To explore The Whitsunday's and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The professional crew eliminate any stress with their local knowledge of the area and will guide you around the World Heritage Listed Whitsundays. Whether you want to sail, dive, snorkel, explore or simply relax the Operator has the ideal vessel for you.

The Operator is unique in that it is a co-operative of yacht owners who own and operate their own vessels and to this day often still skipper them. This guarantees high standards of vessel presentation, personalised service and a truly individual and unique experience. The fleet includes catamarans, tall ships, luxury vessels and a variety of racing and cruising sloops offering a unique sailing experience for the budget, moderate and deluxe traveller. The vessels are grouped into 8 categories, plus the Whitsunday Marine Academy which offers internationally recognised recreational and professional sail training.

The Operator prides itself on the fact the Operator has no set itineraries. Departing daily from Airlie Beach the top priority is Whitehaven Beach and famous coral reefs however the Operator takes guest requests into consideration to ensure everyone on board enjoys their holiday. Each vessel offers a choice of single and double berths, with several offering private cabins with ensuites as well as airconditioning. Vessels are also available on private charter and the Operator specialises in group bookings with the ability to offer many options and additional activities to suit each group’s interests and budget.

Experience Snorkeling
The Whitsunday Islands are a snorkelling paradise with coral gardens, warm crystal blue waters that are clear enough to see every subtle colour on coral or a fish's tail. Throughout your sailing cruise you will journey amongst the 74 Whitsunday Islands, snorkel over some of the 3,000 reefs on the continental shelf, swim amongst the 400 different types of coral and meet around 1,500 species of marine life including many turtles, dolphins and much more. The Operator even has the humpback whales visit the Whitsundays from July to September.

The Operator operates in one of the most beautiful nature preserves in the world. Everything you see and do is dependent on the good health of the environment. Please respect the marine and national parks in

which the Operator operates and take care to have minimal impact on the areas you visit. By doing so you help ensure it may be shared with others in the future.

EQUIPMENT: Snorkel equipment is included in the trip and stinger suits available to hire. All the vessels carry floating devices so even if you can't swim there is no reason why you can't see the amazing underwater world teaming with marine life.

Experience Diving
The Operator accommodates the demand for scuba diving on the range of live aboard sailing vessels. Participate in an introductory (minimum 20 minutes) or certified scuba dive aboard your chosen yacht on one of the scheduled departures or private charters.

Please note: A dive medical may be required from a local Doctor before you will be permitted to participate in diving activities.

ISLAND DIVING: Experience first hand what diving the Whitsundays Islands is all about? Sheltered coral reefs, challenging swim throughs, massive coral structures and overhangs with amazing fish tropical life, turtles, mantarays and gropers. Many of the fish are tame and will swim right up to inspect you at the same time as you being in awe of them! The Whitsundays are the best place for your first scuba experience with easy beach entries. The shallow water around the islands provides an excellent teaching ground.

OUTER REEF DIVING: Beyond the islands and their fringing coral reef lays the outer Great Barrier Reef and together they provide some of the most incredible snorkelling and diving you will ever experience. Cruise to the outer barrier reef, some 2-3 hours beyond the islands and witness the spectacular marine life. The vessels and crew will ensure that even first time divers feel safe and are able to enjoy the splendor of the magnificent coral reefs. 

This opportunity is unique to the Operator. Passengers who book this option participate in all the daily activities but at night enjoy the privacy of sleeping ashore at the secluded island camping locations.

Available on:
Derwent Hunter

What is Supplied:
All camping gear is supplied including a two man tent, double blow up matress, linen, sleeping bag, pillows and a torch. A crew member will stay on land with guests and they will endeavour to stay at campsites with ammenities.

What to Bring:
Warm clothes in winter, insect repellent and appropriate footware.

Exploring in the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays consists of 74 islands - only eight of which are inhabited. They are surrounded by one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. This magic region will have you spellbound - pristine beaches, lush rainforests and dazzling waterways, in fact there are so many reasons why the Whitsundays is known as one of the greatest aquatic playgrounds on earth.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the largest, most complex and diverse coral reef system in the world. It is made up of coral reefs, coral cays and islands, stretching along the Queensland coast from Cape York to Bundaberg. The Marine Park also includes seagrass, mangroves, sand, algal and sponge gardens, inter-reefal communities and other habitats, and many rare and endangered species. This underwater world makes for the best exploring above and below the water.

