Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands Sailing, SUP & Snorkel Tour

Sailing through the Whitsundays on a luxurious 60-foot catamaran for six hours with Wings Sailing Charters offers a remarkable blend of adventure, relaxation, and comfort. For $152 per person, you get to spend a day near the northern end of Hook Island, visiting uninhabited sand cays, snorkeling over pristine reefs, trying out stand-up paddleboarding, or simply lounging on deck with a cold drink. This tour is perfect for those who want a smaller, more intimate experience away from large crowds, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel or unwind.

What we really like about this trip is the fully air-conditioned interior—an unexpected luxury on a boat—and the private mooring at Hook Island, which offers a sense of exclusivity. The gourmet lunch and morning tea, plus all the equipment for water activities, ensure a comfortable, hassle-free day. However, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t visit Whitehaven Beach, which might be a disappointment if that’s your main goal. Still, for those who love a mix of sailing, water activities, and scenic island stops, this tour offers solid value.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate a balanced day of activity and relaxation, small groups (max 29 guests), and the chance to explore the Whitsundays in style. Families with kids over 8 who want a more personalized, less crowded tour will also find this appealing. If you’re after a laid-back yet activity-rich day, this tour might just be your perfect match.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: Fully air-conditioned interior, large sundeck, and a foredeck jacuzzi make for a relaxing day at sea.
• Small Group Experience: Capacity limited to 29 guests, ensuring a more personalized journey.
• Water Activities Galore: Snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking provide plenty of options to get in the water.
• Gourmet Dining: Freshly prepared lunch with seafood and meat options, plus morning tea platters.
• Private Mooring: The boat’s exclusive anchorage near Hook Island offers a peaceful, crowd-free environment.
• No Whitehaven Beach: This tour doesn’t visit the famous Whitehaven Beach, so if that’s your main goal, look elsewhere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Whitsundays Sailing Experience

The Vessel and Onboard Comfort

Sailing aboard the SV Wings III is akin to stepping into a floating luxury retreat. Its 60-foot design provides plenty of space for both active and leisurely pursuits. The boat features three levels: a lush sun deck with ample sunbathing lounges, a shaded back deck perfect for relaxing out of the sun, and an air-conditioned interior lounge where you can escape the heat or just enjoy some downtime. The inclusion of a jacuzzi on the foredeck is a real bonus, especially considering most day trips skip this kind of luxury.

Multiple seating options, including shaded areas, mean you can choose to bask in the sun or seek refuge from it while enjoying a drink or a good book. The fully air-conditioned lounge ensures you stay comfortable during the hotter parts of the day, which is appreciated especially in Queensland’s warm climate.

The Itinerary and Locations Visited

The tour’s main focus is sailing towards the Hook Island area, around Langford Island. This uninhabited sand cay is a true highlight, offering gorgeous sandbars framed by Hayman Island. The boat’s private mooring means fewer crowds and more privacy—ideal for photo ops or just sitting back and soaking in the scenery.

The anchorages are carefully chosen based on daily weather conditions, so no two trips are exactly the same. This flexibility helps ensure you get the best experience possible, whether it’s calm waters for snorkeling or a quieter reef for relaxing.

The tour includes stops near Cockatoo Point and Stonehaven Bay, both offering calm waters and lively marine life for snorkeling. While the itinerary doesn’t include Whitehaven Beach, the focus on smaller, secluded locations allows for a more intimate experience away from the bustling crowds.

Water Activities and Equipment

Water lovers will rejoice knowing that top-range snorkel gear, wetsuits, and stand-up paddleboards are all included at no extra charge. Many reviews praise the quality of the snorkeling, describing the reefs as pristine and the marine life as abundant. One traveler noted that the snorkeling spot was “the most gorgeous” they saw during their entire trip, which speaks volumes.

If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you might find the double clear-bottom kayaks a fun alternative, although weather conditions sometimes limit paddleboarding. As one guest pointed out, “the wind was a bit too strong for paddleboarding,” but taking the glass-bottom kayak made up for it.

