Whitsundays Yacht Charter Itinerary
7 days
•94 nautical miles
A Week Sailing the Whitsundays
Day 1: Airlie Beach to Sawmill Bay (14nm)
Day 2: Sawmill Bay to Hamilton Island (8nm)
Day 3: Hamilton Island to Neck Bay (Shaw Island) (11nm)
Day 4: Neck Bay (Shaw Island) to Whitehaven Beach (15nm)
Day 5: Whitehaven Beach to Cateran Bay to Nara Inlet (19nm)
Day 6: Nara Inlet to Maureen's Cove (Butterfly Bay) to Stonehaven (12nm)
Day 7: Stonehaven to Airlie Beach (15nm)
Sail the Whitsundays
Airlie beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier reef and the perfect place to start your yacht charter! You can start from Coral Sea Marina or Port of Airlie. Prior to setting sail, check out fuel up at one of the local cafes or have a pre-sail drink at one of the local bars overlooking the marina. Take off towards Sawmill Bay, which is a beautiful and tranquil anchorage spot located in Cid Harbour.
- Make sure you have reef-safe sunscreen and all of your snorkelling/swimming gear if its not included with your charter
- Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon
- Honeyeater Lookout (1.5 hr hike near the marina)
Enjoy the morning exploring Sawmill Bay, with a snorkel or swim, and potentially head on a hike if you are feeling adventurous. Hamilton Island is one of the most popular and luxurious destinations in the Whitsundays, offering a mix of relaxation, adventure, and stunning scenery. Here’s what you can do while visiting:
- Sawmill Bay is part of a marina park, so ensure you follow the conservation rules.
- Before leaving Sawmill Bay, the Whitsunday Peak Hike (5km return, 2-3hrs) is worth the panoramic views of the Whitsundays
- Relax on Catseye Beach
Neck Bay on Shaw Island is a secluded, peaceful anchorage in the southern Whitsundays, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. With pristine beaches, great snorkelling, and stunning natural beauty, it’s an excellent stop for yachties and nature lovers.
- Be mindful of stingers (wear proper swimwear). - There aren't any facilities at Neck Bay so ensure you have food, water, and supplies.
- Neck Bay is one of the areas you can fish in the Whitsundays
- Enjoy an amazing sunset on board
Once you are ready, set sail for one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the world - Whitehaven Beach. It’s located on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, and is a must-visit when in the region! Head to one of the most photographed spots in Australia, the Hill Inlet Lookout. The hike is 1.3km return so will take about 30 mins and has stunning panoramic views.
- Hike the Hill Inlet Lookout for the famous swirling sands view
- Perfect spot for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Set sail from Whitehaven beach to Cateran Bay (which is one of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the Whitsundays). After setting anchor, enjoy a snorkel around the reefs and take in the incredible nature. Once done, enjoy a a lunch on board before sailing towards the Nara Inlet. Nara Inlet is one of the best overnight anchorages in the Whitsundays as it has excellent shelter from most wind directions. It's quiet and perfect for a relaxing evening under the stars.
- Snorkel the fringing reefs for colourful coral gardens, reef fish, and turtles.
- Visit the Ngaro Cultural Site at Nara Inlet (Aboriginal Caves & Rock Art)
Set sail to Maureen's Cove (Butterfly Bay) which is one of the snorkelling haven's in the Whitsundays. It is the perfect midday activity to enjoy explore the sea world. The name butterfly bay comes from the swarms of butterflies that can often be seen in the area. Enjoy a swim and a relax in the sun before heading towards Stonehaven. Have an afternoon swim at Stonehaven and take in the incredible sunset preparing for your final night at sea.
- Mooring in Stonehaven is a first come, first serve basis so ensure you have enough time to moor.
- Snorkel around the coral gardens in Butterfly Bay.
- Enjoy the spectacular sunset at Stonehaven
Get one last swim or hike in before setting sail back towards Airlie Beach. At Airlie Beach enjoy lunch and a bit of shopping in the area to commemorate your time in the stunning Whitsundays.
- Final swim