whitsunday solo travel

The Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 3, 2023

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off the central coast of Queensland, Australia . These incredibly stunning islands are one of the most popular destinations in the country.

From backpackers on sailing trips to locals on their own boats to those staying at the luxury resorts that dot the islands, anyone who goes up the east coast of Australia tends to stop here for some rest and relaxation.

Since the vast majority of these islands are designated national parks, you’ll find numerous pristine beaches and dive sites here. The coral reefs provide incredible snorkeling and diving, Whitehaven Beach is everything it’s cracked up to be, and the crystalline waters are perfect for a swim. It’s postcard-perfect here.

I loved my multi-day sailing trip around the Whitsundays and I definitely recommend seeing the islands by boat over staying at one resort.

But, no matter how you plan to visit these islands, this travel guide can help you plan your trip!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Whitsunday Islands

Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Whitsunday Islands

1. Attend Race Week

During August, Hamilton Island’s Race Week kicks off as hundreds of yachts — from 30-foot boats rented for the week to million-dollar super yachts — compete in some serious racing. It’s one of the biggest events of the year and attracts thousands of people. Aside from watching the various races, the festival also includes dinners presented by celebrity chefs, wine tasting, golf tournaments, and more. It’s not your typical budget backpacker event, but it makes for a fun and lively time to visit!

2. Try birdwatching

The islands here are home to many nesting sites and exotic bird species, such as the curlew and the brolga. Keep an eye out for sulfur-crested cockatoos, terns, tattlers, reef egrets, sooty oyster-catchers, and white-bellied sea eagles, one of Australia’s largest raptors, which have a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters (7.2 feet). Fruit bats (also known as flying foxes) are also common around the islands too.

3. Go diving

The islands are known for their diving. Reefs are best viewed during the summertime as the rainy season makes the water murky and visibility gets pretty bad. Here, you’ll be able to spot a wide array of vibrant fish, coral, rays, sea turtles, and more. Dives start at around 150-200 AUD for a two-tank dive.

4. Enjoy Hamilton Island

This is the largest island in the Whitsundays. Often referred to as “Hamo,” if you’re looking to spend some time at a resort, you’ll find a lot of options here. There are lots of spas, trails, and places to go ATVing. Personally, I found it too developed for me but, if you want to splash out on a resort escape, it’s a good choice. Don’t miss the nearby Heart Reef while you’re here (more on it below).

5. See the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth (it’s actually visible from space). Stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles) and composed of almost 3,000 individual reefs, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can take a cruise, swim, snorkel, dive, or book a glass-bottom boat tour to go looking for Nemo. Expect to pay between 250-300 AUD for most excursions. Common wildlife that can be seen here include sharks, manta rays, whales, clown fish, dolphins, giant clams, and more!

Other Things to See and Do in the Whitsunday Islands

1. take a resort vacation.

Most resorts offer package deals with sailing trips, spa visits, golfing, arcades, and snorkeling tours. If you aren’t interested in sailing around the island and would rather just stay in one place and take small side trips to the other islands, the resorts are your best bet. Live in luxury for a bit!

2. Fly over Heart Reef

Ever see that famous photo of a reef shaped like a heart? Well, that’s here! While definitely not a budget activity, booking a helicopter tour over the reef is something special and popular with couples visiting on a romantic getaway. An hour-long helicopter ride costs around 700 AUD. An hour-long small plane tour costs about 275 AUD. Most tours will also take you over other sections of the Great Barrier Reef as well.

3. Hike to Passage Peak

There aren’t a whole lot of walking trails in the Whitsundays as it’s mostly a place for water-based activities but, if you want to get some exercise, head to the top of Passage Peak on Hamilton Island. It’s an easy 45-minute trek, and the view at the top of the island chain is perfect. It’s the best hike in the Whitsundays.

4. Sail the islands

Visiting the Whitsundays on a sailboat is one of the best ways to experience the islands. You’ll get to explore a lot of remote places, including some ideal snorkeling spots. Expect to pay between 399-499 AUD per person for a three-day/two-night sailing trip. You can book tours on the mainland from Airlie Beach. OzSail, Redcat Adventures, and The Atlantic Clipper are some of the more popular companies running tours. If you just want to do a day cruise, Cruise Whitsundays offers half-day crusies for 125 AUD.

5. Go camping

If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, go camping. Camping permits cost as little as 7 AUD per night. You’ll need to take a water taxi to get to your island/campsite but once you’re there you can enjoy the region for cheap. Expect to pay at least 80 AUD for round-trip service to the islands.

For more information on other places in Australia, check out these guides:

• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Broome Travel Guide
• Cairns Travel Guide
• Fraser Island Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Sydney Travel Guide

Whitsunday Islands Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are no hostels on the islands since people either stay in hotels or sail around on boats. When you’re searching for hostels, you’re likely to come across some on Airlie Beach as the main launching point for visiting the Whitsundays, but it isn’t actually on the islands. Expect to pay 30-60 AUD per night for a hostel dorm in Airlie Beach. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels include self-catering facilities.

You can camp on the islands but you’ll need your own gear as well as transportation to/from the islands. It’s still a budget-friendly choice though. Basic plots cost as little as 7 AUD per night.

Budget hotel prices – Some of the larger islands have hotels. They are more like resorts and most start at 200 AUD per night on Hamilton Island. Other islands are a little cheaper, usually starting around 125 AUD per night for more mid-range hotels or eco-lodges.

Airbnb is available around the islands and is a bit more affordable. Private rooms start around 75 AUD while entire apartments start at 150 AUD. Expect to pay double that (or more) if you don’t book early.

Food – If you’re on a sailing trip, food is provided on the boat, but you’ll have to bring your own alcohol. If you go on your own, you can buy food at the resorts and hotels. Most meals start at 20-25 AUD, however, there are also a few casual and takeaway spots where you can grab a sandwich for under 20 AUD.

You generally have more limited food options around the islands, so if you’re on a budget book accommodation where you can cook your own food or where meals are included. Some hotels and resorts include meals. Make sure you know what’s included when you book.

If you cook your own meals, expect to pay 100 AUD per week for basic staples like pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foodstuffs.

Backpacking the Whitsunday Islands: Suggested Budgets

The cheapest way to see the Whitsundays is by hopping on a sailing trip, which costs around 399-499 AUD for a 3-day/2-night sailing trip. This covers your transportation from Airlie Beach, food, all sightseeing and activities (like snorkeling), and basically everything you need to have an amazing time in the Whitsunday Islands. (Remember: booze isn’t included in your sailing trip. Pick up a box of goon!)

This is how most backpackers get around and, while it’s not cheap, most travelers plan in advance and splurge on this activity. Camping is definitely possible instead, but you need to have all your own gear. If you do camp, you can lower your costs to under 50 AUD per day (assuming you’re staying on one island and not bouncing around).

On a mid-range budget of about 275 AUD per day, you can take a ferry from Airlie to Hamilton Island, stay in a cheap hotel or Airbnb, eat some takeaway food or grab meals at local cafes (combined with cooking some of your meals and having picnics), and do some water activities like kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling.

On a “luxury” budget of 590 AUD per day or more, you can take a ferry from Airlie to Hamilton Island, stay in a resort, eat out for all your meals (and have a cocktail with dinner), and hire a buggy to get around Hamilton. You can also participate in just about any tour you want: a full-day sailing trip, a flight over the Heart Reef, or even learn how to dive. At this price point, you can do what you want!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AUD.

Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

The Whitsunday Islands are definitely not a budget destination. A visit here requires lots of planning and preparation. However, there are some ways to save money in the Whitsunday Islands:

• BYOB – With the exception of day trips on large boats with licensed bars, you can bring your own alcohol on board most boats. To stick to your budget, most travelers bring a box of goon (cheap wine) for the trip.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation here can be quite pricey. If you plan ahead, you might be able to find a Couchsurfing host in the Whitsunday Islands (or on the mainland near Airlie Beach before you depart). Just make sure you request a spot well in advance as there are not a lot of hosts.
• Camp – If you enjoy being outdoors, there are tons of campgrounds around the islands. It’s the cheapest way to see stay on the islands! However, you’ll need your own boat to get to these sites, and will also have to provide your own food but it will be super cheap!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Australia is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic use. Lifestraw is my favorite as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Do a day trip – If staying on the islands is too pricey, stay on the mainland instead and just do a day trip to one of the islands. It won’t be cheap but it will be cheaper than a longer visit or sailing trip!

Where to Stay in the Whitsunday Islands

There are no hostels in the Whitsunday Islands. If you want to stay at a resort, here are a few recommendations that aren’t too expensive:

• Whitsunday Apartments
• Reef View Hotel

How to Get Around the Whitsunday Islands

Sailing – Sailing is the best way to see the Whitsunday Islands. Sailing trips leave from Airlie beach and usually include meals and activities. You can take longer or shorter tours depending on your budget too. Read about my 3-day sailing trip for more details .

Ferry – Cruise Whitsundays is the main ferry operator running transfers in the Whitsundays, providing transfers between Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, and Airlie Beach (on the mainland). The ferry between Airlie and Hamilton Island costs 60 AUD each way. Airlie to Hamilton Island Airport is the same price. The ferry between Airlie and Daydream Island is 40 AUD. For more ferry prices, see their schedule

When to Go to the Whitsunday Islands

The best time of year to visit the Whitsunday Islands is in September, when there’s near-constant sunshine, very little rainfall, and the temperature reaches highs of 29°C (84°F). The humidity isn’t too high and the water is ideal for watersports (like snorkeling and swimming). A lot of people prefer to do sailing trips during this time as well.

The winter months (from June through August) are also a good time to visit, with comfortable temperatures hovering around 22°C (71°F) each day. However, the water can be quite chilly. If you’re not too keen on spending time in the water, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Australia’s summer months are hot and humid, so most people prefer to avoid the islands during this time. Temperatures are high from December through February, and there is the possibility of cyclones. October through May is also known as “stinger season,” when the box jellyfish and the Irukandji are abundant and can give you a potentially fatal sting.

How to Stay Safe in the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are very safe The only dangers here are from the natural environment.

Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen, and stay as hydrated as possible. Bring mosquito repellant. Be on the lookout for snakes and spiders, and if you’re bitten, seek immediate care. Furthermore, if you’re swimming, heed the red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed.

October through May is known as “stinger season,” when the box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish are plentiful and can deliver a seriously painful sting (or even a potentially fatal one).

The tropical climate here means unexpected storms may pop up, including cyclones. Be sure to check the weather forecast in advance before you do any activities. You do not want to be stranded in a tropical storm!

The national park services also advise against swimming in Cid Harbour as a number of shark attacks have been reported there in recent years.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

The Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

A Blissful Wanderer

Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Australia , Queensland · August 26, 2020

A Travel Guide to Sailing the Whitsundays: 5 Day Itinerary

Are you thinking of Sailing the Whitsundays? Well, here’s a quick piece of advice – stop thinking about it and book! This is one place and travel experience you will never forget.

In this travel guide, I’m doing things a bit differently than usual. I laid this travel guide out like an itinerary to share more of the experience. Also, you’ll find tips on how to get to the Whitsundays, what to do in Airlie Beach, what boat company we went with, and so much more! I hope you find it super helpful when planning your trip.

Where are the Whitsundays?

