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2-Day 2-Night Backpacker Sailing Adventure on the Whitsundays' Only Commercial Trimaran
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
OzSail
Vessel:
Avatar (67ft Sailing Trimaran)
Duration:
2 Days 2 Nights (46 hours approx)
Departure Point:
Coral Sea Marina Meeting Point C
Phone:
1300 697 245
Group Size:
Maximum 26 guests + 3 crew
Departure Days:
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 11:00 AM
Returns:
Thursday, Saturday, Monday at 8:00-9:30 AM
Recommended Age:
18-35 years (social tour)
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point
Coral Sea Marina
Islands Visited
Whitsunday Island, Hook Island, Border Island
Beaches
Whitehaven Beach
Snorkelling Sites
Blue Pearl Bay, Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove
Lookouts
Hill Inlet Lookout
Marine Park
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Departure Location & How to Get There
Meeting Point
Coral Sea Marina Meeting Point C (under the umbrellas)
From Town Centre
20-minute walk from Airlie Beach Lagoon (ocean on your right)
Check-in
Day before between 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (required)
Parking
Parking available at marina (fees apply for overnight)
About Avatar Whitsundays
Avatar Whitsundays is a 2-day 2-night sailing tour operated by OzSail, departing from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. The overnight sailing adventure visits Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island, with multiple snorkelling stops at fringing reefs around Hook Island and Border Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Avatar is the only commercial sailing trimaran in the Whitsundays. Originally built as a high-performance racing yacht in South Africa, this 67-foot vessel has three hulls which means minimal lean while sailing - you won't be hanging off the side like on a regular yacht. The trimaran design also creates massive deck space with nets between the hulls where you can stretch out and sunbathe while watching the water rush by underneath. With room for just 26 guests and 3 crew, it's a much more intimate experience than the big catamarans carrying 50+ people.
The Avatar Whitsundays tour has been running for over 20 years and is particularly popular with backpackers and social travellers aged 18-35. If you're after a party atmosphere with like-minded adventurers, epic sailing, stunning snorkelling spots, and quality time on Whitehaven Beach, this is the tour for you. The crew are passionate locals who know the best spots and create a fun, relaxed vibe onboard. Just be aware - this is dorm-style accommodation on a boat, so don't expect luxury hotel comforts.
What Guests Are Saying
"Max, Carys and Andrea were an absolutely fantastic crew. Everything was completely seamless and we did not even have to think for ourselves. They could not have been more helpful, friendly and welcoming and I couldn't recommend Avatar and the crew enough. The boat itself is lovely with massive areas you can relax and sunbathe on."
TripAdvisor
"Had an incredible time on the Avatar 2 night experience, saw a whale, turtles, heaps of fish and some sharks! The Whitehaven beach walk and lookout were stunning. Alex and Fraser were excellent hosts and always went above and beyond to give us an amazing experience. Vegan food was good and on par with the meat meals."
Google Reviews
"The crew Darby, Hefe and Mel were super knowledgeable, funny and informative. Couldn't have asked for a better crew or boat to spend 2 days on. Darby is an incredible captain and very knowledgeable, Hefe does a great job of taking care of us when we go snorkelling. Only complaint is that I wish it could have lasted longer!"
TripAdvisor
Good to know: Sleeping quarters can get hot and humid during summer months (November to March) as there's no air conditioning. The beds are basic dorm-style bunks - comfortable enough for a boat but not hotel quality. You may need to share a cabin with strangers if travelling solo. There's only one bathroom shared between 26 guests.
What's Included
2 Nights Accommodation
Dorm bunks or private double pods
All Meals
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners + snacks
Snorkel Equipment
Mask, snorkel, fins provided
Stinger Suits
Wetsuits and stinger suits included
Fresh Linen
Clean sheets provided onboard
Expert Crew
Skipper, deckhand and host
Guided Bush Walk
To Hill Inlet Lookout
National Park Fees
All reef and park fees included
The Experience
An Avatar Whitsundays sailing tour is all about freedom, adventure, and making mates along the way. Unlike day trips where you're rushed through everything, this 2-day 2-night experience gives you proper time to soak in the Whitsunday Islands, explore multiple snorkelling spots, and experience Whitehaven Beach without the crowds. The trimaran design means Avatar is fast, stable, and absolutely brilliant for sailing.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Afternoon: Check in at Coral Sea Marina Meeting Point C. Depart at 11:00 AM and set sail through the Whitsunday Passage. The crew will give you a safety briefing and introduce you to the boat. Your first snorkelling stop is typically at one of the protected bays around Hook Island or Border Island. Dinner is served onboard - think spaghetti bolognese, beef tacos, or roast chicken with fresh salads. Evening is spent anchored in a sheltered bay where you can watch the sunset, stargaze, or use the underwater lights to spot marine life.
