Whitsundays Sail & Hike

Welcome to the Whitsundays! A subtropical paradise of picturesque islands, world famous beaches, stunning hikes and incredible snorkelling. After meeting your group at the check-in location, we’ll have the honour of an exclusive Welcome to Country ceremony, lead by one of the local Elders, before heading down to the boat and your home for the next 5 days. If we have enough wind, sit back as you watch the crew set the sails – it’s quite an impressive operation so don’t forget to cheer them on! After lunch on board, today’s hike will be one of the many trails on South Molle Island, the group of islands closest to the mainland. We have a few different choices depending on weather and tide conditions, but rest assured that no matter which we choose you can expect a gentle gradient of diverse landscapes, opening up to a peak of 360degrees overlooking the Whitsundays. After your hike enjoy a refreshing swim off the pier in Bauer Bay before returning to the boat for a delicious afternoon tea waiting for you, and you set sail to your first anchorage on the islands. Walking time: 1.5-2.5 hours

Meals:  L,D

Wake up for an early breakfast on board before getting ready to embark on your most challenging hike, the Whitsunday Peak, with a summit of 437m. This hike has a consistent incline that is quite steep in parts, but rewards you with incredible views at the peak overlooking the islands and fringing reef systems. A second viewpoint offers panoramic views overlooking the famous Hamilton Island, the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays. Return back to the boat for a well deserved lunch. Spend your afternoon snorkelling the underwater oasis of the fringing Great Barrier Reef, and soaking up the sun on an often private sand spit. Optional short walk at Langford Island (30 mins return). Walking time: approx 4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is something special! Spend the morning with a short walk to capture the incredible views of the famous swirling sands of Hill Inlet and some free time exploring the breathtaking Whitehaven Beach, voted best in the world. The white silica sands contrasting with the turquoise swirling ocean is a must-see at least once in your lifetime. After lunch back on board, we head to South Whitehaven where you will begin the Solway Circuit and Chance Bay hikes, complete with stunning views overlooking all 7kms of Whitehaven Beach and the surrounding islands. A longer but more gentle hike today with lots of foliage cover from the sun, approx. 9kms return. Have your eyes peeled to spot the resident yellow-spotted goannas! Walking time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a slower paced ocean-activities day. Spend the morning snorkelling nearby the South Whitehaven anchorage before heading to one of our favourite bays – Cateran Bay. Enjoy another beautiful snorkel here, go on a hunt to find nemo, and wonder in awe at the colours and diversity of the coral. After lunch enjoy free time on the beach and the very short walk to the Border Island lookout (1.5km return), before setting sail for Hook Passage, your final anchorage. Enjoy sunset from the beach with your group as you soak up your last evening on the islands.

Meals:  B,L,D

Wake up early to enjoy your coffee on the deck, in the peaceful quiet of Hook Passage as the sun begins to rise. After breakfast, journey through dry rainforest, open woodland, hoop pines and groves of giant grasstrees on this short but steep hike from Cairn Beach to the towering volcanic mass of the Whitsunday Cairn. Have your cameras ready to snap the last panoramic views of the islands before slowly making your way back down and returning to the boat. After lunch on board, enjoy a final sail home to the coastal sailing town of Airlie Beach where your tour sadly draws to a close – but not before exchanging details with all the wonderful people you’ve had the pleasure of spending the last 5 days with. What an incredible way to truly experience the Whitsunday Islands! Walking time: 3-4hrs

Meals:  B,L