ISail Whitsundays
ISail Whitsundays
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About
'ISail Whitsundays was founded by Luke Mairs in 2007 with one simple goal: To provide one of the best sailing trips of the Whitsunday Islands. Since then the business has grown and now 2 boats showcase Luke's genuine passion for sailing and love of all things aquatic. Everyone at ISail Whitsundays prides themselves on personalised service aboard quality boats. Each tour sails, visits Whitehaven Beach including Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkels in at least 2 of the best fringing coral reef locations. Sailing with a small group offers many advantages. Boats taking less than 13 guests are allowed full access to the marine park, meaning ISail's boats can visit the best whitsunday locations whilst avoiding the crowds. There are 2 boats within the company: The 14.9m long yacht Blizzard and the 14.2m long catamaran On Ice. ISail Whitsundays offers day charters and overnight tours. All tours depart and return via Northern Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach Queensland Australia.
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5.0
844 reviews
Excellent
758
Very good
45
Average
16
Poor
12
Terrible
13
InesSydney
1 contribution
Feb 2020
Our 3 days/ 2 nights sailing trip on the On Ice catamaran was a superb holiday experience around the Whitsundays. The scenery and locations we stopped at were simply stunning. Our crew (Luke as skipper and Mitch as host) were very experienced with the boat, area and menu. Mitch actually deserves a Michelin star as he really managed to prepare every dish or snack in a highly delightful and tasty way. Both, Luke and Mitch were entertaining guides and provided us with many interesting stories and information around the trip. Also, their “DJ skills” (spotify playlist) pleased everyone on board. The cabin (double bed with ensuite bathroom) was small, but comfy and provided everything one needs on a trip like that. I’m highly tempted to do the trip again (I could have easily stayed for a full week) and would highly recommend the tour to anyone looking for a relaxed vacation.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H922776
Gold Coast, Australia17 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Me and my partner had a grand time on the ‘On Ice’ catamaran trip. It wasn’t the best weather, very windy but it made it great for fast sailing. The food was outstanding, Chef Jules did a great job and looked after our every need. Highly recommend, we saw some big fish around the Whitsundays and my partner saw 2 sea turtles. Was fully booked but enough space for everyone. Had a great time swapping travel stories with the other couples. Luke did a amazing job as the skipper, he was full of knowledge. I’m very glad we did this trip, perfect way to see the islands. Highly recommend!
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lady Nyrose
Kelowna, Canada20 contributions
Jan 2020
Woiw! Don't think twice about booking this catamaran tour. We had the most amazing time on this boat, an experience of a lifetime. Travelling as a family with our two kids, aged 12 and 15, this sailing trip was the perfect choice for our adventure loving family. Our crew was OUTSTANDING - thank you Capt. Dave and First Mate, Cosmo for being the absolute best hosts. We learned so much about the region and the history of the Whitsundays, and we didn't even mind your jokes! The snorkeling spots were incredible. The food was delicious. The sleeping quarters are small (to be expected) but actually quite comfortable... the fans over each bed are very helpful. I really can't say enough wonderful things about his experience. We just loved every minute of it.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salim J
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We took the entice 3 days 2 nights tour. Luckily we was with a nice group of people who made the experience fun.
Alex was the skipper assisted by Jinny the chef.
Alex was a very experienced skipper with safety at the forefront. He lacked interpersonal skills to communicate with customers and make the trip fun. He wasn’t approachable and any questions where answered bluntly with short answers.
We fully understood from his briefing about using the water sparingly and 2 minute showers once a day . Jinny on day 2 questioned me about shower useage. We are 3 passengers and only one of us had a 2 minute shower in total. I felt very intimated. She also asked my sons to conserve water all they did was washing their hands.
The boat has no air conditioning so for 3 people to sleep in a tiny cabin was extremely challenging. It was impossible to breathe so two of us ended up sleeping on the deck.
Snorkelling was a great experience saw some decent coral, fish and turtles.
After dinner it was very boring as couldn’t play music .
As vegetarians the food was good and plentiful. Tea/coffee and snacks also very good.
The kayak experience never materialised.
Quality of wet suits and snorkelling gear was very good.
By the end of the trip we was all ready for a 30 minute power shower at our hotel.
Alex was the skipper assisted by Jinny the chef.
Alex was a very experienced skipper with safety at the forefront. He lacked interpersonal skills to communicate with customers and make the trip fun. He wasn’t approachable and any questions where answered bluntly with short answers.
We fully understood from his briefing about using the water sparingly and 2 minute showers once a day . Jinny on day 2 questioned me about shower useage. We are 3 passengers and only one of us had a 2 minute shower in total. I felt very intimated. She also asked my sons to conserve water all they did was washing their hands.
