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Small Group Overnight Sailing Adventure with Whitehaven Beach and Snorkelling
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Explore Whitsundays
Duration:
2 Days 1 Night (approx 32 hours)
Vessel:
47ft Woodward-designed charter yacht
Check-in Time:
8:00 AM
Departure Time:
8:30 AM
Return Time:
4:00 PM (Day 2)
Group Size:
Maximum 12 guests
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point
Coral Sea Marina
Islands Visited
Whitsunday Island, Hook Island
Beaches
Whitehaven Beach
Lookouts
Hill Inlet Lookout
Snorkelling Sites
Hook Island fringing reefs
Marine Park
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Departure Location & How to Get There
Check-in Point
Zorro's Cafe, Shop 9/33 Port Dr, Port of Airlie
Vessel Departure
Coral Sea Marina (formerly Abell Point Marina)
From Town Centre
1.2km from Airlie Beach Lagoon (15 min walk)
Parking
Available at Port of Airlie marina
Luggage Storage
Not available at marina - store at your hotel or in town
Important Note
Bring soft-sided bag only - no hard suitcases
About Prima Whitsundays
Prima Whitsundays is a small group overnight sailing tour operated by Explore Whitsundays, departing from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. This 2 day 1 night sailing adventure visits Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island, with overnight anchorage and snorkelling at protected sites around Hook Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Prima is a 47-foot Woodward-designed charter yacht that was purpose-built for sailing the Whitsundays. Taking a maximum of 12 guests plus crew, it offers an intimate sailing experience that's worlds apart from the larger party boats. The vessel features a spacious saloon and dining area that comfortably seats all guests, plus a deck with shaded canopy and cushioned sunbathing area. Accommodation options range from private ensuite cabins to shared bunks, making it suitable for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
What sets Prima apart is the authentic sailing experience combined with genuine comfort. You'll actually sail using the wind rather than just motoring everywhere, and with only 12 people on board, there's plenty of space to relax. The experienced crew handle everything from sailing the vessel to preparing delicious fresh meals, leaving you free to enjoy the stunning scenery and create memories. Perfect for anyone wanting a more personal, relaxed way to experience the Whitsundays without the crowds of bigger tours.
What Guests Are Saying
"One of the best things I have ever done. The boat itself is larger than I imagined and is clean and pleasant. When at Whitehaven, the skipper shuttles you over to the island on a dinghy and you are free to explore the famous beach and Hill Inlet. The evening was perfect, sat on the deck after a long day in the sun with a cold beer and a fantastic dinner. Sleeping was absolutely fine - we had a fantastic night's sleep. Truly one of the best things we have ever done and a perfect way to visit the Whitsundays."
TripAdvisor
"The first time on my east coast trip so far that I've been wowed! The Prima boat is beautiful and so comfortable. Thierry and Megan are INCREDIBLE! They looked after my friend and I so well, made us feel very at home and safe. The food was delicious and the boat so clean. Thierry is a fantastic skipper and took us to Whitehaven Beach at the most perfect time and took us on some incredible snorkelling trips. My friend is afraid of the water and Thierry really helped my friend to stay calm. Thank you both so much for this core memory experience."
TripAdvisor
"We are four people in our family: two adults and two children. While the boat isn't new, its charm provides an authentic sailboat experience. The captain, Thierry, is highly experienced, knowledgeable and funny. Megan, the deckhand, served delicious meals and ensured the boat stayed clean and tidy. Together, they created a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, all while maintaining a strong focus on safety and sustainability. Whitehaven Beach was stunning, and the snorkelling spots were incredible. We encountered sea turtles, vibrant and colourful fish, beautiful coral, and even small sharks. If you're looking for a relaxing and authentic sailing experience in the Whitsundays, Prima is an excellent choice!"
TripAdvisor
Good to know: Accommodation on the yacht is cosy rather than spacious - cabins are compact as you'd expect on a sailing vessel. If you're a light sleeper, the gentle rocking of the boat and occasional sounds of the rigging might take some getting used to. That said, most guests find the combination of fresh sea air and a day of activity leads to a great night's sleep.
What's Included
All Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks freshly prepared
Snorkel Gear
Mask, snorkel, fins and basic instruction
Stinger Suits
Full-body lycra suits provided
Cabin Accommodation
All bed linen and bath towels
Tea, Coffee & Water
Unlimited tap water and hot drinks
Experienced Crew
Professional skipper and deckhand
Guided Bush Walk
To Hill Inlet Lookout
Park Entry Fees
Whitehaven Beach and island access
BYO Policy: Prima has a BYO policy for all soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. No drinks are sold on board, so remember to bring what you'd like to drink. No glass bottles allowed (except wine bottles). Store your drinks in the guest fridge for easy access.
The Experience
A Prima Whitsundays sailing adventure is all about authentic experiences rather than rushing from place to place. Unlike the big day tour boats, you'll spend a night anchored in a protected bay, watching the sunset over the islands and stargazing from the deck. The pace is relaxed, the group is small, and you'll cover around 90 kilometres of stunning Whitsunday waters over the two days.
Day 1 Itinerary
8:00 AM - Check-in: Meet the crew at Zorro's Cafe at Port of Airlie for a quick headcount and welcome. You'll then make your way to Prima at Coral Sea Marina.
8:30 AM - Set Sail: Leave your worries on the shore as the skipper sets course across the Whitsunday Passage. Depending on wind conditions, you might actually sail with the sails up - some guests have reached speeds of 12 knots on windy days. Enjoy morning tea with donuts and hot drinks as you take in the views of the surrounding islands.
