Australia Sailing Tours
Get ready to hoist the sails on a sailing adventure of Australia. Whether you are island hopping or gliding along the coast, with 16 sailing holidays lasting from 3 days up to 25 days, we have made finding the right sailboat tour a breeze! Click here to see all sailing trips.
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Raffaele • traveled in January
The sailing organized adventure was an absolute blast! Our group consisted of 24 young people from all around the world, and the boat crew was not only incredibly professional but also quite funny. Sailing through the Whitsundays is a must-do when you're in the area. And let's face it, if you don't have a private yacht, this organized adventure is the best way to experience this breathtaking paradise on Earth! This was my second time in the Whitsundays, and despite the unlucky weather, it was still super worth it! We saw thousands of fish while snorkeling, encountered 3 turtles and a dozen stingrays and Whitehaven Beach was simply spectacular! Honestly, I would go for a third time. Kudos to Prosail, and a big thank you to TourRadar for the smooth booking process!
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer) - B
bruceMunro • traveled in August
I travelled to Yellow waters and beyond yesterday. The driver of the Coach was so professional , informative and entertaining through the whole trip, what a great experience and day we had, I think I can speak for the whole 12 of us on the Tour. Thank you AAT would not hesitate to travel with you again.
Kakadu and Katherine Gorge (Short Break, 3 Days)
10 best sailing trips in Australia
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- 2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
- Australia: North Queensland to Uluru (With Sailing)
- Kimberley Coast Adventure Darwin → Broome (2027)
- Ultimate Australia (With Sailing)
- Kimberley Coastal Expedition Broome → Darwin (2027)
- Kimberley Coastal Expedition Darwin → Broome (2027)
- Kimberley Complete with Kimberley Coastal Expedition Broome → Darwin (2027)
- Sailing Adventures through the Whitsunday Islands
- Whitsunday Getaway - Katmaran Sailing Torn
- Kimberley Coast Adventure Broome → Darwin (2026)
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Sailing through the Whitsundays is a must-do when you're in the area. And let's face it, if you don't have a private yacht, this organized adventure is the best way to experience this breathtaking paradise on Earth!”
Raffaele, traveled in December
Prosail's maxi yachts cut through Australia's premier sailing waters from Airlie Beach Marina. The route between Hook Island and Hayman Island features three premium snorkeling locations. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's diverse coral gardens unfold during this authentic sailing adventure.
Duration 3 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Hayman Island, Hook Island, Whitsunday Islands Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Prosail Whitsundays From
- US$469
The pristine waters of the Whitsundays beckon aboard a converted racing yacht, weaving through 74 untouched islands. A stop at world-famous Whitehaven Beach offers prime snorkeling and swimming spots. Professional crew members enhance this 2-night adventure with freshly prepared meals, marrying luxury sailing with Great Barrier Reef wonders.
Duration 13 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Townsville, Cairns, Kuranda, Kings Canyon, Uluru Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,554
10% Off- US$2,299+$581 upfront costsYou save $255
Duration 10 days Destinations Darwin, Koolama Bay, King George Falls, Mitchell Falls, Mitchell Plateau, Prince Frederick Harbour, Naturalists Island, Talbot Bay, Lacepede Islands, Broome Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
10% Off- US$7,644+$939 upfront costs
Sail on a converted racing yacht for 2 nights through Australia's Whitsunday Islands, with snorkeling at Whitehaven Beach and time around the 74-island group. The yacht departs from Airlie Beach marina and travels through clear waters with freshly prepared meals on deck, surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This 20-day trip from Sydney to Uluru includes surf lessons at Byron Bay, a train ride from Townsville to Cairns, and hiking Kings Canyon's Garden of Eden.
