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.
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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)
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)
- Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Learn To Dive)
- Great Barrier Reef Discovery Cairns → Cairns (2027)
- Ultimate Voyage: Indonesia, the Whitsundays & Tasmania
- Coral Coast Adventure Broome → Perth (2027)
- Kimberley Coastal Expedition Broome → Darwin (2027)
- Tasmanian Coastal Discovery Hobart → Hobart (2028)
- Essence of the Kimberley with Kimberley Coastal Expedition Cruise Darwin > Broome (2027) (from Darwin to Broome)
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had some glorious sunshine and some not so good weather but that added to the experience!”
Mary, traveled in July
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 $499
10% Off- US$449You 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 $2,775
10% Off- US$2,498+$545 upfront costsYou save $278
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
Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Learn To Dive)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great dive instructors.”
Duration 5 days Destinations Cairns Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From
13% Off- US$1,010+$65 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Cairns, Cooktown, Lizard Island, Ribbon Reefs, Fitzroy Island Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
13% Off- US$7,135+$500 upfront costs
Duration 37 days Destinations Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $49,498
19% Off- US$40,218You save $9,281
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
19% Off- US$10,205+$1,107 upfront costs
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."