Multi-day Tours
3 days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 15 days in advance
Recommended by 91% of travellers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$959
per adult
Whitsundays Sailing Adventures
Whitsundays Sailing Adventures
Whitsundays Sailing Adventures
4.5
Multi-day ToursScuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursEco ToursKayaking & Canoeing
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Whitsundays Sailing Adventures (WSA) offers the most diverse range of quality crewed sailing and diving tours in the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Our fleet of owner operators have a high focus on crew standards, fantastic food, personalized service and a truly individual and unique experience. We have a variety of tours starting with day trips followed by a longer duration of overnight tours from 2 day 1 night, 2 day 2 night through to 3 day 2 night; there are plenty of choices available to you. You can spoil yourself with a bit of diversity and combine a few of our products together for a more unique experience or even grab a group of friends and organize a private charter on one of our vessels. Whitsundays Sailing Adventures brands are Multi Award winners in Adventure & Eco Tourism. All our members are proud and active members of the Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association (WCBIA).
Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
992 reviews
Excellent
820
Very good
86
Average
34
Poor
24
Terrible
28
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Debi H
United Kingdom2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Travelled as a family 12y and 21y with Ricardo and Noelle being amazing hosts. Liked that the owner was there to welcome us on board and again on our return, provided great vegetarian food which was lovely. Highlights the stars and sunset, stingrays dolphins and turtles, Ricardo let my son assist with the sailing and Noelle was so helpful with the other family on board whom had much younger children, finally the time on Whitehaven beach wasn’t rushed appreciated a night at sea, would highly recommend
Written 6 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.
Cheryl S
Sydney, Australia38 contributions
June 2021 • Family
We celebrated my daughters 21’st on Powerplay. The crew Chris and Annie were fantastic and sailing around the islands was a great way to see some of the most beautiful locations, in a relaxing way. Waking up to sunrises and the smell of eggs and bacon cooking and watching the sunset with sundowners was amazing. Days were spent snorkelling and on beautiful beaches. Everyone young snd old, loved every moment and highly recommend this trip for any celebrations.
Written 18 July 2021
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.
Thank you for celebrating such a milestone with us! We are so happy to hear you all had a fantastic time and got to do so many activities! We hope we get to see you back someday soon :)
Written 6 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pauline TDLC
16 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
A 2 days, 1 night trip on the Summertime: 18 people so not crowded, a calm but intense stay.
First day : 3 hours on Whitehaven beach which is just amazing, such beautiful different shades of blue, never saw that before!
Second day : kayaking then snorkeling. Got to see rays, turtles... the activities were really nice. Not too quick, not too difficult, very well organized, good spirit.
The crew, Daniel and Damien, were really nice, friendly and responsible. Food is good and you have got plenty of it.
I recommend this trip, thanks again for this good moment.
First day : 3 hours on Whitehaven beach which is just amazing, such beautiful different shades of blue, never saw that before!
Second day : kayaking then snorkeling. Got to see rays, turtles... the activities were really nice. Not too quick, not too difficult, very well organized, good spirit.
The crew, Daniel and Damien, were really nice, friendly and responsible. Food is good and you have got plenty of it.
I recommend this trip, thanks again for this good moment.
Written 17 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.
Dorien M
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Visiting the Whitsundays islands is certainly worthwhile, but we did not experience the tour itself as positive.
We left Airlie beach with wind force 6 and we (all passengers) were placed at the front of the boat, while the crew sat inside the cabin. This is where they spent most of the rest of the tour. We received no information about the tour, for example about the duration of this bumpy ride and any further instructions. The friendliness of the crew was hard to find during the two days. There was a lot of shouting, short responses or even no response at all. During the two-hour kayak tour we received no information about the coast we were sailing along and were only shouted at when we went the wrong way. The food on board was fine and of good quality for a multi-day boat trip. The boat is old and very primitive. There are narrow benches to sit on and there are also four bean bags (for 16 people), which look sagging and dirty. In the morning we were woken up for breakfast in an unfriendly and shouting manner. We thought the surroundings and nature of the Whitsundays were beautiful, but would not recommend this trip. An authentic boat and the weather conditions cannot be influenced, but for the amount paid you can at least expect friendly staff.
