The Whitsunday Islands has over 100kms of individual walking tracks dotted around the region, each with its own unique draw cards.
Some of the most spectacular tracks are located on the islands and are only accessible by boat.
We’ve combined the best; not only giving you an opportunity to explore these unspoiled tracks but to do it in style on a 120-year-old tall ship, steeped in history with stories and mysteries of service all over the world.
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 well 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 coastal town of Airlie Beach. Once the back-packer haven this small town has come into its own, with great cafes, restaurants and bars. Surrounded by elevated rainforest on one side and crystal clear aqua-blue water on the other.
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, Queensland
20 – 27 July 2023
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, we’ll be transferred to the marina at Airlie Beach. If there is time head along the boardwalk to one of the local cafes, or wander into town.
Be back at the marina as we’ll board the tall ship at 4.00 pm.
After settling into your cabin head up on deck for drinks to get to know your fellow adventurers and be introduced to the crew. We’ll leave the mainland behind as we head off to our first sheltered cove for the night. Just sit back, relax and watch the sunset as we enjoy our first dinner together.
Fall asleep in your comfortable cabin to the gentle rocking of the boat. Your first night onboard may feel different, but most find they sleep better than they normally do.
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 or 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.
By this stage, you’ll be quite adept at sea life and feel like you could live this life forever, but sadly this is your last full day on board. With complete trust in the crew, we will leave the details of our last day up to them. By now they will know what the group enjoys and what we are capable of. It may include more snorkelling, SUP, hiking or beachcombing. Let’s wait and see.
We’ll finish the day with sunset drinks on the beach of some deserted island.
A leisurely morning today as we set sail one last time for our return to Coral Sea Marina at Airlie Beach. We’ll return back to the mainland by 11.00 am
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.
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 are home to an amazing diversity of marine and bird life including giant sea turtles. We stop off at White Rock, where there is time to swim, snorkel (mask, snorkel & stinger suit provided) or kick back and relax.
Rest of day at leisure.
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.
