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Legendary Racing Yacht Turned Overnight Adventure to Whitehaven Beach and Great Barrier Reef
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Matador Whitsundays
Duration:
2 Days, 1 Night
Departure Point:
Coral Sea Marina South Village (Meeting Point C)
Phone:
0417 158 838
Departure Time:
8:00 AM
Return Time:
Approximately 4:00 PM (Day 2)
Group Size:
Maximum 21 guests
Minimum Age:
12 years old
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, Butterfly Bay, Chalkies Beach
Lookouts
Hill Inlet Lookout
Marine Park
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Departure Location & How to Get There
Meeting Point
Coral Sea Marina South Village (Meeting Point C - under umbrellas next to JetSki Adventure Central)
From Town Centre
1.5km from Airlie Beach Lagoon (15-20 min walk or short taxi ride)
Parking
Limited overnight parking available at Abell Point Marina (approximately $8/day)
Luggage Storage
Leave large bags at your accommodation - bring only a small backpack (carry-on size)
About Matador Whitsundays
Matador Whitsundays is a 2-day 1-night sailing tour operated by AP Vessel Management, 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 protected reef sites around Hook Island and Border Island within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The Matador is a legendary 85-foot maxi racing yacht with an impressive racing history - 52 races, 8 regattas, and 2 world maxi yacht races under its belt, with 31 wins to its name. Built by Eric Goetz using carbon fibre technology, the yacht was once considered the largest ocean racing yacht in the world. After being refurbished in 2017 for the touring industry, it now offers guests the chance to experience real sailing aboard a genuine racing vessel.
What sets Matador apart from other overnight tours is the authentic sailing experience. The crew actively involves guests in hoisting sails and learning the ropes - literally. With a maximum of 21 guests in shared accommodation, it's a social experience that attracts a mix of solo travellers, couples and small groups, mostly aged between 20-40. However, guests of all ages are welcome, with the only requirement being a minimum age of 12 years.
What Guests Are Saying
"The trip on the Matador was absolutely perfect. The spots we stopped off at were wonderful and the crew was so knowledgeable and kind and made sure we all just had the best time. They made sure we saw all the good spots without the crowds of tourists. Food was great too."
TripAdvisor Review
"My husband and I had the loveliest 2 days on board Matador. The crew were absolutely fantastic guys. We felt really safe and everything ran like clockwork. We snorkelled in 2 locations which was great and spent a couple of hours at Whitehaven Beach. It was such a beautiful trip! The food on board was absolutely delicious and you definitely don't go hungry."
TripAdvisor Review
"Best time ever! Two days of amazing, true sailing on a beautiful racing boat and snorkelling in magical spots! If you want to see how sailing really looks - this is the best choice! The coral reef is breathtaking! So kind and caretaking crew! The best two days of our lives! Lifelong memories! Strongly recommended!"
TripAdvisor Review
Good to know: The sleeping quarters are shared bunks below deck - not private cabins. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before departure as conditions can be choppy. The yacht does actual sailing (not just motoring), which many guests love but means you'll feel the motion of the ocean.
What's Included
All Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
Snorkel Gear
Mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits
Fresh Linen
Clean bedding provided
Stinger Suits
Full body protection (seasonal)
Marine Park Fees
All reef and park fees included
Sailing Instruction
Learn to hoist sails with the crew
Expert Crew
Knowledgeable guides throughout
Flotation Devices
Noodles available for non-swimmers
The Experience
Matador Whitsundays offers an authentic sailing adventure that combines the thrill of racing yacht sailing with the best the Whitsunday Islands have to offer. Over two days and one night, you'll visit Whitehaven Beach, hike to Hill Inlet Lookout, and snorkel at multiple pristine reef locations throughout the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 Morning: Meet the crew at Coral Sea Marina South Village (Meeting Point C) at 8:00 AM. After a safety briefing and introduction to the yacht, you'll set sail into the Whitsunday Passage. The crew will get you involved in hoisting the sails if you're keen - this is proper sailing, not just motoring around.
