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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10 best Sailing Australia tour packages
Compiled by

SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- Australia: North Queensland Adventure (With Sailing)
- Australia: North Queensland to Uluru (With Sailing)
- 2 Day / 2 Night Prosail Whitsundays Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
- Journeys: Discover Australia National Geographic
- Humpback Whale Snorkel Ningaloo Reef Tour
- Sydney, Uluru & the Great Barrier Reef - Cruise & Land Journey
- Australia: Beaches and Reefs (With Sailing)
- Whale Shark Snorkel Ningaloo Reef Tour
- Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Learn To Dive)
- Whitsunday Getaway - Katmaran Sailing Torn
Australia: North Queensland Adventure (With Sailing)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent. 5/5 to him.”
Curran, traveled in December
Duration 9 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Cairns, Daintree National Park, Kuranda Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,950
10% Off- US$1,755+$40 upfront costsYou save $195
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 $2,850
10% Off- US$2,565+$545 upfront costsYou save $285
2 Day / 2 Night Prosail Whitsundays 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 Whitsunday Islands Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Prosail Whitsundays From $485
10% Off- US$436You save $49
Journeys: Discover Australia National Geographic
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I am happy to travel with you.”
No, traveled in December
Duration 12 days Destinations Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Otway, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Sydney, Manly, Bondi Beach, CairnsSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From $7,269
25% Off- US$5,452You save $1,817
Duration 6 days Destinations Perth, Nambung National Park, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Kalbarri National Park, Monkey Mia Reserve, Denham, Shell Beach Conservation Park, Hamelin PoolSee all destinations Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator WA NT TOURS From
25% Off- US$3,225
Duration 21 days Destinations Sydney, Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Cairns, Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef, Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda, Magnetic Island, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $25,923
12% Off- US$22,802You save $3,121
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Whitsundays, Magnetic IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $3,525
15% Off- US$2,996+$338 upfront costsYou save $529
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."
















