Australia Sailing Tours
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.
Excellent
- Choose from 15 Australia tours
- 12 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
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)
- Ultimate Australia (With Sailing)
- Kimberley Coastal Expedition Broome → Darwin (2027)
- Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Learn To Dive)
- Coral Coast Adventure Broome → Perth (2027)
- Kimberley Coast Adventure Darwin → Broome (2026)
- Kimberley Complete with Kimberley Coastal Expedition Broome → Darwin (2027)
- Kimberley Coast Adventure Darwin → Broome (2027)
- Sailing Adventures through the Whitsunday Islands
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 Airlie Beach, Hayman Island, Hook Island, Whitsunday Islands Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Prosail Whitsundays From $503
10% Off- US$452You save $50
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 $3,125
14% Off- US$2,695+$545 upfront costsYou save $430
This trip includes 2 nights sailing a racing yacht through the Whitsundays with snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, home to around 9,000 species. Take surf lessons at Bondi and Byron Bay, then kayak through Noosa Everglades' old rainforest waterways before heading to Magnetic Island to see wild koalas near Horseshoe Bay.
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 $4,725
13% Off- US$4,125+$843 upfront costsYou save $600
Seaborun Pursuit brings you to Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay by Zodiac when extreme tides rush through narrow gorges, then heads to Montgomery Reef as it rises at low tide through tight channels. You'll cruise up Hunter River and Porosus Creek searching for saltwater crocodiles before getting up close to King George Falls.
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
13% Off- US$13,802+$1,007 upfront costs
Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Learn To Dive)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Absolutely amazing, best instructors!”
Duration 5 days Destinations Cairns Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From
13% Off- US$1,010+$65 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Broome, Dampier, Montebello Islands Conservation Park, Exmouth, Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Reef, South Muiron Island, Dirk Hartog Island, Abrolhos Islands, FremantleSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
13% Off- US$10,279+$1,115 upfront costs
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Darwin, Koolama Bay, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef Marine Park, Mitchell Falls, Prince Frederick Harbour, Naturalists Island, Doubtful Bay, Talbot Bay, Lacepede IslandsSee all destinations 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."