whitsunday yacht charter itinerary

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Whitsunday Escape offer a most unique holiday experience in paradise with “Skipper Yourself Bareboat Yacht Charters”. You choose the itinerary, pace and adventures to explore Queensland’s tropical Whitsunday Islands from the comfort of your own floating accommodation.

With the largest, modern fleet of self-contained sleep aboard boats, whitsunday escape will have you sailing or cruising the whitsundays in style. based in airlie beach, you can hire one of our many power boats or sailing yachts and catamarans to explore the islands at your own pace., no licence is required, just some prior boating experience, as you will receive a comprehensive briefing before you set sail on the holiday of a lifetime., power catamarans.

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AVAILABILITY & RATES

Boats of the Month

The Leopard 46 was built with opulence as a priority. Standout features include a grand flybridge and deluxe master suite.

The Seawind 1260 (4) features an intelligent design that includes trifold doors, creating an expansive living space.

The Seawind 1160 4 LITE features an intelligent design that includes trifold doors, creating an expansive living space.

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Things to do and places to go

Great barrier reef.

Cruise the islands of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and experience nature at its finest.

Whitehaven Beach

Possibly Australia's most famous beach, the white sands of Whitehaven are a must see on your holiday.

Water Activities

With an abundance of anchorages, coral reefs and beaches to explore, water activities are very popular in the Whitsundays.

Island Resorts

Stop off at islands resorts and enjoy restaurants, cocktails, swim-up pool bars, and activities galore.

The cooler months are whale season in the Whitsundays. Nearly every day offers great whale watching experiences.

Snorkelling

Some of the best reef snorkelling in Australia is right here in the Whitsundays. Snorkelling gear is provided free!

See what more you can do or create your own itinerary

A few words from some of our happy customers

The Ackinclose Family

This was the holiday of a lifetime. When we returned, we immediately got off the boat and walked straight into the office to book again for the following year.

We had an absolute blast. And really the boat was the centre piece of that. It was everything we could have asked for; spacious, luxurious, comfortable, plenty of water storage and fridge/freezer space, room to spread out, great cooking facilities, plenty of lounging areas and a hot shower and comfy bed at the end of every day.

Perhaps most importantly it allowed us to ‘choose our own adventure’! This holiday had it all…. turquoise waters, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, isolated beaches, white sand, incredible walks, beach combing, whales, dolphins, turtles, tropical fish, and some high sea adventures! It’s one thing to visit the Whitsundays, it’s another altogether to holiday ON the Whitsundays. Being on the water 24/7 is an experience unlike any other… it was pure joy!

We loved being on our own (the perfect covid safe holiday really!), enjoying each others company and everyday being an adventure. Not to mention relaxing and unwinding with the most amazing scenery and sunsets. This is a holiday you and your children will remember forever!

Billy & Friends

Thank you again to the Whitsunday Escape Crew for another amazing experience in the magnificent Whitsundays. We had a wonderful 10 days onboard the Seawind 1260 Volare, which kicked off with a great brief by Amee who was very thorough and very knowledgeable about operating Volare safely.

Throughout the charter the support from the ops team is first rate. Whether you want to know where the best place to overnight for the conditions, or if you need some advice about the boat, they will always go the extra mile to ensure you have the best holiday possible. Shoutout to Jordans mobile outboard repairs that paid us a quick visit in Stonehaven to help sort us out.

The absolute highlight for this trip was the time we had all of Whitehaven Beach entirely to ourselves for a few hours on a sunny afternoon. A magical moment that is unlikely to be repeated.

We’re already booked in for our next charter with Whitsunday Escape over Christmas and can’t wait to get back up there.

The Patel Family

We were first time ‘bare boaters’ and a little nervous about going out to sea in a million-dollar catamaran but Whitsunday Escape couldn’t have been more helpful providing boating information and ensuring we had the prerequisite knowledge.

Big thanks to Lachy for his ‘pep talk’ to my crew before we set off.

Best family holiday ever and we loved every minute.

The Whitsunday Escape News

Boat Features to Enhance Your Journey

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time charterer, there are a few additional extras our boats can offer that may significantly enhance your bareboat experience. We’re here to assist in creating a personalised vessel perfect for your charter, making your time on the water hassle-free. Electric Halyard Winch Electric Winches take the work out sailing […]

Whales of the Whitsundays Sponsorship

Whales of the Whitsundays is an exciting project that has put the Whitsundays on the map as an accredited Whale Heritage Area – the first within the Great Barrier Reef and in a World Heritage Area! We are deeply committed to safeguarding the area where we operate and to fostering collaboration with local conservation initiatives, […]

The Whitsundays become a Whale Heritage Site!