Duration 20 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Bondi, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Whitsunday IslandsSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $4,132
19% Off- US$3,347+$912 upfront costsYou save $785
Duration 10 days Destinations Broome, Adele Island, Talbot Bay, Mitchell Falls, Prince Frederick Harbour, Jar Island, Koolama Bay, King George Falls, Darwin Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
19% Off- US$11,937+$939 upfront costs
Duration 10 days Destinations Darwin, Koolama Bay, King George Falls, Jar Island, Bigge Island, Mitchell Falls, Prince Frederick Harbour, Talbot Bay, Adele Island, Broome Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
19% Off- US$11,937+$939 upfront costs
Duration 24 days Destinations Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Galvans Gorge, Mitchell Plateau, Mitchell Falls, Bradshaw, El Questro, Emma Gorge, WyndhamSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
19% Off- US$22,200+$939 upfront costs
Experience 4 days aboard a Lagoon 440 catamaran, sailing from Airlie Beach through the Whitsundays. Explore Hook Island's underwater world, visit the iconic Hill Inlet Lookout above Whitehaven Beach, and paddleboard in turquoise lagoons near Hayman Island. All water sports equipment included.
Duration 4 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
19% Off- US$1,034
Sail on a spacious 13-meter catamaran with a 360-degree flybridge view, hosting just 4-8 guests in queen-size cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning. Anchor overnight in secluded bays near Whitehaven Beach, with snorkeling gear and wetsuits provided to check out the Great Barrier Reef's underwater world. Meals are served on deck by the crew while you watch sunrises over the South Pacific.
Duration 3 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
19% Off- US$826
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Broome, Lacepede Islands, Talbot Bay, Prince Frederick Harbour, Naturalists Island, Mitchell Plateau, Mitchell Falls, Koolama Bay, King George Falls, Darwin Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel
What our customers ask about Australia Sailing Tours
What are the best routes and destinations covered on Australian sailing tours?
Australian sailing tours center on the Whitsunday Islands archipelago. Boats depart from Airlie Beach and weave through 74 islands stopping at key destinations like Hook Island Hayman Island and Tongue Bay. Most routes include time at Whitehaven Beach known for its pure silica sand and clear waters. Tours often visit three different snorkeling spots within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park where coral gardens teem with tropical fish. A TourRadar traveler noted "The Whitsundays are like a little piece of heaven with crystal clear waters and endless opportunities to explore untouched beaches and vibrant coral reefs."
What is the best time of year for sailing in the Whitsundays?
The prime sailing season runs from May to September when temperatures hover between 23-25°C (73-77°F). These months bring minimal rainfall stable seas and excellent underwater visibility. The shoulder months of April-May and September-October offer similar conditions with fewer tourists. Tour data shows July and August as peak season with 27-29 departures per month reflecting the reliable weather patterns during winter.
What type of accommodation can I expect on an Australian sailing tour?
Accommodation ranges from converted racing yachts to modern catamarans. The Whitsunday Getaway catamaran provides queen-size beds and private bathrooms while vessels like Prosail's Condor and Broomstick feature shared cabins with fans and USB charging points. Standard amenities include hot showers deck hammocks and sun protection. One TourRadar traveler shared "The converted racing yacht was surprisingly comfortable with all basic amenities - perfect for an authentic sailing adventure."
What activities are typically included during sailing tour stopovers?
Each stop brings new opportunities. Guests can snorkel at fringing reefs trek to scenic points like Hill Inlet Lookout or unwind on Whitehaven Beach. Many itineraries include visits to Aboriginal sites beach walks at sunset and wildlife watching. Prosail Whitsundays for instance schedules stops at three different snorkeling locations guided walks and swimming breaks. A TourRadar review notes: "From snorkeling with tropical fish to watching the sunset from secluded beaches every stop offered something unique and memorable."
What level of sailing experience is required for these tours?
These tours welcome sailors of all skill levels from complete beginners to experienced hands. Professional crews handle navigation and safety while offering guests chances to learn basic sailing skills or take the helm under supervision. Each Prosail maxi yacht carries three crew members including a skipper and two deckhands who ensure passenger comfort. According to one TourRadar traveler: "The friendly captain was happy to teach us about sailing and even let us try steering - it was a perfect introduction to sailing."
How many people are typically on an Australian sailing tour?
Tour sizes remain intimate to enhance the experience. Prosail Whitsundays' larger vessels carry 10-30 passengers while boutique options like the Whitsunday Getaway host up to 20 guests. These numbers allow for personalized attention from crew members and adequate space on deck. As one TourRadar traveler observed: "With around 15 people on board we had the perfect balance of social interaction and personal space."