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Aerial view of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet swirling sands, Whitsundays, Queensland
β›΅ 74 Island Wonders53+ Tours

Whitsundays Sailing Tours

53+
Tours
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74
Islands
Airlie Beach
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Showing 53 tours across the Whitsundays

Where to Base Yourself in the Whitsundays

Airlie Beach

The buzzing gateway town to the Whitsundays and the departure point for almost every sailing tour and day trip. Backpacker-friendly, with a famous lagoon and lively nightlife.

46 tours available

Hamilton Island

The largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays, offering tours, transfers and easy access to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.

7 tours available

The Ultimate Guide to the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are a collection of 74 island gems scattered across the heart of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland. With fringing coral reefs, secluded bays and the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, they're one of the absolute highlights of any East Coast Australia adventure.

Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet

Whitehaven Beach stretches 7km along Whitsunday Island and is made of 98% pure silica sand so bright and fine it stays cool even on the hottest day. The lookout over Hill Inlet, where the tide swirls white sand through turquoise water, is the most photographed view in the Whitsundays.

Sailing vs Day Tours

Overnight sailing tours (typically 2 days / 2 nights) are the iconic Whitsundays experience β€” you sleep onboard, wake up in a quiet bay and snorkel straight off the boat. Day tours are perfect if you're short on time or prefer to sleep on land, and still include Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling stops.

Snorkelling the Reef

The Whitsundays sit within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, so most tours include snorkelling over vibrant fringing reefs teeming with tropical fish, turtles and coral gardens. No experience is needed β€” gear and guidance are provided.

Book with Confidence

At Dundee Adventure we work with the leading Whitsundays operators running maxi yachts, catamarans, and small-group sailing adventures. Every booking comes with our best price guarantee, live availability and instant confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Whitsundays sailing tour cost?β–Ό
Prices vary by tour type and length β€” day trips to Whitehaven Beach are the most affordable, while overnight 2-day/2-night sailing adventures cost more as they include meals and accommodation onboard. Every tour above shows its live price in real time, backed by our best price guarantee.
What is the best Whitsundays tour for backpackers?β–Ό
The classic backpacker choice is a 2-day/2-night sailing tour departing from Airlie Beach. You sleep onboard, sail between the islands, snorkel the fringing reef and spend time on Whitehaven Beach. Day tours are ideal if you have less time or prefer to sleep on land.
Can I visit Whitehaven Beach?β–Ό
Yes β€” almost every Whitsundays tour includes a stop at Whitehaven Beach, regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world. Its 7km of pure 98% silica sand stays cool underfoot, and the lookout over Hill Inlet's swirling sands is the region's most iconic view.
Where do Whitsundays tours depart from?β–Ό
Almost all sailing tours and day trips depart from Airlie Beach on the mainland, the gateway town to the Whitsundays. Some tours and transfers also operate from Hamilton Island.
When is the best time to visit the Whitsundays?β–Ό
The Whitsundays are a year-round destination. The dry season from May to October brings warm, sunny days and calm seas β€” the most popular time. During stinger season (roughly November to May) tours provide stinger suits for snorkelling.
Do I need to be able to sail?β–Ό
No sailing experience is needed. Crewed tours have a professional skipper and crew who handle everything, though you’re welcome to help hoist the sails if you want. Just relax, snorkel and enjoy the islands.
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