The Whitsundays has been proudly recognised as a Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance, all thanks to the tireless efforts of Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) and their enthusiastic community program. This prestigious designation highlights the immense importance of our region as a haven for humpback whales, especially as a calving ground. This […]

Discover the exciting world of bareboating.

We’ve been awarded some of australia’s top holiday awards.

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Explore the phenomenal beauty of the Whitsunday Islands

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7 Day Whitsundays Charter Itinerary - Whitsunday Island to Long Island

Ideal for Summer Season

Located in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, the Whitsunday Islands emphasize everything you picture paradise to look like. Stunning sandy beaches and incredible views wait as your journey between the idyllic islands, taking the path that led to one of Captain Cook's most famous voyages.

Whitsunday Island

After meeting up with your charter yacht at Shute Harbour, head eastwards and leave the cosmopolitan districts behind you. While approaching your first port of call, Whitsunday Island , you will find your surroundings rapidly changing into a quiet and beautiful oasis.

Whitsunday Island is the largest of the Whitsunday archipelago and was named by Captain Cook in 1770. To enjoy the island's luxury at its fullest, head straight to Whitehaven Beach. As one of the most popular draws to the island, this beach is everything you imagine it to be. The glorious soft white sand is inviting and warm and is perfect for an afternoon of pure relaxation. At 7 kilometers long, the beach gives you plenty of space to set up your own spot for the day so you can enjoy the view in peace.

To cool off you can take your first dive of the trip to the Heart Reef around the coast. There are some fast-moving currents so less experienced divers are advised to stay closer to the surface.

Hayman Island

Enjoy the warm breeze as you cruise past Hook Island to the five-star resort on Hayman Island. Being at the most northern point of the Whitsunday Islands this resort is out of the way and has the highest level of indulgence.

Make the most of the resort's amenities by treating yourself to a session at the spa. For something unique and extraordinary book an Ocean Dreaming massage. Laying on a bed in the ocean is the ideal way to relax while listening to the water around you. While on the island enjoy the quiet, pristine beaches and pretty scenery before dining under the stars at the chef's table at the resort. Choose from a delicious selection of courses and enjoy a glass of something bubbly before retiring for the night on your luxury yacht charter .

Hook Island

Returning to Hook Island, you have a day full of exploring to enjoy. 

Being primarily covered by the boundaries of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, the views on this island are spectacular as the isle is almost uninhabited. Hence, most of the scenery is entirely untouched. If you love to see some culture and history, visit the caves dotted around the island. These locations are archaeological sites that date back to when the Ngaro people habited the island from 7000 BC. Traveling to the Nara inlet, you will see the oldest indications of the Aborigine presence in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Chartering past the Nara inlet to the northern coast, you will be in the perfect location to witness the coral reefs below. Known across the area for having some beautifully colored coral displays, this is a dive that you will not want to miss out on.

Border Island

Continuing your journey around the eastern side of the Whitsunday Islands, your next port of call is Border Island. 

Being one of the closest islands to the Great Barrier Reef, Border Island is one of the top three diving locations across the Whitsundays. On arrival at the island, start your exploration by going ashore. Sink your toes into the protected beaches before beginning your climb through the luscious greenery of the eucalyptus trees of the highest peak of the island. This will lead you to incredible panoramic views that allow you to see the very best of Whitsunday Island.

Once you're back at sea level, adorn your snorkeling equipment and plunge into the idyllic crystalline waters. Being so close to the Great Barrier Reef , you can expect to see an abundance of marine life waiting to be discovered. In the water, keep a look out for angelfish, reef sharks, rays and red snappers and don't forget your underwater camera!

Haslewood Island / Maher Island

This morning make your way to Haselwood Island. A very short distance from the popular Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, this island also sports some natural beauty spots. 

The most sought-after spot is Chalkies Beach, a bay that boasts luxurious white sand and endless picture-perfect vistas. This beach encourages relaxation and provides a blissful ambiance for a picnic. In addition to the soft sand of Chalkies Beach, the surrounding waters hold adventures of their own. Plunging into the depths, you will witness some staggering coral gardens teeming with marine life. Butterfly fish and blue damsels greet you at every coral display, and if you're lucky, you will also encounter some green and Hawksbill turtles.

Moving on to Maher Island, there are some lovely natural caves to explore. Less known than other surrounding islands, you experience more isolation to enjoy the peace and tranquillity at your own pace. Finish the day by dining on your private yacht charter and watching the beautiful sunset.

Hamilton Island

Any trip to Australia would not be complete without a trip to Hamilton Island, one of the most desirable island getaways in the world. 

Being the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island has many amenities and experiences to make this day one to remember. Relax on the palm-fringed sands of Catseye Beach before gathering the stamina and strength to climb Passage Peak to witness Hamilton Island in all its panoramic glory.

Back on land, you may be lucky to witness one of the annual tournaments or events which continue to bring tourists to the island. If you are on Hamilton Island at the right time of the year, you may see canoe racing, cross-country running competitions, or the famous Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.

Like all the other islands in the archipelago, there are adventures to be had underneath the water's surface. Snorkeling the turquoise waters, you will see thousands of brightly colored marine fish and equally vibrant coral displays. Moving further out at sea, keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of some whales.

Long Island

Before saying goodbye to the Whitsunday Islands, make one last stop at Long Island. 

Just a stone's throw away from your final destination back at Shute Harbour, Long Island will give you one last look at paradise before returning to reality. Long Island is protected within the national park, so you are guaranteed to see some staggering wildlife and picture-perfect scenery. Walking through the rainforest, hundreds of lush green trees provide a canopy from the warm sun. The native flora and fauna create an impeccable backdrop for some last holiday photographs and an enjoyable day of peace, solitude and pure relaxation.

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Featured Luxury Charter Yachts in Whitsundays

To help you in your search for your perfect luxury charter yacht for your next vacation, we’ve selected some of the finest and most exclusive superyachts and megayachts that are currently available for charter in Whitsundays.

37m | Gulf Craft

from $73,500 p/week

37m | Warren Yachts

from $99,000 p/week

35m | Lloyds Ships

from $70,000 p/week

32m | Warren Yachts

from $80,000 p/week

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A Whitsunday Yacht Charter Itinerary: 7 Nights of Freedom

Check availability, this sample whitsunday yacht charter itinerary outlines anchorage and activity ideas for your sailing holiday around the magnificent whitsunday islands.

We have created this detailed Whitsunday yacht charter itinerary as a guideline for anyone embarking on a 7-night bareboat holiday through the Whitsunday Islands.

This is by no means an exhaustive list and we encourage you to plot your own adventure and let the wind guide you throughout your cruise around the islands .

The most important factor to remember when choosing an anchorage is the weather forecast. By using the 100 Magic Miles book on your vessel as a reference, your navigation chart and advice from the VHF radio operator at our base, you will be able to make informed anchorage decisions at the start of each day.

We also recommend you discuss ideas you have for your itinerary with your briefer during your training on the first day. They will assist you in plotting the best course for the weather conditions predicted for your charter.

7 Night Whitsunday Yacht Charter Itinerary

The beauty of the suggestions made in this Whitsunday Islands yacht charter itinerary is that you can travel clockwise or anticlockwise around the islands depending on the wind and tide and you will not miss a thing.

If you would like to download and print this itinerary please visit our sailing itineraries resource page.

Check-in at Shute Harbour, the closest mainland harbour to the islands

Arrive at Whitsunday Rent a Yacht’s base in Shute Harbour where you will be prepared for charter with a 3-4 hour briefing. You will meet and greet your briefer in our comfortable reception area and then be guided to your vessel to load your personal belongings before your briefing.

The pre-charter briefing consists of an area brief, followed by a briefing on the operation of the vessel and its equipment. Your briefer will take you for a test run on your vessel to ensure you and your crew are confident in its handling. Once your briefer is satisfied you can handle your vessel, it’s time to embark on your charter.

You will then head off to your first anchorage which, depending on the weather and the start time of your briefing, could be one of the many amazing locations. The beauty of starting your charter from Shute is we are closer to the islands, the nearest anchorage is less than an hour away.

