Whitsundays Sailing Tour: Small Group on Prima from Airlie Beach

Sail to Whitehaven Beach and snorkel two bays without fighting the day-tripper crowds

A 2-day sailing tour of the Whitsunday Islands departing from Airlie Beach aboard Prima, a monohull carrying only 12 guests. You depart the marina, visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout on day one, snorkel a second bay that evening, sleep aboard, then snorkel another bay the next morning before returning. Overnight cabin, all meals, snorkeling equipment and stinger suit are included. You choose between a private double cabin, a double bed in open-plan accommodation, a single bunk, or a private double cabin with ensuite.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Islands

• Depart marina and relax
• Have lunch on board
• Visit Whitehaven Beach
• Take bush walk to Hill Inlet lookout
• Snorkel in a beautiful bay
• Enjoy dinner and drinks on board

Day 2: Snorkelling and sailing home

• Wake up and enjoy morning coffee
• Sail to next snorkelling bay
• Snorkel among fish and corals
• Have lunch on board
• Raise sails and head home

The experience

You board Prima at Airlie Beach marina and sail into the Whitsunday Passage toward the archipelago. After lunch, the crew drops you on Whitsunday Island to walk the short bush track up to Hill Inlet Lookout (one of Australia's most photographed views, with three viewing platforms to choose from), then spend time on Whitehaven Beach itself, swimming and searching the shallows for shells and marine life. Back on board, you sail to another bay for an evening snorkel, watching the colourful fish and corals. Dinner happens around the dining table or on deck with your fellow passengers. You sleep aboard in your chosen cabin type with bedding and linen provided.

Day two starts with coffee while the yacht is still anchored, then you motor to a second snorkeling bay for another hour in the water before lunch. The afternoon sail back to Airlie Beach gives you time to relax on deck or help with the sails if the wind picks up. The crew handles navigation and safety. You handle the pace: join in with sailing if you want, or sit back. Snorkeling equipment, stinger suits (essential in these waters), towels, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea and coffee are all on board. The restroom is shared.

With only 12 guests instead of the 40 or 50 on larger boats, Prima gives you room to move and a crew that knows your name. The two-night format means you're anchored at the best spots when the day-trippers have left, and you get a second full morning in the islands instead of rushing back on day one.

What’s included

• Overnight cabin with bedding and linen.
• breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea and coffee.
• snorkeling equipment and stinger suit.
• bath towels.
• services of an experienced English-speaking crew.
• restroom on board.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

3 options

Single Bunk in Open-Plan AccommodationGuide in English · 08:30A single bunk within an open-plan sleeping area. Bathroom facilities are shared.

Private Double CabinGuide in English · 08:30A private cabin with a double bed, with shared bathroom facilities.

Private Double Cabin with EnsuiteGuide in English · 08:30Private cabin for two with a double bed and a private ensuite bathroom.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Explore Whitsundays

Is this one for you?The small 12-guest limit means you reach the islands when larger tour boats have left for the day, and the overnight format gives you a second full morning to snorkel and explore instead of a rushed return on day one. Book this if you want to avoid the crowds and have time to move slowly through the bays.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between the cabin options on Prima?

Prima offers four cabin types: a private double cabin, a private double cabin with ensuite, a double bed in open-plan accommodation shared with other guests, or a single bunk in open-plan. You choose at checkout based on your budget and preference for privacy.

Do I need to know how to sail to join this tour?

No sailing experience is required. The crew handles all navigation and safety. You're welcome to help with the sails if the wind is strong enough and you want to, but it's entirely optional: many guests simply relax on deck.

What's Whitehaven Beach actually like when you get there?

Whitehaven Beach is a long stretch of white sand on Whitsunday Island where you spend time swimming, sunbathing and looking for shells in the shallows. The Hill Inlet Lookout above it offers three viewing platforms for photos of the turquoise water and sand patterns below.

How much snorkeling time do I get?

You snorkel two different bays: one on the evening of day one and another on the morning of day two. Each snorkel lasts roughly an hour, depending on conditions and how long guests want to stay in the water.

What if I get seasick or don't feel well on the boat?

Prima is a monohull, so you'll feel the motion of the water. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to manage the boat's movement and the snorkeling.

Are drinks and alcohol included?

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee and tap water are included. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not. You're welcome to bring your own (BYO).