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Legendary Racing Yacht Adventure with Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and Snorkelling
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Siska Whitsundays
Duration:
2 Days / 1 Night
Price:
From $490 per person (shared accommodation)
Departure Time:
8:00 AM check-in
8:30 AM departure
Return Time:
Approximately 4:00 PM (Day 2)
Group Size:
Maximum 22-23 guests
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point
Port of Airlie
Islands Visited
Whitsunday Island
Hook Island
Beaches
Whitehaven Beach
Snorkelling Sites
Blue Pearl Bay, Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove (weather dependent)
Lookouts
Hill Inlet Lookout
Marine Park
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Departure Location & How to Get There
Meeting Point
Port of Airlie (Port Drive, in front of Marina Office)
From Town Centre
800m from Airlie Beach Lagoon (10 min walk)
Hotel Transfers
No pickups available - make your own way to the marina
Parking
Paid parking at marina ($24 for the trip)
About Siska Whitsundays
Siska Whitsundays is a 2-day, 1-night overnight sailing tour operated aboard the legendary racing maxi yacht Siska, departing from Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach. This overnight sailing adventure visits Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island, with snorkelling at pristine fringing reefs around Hook Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Siska has one of the most impressive racing pedigrees of any yacht sailing the Whitsundays. Built in 1977, this maxi yacht won two Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races, came second in the Fastnet Race (sailing the last 300 miles with a broken boom), and won the Parmelia Race from England to Perth. She's circumnavigated the world twice and sailed over 140,000 nautical miles before arriving in the Whitsundays in 1992. HRH Prince Charles even crewed on Siska in the Queen Victoria Cup, where she set the fastest time against 329 other entries.
With her distinctive bright red hull and billowing sails, Siska is easily recognised cruising through the Whitsunday Islands. The yacht carries just 22-23 guests, creating a social but not overwhelming atmosphere that attracts travellers aged 18-40. This isn't a party boat, but the crew are happy for guests to enjoy BYO drinks. There's ample space above and below decks for sunbathing, relaxing and socialising, with plenty of headroom even for taller guests. If you're short on time but want to experience authentic sailing while hitting all the Whitsundays highlights, Siska Whitsundays delivers genuine ocean racing thrills combined with island paradise exploration.
What Guests Are Saying
"First time on the Whitsundays, Lucky, Jord and Sophie were great. They took us at times when there were no other tourists at each destination. Food, music, drinks and the attractions were just incredible. Having seen the other party boats or one day boats, I'm glad we went with Siska. So much fun and lots of time at each destination. Totally stress free. Couldn't rate it highly enough!"
TripAdvisor
"An amazing experience with Siska! The Whitsundays were gorgeous and the atmosphere was amazing. Our group were lovely and very sociable, and the boat was really cool. I want to specifically mention the Deckhands Jordi and Sophie, who worked so hard to ensure our experience was perfect, as well as joining in with our socialising in the evening!"
TripAdvisor
"Really enjoyed my time on the Siska. Crew, food and experience was 10/10. So fun! Really enjoyed snorkelling and swim stops. Whitehaven beach was gorgeous and got loads of time to explore and relax. Food was very tasty and captain plus crew were very friendly and hospitable."
East Coast Tours
Good to know: Sleeping quarters are open-plan shared accommodation with single and double bunks. The space is basic and can feel cramped for some guests. You'll need to be comfortable with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements. The boat isn't air-conditioned below deck, which can be warm in summer. Some guests choose to sleep on deck under the stars.
What's Included
6 Meals
Breakfast, 2 lunches, dinner, morning & afternoon tea
Snorkel Gear
Mask, snorkel, fins included
Stinger Suits
Provided October to May
Bed Linens
Pillows and linens provided
Guided Bush Walk
To Hill Inlet Lookout
Expert Crew
Experienced skipper and friendly crew
Marine Park Fees
$23 EMC included in price
Tea, Coffee & Water
Available throughout the trip
The Experience
A Siska Whitsundays tour combines authentic sailing on a legendary racing yacht with all the iconic Whitsundays experiences. With no fixed itinerary, the experienced skipper chooses the best locations based on wind, weather and tides, meaning you'll often visit spots when there are fewer other tourists around.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Morning: Meet the crew at Port of Airlie at 8:00 AM for check-in. Board Siska and depart at 8:30 AM. As the sails go up, you're encouraged to get involved with hoisting and trimming, or simply sit back and relax as you cruise across the Whitsunday Passage towards Whitsunday Island.