We found paradise in the Whitsundays. Right off the coast of Queensland Australia is a group of 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays. This area is known for its incredible snorkelling, pristine beaches, and sailing! So if you’re looking for the perfect tropical vacation, this is it!

It’s been ten years since I’ve been to the Whitsundays as a young backpacker, and to this day, it’s still one of my favourite travel experiences. I remembered it to be one of the most naturally beautiful places with an incredibly fun vibe! However, I always dreamed of coming back here with a romantic partner and experiencing it together. So imagine my excitement booking a 3-night sailing trip with Ben, my new fiance.

How to Get to the Whitsundays 

We booked an Alliance Airline flight with Expedia , and travelled from Brisbane to the Proserpine Airport (20 minutes from Airlie Beach) in less than 2 hours. You can also take flights straight to some of the Whitsunday Islands, but most sailing trips depart from Airlie Beach.

Book a transfer ahead of time, or you can find one at the airport for $22 per person one-way or $35 return. We booked with Heart of Reef Shuttles and had the entire bus all to ourselves, while everyone else from our plane crammed in on another bigger bus. We had the most lovely driver, who told us all about the region and even gave us recommendations on what to do! Love that type of personalized service.

My Travel Guide to the Whitsundays

Most of the sailing trips leave in the early afternoon around 2 pm. And since there was only one late afternoon flight into Airlie Beach at the time of our trip (during 2020 when COVID seriously reduced flights), we planned to stay one night in Airlie. It ended up being such a fun part of our trip, that I’ve included it in this travel guide.

With that being said, here’s my 4-day itinerary sailing around the Whitsunday Islands, as well as 1 night in Airlie Beach. 

Day 1: Airlie Beach

We checked into our beautiful ocean view room at the Mantra Club Croc just in time to enjoy the sunset. With palm trees swaying and a warm ocean breeze, I automatically felt relaxed and settled into vacation mode. 

That evening we headed into Airlie Beach (a 5-minute taxi or 15-minute walk from Mantra Club Croc ) for some drinks, dinner and FUN, and boy did we find it. Airlie Beach is a small seaside city with a big personality. It’s known for its upbeat party scene with tons of fun clubs, friendly restaurants, and live music around every corner. We started our evening with a drink and listened to live music at The Pub . 

Later we had dinner at Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and finished the evening dancing the night away on their hidden rooftop. I don’t even remember the last time I went dancing and had a night out like this. It was such a blast! So if you’re planning a trip to the Whitsundays, be sure to include one night in Airlie Beach.

If you Have Extra Time in Airlie Beach

If you arrive at Airlie Beach in the morning or have a spare afternoon, be sure to go to Northerlies Beach Bar for lunch. We enjoyed it’s laid back vibe and incredible views. 

4-Days Sailing the Whitsundays

Sailing the whitsundays itinerary at a glance.

• Day 1: Depart Airlie at 3 pm, sail out to sea, sunset drinks & dinner
• Day 2: Whitehaven Inlet Lookout, Whitehaven Beach, and South. Whitsunday Lookout for sunset.
• Day 3: Snorkel 2 different areas, whale watching, sailing into the sunset, stargaze.
• Day 4: Woke up for sunrise at 6 am, one last snorkel & swim, and then sailed back to Airlie Beach.

Our Experience Sailing the Whitsundays

Sailing the Whitsundays is an absolute dream with no worries in the world! Every morning we’d wake up to blue skies and sunshine, enjoy a freshly made breakfast and hot coffee, and then sail off to a new destination to discover more of this tropical paradise. 

We spent our days spotting humpback whales, jumping off the boat with our new friends, swimming and snorkelling with turtles and tropical fish and admiring some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets while sailing. There was also a SUP board, so all the couples took turns paddling around, and Ben and I swam all the way to shore so we could walk the beach. 

Here’s my Instagram Reel on our Whitsunday sailing experience!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by A Blissful Wanderer | Travel (@amberstorie)

Every day was packed full of exploring new islands or bays! But we still felt relaxed thanks to our trusted boat crew who spoiled us with delicious meals, new experiences and taught us about the area. In the evenings, we’d all enjoy a drink and dinner while the sun went down, and then we’d stay up chatting, exchanging travel stories and playing card games. 

Overall, sailing the Whitsundays is the ultimate way to see this part of Australia. 

Whitehaven Beach 

One of the main reasons people sail the Whitsundays is to see Whitehaven Beach . Whitehaven Beach is named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and the #1 best beach in Australia. Start at Hill Inlet lookout to admire the turquoise blue waters swirl with miles of white sand. After, splash and swim in some of the clearest water, soak up the sun, and relax on this tropical island!

Hidden Hammock at Whitehaven Beach

My highlight from the day was finding a hidden hammock up on some rocks, where we were able to admire Whitehaven Beach from a unique angle.

Are you interested in discovering this secret spot for yourself? When you are on Whitehaven Beach facing the ocean, turn left and walk to a tucked-away cove at the end of the beach. Climb up those rocks, and at the top, you’ll find this hammock. Enjoy!

Final Sunrise 

On our final morning, we rolled out of bed at 6 am and cozied up with our blankets on the top deck. The stars were still out, but along the horizon was a soft glow from the rising sun. Our captain drove us out to sea so that we could watch the sun pop up from the ocean horizon, while our skipper handed us piping hot coffees to wake us from our slumber.

As the sun emerged from the sea, I remember thinking this had been the most magical trip, and then two humpback whales breached in the distance! What an incredible moment. This trip is one I’ll never forget.

Logistical Details on Sailing the Whitsundays

So, have I sold you on sailing the Whitsundays? Thought so!

Here are all the details you will want to know ahead of time. Including, what boat company to book with (and how to get the best deal), how long to sail for, what is the food like, and packing. I found most of this information hard to come by online, so I hope it helps you while planning your Whitsunday adventure.

The Whitsundays Sailing Company We Booked With

We booked the Whitsunday Blue 3-day 3-night trip through, Sailing Whitsundays . To be honest, we booked this trip in June 2020, after COVID’s peak and travel restrictions were lifted in Australia. Therefore, a lot of these tours were discounted to encourage travellers to jump on board. However, even though the prices were heavily marked down with SailingWhitsundays.com, I still shopped around and actually found a cheaper price for the same boat and experience elsewhere (AirlieBeach.com). But because Sailing Whitsundays wanted to get our booking, they have a price matching guarantee and matched the price for us. This saved us up to $100 per person. Lesson learned: don’t go with the first price you see – shop around!

Whitsunday Blue – Our Sailing Boat

The Whitsunday Blue catamaran typically fits eight people and two crew. But due to new socially distancing protocols for COVID, we only had six people on our trip, plus two staff, Claire, our Captain, and Ginny, our Skipper. This ended up being the perfect amount. Any more people on board and it would have felt crowded.

One of the best parts about this boat is each couple had a private bedroom and ensuite bathroom, which was a major selling point for us. Plus, it is one of the few boats that run the 3-days, 3-nights option. Since I have now have done both the backpacker boat (Avatar: bunk beds, 1 bathroom, and a lot of partying) and this more expensive but WAY more comfortable option, I would say Whitsunday Blue is the way to go.

Of course, if you don’t have the money for this type of experience, you are a solo traveller, or you want to drink all day, then the budget boats will be perfect for you!

Food on Board the Boat

Onboard, all your meals and snacks are covered and cooked for you. Personally, I was blown away by the quality of the food. For example, on our first evening, Ginny cooked nachos for a pre-dinner snack and then pan-seared salmon and vegetables, followed by chocolate cake for dessert – yum! On my previous trip, my backpacker boat cooked up hot-dogs for dinner, so this was a big step up. Also, the boat was super accommodating to allergies and dietary requirements.

As for beverages, the only drinks included are tea, coffee and water. So if you like juice, pop, wine or other alcoholic drinks, you can bring them on board, but they are not included. Plus, they will refrigerate them for you.

My advice, bring more alcohol than you think because you can’t stop along the way. Worst comes to worst, you take it off the boat and bring it with you!

Sailing the Whitsundays – My Highlights & Advice

Seeing Whitehaven Beach, finding a secret hammock spot, watching the sunrise on the boat, snorkelling with turtles, and spotting Humpback Whales!

My Advice for Sailing the Whitsundays

As I mentioned before I highly recommend a 3-night, 4-day trip versus the 2-night journey if you have the time. The whole experience felt more relaxed, and we saw so much more than the quick 2-night excursion. Plus, the cost isn’t too much more for an entire extra day and night compared to the 2-night trips.

Packing for Sailing the Whitsundays

When packing for your sailing trip remember that you are only allowed to bring on a small soft bag. So no hard suitcases, as they won’t fit in your room! With this being said, the key is to pack light! I’m an over-packer, but I promise, you won’t need much when living on a boat. Especially if you visit during the summer months.

Packing list for the Whitsundays:

• 2 bathing suits
• Comfortable waterproof sandals . This is all you will wear while on the boat & to walk to Whitehaven Beach. My husband and I both have these , and love how supportive they are.
• 2 pairs of shorts  
• 1 lightweight sundress
• A warm sweater for night-time . We visited in the winter and brought a couple more layers including a packable puffy jacket for windy days/nights
• 1 good book ( here are some of my favourites )
• A sun hat & sunglasses to protect you from the sun
• Reef Safe Sunscreen . This is a must as the boat crew checks to ensure it is reef safe to avoid further coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. I used crew approved SunBum 50 SPF
• Our boat supplied towels, so we didn’t bring any. But some other boats don’t supply towels, so if they don’t, I recommend these lightweight, quick drying towels. They are perfect for travel!
• Camera & GoPro or waterproof camera to capture all the beauty
• These acupressure motion sickness wrist bands if you tend to get seasick on boats. Some people on our boat used them and swear by them! Plus they are low cost, and reusable.
• Cards: our current favourite card game is Monopoly Deal . It’s perfect for travelling, quick to play, and seriously addicting. We played this with the whole group on board, and it really helped break the ice on the first night.
• If you don’t already have a universal adaptor plug that works worldwide , I recommend bringing this on all your travels. We have this one and love it!

More Things to Do in the Whitsundays

There are so many incredible experiences you can have in Whitsundays, and we only scratched the surface. For example, next time we come, I’d love to stay on one of the islands, like Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, or Daydream Island , which have some of the most spectacular resorts. 

You can also take a scenic helicopter ride or plane flight , where you would see the heart-shaped reef, and you can even land on a private island for the most romantic picnic lunch. Gentlemen, if you’re looking for a romantic way to propose or just want to impress your partner, this would be the way to go! 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Whitsundays QLD (@whitsundaysqld)

Extend your Trip to Bowen

After this trip, we drove an hour north to at Bowen , a relaxing beach town at the top of the Whitsundays. To read all about this experience and our time in Bowen, check out my 24-Hour Itinerary . 

I hope you enjoyed this itinerary for sailing the Whitsundays! If you have any further questions, be sure to share them in the comments below!

Travelling after sailing the Whitsundays? Read Next:

A Blissful 24 Hours in Bowen Queensland

Your Weekend Travel Guide to North Stradbroke Island

Looking for More?

Follow me on Instagram @AmberStorie , to watch my latest adventures. 

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The Best Whitsundays Tours – Which Should You Choose?!

