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The tropical Whitsundays are the true definition of paradise

Secluded palm-fringed beaches, hidden waterfalls and crystal-clear waters? The Whitsunday Islands are a dream holiday destination for lovers of the sun and sea. This adventure will take you from the coastal town of Airlie Beach out into the turquoise ocean of the Whitsundays on board a comfortable cruising yacht. Spend time exploring some of the stunning islands within the archipelago, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef and appreciating the unique tropical nature, wildlife and culture of the area. But most of all, just relax and enjoy yourself – you’re in paradise!

Cyber Sale: Up to 25% off 2022 trips

Our biggest sale of the year has been extended! Up to 25% off trips. Valid on trips departing 1 Dec 21 - 14 Dec 22. Book by 3 December.

Terms & Conditions
Start
Airlie Beach, Australia
Finish
Airlie Beach, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
PVKW
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Spend two nights aboard a comfortable cruising yacht, visiting various Whitsunday Islands and snorkelling off the boat.

  • Witness a welcome to country and a short talk about the history and culture talk of the Whitsundays from a local member of the Ngaro family.

  • Enjoy a hike on South Molle Island, where you’ll have stunning views on the reef, rainforest and local tropical birdlife.

  • Join an eco-walk with a local guide, learning about tropical flora and fauna, then climbing to the top of a waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural rock pools.

Is this trip right for you?

  • As the some of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs. With that said, sea legs come naturally to some but not so much for others. Your friendly crew will be able to help with the effects of sea sickness if needed.

  • This trip visits some amazing beaches along the way. Please consider your swimming competency before getting in the water.

  • Time on the water also means time in the sun. Remember to pack sun protection, such as sun screen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

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Australia_QLD_great-barrier-reef

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 17 Jun 2020 to 31 Dec 2021.
 View the 2022 itinerary

Welcome to the Airlie Beach, the stunning gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Take your time today making your way to check in to your hotel, before meeting your local leader and group for a short welcome meeting at 4pm in the hotel foyer. From here, you’ll head out along the coast for a stroll into Airlie Beach, where you’ll be greeted by a local member of the Ngaro family. They will welcome you to country and provide you with an overview of the culture and history of the magnificent Whitsundays that you’re about to explore. Your local leader will then take you on a short orientation walk of the town, before you have the evening to yourselves. Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome dinner of quality local food, then maybe head to one of Airlie Beach’s quirky bars to chat over a drink.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Airlie Beach - Ngaro First Nation Welcome to Country
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your booking agent or hotel reception know.

Today we board a cruising yacht, which will be your home for the next two nights, and set sail into the tropical waters surrounding the Whitsundays. Your afternoon will be spent at sea, where you can enjoy your time on board unwinding with a good book or chatting with your travel buddies. Or maybe try your hand at sailing, by helping the crew hoist the sails and steer the boat. We’ll plan our two days according to the weather and your group’s preference, with stops for snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, with all gear provided, and exploring the islands. Visit the stunning Whitehaven Beach, considered one of the best beaches in Australia. A short bushwalk inland will take you to the equally famous Hill Inlet Lookout for a gorgeous view of the beach below and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet. The swirling sands are created by the ever-changing tides, which leave behind a kaleidoscope of blue and white. Tonight, you’ll be treated to dinner on board as you get to know your fellow travellers. Then, perhaps retire to the deck and relax under the stars.
Accommodation
  • Sailing Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whitsunday Islands - Whitehaven Beach
  • Whitsunday Islands - 3 day Sailing Excursion
  • Whitsunday Islands - Snorkelling Equipment
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Spend the next 2 nights on a sailing boat. You’ll need to feel comfortable moving around the limited space on the vessel. Please note that the next 2 nights are a single supplement exception and you will share a cabin with another traveller of the same gender. Please also note that this is a join-in activity, and non-Intrepid customers may join you on board today. The maximum size of the vessel is 12 passengers.

Today will again be spent at sea, exploring more of the area. Maybe do some more snorkelling and search out the marine mammals and tropical fish living amid the colourful coral. On our small yacht, you’ll be able to steer into more remote locations and snorkel in spots that are far away from the crowds. All meals today will be provided on the boat, so you can just kick back and relax on the deck.
Accommodation
  • Sailing Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whitsunday Islands - Hill Inlet Lookout
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today brings an end to your time on the boat, as you slowly make your way back to the mainland. On the way, you’ll stop at South Molle Island National Park, with an opportunity to stretch your legs on a hike. Enjoy views of the reef, rainforest and coastline as well as keeping an eye out for some of the beautiful birdlife on the island including rainbow lorikeets, currawongs and endangered bush stone curlews. After the hike, you’ll have worked up an appetite for lunch before you’ll continue to Airlie Beach where you’ll disembark at the marina. Head to your resort accommodation to check in and then enjoy a free afternoon and evening. Be sure to check with your leader if you’d like a recommendation of the best spots to try some local seafood and maybe even a few tropical cocktails!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whitsunday Islands - Langford Reef Visit & Snorkel
  • Whitsunday Islands - Langford Island Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll head out on a day tour exploring majestic waterfalls and tropical flora and fauna. See white cedar trees, alexander palms, wild orchids, colourful butterflies and many species of birds. Your local guide will take you on an eco-walk to the top of the falls where you can climb over the rocks and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools, and then explore a secluded, white sandy beach. All the while, Australia’s native wildlife will be your only companions as you soak up the stunning views. For lunch, enjoy a delicious BBQ meal.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Airlie Beach - Guided Waterfall and Eco tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Your tour ends after breakfast. Checkout isn’t until 11am, so you’re free to leave the hotel at your own leisure. If you have the time, feel free to stay longer and enjoy everything that this beautiful region has to offer – contact us to book post-trip accommodation.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Sailing boat

Accommodation

Hotel (3), Sailing boat (2)

Included activities

  • Airlie Beach - Ngaro First Nation Welcome to Country
  • Whitsunday Islands - Whitehaven Beach
  • Whitsunday Islands - 3 day Sailing Excursion
  • Whitsunday Islands - Snorkelling Equipment
  • Whitsunday Islands - Hill Inlet Lookout
  • Whitsunday Islands - Langford Reef Visit & Snorkel
  • Whitsunday Islands - Langford Island Hike
  • Airlie Beach - Guided Waterfall and Eco tour

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Whitsunday Islands Explorer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is available on this trip, excluding nights 2 & 3 (Whitsundays Sailing).

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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