We left Airlie beach with wind force 6 and we (all passengers) were placed at the front of the boat, while the crew sat inside the cabin. This is where they spent most of the rest of the tour. We received no information about the tour, for example about the duration of this bumpy ride and any further instructions. The friendliness of the crew was hard to find during the two days. There was a lot of shouting, short responses or even no response at all. During the two-hour kayak tour we received no information about the coast we were sailing along and were only shouted at when we went the wrong way. The food on board was fine and of good quality for a multi-day boat trip. The boat is old and very primitive. There are narrow benches to sit on and there are also four bean bags (for 16 people), which look sagging and dirty. In the morning we were woken up for breakfast in an unfriendly and shouting manner. We thought the surroundings and nature of the Whitsundays were beautiful, but would not recommend this trip. An authentic boat and the weather conditions cannot be influenced, but for the amount paid you can at least expect friendly staff.
Written 30 October 2023
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.
fisher1962
Sydney Australia238 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Yeah…. Na
We did the 3 night 4 day on the blizzard. Older boat but big enough. An extra toilet would not have gone astray as 3 crew and 6 passengers were using one. Comfortable enough. Good food. Plenty of it. Crew very pleasant. Captain very aloof to the point of being arrogant. Not a chatty person or a tour guide but that’s ok, his job was to sail the boat not socialise although he did a bit too much socialising on the first night….Lucky though on our last day he was at the helm as the swells were huge on the way back into Airlie and then the steering snapped so lucky he was very capable.
We did the 3 night 4 day on the blizzard. Older boat but big enough. An extra toilet would not have gone astray as 3 crew and 6 passengers were using one. Comfortable enough. Good food. Plenty of it. Crew very pleasant. Captain very aloof to the point of being arrogant. Not a chatty person or a tour guide but that’s ok, his job was to sail the boat not socialise although he did a bit too much socialising on the first night….Lucky though on our last day he was at the helm as the swells were huge on the way back into Airlie and then the steering snapped so lucky he was very capable.
Written 26 August 2022
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.
TripMember08092011
55 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I went on the two night tour on Powerplay. Despite the weather at times Joey and Izzy were amazing and ensured we all had the very best time. The food prepared by Izzy was fantastic in such a tiny kitchen and Joey took us to the best places including stunning sunset spots and great stargazing spots of the Milky Way. We even had dolphins come up to the boat at night, highly recommended if you want a relaxed tour of the Whitsundays with an awesome crew.
Written 7 August 2023
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.
Thank you for sharing your experience while out on Powerplay. Pretty exciting to have the dolphins come up for a visit and there are just so many beautiful places to see and visit in the Whitsundays.
Written 15 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
manuela r
Muelheim an der Ruhr, Germany357 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Ole sailing shop, must reneuwed Very urgent
Double beds See Horror. To little space for 2 Person, you Cant move or dir in the bei, Otherwise you hier the head. Its stinky, My bed gut wet during the night.
To less space for everyone if its Raining.
Food was Perfect. WE had jessi aß Skipper and aimie as Assistent.
Snorkling staff ok.
I mess that someone comes with everyone for snorkeling. Netter for Safty.
Only dir people who absolutly Don't expected comfort
Double beds See Horror. To little space for 2 Person, you Cant move or dir in the bei, Otherwise you hier the head. Its stinky, My bed gut wet during the night.
To less space for everyone if its Raining.
Food was Perfect. WE had jessi aß Skipper and aimie as Assistent.
Snorkling staff ok.
I mess that someone comes with everyone for snorkeling. Netter for Safty.
Only dir people who absolutly Don't expected comfort
Written 31 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.
Thank you for sailing with us on Summertime and thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
Most of our guests say that their time on board Summertime was the highlight of their trip. They pick her because she is a classic ole timber vessel that has been lovingly restored and maintained, so I'm very sorry to hear your review.
Unfortunately these vessels are not cruise liners and the bunks are comfortable but smaller so they are great for sleeping but not so much if you want to sit upright or stand on your bunk. We do have a private cabin with more room for guests that require a little more space.
I am sorry to hear that it was raining on your trip, as summer tends to be our wet season the weather can be unpredictable.
