boarding in Cairns and settling into the schooner
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Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

14.Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 398 reviews · 9 hours · from $183

Spend nine hours aboard a 16-meter sailing boat with a small group, visiting a reef site reserved for this operator and Green Island. You can snorkel with marine naturalists, arrange a small-group scuba session, enjoy a smorgasbord lunch, and sail home with wine, fruit, cheese, crackers, and cake. Crew members including Blair, Anne, Ollie, Dan, and Marie are praised for their care and humor.

“It was perfect. An incredible experience - i recommend to everyone visiting Cairns!”

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Airlie Beach: 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals - Sailing the Whitsundays instead of simply crossing them
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Airlie Beach: 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals

15.2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 389 reviews · 3 days · from $460

Spend two nights aboard an OzSail maxi yacht from Coral Sea Marina, visiting Whitehaven Beach and several reef snorkeling sites around Hook, Hayman, Border, and Whitsunday islands. The English-speaking crew, including skippers such as Alex and Kate on different departures, prepares hearty meals, guides snorkeling, and times the Whitehaven visit for quieter early-morning sands.

“We had a great time on the spank me tour, Chloe and Jamie were so amazing. The food was unbelievable. Would definitely recommend.”

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Sunset, snorkel, or the whole boat.