Day 2 - Full Day: Early start to reach Whitehaven Beach before the day trip boats arrive. You'll land at Tongue Point (northern end) and take a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout - this is where you get those famous swirling sand photos. Spend around 2 hours on the beach, then back to the boat for lunch and another snorkelling session at locations like Blue Pearl Bay, Luncheon Bay, or Caves Cove. The crew knows the best spots based on conditions. Another epic sunset and dinner onboard.
Day 3 - Morning: Wake early for a final swim or snorkel before setting sail back to Airlie Beach. Breakfast is served as you cruise through the islands. Arrive back at Coral Sea Marina between 8:00 and 9:30 AM. Many guests head to a local afterparty with their new friends!
Important: Avatar Whitsundays does not have a fixed itinerary. The skipper chooses the best locations based on weather, wind, tides, and conditions on the day. This flexibility means you'll always visit the best available spots - but it also means you might not visit every location listed if conditions aren't suitable.
Before You Book
Important Information
Cancellations more than 21 days before departure receive a full refund minus booking fees. Cancellations within 21 days result in full forfeiture of trip price. Transfer requests up to 72 hours before departure incur a $30 fee. Tours operate in most weather conditions but may be cancelled in severe weather such as cyclones. If OzSail cancels, you'll be referred to your booking agent for rescheduling.
What to Bring
Small soft bag only (no hard suitcases), swimwear, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), hat, sunglasses, warm layer for evenings, and any personal toiletries. BYO alcohol is allowed - maximum 24 cans beer OR 4 litres cask wine OR 1 litre spirits per person. No glass bottles or red wine permitted. Soft drinks available for purchase onboard. Bring a waterproof phone case or GoPro for underwater photos.
Who Can Come
Avatar Whitsundays is designed for guests aged 18-35 and the young at heart. This is a social, backpacker-style tour - not suitable if you're looking for peace and quiet or luxury accommodation. Requires low to medium fitness for snorkelling and the bush walk to Hill Inlet. Not recommended for pregnant women or those with severe motion sickness. If prone to seasickness, take medication before departure. All dietary requirements catered for - vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free - just advise when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Avatar Whitsundays different from other overnight sailing tours?
Avatar is the only commercial sailing trimaran in the Whitsunday Islands, meaning minimal lean while sailing and massive deck space for sunbathing.
Can I bring my own alcohol on Avatar Whitsundays?
Yes, BYO alcohol is permitted with limits - 24 cans beer, 4 litres cask wine, or 1 litre spirits per person. No glass bottles or red wine allowed.
Is Avatar suitable for non-swimmers?
You can still enjoy the tour without snorkelling, but swimming ability is recommended. Life jackets and wetsuits are provided, and snorkelling areas are sheltered.
Where does Avatar Whitsundays depart from?
Avatar departs from Coral Sea Marina Meeting Point C in Airlie Beach every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:00 AM.
How much time do you spend at Whitehaven Beach?
Around 2 hours on the beach, including a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. You arrive early morning before the day trip crowds.
More Overnight Sailing Tours
If you're interested in exploring the Whitsunday Islands with an overnight sailing experience, check out our other overnight tours departing from Coral Sea Marina. For shorter experiences, explore our Whitehaven Beach day tours or snorkelling tours.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've called the Whitsundays home since 2001. Over more than two decades living and working in this stunning corner of tropical North Queensland, we've personally experienced the accommodation options, walked every street, and know which properties genuinely deliver on their promises.
Avatar Whitsundays has been operating for over 20 years and consistently rates as one of the most popular backpacker sailing tours in the region. OzSail is an eco-certified operator with multiple sustainability awards, and the unique trimaran design makes Avatar a genuine one-of-a-kind experience. The crew are known for creating memorable experiences and the social atmosphere attracts travellers from around the world.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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