The boat has no air conditioning so for 3 people to sleep in a tiny cabin was extremely challenging. It was impossible to breathe so two of us ended up sleeping on the deck.
Snorkelling was a great experience saw some decent coral, fish and turtles.
After dinner it was very boring as couldn’t play music .
As vegetarians the food was good and plentiful. Tea/coffee and snacks also very good.
The kayak experience never materialised.
Quality of wet suits and snorkelling gear was very good.
By the end of the trip we was all ready for a 30 minute power shower at our hotel.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Salim,
Thanks for taking the time to review our trip and glad to here you had a fun experience with a nice group of people.
We provide feedback forms at the end of our tours. We keep a careful I on the data. Over 400 surveys Alex has averaged 4.9/5.0 from guests in the question relating to the skipper. We are sorry the crew did not meet your expectations on this tour.
It is true our vessels do not have air con night time temps in peak summer can be around 28c. However cabins have opening windows and fans. Aircon on a boat is nothing like household aircon. It means running a diesel motor the whole time which is noisy with fumes . I believe distracts from the experience .
Regulations also prevent boats running aircon generators from visiting some of the best parts of the marine park.
Regarding water usage the vessel caries 1000lt for 2 nights. In order for boats to be able to sail weight must be considered and and endless supply cannot be carried. I am sorry if the crew where overzealous with its conservation .
I will discuss this with them. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Australia ,
Written 12 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
George Hunter
8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We set off on January 9th 2020. Stayed the night in ‘shark ally’ where the waters were alive from 21:00 in the moonlight with splashing all around us!
The next day skipper Matt took is to Border Island where we had a trek up to the top where we had amazing views of Whitehaven beach. Then we went snorkelling in the outer reef around Border island. We saw all sorts of marine tropical fish!
Later that day we set off to Whitehaven where Skipper Matts assistant Summer took us on trail to the white beaches where we spent 3 hours, spectacular views and pools to explore and saw a green turtle!
Later that night we set the anchor at Chalkies beach. Next day we snorkelled again then paddle bordered on north Whitehaven beach.
The rest of the crew were great and easy to get on with.
Matt the skipper was full of knowledge and good company!
His assistant Summer was a very good cook and when needed very calm and knew what she was doing!
Highly recommend!
The next day skipper Matt took is to Border Island where we had a trek up to the top where we had amazing views of Whitehaven beach. Then we went snorkelling in the outer reef around Border island. We saw all sorts of marine tropical fish!
Later that day we set off to Whitehaven where Skipper Matts assistant Summer took us on trail to the white beaches where we spent 3 hours, spectacular views and pools to explore and saw a green turtle!
Later that night we set the anchor at Chalkies beach. Next day we snorkelled again then paddle bordered on north Whitehaven beach.
The rest of the crew were great and easy to get on with.
Matt the skipper was full of knowledge and good company!
His assistant Summer was a very good cook and when needed very calm and knew what she was doing!
Highly recommend!
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trip434184
Torquay, Australia6 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
We have been travelling around Australia for 12 months and this has been the absolute highlight of our trip so far (& the first review we have written). Our Skipper Julia and Deck Hand, Cam were amazing and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and having a great time. The islands, water sports, snorkelling, food & company were all next level and was great value for money!! We loved you could take BYO and the accommodation was really comfortable. Great for kids... our 10 year old had a ball and they really spoilt her. We are booking again for next year!! Can’t thank you enough Julia, Cam and ISail. Jo, Chris & Zara
Written 15 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daisy L
Vancouver, Canada6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had a fantastic voyage aboard the O’Nice and would highly recommend if you’re looking for a whitsunday tour that isn’t a booze cruise. We were fabulously looked after by Julia and Mitch who did an amazing job of creating a fun, chilled atmosphere as they showed us the sights. They were super knowledgable about the area and made sure everyone was getting what they wanted out of the trip. Even with an attack of the March flies trying to eat everyone alive they made it fun and went out of their way to make sure everyone was comfortable. There were 8 people on our trip which was the perfect size, with a social atmosphere and afternoons spent relaxing after a hard day’s play on the reef. If you’re trying to find a tour that isn’t full of drunk backpackers but still want to have fun and meet people, this is the tour for you!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elodie s
Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland27 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
We spent beautiful 2 days 2 nights on Entice with John and Cam. John drove us in stunning spots for sightseeing islands area, trailing, snorkelling, stand-up paddling and enjoying our time. We were 3 adults looking for a quiet, calm and eco-responsible cruise and we were really happy about our trip. First because we were a small group of 9 people, and because we went only on spots where nobody else was, or visited famous places early in the morning when day-tours are not there yet.
