Jump on board on a 2-day, 1-night sailing adventure in the Whitsundays, an ideal escape for those looking to experience the Great Barrier Reef with a small, intimate group. Limited to just 12 guests, this tour offers a personalized touch that larger vessels simply can't match. You'll set sail from Airlie Beach on a 47' Woodward-designed sloop, perfect for navigating the peaceful waters of this tropical paradise. Whether you're helping to hoist the sails or just relaxing on the deck, this journey promises unforgettable views and serene snorkelling stops.

Features and Highlights

Vessel Details:

• Your home on the sea is a beautifully crafted sloop featuring two private double cabins with ensuites, additional double and single bunks, and shared facilities, ensuring comfort for couples, families, and solo adventurers alike.

Personalized Itinerary:

• Each sailing trip is tailored to the group's preferences and the prevailing weather conditions, ensuring the best possible experience. Highlights include snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs, relaxing on the famous Whitehaven Beach, and hiking to Hill Inlet Lookout for stunning panoramic views.

Interactive Sailing Experience:

• Engage with the sailing process by assisting the crew with the sails or take a more laid-back approach by soaking up the sun and the splendid views from the deck. The yacht's small size allows for a hands-on experience for those interested.

Marine Life Encounters:

• The clear waters of the Whitsundays are teeming with life. Use the onboard snorkelling gear to explore underwater ecosystems inhabited by turtles, stingrays, and a variety of tropical fish. During the winter months, you might even spot migrating humpback whales.

Evening Relaxation:

• After a day of adventure, enjoy the tranquillity of a sunset at sea accompanied by evening nibbles and a drink. It's the perfect way to unwind and share stories with fellow travellers.

Accommodation Options:

• Choose from shared saloon accommodation, private double cabins, or the enhanced privacy of a double ensuite cabin. Each option is designed to provide comfort after a day full of activities.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, ensuring that each guest can enjoy the Whitsundays to the fullest, whether they're hands-on at the helm or soaking up the sun on the deck.

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Operators policy:

Terms, Conditions and Travel Policies

We highly recommends that guests read the following policy:

All future decisions regarding your booking will be guided by the Terms and Conditions outlined in this policy.

QLD Government Covid Direction from 17th December 2021

Please refer to the public health document issued outlining the ‘New Normal” and the impacts that this may have on you the restrictions implemented by the Queensland Government.

All government mandates applicable to vaccine requirements for visitors in the Whitsundays venues and service experiences will supersede any or all Explore Whitsundays terms and conditions.

To view the Queensland Government website click – https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/public-health-social-measures

Cancellation Policy for Individual Travellers.

We RECOMMEND ALL GUESTS have Travel Insurance which covers cancellation for a variety of reasons, including Pre-trip COVID cancellation cover. Cancellation due to contracting COVID or as a close contact will now no longer be considered a valid reason to cancel or postpone a trip.

Extended / Overnight Tour Cancellations

If you or your guests cancel:

• Between 30 and 60 days of departure, you will forfeit 25% of the ticket price.
• Between 14 to 30 days before departure, you will forfeit 50% of the ticket price.
• Within 14 days of departure, you will forfeit the full trip fee.

Travel Insurance

The Operator strongly recommends that guests have travel insurance to:

Cover valuable items (e.g. Cameras, Luggage)

Protect against unforeseen flight or coach cancellations, road closures or late arrival into Airlie Beach for any reason which subsequently leads to missing the scheduled departure time,

Cover medical conditions that may occur during carriage, and the associated extra costs of accessing medical care around the islands, including returning to port or emergency air evacuation.

Cover against an emergency where you need to return to port urgently, e.g. a family member becomes very ill,

Cover against full ticket refunds, including the agent commissions component

Please ensure that the guests understand the details of the cover included for the Travel Insurance to ensure that it covers the above for their peace of mind.

Liability

Guests should note that sailing, snorkelling and aquatic activities can be dangerous, and while our Crew will make every effort to ensure guest safety, Explore Whitsundays and the Operator cannot be accountable for the actions of guests that are beyond the Crew’s control. Guests should be aware that marine stingers and other marine life live in the tropical waters of the Whitsunday Islands.