Trying to figure out the best Whitsundays tours for your Oz trip? Here’s my guide to the best options – inc days trips and sailing tours!

Figuring out the best Whitsundays tours for your trip up the East Coast of Australia can be a bit of a tough decision – there are so many awesome options to choose from and as one of the top things to do in Australia you don’t want to mess it up!

From day trips to overnight sailing adventures – here’s my rundown of the best Whitsundays tours so you can choose the right one for you!

For those who are tight on time or don’t have a huge travel budget to play with a day trip is going to be the most appeal Whitsunday tour to go for.

And most Whitsundays day tours still take in the main things to see and do too – so you wont be missing out on anything major!

Ocean Rafting

• Cost = from $169 (not including lunch)
• Max capacity = 32

One of the most popular Whitsundays tours in terms of day trips is certainly Ocean Rafting – who I jumped on board with for my first trip to the Whitsundays!

Taking in all the highlights of the Whitsundays – including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. In fact they’re the only day trip provider who are allowed to moor up directly at Hill Inlet Beach.

Not only that but they offer 2 day trip options – the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights tour. Both include the same major highlights but the Northern Exposure trip includes more snorkelling time, whereas the Souther Lights has more beach time.

So take your pick!

The buffet lunch is an optional add on, but I’d highly recommend it as the food was pretty epic and more than enough to go around!

Click here for more info and to book

• Cost = from $189

Another day trip favourite is Thundercat – a custom built vessel designed to make your Whitsundays trip as smooth and comfortable as possible.

As with pretty much all the Whitsundays tour it takes in all the main highlights – including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout – as well as a couple of awesome snorkelling spots too.

The trip is all inclusive – with lunch, snorkel gear and everything else all part of the package, so you can simply rock up (with your swimwear of course!) and enjoy an epic day out!

Party Boats

For a lot of backpackers travelling the East Coast a party boats is going to be the Whitsundays tour of choice. Load up the goon, set sail for a few days of party chaos and enjoy some rather drunken times with your new travel buddies!

The Atlantic Clipper

• Cost = from $449
• Max capacity = 53
• Departs = 3 x weekly
• Duration = 2 nights

Probably the most famous fo all the Whitsundays tours – or should I say infamous?! The Atlantic Clipper (aka the Clipper) has been providing backpackers with a boozy sailing option and has gained the reputation as the most party centric option in the Whitsundays!

With space for up to 53 customers it’s the biggest boat in the Whitsundays – super sociable and you’ll meet heaps of other travellers on board.

The 34m long Atlantic Clipper is geared up for all things party too – including on deck spa, awesome guides and even its own waterslide, so when you’re not exploring or snorkelling there’s plenty of things to keep you occupied.

If you want a break from partying (or something to do before you crack the first beer of the day!) they also offer scuba diving on board too, which is an epic way to explore the coral gardens around the Whitsundays

New Horizon

• Cost = from $429

The sister boat of the Atlantic Clipper, New Horizon is smaller, but still packs in heaps of awesome party vibes!

As with all the overnight sailing trips you’l check out all the top highlights of the Whitsundays, enjoy heaps of snorkelling and kick back amongst the stunning islands that dot the horizon.

It packs in heaps of party fun – with a diving board so you can walk the plank, jet boat/banana boat rides, SUPs and an inflatable waterslide, so there’s not excuse not to get involved in the chaos!

As with the Clipper you also have the option to add on a scuba dive – both certified dive or intro dive – so it’s the perfect opportunity to tick that off your bucket list too.

If you haven’t spent much time at sea or suffer from a bit of sea sickness then a Whitsundays catamaran trip is a great option – as this style of boat provides the most stability on the open ocean.

And luckily there are catamaran options for all styles and budgets too…

• Cost = $499
• Max capacity = 24

Out of all the Whitsunday tours I’ve tried out and recommended Tongarra is still my personal favourite – I had an absolute blast when I ran my Australia tour and everyone enjoyed our 2 night stay on this epic catamaran boat.

Great food, awesome crew and a itinerary packed with all the Whitsundays to dos made Tongarra a trip to remember.

As an 18-35 boat it is aimed at the backpacker and young traveller market but is certainly more mellow than the party boats!

One of the most unique things about Tongarra though has to be the sleeping arrangements. Instead of a cabin layout Tongarra has a custom built tent which covers the deck at the night – or if the weather is good you get to sleep under a blanket of stars. Sure that’s not going to be for everyone but if you’re up for adventure it’s well worth it.

• Cost = from $479
• Max capacity = 31
• Departs = 6 x weekly

Love the idea of Tongarra but not so keen on the sleeping arrangements? Well Wings offers the perfect alternative!

A stable, catamaran style boat there’s actually 2 boats in this feels – Wings 1 and Wings 2 – which although slightly different in layout, both offer everything you’d want from a fun, sociable Whitsundays experience.

Whilst you sail around the islands top up your tan on the spacious nets at the front (including spray for a cool down!) and you can enjoy the onboard jacuzzi too, which is the perfect place for a sunset beer.

Depending on availability and of course your budget they offer 4 cabin types – private double, shared twin, shared cabin and saloon cabin. The Saloon option is the cheapest, but you need to be aware that during the day you’ll need to pack your bed away as it becomes part of the common area. So if you want a bit more personal space the cabin options are the best bet.

• Cost = from $535
• Max capacity = 18

If you’re looking for a smaller group, more flashpacker style Whitsundays tour then Powerplay is the best option.

This beautiful catamaran departs 3 times a week from Airlie Beach and soak up all the amazing sights, sounds and destinations the Whitsundays has to offer. 

With a maximum of 18 its perfect for those who want to kick back and chill out, as well as being a favourite with couples.

When you’re not sailing around the islands make full use of the SUPs, kayaks, snorkelling equipment and of the  onboard jacuzzi!

Island Stays

Got more time than just a day trip but dont fancy sleeping on a boat? Or simply want a bit more luxury and space on your Whitsundays tour? Well there is an awesome Whitsunday Island stay that won’t break the bank…

Ride To Paradise

• Cost = from $599 (2 nights) or $299 (1 night)
• Departs = 3 x weekly (2 night option) every Friday (1 night option)
• Duration = 2 or 1 night options

Given the luxurious options across the Whitsundays islands a lot of people think and island stay is well out of their price range – but the Ride To Paradise option is the perfect balance of adventure and comfort!

You’ll spend your days exploring the best of the Whitsundays (yes that includes Whitehaven and Hill Inlet!) and in the afternoon you’ll head to your island base at the stunning Paradise Cove Resort.

Enjoy access to all the Resorts facilities – including beach, pool, spa and hammocks amongst the palm trees!

For solo traveller the shared dorm offers the best value and social option whereas couples can opt for private rooms – including the spacious Dream Villa which wont disappoint!

Have you done an awesome Whitsunday tour?

Which did you go for, related posts.

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Interesting article and videos Chris! Thank you for sharing such awesome post about Australia. The breakdown of the cost will absolutely help for first timers visiting the place. Keep it up. Cheers!

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Solo Traveller Whitsundays – PowerPlay Review

PowerPlay Review

The Whitsunday Islands are made of 74 islands off the central coast of Queensland in Australia, known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The islands are so picturesque and really live up to the Whitsundays name when it comes to the white sand. I visited the Whitsundays last April. As I was doing the trip solo, it was very hard to decide which sailing trip to go on. I wanted a combination of relaxation, good social atmosphere and a bit of adventure.  Sailing Whitsundays was the best place to find tours. Powerplay was chosen in the end based on TripAdvisor and Facebook reviews. I’m relieved to say that I wasn’t disappointed.

THE BOAT  My biggest reservation was that I’d be the only solo traveler amongst a boat full of cliquey groups. Luckily the group was a great mix of fun and international solo travellers, couples and friends. Powerplay usually has the age range of around 25-35.

Powerplay is a very clean boat which has got everything you need. I had never been sailing before but the catamaran was a lot more comfortable and modern than I expected. Our itinerary was perfectly planned and there was no lack of food throughout the trip. There was of course a fridge for the alcohol and snacks you bring along yourself but they provide fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner.

My absolute favourite part of the boat was the front deck with the two nets your can lay on. In between the itinerary there was plenty of downtime where we would just chill on the deck and get some strong sunshine while enjoying the breeze from the sailing. I can’t comment on the jacuzzi because I never went in it but they would heat it up at night in time for the little parties.

Wi-fi isn’t available on board to connect to but there’s a device with connectivity if you want to send an email or check something really important. I’d advise to get your own sim card as you’ll have connection for the most part apart from 5PM in the evening of the first day until 8AM the 2nd day. This was simply due to where the boat was parked.

You’re limited to 1 minute showers each per day which doesn’t sound like a lot but its enough. There are two toilets on the boat and they’re not the cleanest. Particularly due to the fact that the sink head is also the shower head. As you can imagine there’s usually lots of water on the floor so please remember to bring flip flops with you!

Firstly we were taken to Hill Inlet at the perfect time of day, when the tide was out, to absorb the gorgeous view. You’ll be sharing this small view point with lots of other tourist who all want to squeeze in their “it” picture. Good luck! My other worry about the trip was not getting enough time on the Whitehaven beach! The time on the beach was a solid 3 hours, which may not sound like much but it was more than enough. Whitehaven beach is beautiful!

POWERPLAY REVIEW SUMMARY “Powerplay will take you on the ride of your life through the beautiful Whitsunday Islands for fun, relaxation and adventure!” – as the websites say, they did exactly that. The staff were great from beginning to end. I wanted a social boat but not a spring break booze cruise. For this, I’d definitely recommend Powerplay. Everything was extremely well organised and is perfect for solo travellers as well as groups. The price when you book in advance is 499 AUD but you can snatch up much cheaper tickets last minute on Airlie Beach for around 350 AUD. If you do the latter then you run the risk of not getting tickets to the boat you want if its sold out. Even at 499 AUD I thought it was worth it and would highly recommend this trip as a great options for solo travellers in the Whitsundays

Catch52 – A London Food & Travel Blog

I am looking at doing a trip on the whitsundays and found your post here. I am a solo female traveller and i was just wondering, why you chose PowerPlay? And was there a lot of other solo travellers on it or was there mostly couples? The way it is designed, looks to me it is more for couples than solo travellers?

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NEW CRUISE - DIVE THE WHITSUNDAYS INCLUDING THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF

Explore The Whitsundays With Us!

Whitsundays sailing adventures | airlie beach, 74 islands to explore | 1 amazing holiday, visit and discover the whitsundays; explore the natural beauty and magical destinations that make our 74 islands unique., whitsundays overnight trips, featured whitsundays sailing adventures.

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Embark on a captivating 3-day, 3-night journey through the untouched beauty of the Whitsundays!

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Hop onboard our beautifully preserved tall ship. Help pull up the 11 sails or sit back and relax while taking in the views of the surrounding islands.

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A perfect sailing adventure aboard a classic yacht in the famous Whitsundays. Explore the area’s top destinations and watch the sunset at the end of the day.

Sailing with Us

Since 1985, we have been focused on delivering remarkable travel experiences for our guests. We are proud of the fact that we are the longest continually running tour operator in the Whitsundays and proud to be the official representative of all the vessels displayed on this website.

Our unique range of day and overnight sailing vessels make us the largest and most diverse fleet in the Whitsundays. Our cruises are designed for adventurous travellers. Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, family, group, or private charter, there is an option for you!

