Sailing In The Whitsundays: Australia’s Most Jaw-Dropping Islands

With blindingly white beaches, lulling turquoise waters, and rainforests teeming with tropical birds, days spent sailing in the Whitsundays are not forgotten in a hurry. 

Covering 74 islands and with miles upon miles of ocean to explore, trips to the Whitsundays are full of memorable moments, soul-stirring sea life sightings, and the chance to disconnect from the fast-paced reality of modern life. 

In this guide, we're helping you to prepare for your once-in-a-lifetime trip, with tips on how to reach the islands, how much you can expect to spend on a sailing excursion, when you should visit, whether you can be your own captain and first-mate, and more.

Where Are The Whitsunday Islands?

The Whitsunday Islands are located off of the Queensland Coast and make up part of the biologically diverse Great Barrier Reef. The tropical islands are around 55 kilometers / 34 miles away from the mainland and as there are so many of them, they stretch over an area of 282 kilometers² / 109 square miles. The south islands are in line with the town of Proserpine, while the north islands sit off the coast of Bowen.

The quickest and easiest way to access the islands is to take a flight to Proserpine Airport. Don't get confused over Google results that speak of the Whitsunday Coast Airport— it's the same place. The airport is only for domestic flights, and you can reach it from the main cities of Brisbane or Cairns. Prices range from around $40 to $180 from Brisbane, depending on the time of year you travel and you'll only be up in the air for 1.5 hours before you land in paradise.

When Is The Best Time To Go Sailing In The Whitsundays?

The Whitsundays can be explored throughout the year, and every season has its charm when it comes to visiting these striking isles. While September and October are generally regarded as the peak time to sail the Whitsundays, other times of the year can be better for different reasons.

The tropical climate means that the Whitsundays have just two seasons— the wet season, which runs from December to March and the dry season, which lasts the rest of the year.

The months of September and October are full of never-ending balmy days with little rain, and light winds that are perfect both for cooling down and for guiding your sailboat.

Boat trips are especially popular during the wet season, with tourists and locals alike itching to explore the jaw-dropping islands. These are also the hottest months of the year, and you should remember that heat on land and heat on the sea are two completely different ball games! If you want to avoid the crowds or experience a more temperate climate, you may wish to visit outside of this season.

If you embark on a sailing adventure between June and August, you'll have the greatest chance of spotting majestic humpback whales as they swim lazily past, showing off their colossal forms. You'll also enjoy the coolest conditions and may also see one of the famous boat races taking place.

Stinger season runs from late October all the way through until May. While this won't hinder you from sailing in the Whitsundays, it's worth noting that you'll need a protective suit for swimming and snorkeling, to protect you from the stunning yet harmful sea creatures.

How Much Do Whitsunday Cruises Cost?

This is a loaded question, and the answer is that it varies drastically depending on the type of cruise you take. You can experience an overnight sailing excursion that includes all meals for a reasonable AU$149 per day. Alternatively, if you're looking for a little luxury in your life and want to create the most memorable trip, you can charter a private yacht and sail through the azure waters undisturbed. This will cost anywhere in the region of AU$400 to AU$1000 per person for a two night tour.

How Long Do Whitsunday Cruises Last?

The most popular Whitsunday sailing adventures last for three days and two nights. This gives you an opportunity to experience the magic and splendor of the islands through famous destinations, such as Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef. 

In saying that, three days will only touch the surface of this stupendous cluster of islands. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the flourishing sea life and numerous exotic island hangouts, consider sailing in the Whitsundays for an entire week. Detach from social media, slip into your bikini and spend your days soaking in wholesome moments of snorkeling through schools of fish or taking advantage of epic lookout points.

Can You Sail The Whitsundays Alone?

It is possible to go bareboating in the Whitsundays. This might sound like a nudist cruise, but it's actually the act of chartering a yacht and sailing yourself through the waters without a skipper or crew. Bareboating sounds daunting, but the waters that surround the Whitsundays are calm and sheltered, making it the perfect spot to hone your sailing skills.

When you charter your boat, you'll be given an introduction to skippering, which includes where and how to moor your yacht at night. This session is basically "sailing for dummies 101," and before you know it, you'll be at the helm with the wind whipping through your hair. If you're keen to try bareboating in the Whitsundays, there are plenty of options to choose from, including yacht or catamaran hire. You can learn more about incredible sailing adventures like these by joining our community.

What Will You See While Sailing In The Whitsundays?

There is an abundance of marine life that thrives in the warm waters that surround the Whitsunday Islands. These isles provide a home to six of the seven existing species of turtle, and it's almost a guarantee that you'll meet one of these friendly green creatures while snorkeling. 

If it's gentle giants you're after, the area is also a popular migration spot for humpback whales during the winter months when the water temperature cools. If you hit the whale jackpot, you may even see a mother frolicking with her calf in the gentle waters. 

Manta rays, saltwater crocodiles, giant clams, and Maori wrasse are all thrilling creatures that can be spotted throughout the year.

We know the question on your lips…are there sharks lurking in the waters? The short answer…yes. But hang with us here, because most species you'll find roaming the Whitsunday Islands are completely harmless, and swimming with these misunderstood beasts is an exhilarating experience if they stick around long enough. Reef sharks are especially shy and often leave rapidly once swimmers enter the waters. These include blacktips, whitetips, and wobbegongs. When it comes to the big boys, there are hammerheads and tiger sharks that live around these parts, but sightings are uncommon.

On land, the views are just as impressive as they are under the waves. Whitehaven Beach is a must-visit spot that continually ranks as one of the best beaches in Australia, which will come as no surprise once you see it. The beach itself stretches for 7 kilometers / 4.3 miles and is filled with pristine white sands, and if you head to the Northern point, you'll come across the Hill Inlet lookout point. Here, you'll see the spectacular swirls of water and sand that the Whitsundays are famous for, set against a backdrop of thriving vegetation, which provides the ideal contrast to the brilliant white sand.

There are countless outstanding spots to be seen and taking Whitsunday cruises can't be compared with other sailing trips around the world. As cheesy as it sounds, there's no other way to describe the Whitsundays than as heaven on earth.

Final Thoughts On Sailing In The Whitsundays

Sailing in the Whitsundays is likely to be an experience that leaves an imprint on you and has you longing to return to this patch of Australia, pronto. With unending sun, limitless snorkeling opportunities, and views that have to be seen to be believed, it's the natural choice to hit the water and sail away for a few glorious days.