Explore Whitsundays

Explore Whitsundays

Explore Whitsundays
4.4
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursWater SportsEco ToursStand Up Paddleboarding
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
We started operations with 1 yacht in 1985. Today Explore Whitsundays offers 17 different vessels that visit the Whitsunday Islands. From day tours up to 6-night liveaboards, deluxe island stay packages to backpacker accommodation. All Tours visit Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. The partners are Australian Tall Ship Cruises, Southern Cross Sailing, Prima, Eureka Sailing, Whitsunday Adventurer, Whitsunday Bullet. Feel free to contact us directly with any questions about the Whitsundays, the seasons, prices and specials! Welcome to Explore Whitsundays!
Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines

Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024

Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Travellers talk about

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.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.4
4.4 of 5 bubbles782 reviews
Excellent
573
Very good
84
Average
43
Poor
31
Terrible
51

Pam v
Calgary, Canada82 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
We were a party of 4 that had been travelling throughout Australia. We were in Australia for 7 weeks (still not enough time) and our catamaran trip with Whitsunday Getaway was a huge highlight. From the moment we set sail magic happened including the cessation of pouring rain that accompanied our boarding of the ship. (Not sure how the captain managed that!). Our captain was Isaac. Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the hostess, but both members of the crew were absolutely fantastic. Isaac set up the sails as often as he could and made sure he found the best places to snorkel. He was friendly, helpful, and engaged in creating the best experience he could for us. The hostess created the most delicious meals from a small galley. She was also pleasant and helpful, always with a smile. Both staff made us feel comfortable and at ease. Nothing can beat the experience of swimming and walking along Whitehaven Beach. We enjoyed some hikes and snorkeling. Even the booking process was simple. If I had any questions there was always a staff member answering the call and willing to answer any silly question I had. The only tip I would have is regarding the directions not to bring anything with zippers on board was confusing. On board we asked the hostess about it and she said it was mainly there to avoid bringing large suitcases on board but small backpacks are fine. The rule created confusion for us and one couple purchased small duffels for the trip unnecessarily. I would definitely recommend this trip. It was the perfect embellishment of our Australian adventure.
Written 6 May 2024
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.

Mary A
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Couples
This was an amazing experience. We did the two night / two day trip which was perfect for us. The boat was clean, well equipped, comfortable and the crew excellent. The skipper was really knowledgeable and made sure we had an unforgettable experience while keeping us safe. He got us to Whitsunday Island to see Whitehaven beach early in the morning, so we were there before anyone else - magical! Snorkelling on the reef was also magical. The host was welcoming, friendly, and so helpful, producing food that was fantastic and plentiful. They both worked hard to make sure we had a fantastic time. I would really recommend this experience.
Written 18 November 2024
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.

William S
Montreal, Canada28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
The trip was excellent. The Captain was very experienced and knowledgeable. Sara, the hostess/cook/Captain’s assistant was very pleasant and helpful. The food was plentiful, healthy and tasty including catering to lactose free and/or gluten free options.

Not the fault of the company, but for those who have never done this type of cruise be warned that the cabins are really tight.
Written 30 March 2024
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.

Gill P
Coventry, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2025 • Couples
We had the most fabulous time with Carl and Lucy looking after three couples on a three day, three night trip.
We swam, snorkelled, hiked, paddle boarded, sailed, caught a fish and got very wet.
This did not detract from us all having a wonderful experience on a good boat with great and plentiful food available.
Nothing was too much trouble and Carl tried to make this a unique experience by keeping us away from the crowds.
If you are willing to have a go at things and are happy to get on with complete strangers then this is a must do on the WetSundays!
Written 10 February 2025
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.

Patrol64
Melbourne, Australia23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
An amazing experience with SO many sights seen including the Whitsunday Island and beach! The crew and Catamaran were absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable as well as extremely experienced.
I surprised my husband with this trip for his 60th birthday knowing he is not a fan of water but he thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. The other 3 couples on the cat made for great company as well. Not once did we feel that we were in each others way or that there was little privacy. We had it all. Rooms on board were clean and comfortable as well!
Highly highly recommend!
Written 28 April 2024
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.

Patrik M
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
I was before never on a Sailboat. so this was another adventure. To sleep in a boat that is moving becouse of the wind and the waves, see billions of Stars on a black Sky. See beautiful Islands. To Snorkel on a coral reef. I like it.

The days bevore the Weater was very bad, moust of the tours were canceled.

When i go on the Sailboat we had from time to time Rain and strong winds. The Crew of the Prima tried to do the best to make a good tour altougt the weater was not the best.

It was great for me to sail with strong Wind. The boat leans on one side and you feel the wind in your hear. I love this feeling.

I really recomend seasickness pills. Some of our travelgroup were Seasick. For this People the Sailing part was a torture.

We go Sorkeling on a Coralreef, becouse of the Weater the view was not the best.

I recommend this trip to everyone who likes Beautiful Places.

I hope, that you can visit beautiful places and wish you save travels! :-)

For your safety:

Sunscreen 50

wear the Stingersuit oll time when you go into the Water. (Stingers are poisenous Jellyfish, in the worst they can kill you).

Recommended for your well-being:

Seasickness tablets (take one at least one hour bevore you get on the Ship, when you thake the tablet to late, they dont help).

Earplugs for the nigth

Sleepingmask for the eyes

Hat against the sun

Rainjacket

Swimmwear and tovel

when you not feel safe to swimm ask, they gave you a Poolnoodle
Written 18 March 2024
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.

Elizabeth J
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
Fantastic crew, Sam the skipper knew all the great snorkelling spots and calm overnight anchorages. He was great fun and friendly. Our meals were fantastic lots of variety served and cooked by Rachel who was always happy and obliging, nothing was ever too much trouble.
The boat was very comfortable for 4 couples all with ensuites. Plenty of room to spread out and move around.
I would highly recommend this crew and boat.
Written 24 October 2024
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.

Pmas1
Canberra, Australia38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Friends
Whitsunday Getaway 3 nights
Exceptional trip.
Sam and Sara were awesome and made the most of the windy weather by taking us to sheltered moorings. Their communication was excellent, keeping us informed and considering all our requests. They happily embraced our Spotify playlists and provided interesting and informative conversation.
The boat was well set up and comfortable.
The food was delicious and plentiful. The snorkelling was amazing- huge fish and beautiful coral. Thank you for making this such a wonderful experience.
Written 21 September 2024
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.

Coole leute
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Friends
Through the Solway our Whitsunday Trip has become unforgettable. Great team, very good food & unforgettable program! Our personal highlight that we will recommend to everyone without hesitation.

Solway Voyager 3D2N
Written 24 September 2024
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.

Trevor J
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
So much fun aboard our fully air-conditioned yacht 'Summer Jo'. Our 3 days & 3 nights were an amazing experience. Diving, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, swimming, all amazing. Getting off at Whitehaven beach and spending some time there (stunning). The skipper (Turtle) and crew on board were the best. So knowledgeable. Food was excellent. And our Queen cabin suited the new wife & I perfectly. The singles seemed to love it just as much as we did too. Highly recommend this trip.
Written 13 April 2024
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.

Showing results 1-10 of 752
*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.

Explore Whitsundays (2025) - All You MUST Know Before You Go (with Reviews)

All Airlie Beach HotelsAirlie Beach Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Airlie BeachHotels near Explore Whitsundays
All things to do in Airlie Beach
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars