Sailing Holidays Whitsundays
Advice On How To Get The Most Out Of Your Sailing Holidays In The Whitsundays.
Located just off the middle of the Queensland Coast are the majestic Whitsundays; a group of 74 islands not far offshore that offer the best inshore sailing in the country. Airlie Beach is the main center on the mainland and has a variety of charter options available for sailing holidays Whitsundays, as does nearby Shute Harbor. Most of the islands come under the boundary of the marine national park status, with only a handful being privately owned and sporting resorts, leaving you free to sail around a veritable paradise of beaches, coves and reefs. There are several excellent companies that hire out boats, to boot, with everything from backpacker trips, to bareboat charters, racing catamarans and all-inclusive luxury cruises.
Whitsunday Island is the largest island in the archipelago and is totally uninhabited and home to the famous Whitehaven Beach. You can sunbathe here, swim offshore to meet with giant turtles and even hike inland to lookout points. Hamilton Island is just south of Whitsunday Island and is the most popular island to sail to in the Whitsundays. It is private but is open to tourists and is actually tastefully done, with many quality hotels and resorts as well as an established marina, a bank, shops and even an airport. You can pick up sail charters from Hamilton Island as well as, which saves having to go through Airlie Beach.
There are many other fascinating islands in the chain to enjoy sailing holidays Whitsundays, including the more northerly Hook and Hayman islands, as well as those closer to shore such as Daydream Island, South Molle Island and the family-friendly Long Island. Most day trip and cruise ships will carry snorkel and dive gear and there are many fine fringe reefs to take in some of the local fish life and coral. These trips will also take in Whitehaven Beach by default, while the longer cruises can head out onto the Great Barrier Reef proper, which is much farther offshore. A range of liveaboards are available to divers.
Whitsunday sailing options
There is a variety of different sailing options available depending on your disposition, from the cheap backpacker-centric daytrips to classic sailing, cruising on luxury vessels, sailing holidays Whitsundays, and even adventure sailing. In addition, you can also learn to sail at the Whitsunday Marine Academy, which provides professional sailing qualifications that are recognized internationally.
Classic sailing: This type of sailing mostly suits couples and those after a more relaxed trip at a steady pace. Numbers of participants is typically low – around 10 or 15 people – while comfort is assured. The focus is on the natural beauty of the islands and you get to snorkel and relax.
Tall ship adventures: More for the young ones, with a party type atmosphere aboard a traditional tall ship which takes in Whitehaven Beach, known snorkel and swimming spots, and bushwalking.
Luxury sailing: Many companies have luxury yachts skippered by professional crews ready to take you around the Whitsundays in style. The food, service and accommodation are all top notch while you take in the magnificent surroundings.
Bareboat charters: This means you get to skipper your own vessel and have to supply provisions. All types of boat can be had, from dinghies to racing yachts, and you don’t need a license for sailing holidays Whitsundays.