You will be required to call in on the afternoon radio schedule with our proposed overnight anchorage and if you are still in transit, then it’s a good idea to call base again once safely moored for the evening. Fleet vessels must be anchored for the evening by 4 pm.

Anchorage Tip: If you arrive early or are having a pre-charter sleep aboard take a walk up to Lion’s lookout and take in the majestic view over the harbour and out to the islands. Keep an eye out for the resident dolphins and drop a line in off the back deck or take the tender to Snow’s Beach for a picnic.

Spend the night at tranquil Nara Inlet and see the Ngaro cultural site

Nara Inlet is a narrow 3km inlet making it a very protected and suitable overnight anchorage in all weather conditions. The fishing conditions are excellent and there are lots of oysters to gather from the rocky shore at low tide.

Nara is a deep and fiord-link inlet with steep, heavily wooded embankments. If there have been recent showers, small waterfalls tumble down the rocky face to the shore and provide a refreshing bath. There is a track up to the Ngaro Cultural Si te, which is easily accessible for anyone with reasonable health and adequate footwear. With aboriginal cave paintings and interpretive signage explaining the history of the traditional owners of the Whitsundays, this cultural site and bushwalk make a great activity in any weather.

Take a short walk past the caves to the flat rocky outcrop and you will get the chance to take stunning photos of your vessel looking back down the inlet. The friendly resident cockatoos are likely to pay a visit at mealtimes. Being very inquisitive and used to visiting yachts, the interaction with these birds makes for a great photo opportunity.

Anchorage Tip:

The inlet offers several anchorages, however, we recommend anchorage 1 or 3 right at the top of the inlet if there is space available, as they are the most protected and quite beautiful. The anchorages are surrounded on three sides by steep rocky faces with ferns, hoop pines, palms and varieties of other rainforest plants and wildlife.

Anchor at Cid Harbour and hike up to Whitsunday Peak

Head to one of the areas most popular anchorages, Cid Harbour, on the western side of Whitsunday Island. It is often chosen as a great first anchorage as it is approximately a 2-hour sail from our base. One of the great all-weather anchorages, it was used by the Australian Navy and allied navies during World War II.

The main Sawmill Beach anchorage is a sandy beach edged with a coral reef. If you are feeling adventurous take one of the most strenuous walks in the islands through the rainforest over spring-fed streams and palm forest to the top of Whitsunday Peak (437m). Make sure you allow plenty of time before the sun sets and take plenty of water and sunscreen. Watch for the majestic sea eagles that swoop the waves for small fish and take stunning photos of your vessel from the peak.

For the less energetic, the bush walk from Sawmill Beach to Dugong Inlet is a must-do. This leisurely walk offers a beautiful secluded beach and is well worthwhile. Except to encounter large, lazy goannas, wallabies and lots of birdlife on the way. Don’t forget your cameras.

Enjoy the serenity the next morning by taking your dinghy ashore and enjoying a bushwalk through the lush forest throbbing with bird song. Then be enticed back onboard with the aroma of a sizzling BBQ cooking on the rear deck. All our vessels are equipped with gas BBQ on the rear deck for al fresco dining Whitsundays-style.

Have a beach and snorkelling day on Langford Island

From both Nara Inlet and Cid Harbour take a leisurely cruise along the western side of Hook Island, heading north to Langford Island. This is a delightful daytime stop-over with the coral reef and sand spit emerging at low tide and disappearing at high tide.

Langford Island, with its coral sand beach, has vegetation which gives the feeling of both a continental island and a true coral quay. The long sand spit is interesting to explore – a great daytime choice for all the family. Beachcombing is a must on the sand spit with a world of hidden treasures washed up with each tide.

It’s a great area for picnicking at low tide and the vast array of tropical fish seething amongst the coral bommies makes it one of the best snorkelling spots in the area.

There is a very high chance of spotting a friendly turtle whilst snorkelling amongst the coral or enjoying a bite to eat back on the boat before heading elsewhere for the evening. As navigation can be tricky through the reef, especially in this area, always refer to your chart and the 100 Magic Miles guide book which shows how to enter and exit the area safely.

The five-star world-class one and only Hayman Island lies to the north of Langford Island. Visitation is allowed for a berthing fee and via pre-arrangement, so you can enjoy a sophisticated lunchtime experience. No overnight berthing in the marina unless you have accommodation booked on the island. Dress codes apply.

