15 Swim and Beach Sailing Trips in Australia, Best Day First

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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2.2-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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3.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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4.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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5.2-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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6.Providence Whitsundays Tallship Sunset Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 389 reviews · 2 hours · from $63Best value

Join the crew of Providence V at Coral Sea Marina North for a two-hour sunset sail across Airlie Beach’s bay. This classic 62-foot schooner carries a small bar, shared snacks, and green deck seating. You may help raise the sails, hear the boat’s story from crew such as Oscar, Katie, Luke, or Alex, and watch the shore lights come on after sunset.

“We had a beautiful sail, thank you! The two crew members on board were super friendly and experienced. The boat itself was charming and in great condition. The experience was one we won't forget! Just something to think about...with such a large group on board, we would have loved two seperate cheese platters so everyone wasn't trying to squish to the one...I actually just decided to miss out.”

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7.2-Day Whitsunday Islands Sailing Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 215 reviews · 60 hours · from $488

Join OzSail Whitsunday aboard Avatar, a fast trimaran sailing from Coral Sea Marina. Over about 60 hours, you’ll snorkel reef sites, visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, watch for turtles and rays, sleep under the stars, and share fresh meals with the crew. Guides vary, with Max, Meg, Hannah, and others regularly leading trips.

“Awesome experience and great way to visit Whitsunday! The OZ Sail crew (Max, Meg and Hannah) made it a safe, enjoyable and fun experience. It was a pretty chill atmosphere on the boat, good meals and great activities with snorkeling and island experiences. We also got to see an amazing sunrise and it was possible to sleep outside on the boat falling asleep while looking at the stars on a clear sky. All in all really great value and would recommend this to everyone else looking to experience Whitsunday in the best possible way!”

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8.Providence Whitehaven Beach Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 214 reviews · from $142

Spend about nine hours aboard the 62-foot Providence, sailing from Coral Sea Marina to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and a Whitsunday snorkeling site. You can help raise the sails, try the wheel, swim, and use provided snorkeling gear. Crew members have included Jack, Finn, Pete, Oscar, Steve, Daisy, Kirwan, Joe, and Sebastian.

“The crew was amazing and fun, great trip all around. Really recommend taking this trip if you are in town.”

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9.Lady Enid Sailing and Snorkeling Day Trip including Whitehaven Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 207 reviews · from $204

Spend 9 to 11 hours aboard the timber yacht Lady Enid, sailing from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and an island reef snorkeling stop. Expect a maximum of 24 people, supplied equipment, lunch, scones, fruit, and sparkling wine. The crew may invite you to help sail, but mobility is needed for the dinghy and uphill walk.

“This was the most amazing day out. Fantastic service, the little touches such as the scones jam & cream and fruit platter on the sail out, the wonderful friendly captain and crew, excellent snorkelling spot and trip out to Whitehaven beach The Read more”

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10.Adults-Only Whitehaven Beach Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 122 reviews · 10 hours · from $201

Spend 10 hours sailing the Whitsundays aboard Lady Enid, a 72-foot Australian-built timber yacht limited to 24 adults. Visit Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, snorkel for about 40 minutes, and enjoy morning tea, lunch, antipasto, and sparkling wine at sunset. Transfers, equipment, and national park fees are included.

“Absolutely fantastic! Graham and the team were fabulous, the cruise was as advertised, brilliant! And it was such an awesome feeling to sail on the historic Lady Enid. We had a blast. Thank you!”

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11.Whitsunday Islands Sailing, SUP & Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 90 reviews · 6 hours · from $162

Spend six hours aboard the air-conditioned Wings III, a 60-foot sailing catamaran carrying up to 29 people. Sail near Hook and Hayman islands, snorkel a fringing reef, visit Langford Island, and try SUP or a clear-bottom kayak. Crew members such as Mike, Mon, Maddy and Sarah provide calm guidance. Bring your own drinks, since nothing alcoholic or soft is sold onboard.

“This was an excellent trip! The team were fun & professional. Great range of activities to suit everyone. Would recommend this trip”

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12.NEW SUNSET TOUR-Airlie Beach Sunset Sail in Style- BYO drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · from $78

Sail from Coral Sea Marina with Wings Sailing Charters Whitsundays for 2 hours and 15 minutes of sunset views around Pioneer Bay. Bring your own drinks, then use the onboard ice, glasses, tea, coffee, snacks, and music setup. The cruise suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a calm evening on the water without a bar bill.

“Everything ran well and on time, information was clear and helpful, the crew looked after everyone well and the snacks and drinks supplied were very good. It was a calm clear evening so all in all a very pleasant cruise.”

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13.Lady Enid Sunset Sail Airlie Beach – Adults Only

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · from $71

Spend two hours aboard the adults-only Lady Enid, sailing around Pioneer Bay from Coral Sea Marina. You receive an Aperol Spritz, a small antipasto plate, and views of the Whitsunday sunset. The crew shares local stories, while the licensed bar serves extra drinks. The boat carries up to 24 passengers.

“Great evening out at Airlie, very relaxing vibes while out in the water, waiting for the sun to set.”

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14.BYOB Sunset Sail in Style Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 35 reviews · 2 hours · from $77

Board SV Wings III at Coral Sea Marina for a relaxed two-hour sunset sail with a skipper and host. You’ll get a tropical welcome drink, antipasto, dessert canapés, tea, coffee, chilled storage for your BYO drinks, and access to spacious decks, a top sundeck, and air-conditioned seating.

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15.Hook Island Cultural Tour, Sail & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 10 reviews · 8 hours · from $180

Spend eight hours aboard Lady Enid, a classic Australian-built timber yacht, sailing from Airlie Beach to Hook Island. You’ll visit the Ngaro Cultural Site at Nara Inlet, enjoy lunch onboard, snorkel for about 40 minutes, and return with sparkling wine and antipasto. The steep walk, boat ladder, and adults-only format suit mobile adults seeking a calm, polished day at sea.

“Wenig Platz unter Deck, kann sein man sitzt auf beiden Strecken in der prallen Sonne. Crew super nett, gut eingespielt. Essen und Snack sehr lecker, ausreichend Getränke an Bord. Käptn erklärt viel, echt gut.”

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