Visit the stunning Whitehaven Beach, go sailing, snorkelling, enjoy bush walks, and paddleboarding as you cruise the azure waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Our vessels offer diverse accommodation choices from deluxe ensuite cabins to open plan bunks. Your adventure awaits!

Your remarkable Whitsundays travel experience begins with us.

Select a sailing trip, explore like a local, discover airlie beach, the best sailing trips in airlie beach.

"So much fun! Crew was awesome ! Laura , Issac and Zach killed it! Food was awesome, sailing was awesome! Whitsundays was GORGEOUS! Can’t recommend this place enough!"

"The sunsets and sunrises were exceptional. Seeing all the stars in the night with the boat lights off was amazing. The snorkelling was great too. Whitehaven beach is truly beautiful. The boat was very comfortable and we slept well. The food was great and plentiful."

"Sensational trip! perfect organization, nice and clean boat. shioban, best chef of the seven seas and Shannon, skipper and living lexicon, a gorgeous team, fulfilled more than our wishes. whole tour with the coolest group ever was great fun."

"We enjoyed the snorkelling at Chalkies Beach and Whitehaven beach is just breathtaking, the bush walks at both ends of it are a must. We enjoyed seeing turtles and a whale during the trip. If you have the opportunity, take the trip."

16 Very Best Whitsunday Tours To Choose From In 2024

When deciding on the best Whitsunday tours to choose from, it can feel a little overwhelming because there are so many to pick between! We’ve been lucky to experience quite a few of them now, which is why we’re sharing this Whitsundays guide with you.

With so many amazing tours to consider, read about the best Whitsundays tours from Airlie Beach, tours from Hamilton Island and overnight sailing adventures around the Whitsunday islands and Great Barrier Reef.

Table of Contents

What makes Whitsundays special

What makes Whitsundays special is the unbelievable blue water, home to the softest sand in the world and the pure beauty and jaw dropping views of the islands. It is unlike anywhere else in the country and really is a special place everyone should visit.

After Cyclone Debbie hit Whitsundays a few years back, it ruined a lot of the reef and the underwater life too. Even if you go out to the outer reef called Hardy Reef, it’s not that great. I would absolutely recommend seeing the reef from a seaplane instead.

But, Whitsundays is a great place to learn to dive or for those who haven’t snorkelled before because you’ll be doing both in relatively shallow water.

If you love diving or snorkelling and wondering where is the best place to do it in the Great Barrier Reef, I 100% recommend going to Lady Elliot Island, Lady Musgrave Island or Heron Island, all located in the Southern Great barrier Reef off the coast of Bundaberg and Gladstone. All are absolutely amazing with Lady Elliot Island being home to the best snorkelling and diving I have ever done.

You can read our guide for the Southern Great Barrier Reef Islands if you’re keen to learn more.

Watch Our Airlie Beach & Whitsundays Video

Best overnight sailing adventures and tours

The best way to see the Whitsunday islands is to jump on an overnight sailing adventure or tour. This is going to be the best way to really appreciate the jaw-dropping surroundings of the area. While Airlie Beach is a great little town, it’s a bit more special to experience it all from a boat instead.

1. Reefsleep and Reefsuites 1 night experience on the outer reef pontoon

We have finally ticked off the incredible Reefsleep adventure which is a 1 night // 2 day tour out to the outer reef, called Hardy Reef with Cruise Whitsundays. This bucket list experience will see you share a pontoon with up to 30 people as you spend the night looking up at the stars from a luxury swag tent. If you stay in the Reefsuites, you’ll be staying in the first underwater hotel room in Australia. Read about our experience on the Reefsleep before you book.

If you’d prefer to do a day trip to Reefworld and snorkel or scuba dive in the outer reef, book a Day Trip here .

2. Book a 2 night sailing tour on a super fast yacht

This amazingly huge racing yacht takes up to 26 guests on a 2 day and 2 night tour to the famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, snorkelling at Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, Blue Pearl Bay, plus other amazing locations. As it’s one of the fastest yachts in Australia, this is the perfect tour for the adventurous travellers! Expect all meals included while you relax on the deck and take in the views.

3. Jump aboard a luxury sailing yacht for 2 days

This is what Whitsundays is all about! Imagine yourself sailing on a luxury yacht, kicking back while sailing around the 72 islands in the Whitsundays including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout! If I was to pick a sailing tour, it would be this one . I have always envied everyone on these big sailing boat tours.

4. Combine sailing and camping on this unique 2 day trip

Cruise around Whitsunday island on this beautiful yacht while ticking off the best snorkelling spots including Hook Island, Hayman Island and Whitsunday Island, before pitching up a swag tent on the beach for the night. This is a unique experience unlike others and would be really memorable.

5. Spend 3 nights exploring hidden gems on a sailing boat

If you’re looking for sailing trips that will take you to some amazing hidden gems, this 3 day sailing trip is for you. What I noticed on some of the day trips to Whitehaven Beach is that it never feels like enough time to take it all in. On this trip, you’ll have up to 5 hours on Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

You’ll also go to Chalkies Beach, a hidden gem I have heard from many people who work in travel and from locals that this is an amazing beach, and where Pirates of the Carribean was filmed. It’s located opposite Whitehaven Beach. I think this tour would be super special to go on.

6. Camp On Whitehaven Beach

Do you love the idea of Whitehaven Beach camping? Privately owned company SCAMPER can help you organise your own camping trip to various spots and hidden gems around Whitsunday Islands. They can provide you with any camping gear you require, and take you to the camp site you choose.

This is a cheap and fantastic opportunity to not only visit Whitehaven Beach but camp on it too! Next time, I would definitely go on a Whitsunday camping trip for sure as I think you would see it so differently. Plus, imagine waking up at sunrise at Whitehaven Beach?

7. Stay at Palm Bay Resort on Long Island

OK, so it’s not a sailing trip, but I 100% recommend that you book a couple of nights at Palm Bay Resort on Long Island. We stayed here for five days and absolutely loved it, and wrote a whole article dedicated to Why We Love Palm Bay Resort ! It really reminded us of our backpacking days in Thailand, but for grown ups! Basically what I’m trying to say is, it’s like a luxury backpacker experience, but without backpackers.

The adults only resort features cabins all lining the beach with your own hammock to chill out in. There’s a swimming pool to lounge around in drinking cocktails, before you all move to the sunset bar for sunset cocktails. We hung out with the other guests and loved it all. Check out our Instagram Reel about our stay here and you’ll soon see why we loved it!

Best Whitsunday day trips from Airlie Beach

Don’t worry about missing out if you’re not doing an overnight sailing adventure. There are plenty of popular day trips from Airlie Beach that you need to put on your bucket list.

8. Book a scenic flight over Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef

You absolutely must book this seaplane flight over Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef! There are some flights you can book that just go over one or the other, but make sure you do this one that goes over both places. Seeing the beautiful Whitsunday islands from above really is the biggest highlight about coming here. We’ve done a similar flight up in Cairns and this one in Whitsunday islands is better, purely because you get to see the amazing Whitehaven Beach and the famous Heart Reef scenic flight from above.

Just to note – you’ll be taken out near to Proserpine Airport for the flight, so you could time it like we did and do this either when you land or before you go home. We timed it just before our departure and they’ll drop you off at the airport so you’ll save on the shuttle cost!

9. Book a Whitehaven Beach day trip with Ocean Rafting

Knowing which are the best Whitsundays one day tours and trips can feel like a lucky dip. We managed to get on the ever so popular  Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tour , purely because someone had cancelled a few minutes before us.

We met a woman next to us on our flight to Airlie Beach who worked on all of the tours and when I asked her which is her favourite, she said the Ocean Rafting boat tour.

Check out our Ocean Rafting review where I share all of the pros and cons of booking this trip! The main thing to know is that this is the only tour that is actually allowed into Whitehaven Beach which is pretty cool!

You can also book a combined  Ocean Rafting Tour with A Scenic Flight  as well. We totally would have done this if it wasn’t booked out.

10. Or book the Red Cat Adventures Whitehaven Beach day trip

We have also been on the Red Cat Adventures Whitehaven beach trip which is also fun. While the tour is pretty similar to Ocean Rafting one, the snorkelling was much better on this one (and actually better here than in the outer reef as well!).

11. Experience a day trip to Whitehaven Beach on a sailing boat

If you don’t have time to do a multi-day sailing trip, you might like to sit back and enjoy a day trip adventure to Whitehaven Beach on an epic pirate sailing boat . While it will ultimately take longer to get there than it would on the Ocean Rafting or Red Cat Adventure boat tours, this experience is all about sailing and taking in the views. I must say, this is the boat I’m always envious of seeing when w’ere in Whitsundays.

12. Whitsundays Sunset Cruise

Explore the beautiful coastline of Airlie Beach with a 2 hour sunset cruise on a beautiful sailing boat, which includes snacks and bubbles. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot turtles on this cruise, and plan it on a Wednesday and you’ll see the locals take part in the weekly boat race.

13. Airlie Beach Skydive

No trip is complete to Australia or up the East Coast of Australia if you haven’t experienced an Airlie Beach skydive ! I can’t think of a better place to tick off your skydive bucket list because the views over the Whitsundays would be absolutely incredible! It’s no wonder this is one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach!

14. Jet Ski Tour Around Whitsundays

Prefer to do things a little off the beaten track in Whitsundays? A two hour jet ski tour in Whitsundays is an action packed adventure, taking you to two of the most exclusive islands, including Daydream Island and South Molle Islands. This is a fantastic tour to consider if you’d prefer to have the freedom to go on your own jet ski to explore the islands.

Day trips from Hamilton Island

15. from hamilton island: whitehaven and chalkies sail & snorkel tour.

There’s one major place on my bucket list I really want to see in Whitsundays, it’s a Chalkies Beach tour . As mentioned above in the 3 day sailing tour, Chalkies beach is renowned for being a locals hidden gem where you can snorkel onto the reef straight off the beach.

The beach is opposite Whitehaven Beach and although filmed in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, it’s supposed to have decent snorkelling and is a stunning beach. I’ll update this once I’ve been there, hopefully sometime soon!

16. Sunset BBQ and dinner cruise from Hamilton Island

Staying on Hamilton Island and interested in doing some more tours? Why not jump on this BBQ Dinner Cruise from Hamilton Island? The BBQ buffet dinner is a fantastic opportunity to really bask in the natural beauty out of the Whitsunday islands while you enjoy every single moment of being there.

More Whitsunday travel guides to read

If you’re looking for more Whitsundays inspiration, check out our popular travel guides below!

• My Honest Reefsleep Whitsundays Review: What You Need To Know
• How We Found Paradise At Palm Bay Resort Whitsundays
• Is The Ocean Rafting Whitsundays Day Trip Worth It?
• 37 Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach & Whitsundays

Where To Stay In Airlie Beach

Looking for the best Airlie Beach accommodation? Look no further.

• Luxury : Coral Sea Marina Resort – we stayed here and it’s fantastic (pictured). The outdoor pool is an amazing spot to kick back at sunset on the day bed with a cocktail in hand.
• Luxury : Mirage Whitsundays – five minute drive from Airlie Beach with outdoor pool and beautiful palm trees.
• Mid range : Whitsunday Terraces Resort – jaw-dropping views overlooking the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach.
• Backpacker : Magnums – legendary and long standing backpacker resort for party goers.