Enjoy a sunset at the overnight anchorage in Stonehaven Bay

The best overnight anchorages in this area are Stonehaven to the east of Langford Reef on Hook Island or Blue Pearl Bay on the western side of Hayman Island. Stonehaven is an expansive 3km long open bay with a 400-meter mountain range on the eastern side of the best sunsets in the Whitsundays to the western side.

Be sure to sit back on the deck with a refreshing drink and your camera at the ready as the sunsets are not to be missed. There are three main anchorage areas to choose from and the northernmost anchorage has a very nice beach, with good fishing from the rocks to the south.

Stonehaven can be a little gusty in very strong winds but is a very secure anchorage and well worth the visit.

Blue Pearl Bay on the western side of Hayman Island offers another superb overnight anchorage in easterly conditions and some of the Whitsundays’ best snorkelling and diving opportunities. What better way to end the perfect day than with a snorkel in the warm turquoise waters and the chance of spotting a school of brightly-coloured tropical fish. Wake up and dive back in for another snorkel, being ready to leave after breakfast when the commercial charter vessels start to arrive and bring the crowds.

Yes, Elvis is still alive! Watch for a glimpse of the Whitsunday marine life celebrity. Elvis the Maori Wrasse, who calls Blue Pearl Bay home. He is thought to be about 50 years old and is very friendly to snorkelers.

Stay, snorkel and dive on the North of Hook Island

The northern side of Hook Island is where you need to be if you want to experience the Great Barrier Reef and all it has to offer. The numerous bays which line the northern end of Hook Island such as Butterfly Bay, Maureen’s Cove, Luncheon Bay, Manta Ray Bay and Pinnacle Bay provide some of the best snorkelling conditions in our tropical waters and in the right conditions the visibility is superb.

When snorkelling and diving around this group, you can expect to see an amazing variety of coral specials and marine creatures including enormous clams, huge groupers, sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays and large schools of colourful tropical fish. Remember to always snorkel with a buddy and we recommend wet suits in all seasons for sun protection.

After a day of underwater activity make your way to either North Mackeral Bay on the eastern side of Hook Island or Butterfly Bay on the northern side for overnight anchorages – your choice will be guided by the wind directions Butterfly Bay is a 1km long cosy bay, which offers great protection from our south-east trade winds. If you venture ashore at Butterfly Bay and explore the creeks at certain times of the year, the bushland is clouded with thousands of blue butterflies.

There are 9 public moorings in Butterfly Bay, which are aimed at minimizing the human impact on the coral and the risk of damage to the reef, as this is a very sensitive ecological area. Remember to never stand on the coral or touch it when swimming past and always observe marine life from a distance.

Anchor at Tongue Bay and hike up to Hill Inlet, the most iconic view in the Whitsunday Islands

From the top of Hook Island take a gentle cruise south to Border Island and enjoy a light lunch on board before walking to the top of this grassy little island ridge which offers a 360-degree view of the area. Anchor up in Cateran Bay to the north, as it is well protected from our trade winds and offers excellent coral reef and marine life to explore for a mid-morning snorkel and lunch.

After a relaxing lunch stop at Border Island, head to Tongue Bay for your overnight anchorage. This is where you will find access to the lookout loop and viewing platform with views of the amazing Hill Inlet , with its pure white sandy shoals and pristine beaches. Here you are likely to see an array of lagoon rays and green sea turtles bobbing in the clear blue seas, so don’t forget your camera.

Take the time to descend the walking track into Betty’s Beach and experience for yourself what it is like to feel the tropical warm waters on your toes whilst gazing out over the inlet and off to Whitehaven Beach in the distance. If the tides are in your favour you may even be lucky enough to catch this amazing vista at sunset and take home photos your friends and family will be jealous of!

Get the camera ready! It is here at Hill Inlet that you will experience for yourself the picture-perfect turquoise waters and white silica sand that has become the trademark of the Whitsundays Islands. This vista has to be the most iconic and photographed of all the Whitsunday views and it won’t disappoint.

Experience the world-famous Whitehaven Beach

On a calm day, the northern end of Whitehaven Beach can provide a suitable anchorage for you to explore the beach and Hill Inlet from a different angle.