Cam took care of us amazingly and we ate very well (even with my sometimes annoying vegan requests). They looked after us with a lot of care, guiding, recommending, watching us during any activity for security. We really appreciated that.
We highly recommend!!!!! THANK YOU !!!!
Cam took care of us amazingly and we ate very well (even with my sometimes annoying vegan requests). They looked after us with a lot of care, guiding, recommending, watching us during any activity for security. We really appreciated that.
We highly recommend!!!!! THANK YOU !!!!
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip C
Truro District, UK24 contributions
Feb 2020
We had a fabulous 2 day and 2 night cruise of the Whitsundays with Skipper - Luke and Crew - Annie
The weather was good and they took us to some fabulous snorkelling spots as well as the iconic Whitehaven Beach and lookouts
The food that Annie prepared was amazing and plentiful and Luke clearly had a detailed knowledge of the islands and navigating around them. They were friendly and looked after us well.
There were plenty of water toys such as SUP boards, a kayak and snorkelling equipment available to use.
The boat, a 15 metre catamaran, was very comfortable and spacious with plenty of room for the 9 guests on our trip.
Thank you for a memorable 2 days.
Phil & Steph.
The weather was good and they took us to some fabulous snorkelling spots as well as the iconic Whitehaven Beach and lookouts
The food that Annie prepared was amazing and plentiful and Luke clearly had a detailed knowledge of the islands and navigating around them. They were friendly and looked after us well.
There were plenty of water toys such as SUP boards, a kayak and snorkelling equipment available to use.
The boat, a 15 metre catamaran, was very comfortable and spacious with plenty of room for the 9 guests on our trip.
Thank you for a memorable 2 days.
Phil & Steph.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bev185
Toronto, Canada19 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were 3 couples who did a 2 night 3 day cruise on the Entice catamaran in the Whitsundays and had an amazing time. Our captain Crispy was wonderful. He was informative, took us to great places where we swam, snorkelled and explored. His second mate Cam was great too. He made us delicious meals and was very attentive. They made the trip! We would definitely recommend this excursion!!
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have celiac disease and medically require a strict gluten free diet. Are special dietary needs accommodated?
Written 30 October 2023
I'm an older solo traveller and wondering how well Ice and Entice would work for me? My primary interest is snorkeling.
Written 12 March 2019
We are in our late 60’s and managed just fine. Easy to get in and out of boat and good equipment provided.
Written 5 July 2019
Hi - where is the best place to book the 3 day 2 nite trip ?
Also, we are thinking about Febuary 2017 - will we be able to swim and snorkel
in the water that time of year as I know theres stingers .
Want a fun adventure so what yacht would be suitable please ?
Written 18 September 2016
Hi Treeny,
Thanks for your question. You can book all our sailing adventures via phone 1300 414 419 or email, contact details are on our website. Selected travel agents can also book for you.
Irakandji Jellyfish can be found in asia/ pacific waters all year round. You are most likely to encounter these Oct-May. Wearing the provided suits protect against stings in the summer months. They also stop your back getting sunburnt.
We have 9 departures a week and which boat you book may depend on your schedule, availability and budget.
Private ensuite cabins aboard Blizzard or On Ice are the most comfortable option . Shared accommodation aboard Iceberg is the most budget friendly .
All trips are fun and adventurous we focus on , sailing, water activities and enjoying the whitsunday islands .
Written 19 September 2016
On the brochure it says that there's an option for a rendezvous scuba dive for $75, do we have to book this ahead of time? How long is this dive for and do we have to be PADI certified?
Written 7 June 2015
For a so called 'resort dive' no PADI, dive medical or other certificate is necessary. Sorry, you must have picked up an old brochure. As the dive boat doesn't operate regularly and every day anymore, we no longer offer the rendezvous dive option. We recommend to book a day dive trip from Airlie Beach or other town along the east coast of Australia. For a so called 'resort dive' no PADI, dive medical or other certificate is necessary.
Written 8 June 2015
ISail Whitsundays does not have a dedicated range of age, we had everyone aboard from 10 years to 80 years of age. Enjoyment of life out at sea and the physical ability to comfortably climb up and down a ladder is more important than a certain age. In general we average a 'younger crowd' for Iceberg and a 'more mature' clientele for On Ice. Please don't hesitate to contact ISail Whitsundays.
Written 18 April 2015
Chynna1020
Prince Albert, Canada
We would like to do an overnight sail....for 60 year olds...which one do you recommend? D
Written 17 April 2015
All of our tours take every one from 10 years old to 'mature ages' and we often have a fun mixed group aboard, ages wise and nationalities wise. The main requirement to is to bring along the physical fitness level to safely climb up and down a ladder. Please keep in mind that you will be on a small sailing boat and doing an adventure style tour.
Written 29 September 2015
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