Whitsundays: 2-Day Maxi Yacht Sailing & Snorkel Adventure

Summary

Sailing wild waters white sand bushwalks and sunset swims

You’ll sail between quiet coves and famous beaches on a real maxi yacht from Airlie Beach, sharing meals and stories with new friends under open skies. Expect sunrise coffee on deck, three hours relaxing at Whitehaven Beach, guided bushwalks for those wild inlet views, plus handpicked snorkeling spots—all with crew who actually make you feel at home.

What’s the experience like?

I’d never slept on a boat before this Prosail Whitsundays trip, so I was honestly a bit nervous climbing onto Broomstick at Coral Sea Marina. The crew just grinned and tossed my bag below deck—no fuss. There was this salty breeze, kind of sticky but fresh, and everyone looked equally unsure but excited. We set off in the afternoon with Airlie Beach shrinking behind us, sails snapping overhead. Someone handed out snacks (still warm bread, I think?) as we drifted toward our first beach stop. Watching the sun drop behind islands I couldn’t name yet, I remember thinking—yeah, this is different from any “tour” I’ve done before.

That first night, after dinner (which tasted way better than I expected for boat food—some veggie curry thing), we all ended up stretched out on deck. You could hear someone’s playlist mixing with the water slapping against the hull. Our guide, Jess, pointed out constellations and tried to explain southern stars—I only half followed but it felt right. Sleeping below deck was...cozy? Not exactly private (open dorm beds), but nobody seemed to care much after a couple drinks and a lot of laughing about who snored loudest. The gentle rocking made it easier to drift off than I thought.

The next morning started early—like, really early—with coffee mugs clinking as we cruised into Tongue Bay. There’s this short bushwalk up to Hill Inlet Lookout where suddenly you see Whitehaven Beach spread out below you in those wild blue swirls you always see in photos. It’s actually kind of surreal standing there sweaty and sandy with your shoes full of grit while everyone tries (and fails) to get their hair to behave for photos. Three hours on that beach went by weirdly fast—there were stingrays gliding through the shallows if you looked close enough.

Snorkeling later that day was a bit chaotic at first—mask straps twisted, someone forgot how to breathe through the tube—but once we got going it was just silent fishy world everywhere. Bright coral patches and these little electric blue fish darting around my hands. Jess dove down and waved at a turtle; I nearly swallowed half the ocean trying to follow her. By sunset we were back on board with more snacks (I don’t know how they keep making so much food in that tiny kitchen). The last night felt like everyone had known each other longer than 36 hours—which is maybe what happens when you’re all slightly sunburnt and windblown together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Depart Airlie Beach to Whitsundays

• Meet crew and fellow adventurers
• Depart Coral Sea Marina at 2pm
• Sail to beach location for swim and sunset
• Enjoy snacks while watching sunset
• Head to overnight anchorage
• Dinner and dessert onboard
• Relax and socialize under stars

Day 2 — Explore Whitsunday Islands and Beaches

• Breakfast while cruising to Tongue Bay
• Scenic bush-walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
• Relax for 3 hours on Whitehaven Beach
• Lunch served onboard
• Sail to two snorkel destinations
• Visit another beach for sunset snacks
• Return to overnight anchorage
• Dinner and dessert onboard

Day 3 — Final snorkel and return to Airlie Beach

• Breakfast and morning tea onboard
• Last snorkel or guided bush-walk
• Sail back to Airlie Beach
• Arrive Airlie Beach around 11am
• Enjoy afternoon in Airlie Beach
• Freshen up at accommodation
• Join after-party with meal deals and drinks

Top questions

What is included in the Prosail Whitsundays sailing adventure?

The tour includes 2 nights onboard accommodation with bed linen, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), snacks, tea/coffee/water, snorkel suit and equipment, fees/taxes, and an English-speaking guide plus experienced crew.

Where does the Whitsundays sailing tour depart from?

The tour departs from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach at 2pm.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet directly at Coral Sea Marina for departure.

What type of accommodation is provided on Broomstick?

Accommodation is in single or double beds within mixed open dormitory sections below deck.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or other dietary needs can be accommodated if noted when booking.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

You’ll visit two handpicked snorkel destinations during the trip.

Can people under 18 join this Whitsundays sailing adventure?

Tours are normally 18+, but some under 18s may be accepted by request—contact ahead when booking.

How long do you spend at Whitehaven Beach?

You’ll have about three hours to relax on Whitehaven Beach during the second day.

What’s included

Your adventure includes two nights’ accommodation onboard Broomstick with bed linen provided; all main meals plus snacks each day; tea, coffee and filtered water; use of snorkel suits and gear; all national park fees and taxes covered; plus a fun English-speaking guide with two more experienced crew looking after everything along the way.