The Whitsunday Islands has over 100kms of individual walking tracks dotted around the region, each with their own unique draw cards.
Some of the most spectacular tracks are located on the islands and are only accessible by boat.
For the first time ever, we’ve combined the best of a conventional Whitsundays sailing cruise with the opportunity to explore these unspoiled tracks.
You’ll get to spend quality time enjoying the typical activities of a Whitsundays cruise and see all the icons that make the Whitsundays famous. By embarking on a longer trip you’ll have more time to relax.
Set your watch to island time and let the serenity take over.
Acting as your floating home, transporting you between secluded bays and tropical islands, is your traditional, liveaboard tall ship.
There is no better way to see the islands than to harness the power of the wind to carry you from one location to the next. Get as involved as you want, grab the helm or tail the mainsheet. Alternatively, sit back, feel the breeze on your face and feel the excitement as the wind carries you.
With this private charter the vessel will be under its usual capacity, this means there will be extra room to feel at home.
Once back on the mainland we have time to enjoy the beauty of rainforests and waterfalls in a spectacular day with our own private guide to show us the hidden gems of the region.
In addition, we have a half-day of kayaking the calm waters to complete this is a jam-packed adventure, albeit at a genteel and tropic lifestyle pace.
Airlie Beach, QLD
14 – 21 October 2021 (8 days)
There are ten air-conditioned cabins on this beautifully renovated 119-year-old tallship. Two cabins have ensuites the others share four toilets/showers/basin (one per four guests)
Cabin #1 – Private Double or Twin Cabin (Double Bed + Single Bunk above)
Cabin #2 – Multi Share Quad Single Bed Cabin OR can be converted to a Private Double or Twin Cabin
Cabin #3 – Multi Share Quad Single Bed Cabin OR can be converted to a Private Double or Twin Cabin
Cabin #4 – Multi Share Quad Single Bed Cabin OR can be converted to a Private Double or Twin Cabin
Cabin #5 – Multi Share 6 Share Single Bed Cabin
Cabin #6 – Private Double Cabin (Double Bed only)
Cabin #7 – Private Double or Twin Cabin (Double Bed + Single Bunk above)
Cabin #8 – Private Double Ensuite Cabin (Double Bed + Single Bunk above)
Cabin #9 – Private Double Ensuite Cabin (Double Bed + Single Bunk above)
Cabin #10 – Private Twin Single Bed Cabin (2 x Single Bed Bunk Style)
From her starting position as tea lady, a job she took way too seriously (trust us, tea is something of an obsession with her), she wins the gold star for giving everything a go.
As a former police officer, Suzanne joined the ICON team with not only a can-do attitude but also a bloody-well-will-do attitude too. If she’s in charge of a tour or helping to organise independent travel for you, you can be rest-assured it will be like her tea, done to the highest and most meticulous standard.
On arrival at Proserpine Airport be transferred to the marina. We’ll take care of our excess luggage and if there is time head along the boardwalk or wander into town.
We’ll board the boat at 5.30pm. After settling into your cabin head up on deck for our first dinner together as the sunsets.
We sleep on board the boat in our air-conditioned cabin within the marina so we are ready to leave first up in the morning.
The crew will be up early to set sail before breakfast. Breakfast will be served up on deck as we head towards South Molle Island.
On arrival at our first location, we’ll head off on a walk to Spion Kop Lookout and back. After lunch on board, we’ll start cruising again, with a stop for your first snorkel. We’ll cruise to our overnight anchorage.
Rise early for breakfast and a transfer to the island for the Whitsunday Peak walk.
After taking in the stunning views and making your way back down, enjoy lunch back on the boat as you cruise to Tongue Bay. Take the short bushwalk up to Hill Inlet 1.3km (easy) lookout and time to explore the north end of Whitehaven Beach.
Cruise to South Whitehaven Beach for overnight anchorage.
Today as we enjoy breakfast onboard spend time relaxing with your fellow adventurers of kick back with a book and a morning coffee before being transferred to the beach.
Walk to Chance Bay and take time for beach activities. Cruise to Border Island for a short walk and then the first snorkel opportunity. Cruise to Saba Bay for another snorkel.
Late afternoon we’ll travel to our sheltered overnight anchorage.
On the last day on board our boat, we make one last early rise for breakfast and the Whitsunday Cairn walk.
After taking in the amazing views, climb back down for lunch on board. Finally set the sails one last time and head back to Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach by 2.30 pm.
Once back on land we’ll head to our accommodation in town and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Join the group for sundowners and dinner at one of the many excellent eateries in town.
INCLUSIONS: use of tenders, 5 local experienced crew, freshly prepared meals, pre-meal snacks, chilled tap filtered water, tea & coffee, snorkelling tuition – equipment & stinger suit, stand-up paddleboards, linen including bath towels, marine and national park fees and marina Levies. Licenced bar available for purchases
Today is designed to be appreciated by both experienced paddlers and beginners alike, with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment – not hard work.
We’ll transfer to Shute Harbour to start our kayak over fringing coral reefs and explore nearby tropical islands.
These turquoise waters and islands are home to an amazing diversity of marine and bird life including giant sea turtles and soaring eagles. In October there is a slim chance to encounter the magnificent humpback whales which arrive to give birth to their calves before returning to Antarctic waters.
We stop off at White Rock, where there is time to swim, snorkel (mask,snorkel & stinger suit provided free of charge) or kick back and relax. Cold drinks accompanied by a cheese and a fruit platter, allowing you to refresh before our return to Shute Harbour.
Rest of day at leisure.
Today is about the mainland. After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll be collected by our transport and local guide for some hand-picked favourite walks in the rainforests in the region.
The natural beauty of the ancient rainforest with fauna and flora will be quite different to that which was seen on the islands. We’ll take a leisurely pace and enjoy the serenity around us.
The tour ends after breakfast. Please check-out of your room by 10am. If you are departing with the group a transfer to the airport is included.