Whether you choose to bush walk, scuba dive or sail, there are a myriad of ways to explore the Whitsundays.  Snorkel at Blue Pearl Bay where you will discover some of most amazing coral reefs and tropical fish in the Whitsundays. Dive the outer reef and explore the amazing coral.  Walk along Whitehaven Beach's silica sand or kayak in turtle breeding grounds where you are sure to see one pop up.  However you choose to spend your holiday the Operator will help you explore idyllic worlds that no cruise ship can.

Experience Bushwalking
The region is a bounty of national parks great for the most serious of bushwalkers whilst the long stretches of silica sand on Whitehaven Beach caters for those who prefer to take relaxing strolls.

The Operator will take you to Tongue Bay where you will take a walk to one of the most famous lookouts in the World, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. The view will take your breath away. Crystal blue water, pure white sand and lush green islands make up the most magnificant view. Picture perfect holiday snaps just like a postcard.

A lookout highlighting the islands of the Whitsundays, can also be found at Spion Kop, South Molle Island. On islands without tracks, beach walking and rock hopping along the rocky coastline can provide an introduction to much of the island’s flora and fauna.

The Whitsundays include more than 74 continental islands that were once part of the adjacent mainland. National park status has been given wholly or in part to most of these islands. More than 96 percent of the 30000ha of wooded hills, rocky headlands and shingle beaches are managed to protect a range of values including fauna, flora, water quality and the scenic integrity. The waterways and beaches surrounding the islands are marine park‚ and fall within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Whitsunday's Weather

Tropical Climate
Situated at 20ºS Lat and 148ºE Long, the welcoming tropical climate of the Whitsundays rivals that of Fiji, Tahiti and the Bahamas.

Mean annual temperatures of 27ºC and a minimum of 21ºC and an estimated average of 8.25 Hours of Sunshine per day, ensure an attractive year-round climate.

Water temperatures remain a welcoming 25 degrees celsius all year round.

The tropical wet season occurs during January to March when days can be steamy and the summer heat is often broken by tropical showers.

Temperature (°C)

Average Rainfall (mm)

 
What to Bring & What's Included

What to Bring

• A sense of fun and adventure!
• BYO drinks on non-licensed vessels (no glass bottles please)
• Beach towel, bathing suit and sunhat
• Practical clothing, footwear & sunscreen (min. 30+)
• Camera, batteries (+ film or memory cards)
• Please put all items in a small soft bag!  

What's Included

•  All fantastic meals prepared on board
•  Fresh linen
•  Free use of snorkelling equipment

FAQs

Getting to the Whitsundays

By Air:
To Whitsunday Coast Airport and then take "Whitsunday Transit" coach (own expense) to Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. Alternatively, fly to Hamilton Island Airport and take the Blue Ferries (own expense) to Shute Harbour, then take the Whitsunday Transit coach into Airlie Beach. Island Air Taxis also offer a beautiful scenic connecting flight from Hamilton Island to the Whitsunday Coast Airport, from which its just a short taxi fare to Airlie Beach.

Virgin Blue services Whitsunday Coast airport with 1 direct flight per week on Saturdays from Sydney, and daily flights direct from Brisbane. www.virginblue.com.au

Jetstar airlines service Hamilton Island airport, with direct flights daily from Sydney and Brisbane. Jetstar also services Whitsunday Coast airport, with direct flights daily from Brisbane and twice per week direct from Sydney. www.jetstar.com.au

By Coach:
A number of express coach companies offer multiple daily services from most major cities to Airlie Beach, Whitsunday's. See www.greyhound.com.au and www.premierms.com.au.  Oz Experience has a number of great packages to show you the highlights of Australia. See www.ozexperience.com for further information on packages.

By Car:
Driving south from Cairns and north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway, turn off at Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) and follow the signs 26 km to Airlie Beach.

By Rail:
Whitsunday Coast (26km inland of Airlie Beach) is the rail link to the Whitsundays and Queensland Rail operate regular services. The new high-speed tilt train services the Whitsunday region. Call 13 22 32 for further information.

Meals / Allergies
The Operator has a great menu for you, however the Operator does need to be informed at Check-in if you have special dietary requirements. If you have any medical conditions/food allergies please advise at booking and again at Check-in.

Is there any water on the boat?
Yes, all the vessels have fresh tap water suitable for drinking. If you prefer bottled water you can purchase this on board most vessels. Remember to drink at least 2 litres of water per person per day!

Do I need to bring my own drinks?
Most vessels are BYO (Bring your own) alcohol, soft drinks, spring water, juice and chocolates. In some cases the vessels have a licenced bar on board which sell alcoholic and soft drinks at very reasonable prices and it is a legal requirement that alcohol is not brought on board by guests. Please check the vessel information for details.