Best Whitsundays tours

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AUSTRALIA , ISLAND GUIDES , WHITSUNDAYS · December 5, 2018 Last Updated on March 15, 2024

HOW TO VISIT THE WHITSUNDAYS IN 24 HOURS

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Let me guess… the time you have to visit Australia is short. Maybe two or three weeks tops. There is so much to see in Australia. So how do you prioritize which places to visit?

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays is undoubtedly one of the must-visit places on most people’s bucket list. But given it is so far away from the big cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, makes it a little trickier to get there.

Well, good news. It is entirely possible to see this beautiful part of Australia in less than 24 hours. Yup, that’s right. With a little strategic planning, you can tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list in less than 24 hours!

Earlier this year, I made this exact same trip with a friend who was visiting from London. She had a pretty packed itinerary during her three-week visit to Australia. Having seen amazing photos of Whitehaven Beach on Instagram, she naturally could not come to Australia without visiting the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. So, she turned to me, a local Aussie, to help her plan the perfect 24 hour trip to the Whitsundays!

HOW TO GET THERE

First things first, if you only have a short amount of time in the Whitsundays, you need to plan your trip well! We decided to base ourselves on Hamilton Island  as it is the closest inhabited island to Whitehaven Beach that has an operating resort

Note: Whitehaven Beach itself is located on Whitsunday Island which makes up part of the Whitsundays National Park and is completely uninhabited. It’s possible to camp on Whitsunday Island, but it is illegal to camp on Whitehaven Beach itself.

There is an airport located on Hamilton Island with daily flights operating from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. We booked flights with Virgin Australia  which arrived around 2:30 pm and departed at 3:00 pm the next day. Perfect for a 24-hour getaway. Be sure to book your flights to Hamilton Island and not to Whitsunday Coast Airport (Airlie Beach), as it’s located on the mainland and getting a bus to Airlie Beach and then boat transfer from here will add an extra 3-4 hours onto your trip.

SPEND THE AFTERNOON EXPLORING HAMILTON ISLAND

Hamilton Island itself is an idyllic Australian island paradise. It’s been a favorite holiday spot for Aussie families for years, and there are even many residents that live on the island year-round. The island was ravaged by a fierce cyclone in 2017, leaving much of the island in ruins. But nearly two years on, Hamilton Island has been restored to its former glory and is a beautiful place to visit once again.

The airport is located very close to the resorts . After checking into your hotel, get out an explore the island. Or alternatively, lie by the pool or relax on the beach. The island is small enough to walk around, and free shuttle buses are available to get you from A to B. A fun way to explore the island on your own, however, is to hire a golf buggy for 24 hours. Hamilton Island has over 20 restaurants, cafes, and bars, and offers free non-motorized water sports for all guests. 

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ENJOY SUNSET AT ONE TREE HILL 

One Tree Hill is a well-known and popular sunset spot in the Whitsundays. The spectacular sunsets also draw a crowd. I recommend getting there early if you want a prime viewing spot.

There is a bar at One Tree Hill with a fantastic view serving cocktails, Frośe, and craft beers. It’s really lovely to have a drink here, but we found many people buy their own drinks from the local Bottle-O (Aussie slang for Bottle Shop) and found a picnic spot on the grassy hill.

GET UP EARLY FOR A SUNRISE HIKE

We had good intentions of getting up early to hike up to the highest peak on the island for sunrise. But unfortunately, we were so tired it didn’t happen. I have actually done this hike on a previous trip, however, and I can assure you it is not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re up for the challenge, the reward of seeing the sunrise over the Whitsundays is well worth it. It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way so you will have to set off early to catch the sunrise.

TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF AND WHITEHAVEN BEACH

One of the highlights of our trip and the real reason we made an effort to visit Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays, was to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air. While it is possible to do a boat cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, there are many reasons why I would recommend a helicopter tour instead:

1) Firstly, the boat tour takes much longer so if you do opt for the boat, you will probably have to spend an extra night on the island.

2) The boat is rather large and transports masses of tourists to the reef pontoon daily. Once you get there, you are not going to have your own little patch of reef paradise to snorkel around, and you’ll have to battle with hundreds of other tourists, all the while taking blows to the face, as many people on these tours don’t seem to know how to use flippers.

3) The boat ride to the Outer Reef is also long and can get very rough. If you’re prone to seasickness at all, this is not the trip for you.

4) Despite how beautiful the reef may look from the air, the Great Barrier Reef has been subjected to a lot of damage over the years due to climate change and human interference. Unfortunately, it is not as spectacular from under the water as most of the coral has turned white from sun bleaching.

On the contrary, seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the air was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. We booked our helicopter experience through Hamilton Island Air  and opted for the Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach Stopover tour. Making the same journey in a seaplane is possible. You can also add on a snorkeling experience at ReefWorld if you have your heart set on snorkeling on the reef.

Our tour was booked for 11:30 am, so after checking out of our hotel, we drove our golf buggy over to the airport. After a quick safety briefing and some photos, we boarded the helicopter and took off to the south, looping around over Hamilton Island before heading north towards the Great Barrier Reef. Fortunately, we managed to pick the most epic day for the weather with clear skies and excellent visibility.

The helicopter took us out over some of the most fantastic reef formations I’ve ever seen. I’ve previously visited the Great Barrier Reef from a dive boat but seeing it from the air is a whole other level of epicness.

Our pilot was very professional and knowledgeable in all the different reef formations, and we even managed to see some reef sharks and turtles from the air. We then headed south following the reef along to the iconic Heart Reef formation. This is the photo that you see in all the Great Barrier Reef advertising campaigns and given its popularity we had to circle and wait for another chopper to finish their flight before we could move on it. Our pilot descended quite low and circled a few times to make sure we got some decent photos. I was quite surprised at how small the reef formation was. It would have been no larger than a few meters wide.

After the Heart Reef, the helicopter then climbed and turned back towards Whitehaven Beach. We circled Hill Inlet to get more photos and then descended down towards the beach and landed on a stretch of white sand without another person to be seen! Our pilot set up an umbrella and a picnic of fruit, cheese, crackers, and sparkling wine while we took photos in the stunning white sand and turquoise blue water.

After an hour, we hopped back in the helicopter for the short ten-minute flight back to Hamilton Island. In all, the tour took around one hour and a half.

We arrived back at Hamilton Island with just over an hour to spare before our departing flight and given we were already at the airport, this was plenty of time to check-in and return our golf buggy before we had to board. Hamilton Island Airport is tiny and quick to get through security, so we had no problems at all. Check-in usually closes 30 minutes before the flight departs.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME TO SPEND ON HAMILTON ISLAND

If you have more time, I would highly recommend spending at least three nights on Hamilton Island, to explore what the island has to offer.

Some of the things we missed that we would have loved to experience if we had more time where; sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga, snorkeling, jet skiing, spending more time at the beach or pool and trying more of the creations on the cocktail menu. I think I’ll definitely have to go back someday soon!

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit the Whitsundays. If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Our Top Places To Stay In Whitsundays, Australia

• Reef View Hotel
• Palm Bungalows
• Find the best price on hotels in  Hamilton Island, Australia
• Sign up to AirBnB with this link and receive a US $35 off your first booking

Read More About Australia

• Road Trip Through Western Australia
• An Insiders Guide To Sydney
• 7 Things You Can’t Miss In Brisbane
• 4 Scenic Places To Visit In Margaret River

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Whitsunday Islands Tours & Vacations

The Whitsundays are your one-stop-shop for fun in the sun

Welcome to the Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 tropical islands off the coast of Queensland . As a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef , the Whitsundays tick all the boxes for a sun-kissed adventure. Jump aboard a sailing boat to explore remote islands where lush rainforests give way to crystalline waters. Slip on a snorkel and flippers to explore colorful coral gardens and get close to inquisitive sea critters. Or marvel at the beauty of the world-famous Whitehaven Beach — with 98% pure silica sand, this is about as white as a beach can get.

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Whitsunday Islands travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit the Whitsundays?

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Whitsundays. As a tropical destination, the archipelago experiences hot, rainy summers and warm, dry winters. Average high temperatures linger between 74°F and 88°F, while lows average a mild 63°F to 77°F. The water temperature averages a pleasant 73°F to 82°F throughout the year.

If you want to go snorkeling or diving, you may be better off planning your trip in the winter (dry) season. Rainfall in the summer tends to come in the form of brief tropical downpours, but it can impact water visibility. Whales can also be spotted in winter from May to October during their annual migration from Antarctica.

If you visit between October and May, AKA stinger season, take extra caution when swimming in the ocean by wearing a stinger suit to protect yourself from possible jellyfish stings.

How to get to the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays can be accessed via one of the coastal towns on the mainland, with the most popular jumping off point being Airlie Beach. There are two main airports in the Whitsundays: Great Barrier Reef Airport located on Hamilton Island, and Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine which is the closest airport to Airlie Beach.

If you fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport, you'll need to drive or take a transfer to Airlie Beach. This is easy to arrange with buses meeting all incoming flights. The transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport to Airlie Beach takes around 25 minutes.

How do I get around the Whitsundays?

Passenger ferries operate a regular daily service between the mainland and the major Whitsunday islands. You can also do a sailing day tour to explore the archipelago's many highlights.

What should I pack for the Whitsundays?

The Whitsundays tend to be a casual place so you can leave your fancy clothes at home. As a top destination for water-based adventures, swimwear is a must. The same goes for sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (even in winter) as the sun reflects off the water and white sand. Bring all the essentials, including basic medications, as shops are few and far between on the islands.

Can I use my cell phone in the Whitsundays?

You'll pick up cell phone signal in and around major tourist hubs such as Airlie Beach, but there's limited or no coverage in some parts of the Whitsundays, particularly when you're out at sea or on more remote islands.

What is the internet access like in the Whitsundays?

You'll find wi-fi in bars, cafes and restaurants in major tourist hubs like Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island. There's limited or no wi-fi available in some parts of the Whitsundays, particularly when you're sailing or exploring more remote islands.

What should I wear in the Whitsundays?

There's no need to get dressed up, even if you're staying at one of the resorts in the Whitsundays. Casual clothes or active wear are fine during the day. Smart casual (think jeans and a t-shirt) is the norm for restaurants at the resorts.

Is it safe to swim in the Whitsundays?

The short answer is yes. That being said, there are some no-swimming zones. You should also listen to local advice and stay alert at all times.

Some of the top things to be aware of when swimming in the Whitsundays include stingers, crocs and sharks.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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Sail, snorkel, kayak, sunset....experience more of the Whitsundays aboard our beautiful timber ketch. With different tour options available to cater for your holiday wishes!

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Had the most amazing time with my wife and 2 girls, aged 13 and 11. Brad, Dan and Amelia were fantastic crew and showed us the most beautiful spots in the Whitsundays. Everything about the trip was perfect. One of the best experiences of our lives. Thank you.

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Summertime is absolutely amazing! If you plan on visiting the Whitsundays this is the company to go with. You get to do and see so many different things. This was THE highlight of my trip!

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What a great adventure! Beautiful nature, delicious food, awesome boat, great staff... Could have spent way more time on that boat. Thanks a lot Summertime crew!!