Your trip was not full and I understand the crew had you placed in a bunk up the front of the boat. However they were happy to move you to the back at your request, to the bunk beside the bathrooms. This may be why you found it stinky. While they are regularly cleaned and sanitised some guests neglect to use the air freshener spray after use.
We are happy you found the food perfect, as all our meals are prepared fresh on board.
The captain stays with all the snorkelers and provides constant surface watch and assistance. Anyone not comfortable in the water is always provided with a pool noodle or life jacket. There are no net enclosures around the reefs in the Whitsundays, however the mainland has some netted beaches if that's where you prefer to swim.
As far as comfort Summertime is one of the best in the Whitsundays, with large cushioned deck seats, large canopy for sun and rain protection, hot tub on the back deck, and four large split unit air conditioners that run 24hrs a day. She is not a cruise liner but she is a very comfortable sailing ketch that offers a fantastic 2 day 1 night cruise.
I hope the rest of your travels are great and live up to all your dreams and expectations.
Written 10 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Georgia H
6 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
VERY RECOMMENDED. We went on the boat summertime in mid may 2023 and don’t have a bad word to say about it. Had 2 days and 1 night and the crew made the whole time incredible. Weren't bored for a second. Sleeping was completely fine for us but could be different based on weather conditions. Food was amazing and catered well for veggies as-well as meat eaters. The whole experience is definitely something I would do again and recommend to everyone!!!
Written 14 May 2023
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.
Thank you! We are so happy you had a great trip :)
Written 18 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
darrens793
Brisbane, Australia68 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
4 days on the Blizzard with crew Sam and Nicko. What an adventure, I cannot praise these guys enough they looked after everyone so thoroughly whether on the boat or snorkelling. Places visited were beautiful and all different. Food on board was varied and delicious.
Written 27 March 2022
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.
Thank you for the lovely review. Sam and Nicko really are the best and we will be sure to pass along your kind words to them and the owner of the vessel.
Written 1 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathtea
2 contributions
July 2022
We just completed an excellent 2 night/2 day sailing experience on the O'Nice with David and Jas. David was a brilliant captain, who knew the best locations to visit in every weather condition. We really felt we got the best value and experience, given some of the wintery challenges. He's an asset to the company. Jas was also a great deck hand/steward and her cooking was great. The O'Nice is a great vessel with comfortable cabins.
Written 28 July 2022
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, I am keen to book a private cabin for two on the Waltzing Matilda - is the option to book on tripadvisor for a private cabin or shared space?
Written 18 January 2020
Res C
Airlie Beach, Australia
Hi XN Z,
Thank you for your enquiry.
As Waltzing Matilda only has one private cabin onboard, we do sell her on request only.
If you have anymore questions, please feel free to email us
Written 20 January 2020
Hi, are the trips suitable for pregnant women? I will be 4 months when I am there (September). Any trip recommended? I am mostly interested in 1 or 2 night stay...
Written 11 August 2019
Res C
Airlie Beach, Australia
Hi Icinka,
Congratulations on your pending arrival.
We have a variety of tours that cater to any demographic, all our tours offer snorkelling and light bushwalks to Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach - you can be as active or inactive as you like.
Depending on your budget and travelling companion - we have our 2d/1n Tallship 'Alexander Stewart' or if you want a special babymoon with your partner then have a look at 'Whitsunday Getaway' that takes only 4 couples in four private ensuited cabins. If you would like more help, please feel free to email us
Written 12 August 2019
Where is the best place to view unbleached GBR? From Port Douglas? Arlie beach? Hamilton Island? Are there glass bottom boat or submarine tours during stinger season? Should we consider including 2 locations-Port Douglas and Arlie beach. We'd love to see Whitehaven Beach. Thanks!
Written 5 August 2019
Res C
Airlie Beach, Australia
Hi Nancy,
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres.
If you do want to view the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays from above, small scenic flights offer experiences to fly over 'Heart Reef' and Whitehaven Beach. Stinger season is technically from October to March, if you do chose an overnight sailing tour, you will be provided with a full length snorkel suit which will protect you whilst snorkelling, these are also good for sun protection and helps reduce excess sunscreen entering the reef and affecting the coral.