Day 1 - Afternoon: Anchor at Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island. Take a guided bush walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout for those incredible views of the swirling white sands. Then spend time on Whitehaven Beach, swimming in the crystal-clear water and sinking your toes into the pure silica sand.
Day 1 - Evening: Sail north to another island and anchor just before sunset. This is when the magic happens - grab a drink (BYO), enjoy pre-dinner snacks on deck and watch the golden hour light up the Whitsundays. After the crew serves up a hearty BBQ dinner, spend the evening socialising with your new mates under the stars.
Day 2 - Morning: Early breakfast, then kit up with snorkelling gear and jump into the pristine waters. The crew typically heads to the northern end of Hook Island, home to some of the best fringing reefs in the Whitsundays. Sites like Blue Pearl Bay, Luncheon Bay or Caves Cove offer colourful coral, tropical fish, and if you're lucky, turtles and reef sharks.
Day 2 - Afternoon: Morning tea and another swim or snorkel stop before lunch. After lunch, hoist the sails one final time and make your way back across the Whitsunday Passage. Arrive back at Port of Airlie around 4:00 PM - perfect timing to refresh at your accommodation before meeting your new friends for an evening out in Airlie Beach.
Before You Book
Important Information
You must reconfirm your booking 72 hours before departure by contacting the operator directly. Complete the online waiver form before travel. Tours run on selected days (typically odd numbered days - 1st, 3rd, 5th etc). Departure times may vary due to tides. Bring a soft-sided bag only - no rigid suitcases. Excess luggage can be stored at the Airlie Beach Travel Shop (344 Shute Harbour Road) from $10.
What to Bring
Swimwear, change of clothes, toiletries, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, beach towel, reusable water bottle, camera and warm jacket for evenings. BYO alcohol (no glass bottles and no red wine) - there are no drinks for sale on board. Bring cash or card for optional extras. Runners or sandals suitable for island walks.
Who Can Come
Siska typically takes guests aged 18 and over. Guests aged 15-16 may be accepted if travelling with a parent or guardian. You'll need moderate fitness for island walks and getting in and out of the water. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free and lactose-free diets can be catered for with $15 surcharge (advise when booking). Kosher and Halal diets cannot be accommodated. Swimming and snorkelling are optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Siska Whitsundays a party boat?
No, Siska attracts a social crowd but it's not a party boat. Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and enjoy the evening, but there's no pressure to drink and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than wild.
What are the sleeping arrangements on Siska?
Siska has open-plan accommodation with a mix of single bunks and double bunks. Bathroom facilities are shared. Some guests choose to sleep on deck under the stars.
Where does Siska Whitsundays snorkel?
The skipper chooses the best snorkel spots based on weather and tides. Generally, you'll snorkel at the northern end of Hook Island at sites like Blue Pearl Bay, Luncheon Bay or Caves Cove.
Can I help sail the yacht?
Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to get involved with hoisting sails, trimming and even taking the helm. The crew love sharing their knowledge about Siska's racing history.
How does Siska compare to other overnight sailing tours?
Siska offers a shorter 2-day, 1-night option compared to longer 3-day tours. It's perfect for travellers short on time who still want authentic sailing and the main Whitsundays highlights.
More Overnight Sailing Adventures
If you're interested in visiting Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, check out other tours departing from Port of Airlie. For more sailing adventures exploring the Whitsunday Islands, browse our overnight sailing tours or see all Whitehaven Beach 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 tours, walked every street, and know which operators genuinely deliver on their promises.
Siska has been sailing the Whitsundays since 1992 and her racing heritage is truly legendary. With two Sydney to Hobart wins and Prince Charles having crewed aboard, this isn't just marketing spin - Siska has the pedigree to back it up. The yacht attracts travellers who appreciate authentic sailing combined with the essential Whitsundays experiences.
Our recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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