Do I need a sleeping bag?
No, fresh linen is provided on all cruises and some vessels even provide bathroom towels. Check in will let you know if your vessel does. Blankets are available in the cooler months.

Can I have my own cabin?
Yes you can have your own cabin, just look for one of the vessels with this option, some with their own private facilities.

Are there jellyfish in the water?
Stinger Season in the Whitsundays runs every year from October through to May. During this period, jellyfish can be found in the waters around the mainland, islands and have occasionally been found out on the reef. It is worth taking some simple precautions so that you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

The Operator highly reccommends wearing stinger suits all year round, some vessels make it compulsory for the safety of the guests. Not only are they for safety but they keep you warm in the water, act as sun protection and are a great aid for buoyancy while snorkelling. These can be supplied.

Whitsundays Sailing Adventures Rental Terms

Important information about your voyage
Prior to departure you will be required to sign a rental agreement with the operators of this vessel. Here is a summary of the terms and conditions:

Definitions
The following definitions apply for the Terms and Conditions for this vessel.
-  The Supplier or Operator means the operator who supplies this vessel to you on arrival.
-  The Client is also referred to as the renter (s) or hirer (s)

Ticket Terms
Terms and Conditions: All prices are in Australian dollars and are inclusive of GST and  National Park, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park entry fees and administration fees. Any additional hire equipment is payable on arrival. There is a 2.2% surcharge for credit card purchases.

Prices for this vessel are based on multi-share accommodation unless otherwise specified and include professional skipper and host, all meals, live-aboard accommodation, and use of snorkel equipment. Prices do not include airfares. Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst every effort is made to safeguard guests, the Operator cannot be responsible for any damage, personal injury or loss due to the actions of passengers that are beyond control. All cruises are subject to weather and the Operator's discretion.

Cancellations:
The initial deposit paid is non-refundable. In addition to forfeiting your deposit, the following charges also apply:

Cancellations made less than 24 days before departure will result in complete forfeiture of full price. The Operator reserves the right to substitute vessels without notice at any time for any reason. The Operator recommends you take out travel insurance.

At certain times of year ‘Dangerous’ jellyfish inhabit these waters and passengers should take care for their own safety. Passengers entering the water do so at their own risk and the owners or operators of the vessel will not be liable for any personal injury, illness, death or any other consequences whatsoever of passengers being stung by jellyfish’. To minimise this risk the Operator recommends that you wear a full length protective ‘Stinger Suit’ while swimming and snorkelling during the cruise. These are provided for hire either at check in or aboard the vessel. You will need to allow $10-$15 in hire fees in the season. Dive prices are subject to change but are correct at time of printing.

Medical Requirements For Divers
To ensure your comfort and safety when diving, it is a requirement that you read the following questions carefully. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you will be required to obtain a Diver’s Medical Certificate. This certificate must be presented to your dive instructor prior to entering the water.

• Do you currently have an ear infection?
• Are you currently suffering from a cold, congestion, sinusitis or bronchitis?
• Have you had a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or history of chest surgery?
• Do you have active asthma or history of emphysema or tuberculosis?
• Are you currently taking medication that carries a warning about any impairment of your physical or mental abilities?
• Do you have behavioral health problems or a nervous system disorder?
• Are you or could you be pregnant?
• Are you over 45 and have a family history of heart attack or stroke?
• Ear disease, hearing loss or problems with balance? Ear or sinus surgery?
• Respiratory problems, severe attack of hayfever or allergies, or lung disease?
• Colostomy?
• Heart disease or heart attack, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery?
• High blood pressure, angina, or take medication to control blood pressure?
• Bleeding or other blood disorders?
• Diabetes?
• Seizures, blackouts or fainting, convulsions or epilepsy or take medications to prevent them?
• Back, arm or leg problems following an injury, fracture or surgery?
• Fear of closed or open spaces or panic attacks (claustrophobia or agoraphobia)?

A doctor's medical certificate may be required for some medical conditions & without this you will not be able to dive.

Prices are per person in Australian dollars and are subject to change.

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.

On departure day, before you commence your trip, you may be required to sign a rental agreement (in the case of boat charters) with the supplier of the vessel. Your rental and use of the vessel will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vessel. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.

While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vessel. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.

Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Booking information
To make a booking, you must complete our no-obligations reservations enquiry form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you via phone or email, to advise of availability and confirm the final price is correct - and discuss payment options. A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation notice and at this stage the deposit is processed on your credit card and becomes non-refundable and any cancellation fees stated in the terms apply. Upon receipt of your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date.

Please note we accept Visa and Mastercard and the credit card fees are: 
1) 1.75% for the deposit amount.
2) 1.75% for the balance of payment.

If you are booking via phone, please first make sure you have read the terms and conditions of your selected sailing adventure. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure
In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental, trip or charter services.

Amendments
Please check the terms of each vessel to see whether amendment fees apply. Please also note that for some vessels an amendment is treated as a new booking and the rate current at the time the amendment is made to recalculate the entire booking amount (not just the days changed). In the case of boat rental/yacht charter, if the hire or number of days is increased, an additional deposit may be required, while reduction in rental periods or price may reduce the total, but the deposit amount will remain unchanged.

Vessel Capacity and fitness to charter (for Bareboats only)
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vessel you charter is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of passengers allowed is indicated next to each vessel on this website. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A boat or trip supplier can refuse to hire a vessel to any person who is in their opinion unfit to skipper or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.

Whitsundays Sailing Adventures Rental Terms for travel between 01-Jan-2008 and 31-Mar-2011

Important information about your voyage
Prior to departure you will be required to sign a rental agreement with the operators of this vessel. Here is a summary of the terms and conditions:

Definitions
The following definitions apply for the Terms and Conditions for this vessel.
-  The Supplier or Operator means the operator who supplies this vessel to you on arrival.
-  The Client is also referred to as the renter (s) or hirer (s)

Ticket Terms
Terms and Conditions: All prices are in Australian dollars and are inclusive of GST and  National Park, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park entry fees and administration fees. Any additional hire equipment is payable on arrival. There is a 2.2% surcharge for credit card purchases.

Prices for this vessel are based on multi-share accommodation unless otherwise specified and include professional skipper and host, all meals, live-aboard accommodation, and use of snorkel equipment. Prices do not include airfares. Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst every effort is made to safeguard guests, the Operator cannot be responsible for any damage, personal injury or loss due to the actions of passengers that are beyond control. All cruises are subject to weather and the Operator's discretion.

Cancellations:
The initial deposit paid is non-refundable. In addition to forfeiting your deposit, the following charges also apply:

Cancellations made less than 24 days before departure will result in complete forfeiture of full price. The Operator reserves the right to substitute vessels without notice at any time for any reason. The Operator recommends you take out travel insurance.

At certain times of year ‘Dangerous’ jellyfish inhabit these waters and passengers should take care for their own safety. Passengers entering the water do so at their own risk and the owners or operators of the vessel will not be liable for any personal injury, illness, death or any other consequences whatsoever of passengers being stung by jellyfish’. To minimise this risk the Operator recommends that you wear a full length protective ‘Stinger Suit’ while swimming and snorkelling during the cruise. These are provided for hire either at check in or aboard the vessel. You will need to allow $10-$15 in hire fees in the season. Dive prices are subject to change but are correct at time of printing.

Medical Requirements For Divers
To ensure your comfort and safety when diving, it is a requirement that you read the following questions carefully. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you will be required to obtain a Diver’s Medical Certificate. This certificate must be presented to your dive instructor prior to entering the water.

• Do you currently have an ear infection?
• Are you currently suffering from a cold, congestion, sinusitis or bronchitis?
• Have you had a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or history of chest surgery?
• Do you have active asthma or history of emphysema or tuberculosis?
• Are you currently taking medication that carries a warning about any impairment of your physical or mental abilities?
• Do you have behavioral health problems or a nervous system disorder?
• Are you or could you be pregnant?
• Are you over 45 and have a family history of heart attack or stroke?
• Ear disease, hearing loss or problems with balance? Ear or sinus surgery?
• Respiratory problems, severe attack of hayfever or allergies, or lung disease?
• Colostomy?
• Heart disease or heart attack, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery?
• High blood pressure, angina, or take medication to control blood pressure?
• Bleeding or other blood disorders?
• Diabetes?
• Seizures, blackouts or fainting, convulsions or epilepsy or take medications to prevent them?
• Back, arm or leg problems following an injury, fracture or surgery?
• Fear of closed or open spaces or panic attacks (claustrophobia or agoraphobia)?

A doctor's medical certificate may be required for some medical conditions & without this you will not be able to dive.

Prices are per person in Australian dollars and are subject to change.

Whitsundays Sailing Adventures Insurance