Late Morning - Hill Inlet & Whitehaven Beach: Anchor at Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island and take the dinghy to shore. Your crew leads a guided bush walk through National Park land to Hill Inlet Lookout - about 10-15 minutes up the hill. The views from the top are absolutely stunning, with the famous swirling white sands against shades of turquoise water. Then walk down to Whitehaven Beach itself and experience that pure silica sand firsthand.
Afternoon - Sailing to Hook Island: Back on board, enjoy a buffet-style lunch of fresh salads, wraps, pasta and meats while sailing north along the western side of Hook Island. Find anchorage in a secluded bay for your first snorkel session - the crew will give you a full briefing and help nervous snorkellers feel comfortable. Look out for clownfish, turtles, rays and colourful coral gardens.
Evening - Overnight Anchorage: The skipper finds the perfect protected bay on Hook Island for the night. Enjoy sunset snacks and drinks on deck as the sky changes colours. Dinner is served - think chicken and vegetable skewers with fresh salads and garlic bread, followed by chocolate cake for dessert. After dinner, relax on deck under millions of stars - with no light pollution, the night sky out here is spectacular.
Day 2 Itinerary
Morning - Breakfast & Snorkelling: Wake up to a hearty breakfast of cereals, fruit salad, croissants and hot drinks with the stunning island landscape around you. Then it's time for more snorkelling at another pristine location - see the fringing coral reef and marine life again, or just relax and swim in the crystal-clear water.
Late Morning - Beach Time: Head to another beach or island to explore. This might be a secluded spot that only small boats can access. Morning tea is served - lamingtons and refreshments.
Lunch & Return Journey: Enjoy lunch on board - build your own burgers with all the fixings. Then the sails go up again for the journey back across the Whitsunday Passage to Airlie Beach. Afternoon tea is served as you sail.
4:00 PM - Arrival: Return to Coral Sea Marina, sun-kissed and full of memories. Perfect timing for a sunset drink at one of Airlie Beach's waterfront bars.
Accommodation Options
Private Double Ensuite
Two private cabins with double beds and private bathroom facilities. Perfect for couples wanting privacy and comfort. Note: cabins are separated by curtains, not solid doors.
From $578 per person (2 sharing)
Private Double Cabin
Two private cabins with double beds and shared bathroom facilities. Good option for couples who want their own sleeping space but don't mind sharing bathrooms.
From $549 per person (2 sharing)
Shared Accommodation
Open-plan area with one double bed and two single bunks, shared bathroom facilities. Great budget option for solo travellers or friends travelling together who don't mind sharing space.
From $516 per person
Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and dairy/lactose-free diets can be accommodated with a $15 per person surcharge payable on check-in. Please advise when booking.
Before You Book
Important Information
All sales are final - cancellations made within 30 days forfeit 100% of the ticket price. Between 30-60 days incurs a 25% fee. Tours run in most weather conditions but may be cancelled for safety in severe weather - you'll be offered an alternative date or full refund. The tour requires a minimum number of travellers to operate. Reconfirm your booking at least 48 hours before departure.
What to Bring
Pack in a small soft-sided bag only - no hard suitcases or large backpacks allowed due to limited storage. Bring: swimwear, beach towel or sarong, toiletries, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, jacket or warm pullover for evenings, camera, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for island walks. Don't forget your BYO drinks - no glass bottles except wine. Remember there's no luggage storage at the marina, so leave excess bags at your hotel.
Who Can Come
Prima welcomes guests aged 4 and over (children must be booked into private cabins). All passengers must be able to swim and speak fluent English for safety reasons. Not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or neck problems, or those with heart conditions. Requires moderate physical fitness - you'll need to climb in and out of the dinghy, walk to the lookout, and be comfortable getting in and out of the water. If you have limited mobility, this tour may not be suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What islands does Prima Whitsundays visit?
Prima visits Whitsunday Island for Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, plus Hook Island for overnight anchorage and snorkelling. The exact itinerary varies based on weather and wind conditions.
Is Prima Whitsundays suitable for families with children?
Yes, Prima welcomes children aged 4 and over. Families must book private cabins, and all children under 18 must be advised when booking. The small group size and relaxed pace make it ideal for families wanting a genuine sailing experience.
Are meals included on Prima Whitsundays?
Yes, all meals are included - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are freshly prepared by the crew. Tap water, tea and coffee are also provided. Soft drinks and alcohol are BYO.
How does Prima compare to other overnight sailing tours?
Prima takes only 12 guests compared to 25-32 on many other boats, offering a more intimate and personalised experience. It's ideal for couples and families rather than the party boat crowd, with comfortable private cabin options available.
Where does Prima Whitsundays depart from?
Check-in is at Zorro's Cafe at Port of Airlie at 8:00 AM, then the vessel departs from Coral Sea Marina at 8:30 AM.
More Overnight Sailing Tours
If you're interested in visiting Whitehaven Beach with an overnight stay, check out other overnight sailing tours departing from Coral Sea Marina. For snorkelling at Hook Island and other sites, explore our snorkelling tours, or see all Whitehaven Beach tours available from Airlie Beach.
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 tour options, walked every street, and know which operators genuinely deliver on their promises.
Explore Whitsundays has been operating since 1985, making them the longest continuously running tour operator in the Whitsundays. Prima is purpose-built for Whitsunday charters and consistently receives positive reviews from guests who appreciate the intimate, authentic sailing experience. The experienced crew take genuine pride in showing guests the best of the Whitsundays.
The recommendations here are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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