Guests will be required to complete a pre-departure questionnaire and sign a travel agreement during the check-in process. The Operators have the applicable Shipowners insurance to cover public liability for our guests and staff. A copy of the certificate will be forwarded if required.

Itineraries and Weather

The Operator reserves the right to alter the tour or the itinerary of any of its tours and organise alternative carriers to those advertised if necessary. The Operator will always consider the safety of guests and staff, and as a result, some locations may not be visited if the wind, visibility or wave/tidal conditions are not suitable or parts of the park have been closed by the managing authority. If it is raining, our tours still operate, as the guests can still experience the Whitsundays, including swimming and bushwalking. If the winds are light, the tours will still run; however, it will be necessary to use the motors on the boats to travel between locations.

We do not provide any guarantee that the winds will be consistent and from a suitable direction to make sailing possible. The Whitsundays is deemed partially smooth waters, and tours will only be cancelled if the Regional Harbour Master closes the area due to gale warnings or the Operator deems it unsafe to travel. If tour cancellations are necessary and ticket balance payment or pro-rate refunds are approved, the amount being paid for the ticket to the Operator will be refunded. Explore Whitsundays does not cover additional costs over or above the ticket amount. We do not guarantee a refund of the travel agent commission component or any other costs associated with the guest’s travel arrangements.

Minimum Guest Numbers

All vessels require a minimum number of guests to operate. The Operator reserves the right to cancel a scheduled trip if the minimum number of guests is not met. Where possible, the Explore Whitsundays will offer an alternative TOUR of a similar or higher standard.

Dietary Surcharges

Please be advised that guests on overnight vessels who request alternative dietary requirements (Such as vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free and dairy/lactose-free) will incur a $15 surcharge payable on check-in.

Please note that we are unable to accommodate Halal and Kosher requirements.

The majority of vessels represented by Explore Whitsundays are owner-operated, with a small team provisioning for the vessels. Airlie Beach is a remote location and does not have the same access to alternative foods as metropolitan areas.

We believe food is very important for our guests’ experience and re-fuelling for a day of activities.

Luggage

Guests are asked to limit luggage as storage on yachts is minimal. Guests should pack in soft-sided bags, NO hard case trolley bags, please. Please note that there is NO luggage storage available at the Marina. There are options available on the Main Street of Airlie Beach.

Guest Behaviour

The Operator has the right to refuse to board guests who arrive intoxicated or who appear to be under the influence of illegal substances. While on tour, guests must abide by instructions from the Crew. Guests must also abide by the Law, and public nuisance, harassment, abusing our staff or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Guests who refuse to follow instructions and jeopardise the safety and security of the Crew, guests, themselves or the vessel may be restrained and removed from the tour. All associated costs of removal will be borne by the guest, and no refund of ticket monies will be provided.

English Language Comprehension

We ask that all guests (or at least one member of your party) have a good understanding of English. This is especially critical when guests are participating in water sports, swimming and snorkelling.

If customers cannot understand English, it is important that a companion traveller speaks English and can translate for the non-English speaking guest.

We do have snorkelling summaries in other languages, which are provided for guests to read. If guests have any concerns at all, please get in touch with us before departing.

Guest Bed or Cabin Allocation

We will always try our best to accommodate our guest’s cabin requests.

Due to limited resources, this cannot be guaranteed. Alternatives will be offered, and if accepted, the booking will be completed.

Check-Out Times

The Operator will ask guests to vacate their accommodation and pack up their luggage on the final day to allow commencement of accommodation servicing.

For Solway Lass Guests, after lunch on the final day, guests will be asked to pack and vacate the cabin so servicing can be started.

Checking in for your tour

Guests on overnight tours must check-in before boarding

Guests are required to check in via an online waiver which is to be completed no later than 72 hours before travel. A confirmation email will be sent to the confirmed traveller.

Guest on day tours must check in before boarding

Guests are required to check in via an online waiver which is to be completed by 6.00 pm, the day before travel. A confirmation email will be sent to the confirmed traveller.

Explore Whitsundays – Children and Age Range Conditions

Age ranges vary depending on the vessel and conditions.

It is important to contact our Reservations on a case by case basis. The owner/operator of the vessel may be flexible based on the load factors, time of year, ages of children, number of children, and other age range restrictions may be amended.