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The Ultimate Guide to Sailing in The Whitsundays

(Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by sydabroad

Sailing in the Whitsundays is a must-do activity in Australia! In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about this once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

I spent a month traveling up the east coast of Australia and we spent two nights and three days sailing around the Whitsunday Islands. We visited the stunning Whitehaven Beach, went snorkeling, and had the time of our lives!

Looking for more Australia guides?

• How to Get from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach
• The Best Things to Do in Byron Bay, Australia
• The Best Things to Do On Magnetic Island

Keep reading to discover all you need to know before sailing in the Whitsundays.

Table of Contents

Short on time? Here is everything you need to plan your trip to the Whitsundays

🏠Book accommodation in the Whitsundays via Booking.com and Hostelworld

✈️Book flights to the Whitsundays on Skyscanner

🏔️Find activities and tours for the Whitsundays via Get Your Guide and Viator

👩🏽‍💻Get travel insurance for your trip to the Whitsundays through SafetyWing

📱Access the internet anywhere in the Whitsundays with Airalo

💭Find more travel recommendations for the Whitsundays on the Out Of Office app

🚘Rent a car in the Whitsundays with Rentalcars.com

🌎Looking to join a group trip? Search tours with EF Ultimate Break

What Are The Whitsundays? 

The Whitsunday Islands are located between the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef. 

74 islands make up the Whitsundays. Some of the most famous spots include Hamilton Island, known for its luxury resorts, and Whitsunday Island, where you’ll find the iconic Whitehaven Beach, often considered the most beautiful beach in the world. 

When Sailing in the Whitsundays, you can enjoy all sorts of activities including sailing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. There are plenty of tour operators that offer multi-day sailing adventures and day trips. 

I highly suggest a 3-day sailing adventure. This was a highlight of my time traveling in Australia. If you are seeking a tropical paradise experience in Australia, sailing the Whitsundays is a must. 

How to Get to The Whitsundays

Airlie Beach is the heart of the Whitsundays. This is the main departure point for tours and transportation to the islands. You’ll likely either fly into Whitsunday Airport or take a coach to Airlie Beach. 

We took an overnight coach from Noosa to Airlie Beach and spent a couple of days here in Airlie before boarding the boat. The bus journey varies depending on where you are coming from but it takes about 17 hours from Noosa and will take a bit longer from Brisbane. However, our bus did make a lot of stops along the way, slowing us down. 

RELATED POST: 31 of The Best In Flight Essentials

When is The Best Time to Visit The Whitsundays? 

There are a few things to consider before sailing in the Whitsundays. The summer months are very warm with a higher chance of humidity and rainfall (highs around 30 degrees C). The winter months are still warm and typically much drier (highs around the low 20s C).

The summer runs from November to April and the winter months are May to October. You’ll also need to consider that the summer months are considered stinger season. Dangerous jellyfish can be found in the waters therefore you’ll be highly encouraged to wear sting suits. 

Regardless of when you choose to visit, you’ll have the best time. 

Stinger Season 

As mentioned above, during the summer months you have to take into consideration the presence of stingers (jellyfish). This is from late October to May. They are rare, but very dangerous if encountered – therefore your guides will provide sting suits, which are annoying to wear but you gotta do what you gotta do. 

I went sailing in the Whitsundays in early February and it was the most amazing experience. We got lucky with zero rain and the snorkeling was amazing. It was extremely hot but, the perfect boat weather in my opinion. We did wear the stinger suits in most places and it wasn’t too bad. 

You can’t go wrong whether you visit during the winter, summer, or shoulder season. 

Sailing in the Whitsundays 

Sailing in the whitsundays – day 1 .

Here’s a quick rundown of our day-by-day itinerary so you’ll know what to expect. Keep in mind things will vary depending on what tour you visit with. We sailed with the Hammer Whitsundays 3 Days 2 Night Sailing Tour. And I highly recommend it. 

All 24 of us packed our small bags, grabbed our alcohol, and boarded our boat, The Hammer, at about 2 PM. We were shown our beds, set sail, and had a safety briefing and orientation to start our trip. 

The beds were tiny and there was no air conditioning but I didn’t mind because we’d be spending all of our time outside on deck anyway. We essentially spent the first day sailing and relaxing on the boat for the afternoon. We also stopped at a couple of swimming spots. It was amazing. 

The crew had prepared a delicious snack plate of veggies, cheese, and crackers. The vibes on the boat were so good. After more swimming and enjoying the sunset, the crew prepared an incredible dinner. For dinner that night we had chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy, with veggies. We even had cake for dessert!

We spent the evening under the clearest stars I’ve ever seen, blasting music, dancing, and playing games. It was the most unreal evening. We even saw sharks and other marine life near the boat at night. It was incredible. 

The sleeping situation was quite interesting. A lot of us opted to sleep on a yoga mat on top of the deck because of the heat underneath. It was a hot night with little to no breeze. Wasn’t the comfiest setup but I’ll never forget sleeping under the stars in the middle of the ocean.

Sailing in The Whitsundays – Day 2 

Day two started bright and early, around 6:30 AM since the sun was up very early. The crew prepared a delicious breakfast and we headed to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. This was truly the best morning. White Haven Beach is unreal. 

After the beach, we got on board for a snack (the best nachos, fruit, and cake!) and a snorkel spot. The snorkeling in the Whitsundays was incredible! After snorkeling, we had lunch on the boat. We relaxed on the boat for a bit while we sailed and then went to another snorkel stop. 

Both snorkeling spots were extremely different. At this stop, we snorkeled with some of the biggest fish I’ve ever seen! After an afternoon of snorkeling, we got changed for our white party. 

To be honest this was the only time I put on real clothes, I was literally in my bikini this entire trip because it was so hot. 

The white party was so much fun, we danced, drank, and took photos before having a delicious dinner – burritos! All of the food on the boat was amazing. 

If you want to book a Whitsundays tour from Airlie Beach, check out my guide here with the top Whitsunday tours. I’ve included the price, tour details, duration, etc.

Visiting Whitehaven Beach 

A trip to the Whitsundays is incomplete without visiting the famous Whitehaven Beach. Located on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is often considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And I can see why after visiting. It’s stunning. 

We spent a total of 3 hours here (I wish we could have stayed all day!) This will vary depending on what tour company you visit with. 

First, we walked up to the lookout point and then we had time to relax in the water and enjoy the white sandy beach! It blows my mind that we have this beach essentially to ourselves. It’s rarely crowded which makes it a hundred times better! 

This beach has some of the whitest sand in the world. And it’s so fine, that you are actually able to shine your jewelry with it! 

Fun Fact : A small part of Pirates of The Caribbean was filmed here and the movie, Tickets to Paradise, was also filmed here. 

Sailing in The Whitsundays – Day 3 

We woke up with the sunrise on day three and had a delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee. There is nothing like having your morning coffee on a boat in the Whitsundays. It doesn’t get better. 

Our crew gave us a Whitsundays history lesson on the way back to Airlie Beach and then we disembarked our boat, The Hammer. We spent the day enjoying Airlie Beach and then set off to Magnetic Island the next day. 

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Hostel Packing List

3 Day Whitsunday Cruises 

Browse 3 day Whitsunday cruises here. I’ve also linked a few additional tour options below. 

What to Pack for Sailing in The Whitsundays 

• Reef safe SPF ( I love  Cotz! ) 
• Sunglass es 
• Bikinis 
• Beach towel 
• Hairbrush and leave-in conditioner (trust me, you’ll need this if you have long hair)
• Sandals (you may want sneakers for walks off the boat but I did not need them) 
• Camera gear and a dry bag 
• A fun music playlist! 
• Depending on your tour, you may want snacks – we had plenty provided so we didn’t need to bring additional food. Check with your tour. 
• Cards for the evenings
• Warmer clothes if it gets chilly in the evenings 
• Reusable water bottle 
• Waterproof phone case  
• Any medication you may need 
• Seasickness tablets (just in case!) 
• Alcohol: we brought all the alcohol we’d want for the three days on board. They provide coolers to put your drinks in. 

Going to New Zealand too? Here is my ultimate North Island New Zealand itinerary.

Travel Insurance

Travel medical insurance is essential for every trip. This can save you time, money, and a lot of stress on the road. I love using SafetyWing for travel insurance. SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible travel medical insurance coverage. You can enter your details below for a free quote.

Sailing in the Whitsundays truly needs to be at the top of your Australia bucket list. This was the most amazing adventure. I hope you enjoyed this post and if you have any questions, comment below or DM me on Instagram. 

Recommended Tours in The Whitsundays

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Whitsundays Locals

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 WHITSUNDAYS Tours And Activities

√ Instant Bookings

Overnight Tours

Scenic Flights

Experiences and Activities

Activities 

Tours For Cruise Ship Guests

Accommodation 

What Whitsundays Tours Can I Find Here?

SALE 15% OFF From $153

Zigzag Whitsundays Day Tour

Includes 2 Beaches 2 Lookouts 1 Snorkel Location

• South Whitehaven Lookout
• Chalkies Beach
• Haslewood Island Lookout
• 1 Hour Snorkel Location
• Maximum 30 Guests
• Lunch, snacks, and diet requirements are catered to.
• Marine-grade jacket for spray or wind
• Free Tour Pictures Taken On Latest Gropro

$289 Per Person

Heart Reef and Whitsundays Scenic Flight  (60 Minutes)

• 60 Minute Scenic Flight flying over
• Hill Inlet (swirling sands)

Great Barrier Reef

• Whitsundays Islands and Resorts
• Departs 5 minutes from Airlie Beach
• Free Pick up from Airlie Beach
• Very Popular Book Early

Habibi Whitsundays – 2 Day 1 Night Sailing Tour

Ticket Price From $459 $419

• Hill Inlet Lookout (swirling sands)
• Snorkel Locations
• Includes meals and snacks
• 3 Private rooms and dorm share accommodation options
• Sleep on the boat in dorm accommodation
• 67-foot-sailing ketch
• Suits 18 to 45 years of age
• Awesome Food

25% Off Per Person

2 Day 1 Night Sailing Tour (Ex Racing Yacht)

Sale  25% off per person with promo code tourswhit25   at checkout..

• 2 Snorkel Locations
• Includes 2 Lunches 1 Dinner 1 Breakfast and snacks
• Caters for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose intolerant.
• 80-foot-long racing yacht
• To Many Whitsunday Islands To Name!

Whitsundays Day Tours

ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour

From $179 – $229.

SALE  15% Off Per Person with Promo Code WHIT15 at checkout.

2 Beaches – 2 Lookouts – 1 Snorkel Location Full-Day Tour With 30 Guests 3 Crew, Visits South Whitehaven Beach, New South Whitehaven Lookout, Chalkies Beach, Haslewood Island Lookout, Snorkel location Included – Lunch, Snacks, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit. Fast boat, Low seasickness probability Dynamic Pricing, Family-Friendly Pricing

Fury Whitsundays

From $210  .

