Sailing Tours & Trips in Australia
What if you set sail from Coral Sea Marina, watched the sunset while swimming at a pristine Whitsundays beach, hiked up to Hill Inlet Lookout for those stunning swirling sand views everyone photographs, snorkeled at two vibrant marine locations teeming with tropical fish, then enjoyed an after-party back in Airlie Beach? That’s a true Australia sailing adventure, and one that everyone dreams about.
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8 best Sailing Australia tour packages
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- 2 Day / 2 Night Prosail Whitsundays Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
- Australia: North Queensland Adventure (With Sailing From Apr '27)
- Australia: North Queensland to Uluru (With Sailing From Apr '27)
- Australia: Beaches and Reefs (With Sailing From Apr '27)
- Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Learn To Dive)
- Sailing Adventures through the Whitsunday Islands
- Whitsunday Getaway - Katmaran Sailing Torn
- Kakadu and Katherine Gorge (Short Break, 3 Days)
2 Day / 2 Night Prosail Whitsundays Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
“The second snorkeling spot with the coral that was still alive was stunning.”
Sofie, traveled in November
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 Whitsunday Islands Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Prosail Whitsundays From $501
10% Off- US$451
Duration 9 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Cairns, Daintree National Park, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,195
24% Off- US$1,658+$18 upfront costs
Duration 13 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Whitsundays, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Cairns, Daintree National Park, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, UluruSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,803
12% Off- US$2,456+$568 upfront costs
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Townsville, CairnsSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $3,164
10% Off- US$2,855+$338 upfront costs
Duration 5 days Destinations Cairns Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,010
10% Off- US$909+$65 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, Hook Island, Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
10% Off- US$1,031
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
10% Off- US$825
What our customers ask about Sailing Tours & Trips in Australia
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."