Whitehaven Beach is magical and all our overnight tours offer to take you to Hill Inlet to check out the swirly sands, we also spend a few hours on Whitehaven Beach where you get to feel the cold soft silica sand under you're feet.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate in contacting us.
Hope to see you soon.
Written 5 August 2019
Hi we are visiting Arlie beach November 19, we are on a tight schedule so may not have time for overnight sail. Can you please tell me about the full day sailing trip. I understand we visit Hamilton Island and Whitehaven, we don't want to feel rushed and want to enjoy some relaxation etc. Is this trip suitable for our needs?
Thank you
Written 18 June 2019
Res C
Airlie Beach, Australia
Hi David,
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and we are apart of the Whitsunday region.
Our Tallship 'Derwent Hunter' departs daily from Airlie Beach. Derwent Hunter is one of Australia’s most revered vessels that has a remarkable history spanning over 70 years.
You get to set sail for the reef adventure of a lifetime with our timber Tallship Derwent Hunter, sailing around the sheltered waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Enjoy hands on traditional sailing or you can kick back and relax on our large shaded decks.
This full day tour explores the northern islands of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the Whitsundays. Visit uninhabited islands such as Langford Island and Bali Hai, enjoy lunch, explore secluded island beaches, snorkel straight off the beach on beautiful coral reefs and swim with an abundance of turtles, colourful tropical fish and a multitude of corals.
If you would like more information on our tours, please feel free to message us.
Written 20 June 2019
Hi,
Are you guaranteed to visit Whitehaven Beach on your 2 day sailing trips? I understand cancellation takes place if the weather is bad so would assume this is the only time you don’t visit Whitehaven beach too.
Thanks,
Written 23 October 2018
Res C
Airlie Beach, Australia
Good Afternoon Rora,
Unfortunately we are not able to "guarantee" you will see Whitehaven Beach because there maybe some unforeseen circumstance which may occur which would prevent this from happening. This will be the same with every company in the Whitsundays. I can tell you though that going to the beautiful Whitehaven Beach is one of the highlights on our trips and generally the only time this may become a problem is if we have very, very strong northerly winds (not limited to). It is not that often this would affect the itinerary however it can happen.
All of our boats have no set itinerary as they need to work with the winds, tide and weather which presents itself at the time.
I hope this helps and we see you in the beautiful Whitsundays soon!
Written 25 October 2018
Hi, Do you have any recomendation for 3-4 days sailing trips @ great barrier? We only snorkel.
Br,
Marcel
Written 2 August 2018
Res C
Airlie Beach, Australia
Hi Marcel,
Thank you for your enquiry. We only have 1 x 3day/2night trip and that is on Kiana. Even though this is our dive boat, you are welcome to just snorkel for the trip.
Written 4 August 2018
Hi I will be going to the Whitsundays in May and looking into doing a sailing trip. Do the sailboats have outlet ports to charge electronics and blow dryers?
Written 8 April 2018
Res C
Airlie Beach, Australia
Hi,
Thank you for your question.
We do have the option to charge electronic devices onboard however this is not always available, particularly when the boat is under sail.
Due to the power onboard being supplied from a generator we are unable to power such things as blow dryer.
Hope to you see you in the beautiful Whitsundays!
:-) WSA
Written 10 April 2018
Hola , somos 5 adultos que llegamos en avión a Proserpine el martes 5 de Diciembre a las 11.50 am y regresamos el viernes 8 de Diciembre a las 9.15 am. Querríamos alojarnos y hacer un cucero durante este tiempo. ¿Nos pueden recomendar algo? Mi nombre es Luis M. Elias Un saludo y muchas gracias
Written 2 November 2017
Res C
Airlie Beach, Australia
Hi Luis, if you send us an email, I can send you through some options of sailing tours in the Whitsundays.
Written 11 November 2017
Are tips expected by the crew? If so, how much do you/should you tip? (any estimate will do)
Written 29 June 2017
We didnt tip but were invited to a get together after the trip in the local at the Marina..we didnt go ... maybe people bought drinks??? All the crew asked for is that we write reiviews.
Written 21 July 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.