Full-Day Tour 35 Guests 2 Crew Visits North Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, South Whitehaven and Lookout plus 1 Snorkel Location. Includes Snorkel Gear Included Fast boat Low seasickness probability

1 Hour Scenic Flight

60 – 70 Minute Flight Time, With Small Numbers Of 5 people Max

Fly Over  The Great Barrier Reef, Famous Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Swirling Sands, Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach

Modern Comfortable Plane With Guaranteed Window Seat

Whitsundays Sea And Sky Combo

Full-Day Tour With ZigZag Whitsundays 30 Guests 3 Crew, Visits South Whitehaven Beach, New South Whitehaven Lookout,  Snorkel locations.

70 Minute Scenic Flight Over Heart Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach And Great Barrier Reef

Thundercat Whitsundays

$210 adult  $170 child.

Full-Day Tour With 38 Guests 2 Crew Visits North Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, 2 Snorkel locations Includes Lunch, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Fast boat, Courtesy Pickup

Ocean Rafting

From $199 adult  .

Two Different Tour Options Visits North Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, 2 Snorkel locations Includes Snorkel Equipment Fast boat, Courtesy Pickup

Red Cat Great Barrier Reef Tour

Small group Great Barrier Reef Tour operated by Red Cat Adventures from Airlie Beach.

Multiple snorkel locations on a stable catamaran custom-built specifically for the Whitsundays. All-inclusive package with lycra suit, snorkelling equipment, fins and lunch.

Whitehaven Xpress

Full-Day Tour Including Hill Inlet Lookout South End Lookout, North and South Whitehaven Beach Beach BBQ And Guided Walk All Ages Welcome, Courtesy Pickup

Whitehaven Beach Full-Day Tour

North Whitehaven Beach Hill Inlet Lookout South Whitehaven Beach South Whitehaven Lookout  Includes Lunch and Shuttle Transfers

Whitsundays Snorkelling And Sailing Tour

10am to 6pm Finish the day with a colourful sunset as you come back to Airlie Beach. Lunch and refreshments will be provided Snorkelling gear and stinger suits is included A pleasant and relaxing alternative to experience the Whitsunday Islands.

Full Or Half Day Private Charters

Whitsundays Private Charters On A Fast Luxury Boat.

Full Day Options Half Day Options Sunset Cruise Options Maximum 8 Guests

Airlie Beach Scuba Diving Day Tour

From $330 including 2 dives and equipment .

Aqua 5 is a devoted diving day trip running out of the Port Of Airlie.

Their Airlie Beach Scuba diving tour provides Island diving at its greatest! Experience pleasant drift dives along the reef shelf close to Black island next to Hayman Island

Snorkelling options are available to friends or family not wishing to dive

Camira Sailing Tour

Full-Day Tour Including Hill Inlet Lookout, and  Whitehaven Beach 1 Snorkel location Lunch Snorkel Mask and Wetsuit Included

Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour

Departs From Airlie Beach, Day Dream and Hamilton Island Ferry Transfers To Reef World Snorkelling plus all equipment Scuba Diving optional extra  Buffet Lunch Included

Crocodile Safari

6 hour day includes Saltwater crocodiles Proserpine River cruise plus Open-air wagon for unique wildlife Experience traditional Australian “bush tucker”, damper and billy tea plus delicious Aussie BBQ lunch A small group of 30 guests with an Informative and friendly guide.

Whitehaven Beach Plus Hamilton Island

Self-guided tour of Whitehaven Beach and Hamiton Island Cruise in style and comfort on a ferry Admire the turquoise water and white sand of Whitehaven Beach,  Explore Hamilton Island Free time included in Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven beach half day

Half-Day Tour To Whitehaven Beach Scenic return cruise In A Air-conditioned Ferry Morning and Afternoon Tour Up to 2 hours on the beach Guided bushwalk optional

Purely Whitehaven Half-Day Tour

Whitehaven Beach Air-conditioned Ferry Rooftop 360° views on boat Full bar service onboard Complimentary bus transfers

AQUA 5 Day Tour To Whitehaven

Small group Whitehaven Beach and Snorkelling Tour

Visits Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, 1 Snorkel Location.

All-inclusive package with lycra suit, snorkelling equipment, fins and lunch.

Falls To Paradise

Visit Cedar Creek Waterfall Lunch at Coral Sea Resort  Morning Tea 10 seater bus with tour guide Multi-Award winning Tour Operator All-inclusive price

Fishing Charters

Available Fishing Charters  Half Day  3/4 Day Full Day Includes all equipment plus fish cleaning and filleting.

Whitsundays Activities from Airlie Beach

Best Of Airlie 2 Hour Tour

• 2-hour bus tour of the Airlie Beach area
• Small group maximum of 10 people
• Experienced local guide
• Air-conditioned bus
• Visit Shute Harbour and Mandalay Bay plus lookout locations

Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise

From $69 for 2 hours.

2 Hour Sunset Cruise

• Fully covered, purpose built catamaran 
• Onboard Bar (No BYO)
• A glass of sparkling or soft drink is included in your sunset cruise ticket price. 
• Pioneer Bay and  Turtle Bay.
• After the sunsets, enjoy the lights of Airlie Beach at night.

Part Day Activity, From 8500– 14000 Feet 14000 ft is a 1-minute freefall AT 220km/hr Picture and video add-on available The flight climbs over islands

Jet-Ski Tours

From $250 per ski (2 people max).

Part Day Tour 90 mins Two people per ski Qualified guide Plus All safety equipment Pick up and drop off Free pictures, Power snacks and bottled water

Whitsundays Sunset Cruise

2 Hour Sunset Tour Instant Bookings Maximum of 24 Guests Sailing Cruise Departs 5 pm Glass of Champagne and some snacks included

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Jetboat Rides

Jet Boat 30 Minute Thrill Ride 380-hp Adrenaline Ride Perform 360s, 180s, Power stops/nosedives Spot wildlife And See million dollar mansions

Private Tuk Tuk Tours

From $30 per person.

5 different Tuk Tuk Tours. Multiple departure times each day. An exciting and fun way to explore Airlie Beach. Local guides

Segway Rainforest Discovery Tour

From $148.27.

3.5 to 4 hours approx Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off,  A small group of 7  Conway National Park, and Whitsundays Great Walk.

Scooter Hire

Electric Scooter Hire Located In The Main Street 2 Hour to Multiple  Day Hire Available Suited Adults And Children

Whitsundays Overnight Tours

FROM $680 – 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

3 Day 2 Night Tour – 18 Guests 3 Crew Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Look Out Multiple Snorkel locations Meals Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Racing maxi yacht with Small Group Numbers Operated by Prosail

FROM $529 2 DAYS 2 NIGHTS.

SALE   15% Off Per Person with Promo Code TOURSWHIT15   at checkout.

Looking for a famous race boat? it doesn’t get more Famous than this bad boy.

Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout Multiple Snorkel Locations All Meals included Sailing vessel Opportunity to camp on an island

Matador Whitsundays

2 days 1 night from $450.

Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout Multiple Snorkel Locations All Meals included Sailing vessel Backpacker youth market 

3 Day 2 Night Tour – 19 Guests 3 Crew Adrenaline Sailing Shared Accommodation Own Bed Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkel Locations Meals, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Operated By ProSail

Broomstick 3 Day 2 Night

Avatar whitsundays, from $589 for 2 days and 2 nights.

SALE   10% Off Per Person with Promo Code TOURSWHIT10   at checkout.

This is the one and only commercial trimaran in the Whitsundays. Famous for its students and backpacker tours with a fun social atmosphere with large nets to sunbake on Included – basic dorm accommodation, meals, wetsuit, snorkel gear Visits Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, 2-3 snorkel locations. If you want to experience the Whitsundays in a social way and are not worried about private rooms, this is the tour for you! Operated By OzSail

Sleep On The Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation Options ”Reefsleep” Weatherproof swag under the stars ”Reefsuites” special room 4 metres underwater Includes transfer meals drinks and snorkelling Optional scuba dive packages available at extra cost First underwater hotel in Australia

Spearfishing Charter 

From $2000 for 5 days 4 nights.

5 Day 4 Night Charter –19 Guests 5 Crew Outer Great Barrier Reef  30+ Targeted Species Of Fish Meals Included, Shared Accommodation Operated by Prosail

FROM $742 – 3 NIGHTS

3 Night Tour –10 Guests 2 Crew Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout 2 Snorkel locations Meals Included Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Private and Shared Rooms Operated By iSail

Enitice and O’nice

From $1200 private cabin 2 days 2 nights.

2 Day 2 Night Tour –10 Guests 2 Crew Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout 2 Snorkel locations Meals Included Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Private and Shared Rooms Operated by iSail

FROM $320 2 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

2 Day 2 Night Tour – 14 Guests 2 Crew Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout 2-3 Snorkel locations Meals Included Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Operated By OzSail

About This Website And Listed Tours

Above you can book your Whitsundays tours with the Whitsundays Operators. Our Website has the best tours the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach has to offer in Australia. Use our unique tour directory to find the Whitsundays Tour you want without searching all over the internet. From Backpacker packages to Couples Island stays and Family Day Tour packages, we have what you are looking for.

The Deals Button And Website

All tours in our “Latest Deals Button” at the top of each page are provided by Book Me Australia (One of Australia’s Largest Tour and Activity Websites) and have the latest Whitsundays deals available. All Deals on Book Me are managed directly by the Whitsunday Activity Operators. The Operators load the deals and how many tickets they want to sell on each day. Once again we are proud to support these Whitsundays Businesses.

Why Choose A Whitsundays Cruise?

The Whitsundays is recognised as one of the world’s iconic sailing destinations, and for an excellent reason, which you are about to find out.

This is one inspiring adventure you have to partake in while on holiday in Australia. We include a full day and even overnight sailing adventures to the islands and Whitehaven Beach, the iconic white sand beach you will never forget. Take our well-organised trips for the best experience, our relaxing cruises around the magnificent Great Barrier Reef marine park and islands is something you must experience at least once in your lifetime.

Our Trips are available in many different lengths and packages, on each tour page you will find the contact and booking details for each tour provider. If you are on your honeymoon or with your partner we can tell you, it does not get any more relaxing and romantic than a sailing cruise in the area. You can get this by selecting one of our overnight sailing tours with private rooms above. We do offer the best spread of packages right across the board. Let’s give you some details about what you are going to see on your adventure here.

For backpackers in Airlie Beach and the islands, our overnight sailing adventures are by far the best option; these packages are hot right now. Our tours depart from Airlie Beach and visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, providing guests with the opportunity to take in the stunning beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach is well known to the locals as the gateway to the area. The region includes Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and of course the 74 tropical islands that the Whitsundays are well known for.

You’ll get great value for money backpacking in this area with the range of budget trips and accommodation on offer. We do have more expensive packages; however, if you are travelling on a strict budget and want to experience what the area has to offer, our backpacker adventures are for you. This way you have more freedom and can experience Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef for very little money at all.

The area has direct flights daily into Proserpine and Hamilton Island, a wide range of restaurants, activities, and trips to The Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach.

To see our Whitsundays map with tour and activity providers see here 

About Whitehaven Beach

Like we say, this is without a doubt, the most picturesque pure white beach in the world. If you only ever visit one more beach for the rest of your life, then this has to be your choice. You will not regret choosing this beach, it is absolutely stunning in every way possible, in day or night.

The beach is a whopping 7 km long and is located opposite Chalkie’s Beach on Haslewood Island. When you get to the beach you will want to go for a swim or go for a walk across the powder-like sand that is pure 98% silica white. It is one landscape that everyone should see in their lifetime. The beach is one of the cleanest in the world, it really has to be seen to be believed, it is absolutely stunning.