At your leisure make the trip along the length of Whitehaven Beach where you will get stunning views of Australia’s most famous beach, with its 6km of pure white sand and clear turquoise seas. The best overnight anchorage is off the rocky point at the south end of the beach. Spend a day relaxing on the beach itself, take a picnic and enjoy a game of beach cricket, a swim in the shallows or an hour of peace and quiet before returning to the vessel for a delicious dinner with one of the best views in the world.

For an alternative overnight anchorage or day time stop in certain wind conditions, head east to Haselwood Island and anchor at Chalkies Beach on the western side. Some call Chalkies a mini Whitehaven as it too is blessed with that pure white Silica sand, which when combined with the calm turquoise waters helps to create the perfect Whitsunday anchorage.

Included in Trip Advisor’s top ten beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see. The sand is made up of 98 per cent silica, producing the sand’s pure white appearance. Unlike normal sand, the sand on Whitehaven Beach does not retain heat, which makes it a dream to stroll along even on a hot summer day.

Any proposed itinerary need to be open to a great deal of flexibility, taking into account changing weather and wind conditions.

Some people will try and fit as many different locations into their charter as possible, whereas others may stay in the same spot for days on end. There are no set guidelines for where you should go and what you should do whilst out on the water and we offer this Whitsunday yacht charter itinerary as a suggestion only.

No matter what route you decide to take around the Whitsundays, you’re sure to have the adventure of a lifetime. Be flexible with your plans and most importantly, have fun!

Customise your Whitsunday Yacht Charter Itinerary and enjoy the freedom to explore.

Learn more and book or contact us today 1800 075 000 or [email protected]

Nara Inlet: The Best Anchorage in the Whitsundays

Aug 15, 2024 | Whitsunday Islands & Places

What's so good about Nara Inlet? Ask that question to anyone at Whitsunday Rent a Yacht and they will tell you, pretty much everything! This post will cover the Highlights of Nara Inlet including thing to do, natural attractions and the famous First Nations Art Cave....

Why Whitsunday Island Sailing is a World-Class Experience

Jun 5, 2024 | Whitsunday Islands & Places

When it comes to a tropical holiday on the water, you can't go past the Whitsunday Islands for sailing. A unique combination of natural beauty, favorable sailing conditions, rich marine life, and well-developed infrastructure makes the Whitsundays a premier sailing...

Exploring the 74 Whitsunday Islands

Mar 9, 2024 | Whitsunday Islands & Places

The Whitsunday Islands are located off the east coast of Queensland in Australia. Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, each Island in the Whitsundays has a unique draw card, whether it be a stylish resort, world-famous beach, spectacular snorkelling site or...

Border Island; A nature lovers hotspot

Jan 23, 2024 | Whitsunday Islands & Places

Border Island is a local favourite destination in the Whitsunday Islands. It's far enough away from the day tour crowds, yet close enough to be within comfortable sailing reach. Perhaps what makes Border Island such a special place is its natural beauty:  its been...

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Follow in the footsteps of the Ngaro people, the traditional owners of the Whitsunday area. This itinerary visits some of the sites on The Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail. Walk across white silica sands, sail over turquoise waters, see historic rock art, rugged headlands, dry rainforest, rolling grasslands and experience breathtaking views of the Islands. Downloadable Ngaro-Sea-Trail Guide

Coral Sea Marina → Nara Inlet

After your introductory briefing: departing Coral Sea Marina it’s a short 2.5 – 3 hour sail past Pioneer Point and across the Whitsunday Passage to your first nights destination at Nara Inlet on Hook Island.

Motor down the long narrow fjord for your overnight anchorage. It’s then a short ride in the tender to the start of a walking track that leads from the beach to Aboriginal Caves. There is also a waterfall which runs after heavy rains.

The cave painting site is protected by a fence to keep out the wild goats that inhabit the island. looking inside the cave admire the primitive paintings indicating that aboriginal people lived here until recently. Surrounding the walk are a variety of tropical palms and majestic Hoop Pines. There are also views out looking down along the inlet framed by the surrounding trees.

Nara Inlet → Cataran Bay → Butterfly Bay

Sail through the Hook Passage and away from Whitsunday Island heading east towards Border Island. Cateran Bay on Border Island has some exceptional snorkeling opportunities and a walk from the beach up to the top of the “saddle” through grass trees to panoramic views of the island and surrounds.

After lunch, sail North taking in the magnificent contours and headlands of Hook Island, carefully navigating the rocks around Pinnacle Point to your choice of the bays on the north end of the Island. Our recommendation is Butterfly Bay , where, if you are not completely snorkelled out there are yet more snorkel opportunities in this sheltered anchorage.