Day 1 Afternoon: Sail to Whitsunday Island where you'll spend around 2-3 hours at Whitehaven Beach. The crew times this well so you often arrive before the crowds from day tours. Take the 15-minute bush walk from Tongue Point to Hill Inlet Lookout for those famous swirling sand photos, then relax on the 98% silica sand that stays cool even in summer.
Day 1 Evening: Sail to your overnight anchorage in a protected bay, usually around Hook Island or Border Island. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on board - think hearty pasta, roast chicken, fresh salads and tropical fruits. As the sun sets, watch the sky turn orange and pink from the deck. Bring your own alcohol (BYO, no glass) and socialise with fellow travellers. Many guests choose to sleep on deck under the stars - an unforgettable experience.
Day 2 Morning: Wake up to breakfast and coffee before your first snorkelling session. The crew takes you to the best spots based on conditions - potentially Blue Pearl Bay, Butterfly Bay, Manta Ray Bay, or Chalkies Beach. These fringing reefs are home to colourful coral, tropical fish, turtles, and sometimes reef sharks and manta rays.
Day 2 Afternoon: After a second snorkelling session and lunch, begin sailing back to Airlie Beach. The crew might get the sails up one more time for the journey home. You'll return to Coral Sea Marina around 4:00 PM, leaving you with incredible memories and new friends.
Before You Book
Important Information
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Flexible date changes available up to 48 hours prior (subject to availability). Tours run in most weather conditions, but itineraries may be adjusted based on wind and sea state. Return time is estimated for afternoon but may vary due to weather, tides and tendering logistics. Matador Whitsundays recommends guests have travel insurance.
What to Bring
BYO alcohol (no glass bottles), towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, thongs or sandals, light clothing, a jumper for evenings, waterproof jacket, and your favourite music playlist. Pack everything in a small backpack (similar to airline carry-on size) - there's limited storage on board. Leave large suitcases at your accommodation in Airlie Beach.
Who Can Come
Minimum age is 12 years old. All ages welcome above this - Matador has had guests from teenagers through to their 80s. You need to be reasonably mobile to climb in and out of the yacht and small tender boats. Not recommended for pregnant women. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before departure as this is a proper sailing experience. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised when booking - the crew has successfully catered for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of accommodation is on the Matador Whitsundays tour?
Shared bunk-style accommodation below deck with fresh linen provided. Many guests choose to sleep on deck under the stars instead.
Where does Matador Whitsundays depart from?
Matador departs from Coral Sea Marina South Village (Meeting Point C) at 8:00 AM. Check-in is at the umbrellas next to JetSki Adventure Central.
Is food included on the Matador sailing tour?
Yes, all main meals are included - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Food is freshly prepared on board using local produce. Dietary requirements are catered for.
How many snorkelling spots does the Matador tour visit?
The tour visits at least 2 snorkelling locations, sometimes more depending on conditions. Possible sites include Blue Pearl Bay and Butterfly Bay.
What makes Matador different from other overnight Whitsundays tours?
Matador is an actual racing yacht with an impressive competitive history, offering an authentic sailing experience where guests can help hoist sails and learn to sail.
More Overnight Sailing Tours
If you're interested in visiting Whitehaven Beach, check out other Whitehaven Beach tours departing from Coral Sea Marina. For more overnight sailing adventures, explore our complete range of overnight tours, or browse all snorkelling tours in the Whitsundays.
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 tours, walked every street, and know which operators genuinely deliver on their promises.
Matador Whitsundays has been operating since 2017 and was awarded Bronze for "Best New Tourism Business" in the 2017 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. As an Eco Certified operator, the crew are trained to preserve the pristine environment and run a sustainable cruise. Their genuine passion for sailing and the Whitsundays shows in the consistently excellent reviews.
Our recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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