Even if you are not a beach person, this is still something you have to see, you will love it. It is one experience you are never ever going to forget. The sand on the beach does not get hot, so you can walk barefoot without any problems at a

If there is one thing you should experience in your life it is the Great Barrier Reef.

It is the largest coral reef system in the entire world, it is one amazing site that words can’t explain until you see it for yourself. The reef is huge at 2,300 km long and will absolutely blow your mind when you see it. The reef is so big that you can actually see it from space, it is amazing and is really breathe taking when viewed from the air, which you can do so when you buy one of our plane or helicopter packages. It is a natural wonder of the world, and when you go there you can tell all your friends you have been and viewed this amazing structure made by living organisms.

The Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach really do make our tours the best tourist experience the world has to offer, not just Australia. Some trips are especially aimed at scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef, there is so much available that we offer to amaze you. The area has so many wonderful places to see & exciting things to do. You can explore yourself or take one or all of our many amazing trips or cruises. You can enjoy a day out sailing the Islands or enjoy many of the overnight sailing adventures, they will lead you through to a number of other islands within the Islands Group.

When you travel around Australia and in Airlie Beach, sailing the Whitsundays is an absolute must thing to do. You will not regret booking one of our visits to the area, they are the best and our many satisfied customers go to prove that.

Whitsunday Islands

The Coast & Islands are renowned for their picturesque scenery & spectacular blue sea. The Sailing Trips depart from Airlie Beach which is a tiny, tropical party town located about 9 hours drive north of Fraser Island.

From half-day journeys to full-day adventures, this is one of the most exciting ways to explore the stunning Islands. The area offers the perfect setting for adventuring and one of the best places to explore by sea and air. Daydream Island is one of 74 islands of the area; it is just minutes away from the Great Barrier Reef. No visit to the region is complete without a Great Barrier Reef Trip, Choose from our packages that offer day sailing, overnight fully crewed charters, or a self-catering bareboat experience.

The magical views from the lookout at Hill Inlet have stunned many travellers and are the highlight of many trips in this part of the world. The beauty of this area is not just all about beaches, fish and coral. It’s adventures like ours that create memories that will last with you a lifetime. Our cruises consist of so much more than sailing and boat charter. A holiday in the islands is a wish come true. With us, you can experience the best of the world-famous Whitehaven Beach on one unforgettable day.

We also offer ways to explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands on some of Australia’s most impressive overnight sailing boats. This will give you an entirely new experience of the area, if you have done it by day, now do it by night. We also have quick trips that allow you to see all the picturesque regions of the islands in just a few hours. The range of sailing journeys in our Whitsundays Tours bears testament to the beauty of the area. It really is something that has to be seen to be believed, that’s the truth of it. Relax, swim and enjoy the breathtaking ocean and island views. You can take advantage of the vast array of activities and trips to Airlie Beach has to offer on the land, sea and in the air with us.

Spoil Yourself See It By Air

Whitsunday Seaplane experiences are a great way to see the islands. You can experience the Great Barrier Reef in a way that most people just dream about, with this great fly and cruise journey. You can see all 74 magnificent Islands easily by air, the incredible Great Barrier Reef and Airlie Beach look magnificent from above. If you’re staying on one of the islands, you can book to see the Islands by air with us for the easiest and fastest connection.

Indulge in the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience with return helicopter flights around this beautiful area. We are more than just a seller; we offer information on the area too, we will help you find the best experience the Whitsundays region has to offer for you and your family. You can find out more about the best diving spots and other trips on our website, or just give us a call or pop and see us, we are only too happy to help. You can talk to one of our friendly team for more information on accommodation, trips and great holiday packages in this area. So go ahead and experience all of the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Islands from the air, with a scenic flight by seaplane.

You will be stunned at the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Islands from above, including the iconic Heart Reef. Remember we offer a scenic flight by seaplane. Experience the best views of the area on a 1 hour scenic including Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands. It is absolutely epic, you will not believe your eyes, the worlds best sights all in one fantastic adventure.

Here we stick to bringing you quality, safety and of course fun on our tours. We also offer you a wealth of other information about the Whitsundays right here on our website to help you select the perfect package for you. Our tour packages are recognized Australia-wide for the utmost quality and customer satisfaction. We offer great flexibility too, We aim to please you every step of the way and to make your holiday the most memorable it can be. We want you to experience as much of the Whitsundays as possible in your time here and will make that happen for you. So what are you waiting for, book one of our Whitsundays tours right now and let’s get you excited to get here and see the area with our Whitsundays Tours the best way possible.

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This Is the Safest and Most Affordable Destination for Solo Travelers

In a list dominated by countries in Asia, Taipei rose to the top.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

iStockphoto/Getty Images

Traveling alone comes with added questions : Is it safe to arrive at night? What is the crime rate? Are the single-occupancy room rates affordable? Is the tour worth the cost? The truth is that every destination is different , as is every experience. Backpacking through New Zealand is different than traveling around Columbia via bus. However, there are a few destinations that have a reputation for being both safe and affordable to solo travelers.

Taipei, Taiwan , was recently named the best city for solo travel by Ubuy , a U.S.-based retailer. They evaluated over 300 cities on several key metrics, including their safety index, meal costs, walkability score, and the number of things to do on Tripadvisor.

Taipei stood out for its high safety score (84.5 out of 100) and budget-friendly dining choices. According to Ubuy, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Taipei costs $6.17 on average and a bottle of water costs $0.71 on average. Solo travelers looking for a single-occupancy hotel room with a view can expect to pay $86 on average, which is a deal in comparison to the $221 average rate solo travelers in Abu Dhabi might pay for similar accommodations.

Taipei also ranked high with walkability, earning a score of 86 out of 100. The city’s composite score was 95.7 out of 100.

Following Taipei was the neighboring city of Hong Kong , which received a perfect score of 100 for its walkability but was more expensive. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant hovered around $8.83, while a hotel room with a view cost, on average, around $142 a night.

Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and Doha, Qatar, ranked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. After four destinations in the continent of Asia, which dominated the list, Munich, Germany, made the list, coming in at No. 5.

The team at Ubuy notes that solo travelers looking for an affordable vacation should look into Muscat, Oman, which “offers the most affordable options for both meals and hotel stays, making it ideal for budget-friendly solo getaways.” (In Muscat, a meal at an expensive restaurant averages $5.20, and a hotel with a view averages $51 a night.)

The full list is below:

• Taipei, Taiwan  Composite Score: 95.7 
• Hong Kong Composite Score: 92.0 
• Abu Dhabi, UAE Composite Score: 90.8 
• Doha, Qatar  Composite Score: 89.5 
• Munich, Germany  Composite Score: 88.1 
• Luxembourg, Luxembourg  Composite Score: 87.0 
• Helsinki, Finland  Composite Score: 82.7 
• Muscat, Oman  Composite Score: 79.8

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An annual solo trip reminds me of who I am outside being a mom. Sometimes, I feel guilty for spending the time and money, but it's worth it.

• I love traveling and enjoy taking solo trips to reconnect with who I am outside being a mom.
• Every year, I take a trip by myself and always come back to my family feeling refreshed.
• Though I sometimes feel guilty for spending the time and money, it's so worth it.

I grew up moving often, rarely attending the same school for a full year, and learning to find my way around new places every few months. For better or worse, this shaped how I approached life as an adult, making me more open to new places, people, and experiences throughout my life.

One result of this openness is a love of travel — I've visited 40 of the 50 United States and 25 countries (and counting). Traveling is a core part of who I am, and while I love the ability to travel with my family, it's also a priority for me to take a trip once a year by myself or with friends to stay connected to the person I was before having kids.

I started traveling alone early in life

In my early 20s, I was offered a severance package when my company merged with another and laid off much of the staff , including me. With no strong ties to the city I lived in at the time and no real love for the work, I decided to take the money, buy a one-way ticket to Europe, and see how long I could make it last.

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I stayed in Europe for six months, traveling by train anywhere I wanted to go on a whim. I drank the best whiskey sour of my life in a back-alley bar in Krakow, learned about the drum-and-bass scene in Berlin from a Parisian hostel mate, watched a fútbol match in San Sebastian with locals, and learned to snowboard from an Australian trio of plumbers in Chamonix.

The trip changed my view of traveling alone. No longer was it scary or unattainable. Instead, it was full of magical surprises and kind people — strangers who became fast friends. It was joyful and enthralling, and I loved it.

Learning to travel as a parent and partner

About a decade later, after my love of solo travel was well-established, I met and married my husband, and then I became a parent. One of the things my now-husband quickly learned about me was that I wanted to continue traveling alone occasionally, and he has always supported me in this. So, I still take an annual solo trip these days.

While it's hard to leave my family behind, it's also hard to say no to things that feed my soul. Like many parts of parenting, traveling solo is a push-pull in two directions for me. I want to explore the world, and I also want to soak up every moment I can with my family.

So, I have some rules about when and how I travel. I never take trips when I know or suspect something big might happen, like an important school event or one of my kids taking their first step soon. I usually plan trips that last three to four days, but never more than seven. (For now, anyway, as the kids get older, that might change.) And I'm always available for Facetime at some point during the day.

But I also always make time for the trip.

Solo trips refresh me and help me maintain my identity

At some point, I'll become an empty nester . When that time comes, I don't want to have forgotten who I am outside "mom," and my annual solo trip helps me remember who that is. They offer an opportunity to explore what I'm interested in and what it feels like to think about what I want to do with my "one wild and precious life."

From learning to build my first campfire in the Rocky Mountains to learning the history of the Alhambra in Spain, each trip I've been privileged to take has taught me something new about myself and the world. While I sometimes feel slightly guilty about taking time for myself and spending money on a solo trip — even if they aren't necessarily luxury destinations — at the end of each one, I'm grateful for the reminder of who I am as my own person. Not a wife, not a mother, not an employee. Just a person living in this amazing world with limited time to explore it on my own terms.

As a woman and a mother, I know it isn't always easy to make or take time for ourselves. But after two decades of traveling alone, I can promise you it's always worth it.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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BTS stars Jimin and Jung Kook will return to the spotlight in Disney+ ‘s travel reality show Are You Sure?! , which premieres August 8 on the platform.

Filmed immediately after Jung Kook’s viral performance on Good Morning America in July 2023, Are You Sure?! follows the two youngest members of BTS as they spend time unwinding together across three scenic locations.

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Two episodes will premiere in August, with one new episode released every Thursday after that, through to September 19.

With Are You Sure?! , Disney+ continues to expand its BTS content library, which already includes BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star , an eight-part docuseries about the band’s first 10 years, as well as BTS: Permission to Dance On Stage – LA, a 4K concert film featuring BTS’ live performance at Los Angeles’ Sofi Stadium in November 2021.

Other shows on Disney+ featuring BTS members include Suga: Road to D-Day, a documentary following BTS member SUGA as he travels from Seoul to Tokyo, Las Vegas and beyond in search of musical inspiration for his latest album ‘D-DAY’; J-hope in the Box , a behind the scenes documentary showcasing the creation of J-hope’s first solo album, ‘Jack in the Box’ and In the Soop: Friendcation , a travel reality show that includes BTS’ V alongside other stars.

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