Sail through the 74-island Whitsunday archipelago to the living Coral Sea reef beyond, snorkelling over explosions of colour with a small private group. Whitehaven Beach — consistently ranked among the world's finest — is your lunchtime stop.
What to expect
Depart Airlie Beach Marina on a sleek sailing catamaran and tack through the glittering Whitsunday Passage, passing uninhabited islands draped in hoop pines. Your naturalist guide leads two snorkel sessions over coral gardens alive with parrotfish, Maori wrasse, and sea turtles. Lunch is served on the legendary silica-white sands of Whitehaven Beach before a leisurely sail back with the trade winds behind you.
Good to know
Airlie Beach is the cruise tender port for the Whitsundays. Confirm the full-day duration fits within your port hours — typically 7–8 hours. Book reef-safe sunscreen and bring a dry bag. Wet suits or stinger suits are provided seasonally (October–May) due to marine stingers.