For those craving a secluded and quiet escape far from the madding crowds, Neck Bay on Shaw Island remains a yachtie favourite. A poster child of Whitsunday perfection, Neck Bay offers the chance for sublime snorkelling, swimming in bright blue waters, beach walks, fishing, and bird watching too. The Whitsundays is home to thousands species of fish, seabirds, marine turtles, and tons of different types of coral - meaning that water wildlife lovers will be in their element on this seascape safari. The Whitsundays is also home to over 30% of the world’s soft corals. Marine turtles, whales and dolphins also swim these waters. The beach always seems to be secluded at Neck Bay and there’s a pretty hiking trail that etches from one side to the other. Shaw Island is one of the more remote anchorages in the wonderful Whitsundays and perfect for whiling away the day.
After taking in a colourful sunrise, cruise to Long Island, the closest island in the Whitsundays to the mainland. It is ideal for visitors looking for peace and tranquillity. Long Island is just 400m at its widest point and is mostly a national park, with 13km of walking trails to explore. The narrow passage of the Long Island Sound is surrounded by lush bushlands offset by turquoise seas, stunning beaches, bays and reefs, making the island a perfect destination for snorkelling, beachcombing, walking, kayaking, swimming and fishing. The resorts have al fresco dining, a bar and a store for self catering.
Whitsunday Island is the largest in the group of the same name. Here you will be enchanted by powdery white beaches, rich marine life and beautiful coral reefs. Hike the 5km trail up to Whitsunday Peak, about 1.5 hours, and take in spectacular views from the top. After exploring the west side of the island, one of the only parts of the islands where jetskis and other personal watercrafts are authorised, cruise to Cid Island. You’ll be welcomed by bays, beaches and calm waters protected from the breeze. Spend the afternoon kayaking through the mangroves. For the ultimate Whitsundays sunset, head to Katoomba Bank or the west coast overlooking the Molle Islands. Drop anchor in front of Hill Rock Reef or Cid Harbour for evening and overnight.
Hook Island is part of the Whitsundays and is almost completely uninhabited. Separated from Whitsunday Island by a narrow passage, Hook Island offers vibrant waters for diving and snorkelling, with turtles, reef fish, dolphins, manta rays and humpback whales frolicking in Whitsunday Passage between June and September. The island has fjord-like inlets, secluded white beaches, sheltered blue bays, moorings and anchorages. It offers ideal snorkelling, scuba diving, water photography, sailing and kayaking conditions and opportunities to witness a variety of wildlife including raptors like sea eagles and ospreys. For a culture hit, walk the trail at Nara Inlet and take in the waterfall and the Aboriginal rock art created by the original Ngaro people.
Hayman Island is the northern most of the Whitsundays and near the Great Barrier Reef. The small island is privately owned but open to the public with several amenities including golf, tennis, a kids’ club and several swimming pools. Additionally, there are many other activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, water skiing, fishing, tube rides, helicopter rides to view the Reef, or just walking around enjoying the scenic beauty. The resort has several dining areas each with its own style of food. We recommend visiting the Blue Pearl Bay for some of the Whitsundays’ richest coral life. Alternatively, spend the morning on the sandbank on the west coast of Langford Island, where the crew will prepare a beach barbecue. Spend the afternoon snorkelling in Butterfly Bay on the Northern tip of Hook island, exploring coral outcrops teeming with small colourful reef fish. Later, depart for the outer reef.
A divine dive site to the north of Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, Hardy Reef and Hook Reef offer shades of blue like you’ve never seen before. Depending on the time of year you travel, you can often spot migrating humpback whales, pods of playful dolphins and even whale sharks , turtles and barracuda in the turquoise waters below. A dream destination for keen scuba divers and snorkelers, with Trevally, Coral Trout, Snapper, Giant Maori Wrasse and Giant Queensland Groper two metres long. This fragile environment is home to deep channels which can be seen from onboard as contrasting cobalt curves between the reefs. Jump in a helicopter and admire countless diving schools and scattered pontoons, and spot the renowned, and highly photographed Heart Reef nearby, adding an element of romance to this trip of a lifetime. Take the yacht’s tenders to experience vertical waterfalls when the tide lowers 2-3 metres. Dine onboard on freshly caught seafood with stunning views.
Sailing the Whitsundays should be on everyone’s bucket list. An enchanting archipelago in Australia’s eastern Coral Sea off Queensland, these awe-inspiring islands are the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where swathes of soft white sands and sparkling aquamarine seas await. Dumbbell Island is home to one of the best snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays, where turtles and fish frolic beneath the water's surface. With dense rainforest and stunning shoreline, this place is paradise found. Hike up Hill Inlet to take in some of the best views in the world, a swirl of aqua and white as sands shift through waters. From here, charter guests will love the short journey to Whitehaven Beach, which earns its title as the best beach in the world. Spanning over 7 km in total, this award-winning National Park was first discovered in 1879, and researchers soon discovered that the sand is 89 percent pure silica, making it silky soft and fine. Remaining relatively unchanged ever since the area has no facilities to ensure it stays pretty and pure. Charter guests looking to party hard can get their kicks at Airlie Beach on the mainland after spending the day kicking back on these snowy sands.
Cruise back to the Hamilton Island, one of the Whitsundays near the Great Barrier Reef. As a destination in its own right, the island hosts whale watching, sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and tours by air or sea. Stop by at the Perseverance Reef or Dent Island, with great swimming and snorkelling in clear water. Hamilton Island is home to a large marina and the famous Hamilton Island Race Week. Here you can relax in the turquoise shallows or explore unspoilt nature trails. There's also a great 18-hole, par 71 golf course, designed by five time British Open winner Peter Thomson, strung along the spectacular ridges and steep valleys of Dent Island with spectacular views of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands and Coral Sea. After the disembarkation, enjoy lunch at the yacht club, and explore the island on foot.