Butterfly Bay → Blue Pearl Bay → Stonehaven

It’s a short sail from Butterfly Bay to Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island. Blue Pearl Bay offers more amazing snorkeling with an abundance of fish and corals – some of the best to be seen around the islands. There is plenty of time to enjoy the marine life, beach and the walk up to the hill to Dolphin Point Lookout; your evening anchorage is less than an hours sail away.

Later in the afternoon, sail past the 5-Star luxury resort on Hayman Island on the way to Stonehaven Anchorage to pick up a free public mooring, to view another amazing sunset and settle in for the night.

Stonehaven → Langford Reef → Macona Inlet

No need to set the sails this morning, it’s less than 30 minutes motor around Bird Island to safely navigate to Langford Island Reef . Being so close means you can arrive early, get yourself a mooring and enjoy the beach before any day trips from the mainland arrive.

Enjoy lunch, take your time having a snorkel and a stroll on the sandy beach before heading approx 1.5 hours sail to Macona Inlet for the night.

Macona Inlet → Hamilton Island

Take in the views as you make your way South passing Cid Island and Henning Island en-route to Hamilton Island Marina . Fill up with water, provisions and let someone else do the cooking! There are plenty of things to do on Hamilton Island.

Hamilton Island is a modern resort Island with a village that has all the essentials-bakery, bottle shop, general store, chemist, local art, fashion and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Hire a golf buggy to explore the island and end your day by watching a glorious sunset from the lookout.

Hamilton Island → Burning Point (Shaw Island)

Leave Civilization in your wake and head off in search of solitude on Shaw Island. Spend a leisurely day sailing past Lindeman Island ( Boat Port , Gap Beach and Plantation Bay ).

Once anchored for the night at Burning Point anchorage, Relax.

Enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of the surrounds. Sit back for the evening soaking up the peace and quiet.

Shaw Island → Whitehaven Beach → Tongue Bay

Lots to see today as you sail past Pentecost Island and through the Solway Passage to some of the Whitsundays most iconic locations. Take a walk along Whitehaven beach and a lunch time picnic. The beach is more than 5 kilometers of sparkling white sand made up of 98% silica a legacy of a geologic era when the sea level was lower. Take a walk up the beach and the only sound you hear is the sand that squeaks beneath your feet and the gently breaking waves. There are no resorts, no buildings, just natural beauty.

At the northern end of the beach is Hill Inlet and Tongue Point, it’s short sail/motor around tongue point to your overnight anchorage in Tongue Bay . A short tender ride (tide permitting) to the start of a walk the leads to the lookout overlooking Hill Inlet. Once ashore it is just 650 meters to the platform lookout with a magnificent view straight into Hill Inlet where the sands just beneath the water swirl to give incredible contrast.

Tongue Bay → Cid Harbour

Sail north following the coastline of Whitsunday Island, passing Dumbell Island . Sail through the hook passage between Hook and Whitsunday Island then head to Cid Harbour – Sawmill Beach where you will spend the rest of the day.

A walking track from Sawmill beach leads to the summit of Whitsunday Peak. The track is a strenuous 2.5km (437m climb) so take plenty of water, ankle supporting footwear is recommended as part of the walk is along a dry creek bed, 4 hour round trip. Alternatively a more sedate 1.5km trail takes you around the point to Dugong beach.

Cid Harbour → Bauer Bay (South Molle Island)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast then make your away west towards the Molle Islands. Bauer Bay on South Molle Island for your final night on the water.

South Molle Island features 6 walks of various lengths and offers spectacular views of the surrounding islands and nature.

South Molle → Coral Sea Marina

It’s only a couple of hours sail from Bauer Bay to return to Charter Yachts Australia base at Coral Sea Marina

Create Your Own Adventure

You can shorten or extend this route to create the perfect holiday for you.

Use our Whitsunday Anchorage Guide to help you plan the things you want to see and do during your sailing trip to the Whitsunday Islands.

Why Charter with CYA?

Our goal is to ensure you have the holiday of a lifetime. Our team is dedicated to making your dream holiday the blissful experience it should be – from start to finish. • Established in 1992 with over 27 years experience • Dealing with our company direct ensures your satisfaction

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