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The Food and Drinks

The gourmet lunch is a standout, with fresh seafood options like salmon and a variety of meats, plus salads and wraps. Dietary requirements are accommodated at no extra charge, which is a thoughtful touch. The morning tea spread features sweet and savory grazers—perfect for nibbling during the sail or activity breaks.

The tour is BYO, so bringing your own soft drinks, juice, or alcohol is necessary as there’s no onboard purchase option. The cold refrigerated drinks cabinet keeps everything chilled, making it easy to enjoy a cold beer or your favorite wine while cruising.

The Crew and Atmosphere

Guests consistently praise the crew’s professionalism and friendliness, describing them as knowledgeable and attentive without ever rushing or overdoing it. Several reviews mention the personalized service and the small group size as major advantages—meaning you’re not just another face in a crowd.

One guest from the U.S. noted that “Stu and Mon were amazing and I was very thankful for the extra care of my GF’s food allergies,” showing the crew’s flexibility and thoughtfulness.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip excels for travelers who prefer a more intimate, relaxed environment with plenty of water and land activities. It’s ideal for families with older children (8+), couples, or groups seeking a luxury day at sea without the crowds. If your priority is Whitehaven Beach, you’ll need a different tour, but if you’re happy with secluded reefs and tranquil islands, this one hits the mark.

Considerations

While the tour offers a fantastic mix of activities and comfort, it’s important to note that it does not visit Whitehaven Beach. If seeing that iconic stretch of sand is a must, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Also, since transfers aren’t included, you should plan your own transport to Coral Sea Marina.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Whitsundays sailing adventure is a perfect fit for those who value quality over quantity. You’ll love the luxury amenities, the personalized service, and the chance to explore smaller, unspoiled spots around Hook Island. It’s especially suitable if you’re after a relaxing yet activity-rich day with options for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just lounging with a drink.

Travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and the small-group atmosphere will find this tour especially rewarding. The included gourmet lunch and top-notch water gear add to the value, making it a solid choice for those seeking a luxury experience at a reasonable price.

However, if your main goal is to visit Whitehaven Beach, or if you’re on a budget looking for a longer tour, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

Does this tour include Whitehaven Beach?
No, this particular tour does not visit Whitehaven Beach. It focuses on snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, and island stops near Hook Island.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The trip lasts about 6 hours, departing around 9:15am and returning by 3:30pm, providing a full but manageable day on the water.

Is snorkeling included?
Absolutely. The tour provides top-range snorkel gear, wetsuits, and access to reef sites near Hook Island, recognized for their beauty.

Can kids participate?
Yes, children 8 and older are welcome, making it a family-friendly outing for those with slightly older kids.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, camera, drinks, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. A jacket and flip-flops are also recommended.

Are transfers included?
No, you need to make your own way to Coral Sea Marina at Airlie Beach, specifically to Meeting Point B at the Northern End.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, since it’s a BYOB tour. You’ll need to purchase alcohol the day before as there’s no onboard shop.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 29 guests, ensuring a more personalized experience compared to larger tours.

What if I can’t swim?
You can still enjoy the trip, but you won’t be able to snorkel or participate in water activities unless you’re comfortable in the water. You can relax on deck and enjoy the scenery instead.

In The Sum Up

This Whitsundays sailing experience offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and scenic beauty. The small-group approach, luxury amenities, and quality water activities make it stand out from more crowded, basic tours. It’s especially suited for those who want a personalized day with options to snorkel, paddleboard, or simply relax while cruising through some of Queensland’s most stunning islands.

If you’re after a day that emphasizes gourmet dining, luxury, and seclusion, this tour will likely leave you with lasting memories. It’s a great choice for couples, families with older children, or anyone seeking an upscale, authentic way to explore the Whitsundays without the hustle and bustle of larger boats.

Whether you’re a water enthusiast or just looking to unwind in style, this tour balances activities and comfort beautifully—making it a worthwhile addition to your Queensland itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: