Boats in Airlie Beach

Boats, day sailing trips, three day diving boat trips, snorkelling and SCUBA bare boat charters from Airlie Beach, Abel Point Marina and Shute Harbour. Travel by boat.

Airlie Beach is the main accommodation area, however it is too shallow for most boats. Abel Point Marina road turnoff is a few kilometres before reaching Airlie Beach, or 10 minute walk back along the shore, past the Coral Sea resort. Shute Harbour, about 10 kilometres past Airlie Beach, has a deeper water jetty, however being in the middle of the Conway National Park, there is only one motel nearby. Most boat cruises have courtesy coaches available from accommodation areas, and there are also regular buses and taxis.

Apart from float plane and helicopter flights (fast, wonderful view, but expensive), there are about seven types of boat trips.

The majority of boats do three day and two or three nights (onboard) sailing and motor trips, which take you to the Barrier Reef for diving and snorkelling. These cost between $250 and about $500 (and if a trip is cheap, there may be extra costs or items not provided). If you are serious about SCUBA, you will want a boat with compressors on board. Divers generally pay more than those only snorkelling, due to tank hire and air costs. If you prefer sailing, look for a trip that emphasises sailing rather than diving.

There are a very few one day reef trips, and these require a high speed boat and are generally over $100. There are some platforms at some of the reefs.

There are relaxing one day sailing trips to coastal islands, for sailing, snorkelling, beach fun and bushwalking.

There are motor boat day trips similar to the above, but with a greater range of destinations due to the higher speed. Day trips tend to cost between about $100 and up, but check whether lunch and reef tax is included.

There are several day fishing trips, on boats that specialise in fishing. I don't know enough about fishing to comment.

There are resort island ferries and resort island day trips. Some of the multi island day trips give you a good chance to check out several resort islands in one day, often including a meal at one of the island resorts.

There are charter boats, for those groups able to do their own sailing or skippering. Some can also be hired with crew. Prices are variable depending on size and type of boat.

See also my Airlie Beach Bum boats sink page.

Boats, Cruises, Charters, Flights

I don't have the facilities to keep up with the changes to boat schedules, so this should be thought of as a general guide only. Check with the operators for details, times and costs.

ABS Watersports and Ski

Cannonvale (western) end of Airlie Beach, on the beach. Hires out a wide variety of ski, Hobbie cat, jet ski and sea kayak equipment.

Air Whitsunday

Tours and flights to the reef on seaplane, boat and island pick-ups, Whitehaven beach picnics, various Hayman Island daytrips and scenic flights, Whitsunday Airport.

Ambition Whitsunday

12 metre Adams sloop departs Abel Point Tuesday and Friday on 3 day 2 night cruises. Owned by John and Herma Durieux, who took over from Allan and Monica Robinson in 2000. Snorkel, visit Whitsunday Beach, bushwalk. Two private cabins, plus shared for 12 passengers. Sailaway Whitsunday Cruises.

Another Ambition

Abel Point Marina Mon and Thurs, 3 days, 2 nights, sail, snorkel.

Anaconda II

(Abel Point)?

Anaconda III

Abel Point 100 foot, air conditioned, en-suite, snorkel, SCUBA, dive compressor on board, 30.8m, 13 cabins. Operated by owners now?

Apollo

Shute Harbour Monday and Friday, sailing, snorkelling, beach stops, 2 nights 3 days. 23 guests and 4 crew. 80 foot maxi yacht. Prosail www.prosail.com.au

Athena of Adelaide

3 day cruises leaving 9:30 a.m. Sat and Thursday from Abel Point. Snorkelling, sailing instruction, 2 berth cabins, Duncanson 40. Web site www.rentayacht.com.au

Avatar

A large, fast, new racing trimaran, looks very sleek. Does three day cruises (two nights on board) around the Whitsunday Islands, with breaks for swimming and snorkel diving (SCUBA also if booked ahead). Departs from Airlie Beach Wednesday and Saturday. Run by OzSail. Ozsail

Australian Bareboat Charters

2 to 12 berth yacht and motor. Shute Harbour Jetty, PO Box 357, Airlie Beach Web site www.rentayacht.com.au

Balek III

Motor game fishing

Banana Winds

Two hour champagne and sunset cruise, with a cheese and fruit platter, while you view the nightscape of Airlie Beach. Seven nights a week. In Wintertime leaves Abel Point Marina at 4:15 p.m. and returns at 6:45 p.m. (also picks up at Coral Sea Resort Jetty). Times are an hour later in Summer. Cost about $35 per person. Also available five days a week, a half day sail, departing Abel Point Marina at 9 a.m. for $49, returning at 12:45 p.m. (also picks up at Coral Sea Resort Jetty). Phone Whitsunday Sunsets

Banjora

Sixty foot ketch visiting the islands and Bait reef on a three day three night diving trip at a budget price. Details unknown.

Blue Ferries

Australian owned FantaSea motor cruises travel between Shute Harbour, and resort islands Hamilton Island and South Molle Island in large, comfortable ferries. Various island cruises depart Shute Harbour each day, or see the Blue Ferries web site for a timetable.

Boomerang

Fast Maxi yacht, probably a party boat. $130,000 refit in mid 2005. 3 days 2 nights. Sailing, snorkelling, hire. 28 guests, 4 crew. www.soxsail.com.au

British Defender

Large fast Maxi, probably a party boat. 3 days 2 nights. Sailing, snorkelling, hire. 20 guests, 3 crew. www.soxsail.com.au

Broomstick

Shute Harbour. South African built 81 foot ocean racer built in 1992, and second in the 1993 Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro race. Arrived April 2001. 2 day 2 night. 23 metre maxi yacht for 19 guests and 5 crew. Departs Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. BYO. www.prosail.com.au

Bush Adventures

Whitsunday quad bike bush adventures. Two hour bush tour on an quad bike, followed by ploughman's lunch. Transfers to accommodation. Great view point, rainforest. Try www.bushadventures.com.au/bush

Callista

Designed in Townsville for Whitsunday chartering, and launched in July 2000, this is the first of the 42 foot class. Ten passenger cruising yacht. Ozsail

Charter Yachts Australia

Bareboat or crewed, 30-47 foot yatch or motor. New owners (May 2000) John Mol and Annie Judd. www.cya.com.au/

Come By Chance

Three day two night sailing trip departs Wednesday and Sunday. Ozsail

Compass Rose

One day three island cruise on 33 foot vessel with space for 19 passengers. Leaves Abel Point marina 8:30 a.m. returns around 3:30 p.m. islands visited will vary according to weather and whim of skipper. North run may be Armidt, Olden, Grassy and Saddleback, south run may be South and North Molle, and Hook Island. Lunch included.

Condor

80 foot maxi yacht, winner of many races including Sydney Hobart. 26 guests and 4 crew, departs Tuesday and Saturday. Sailing adventure, swimming, beach stops. www.prosail.com.au

Coral Adventure

Departs Abel Point 7:30 p.m. Wed and Sat for three days and three nights. 12 overnight passengers. Steel, ketch rigged twin screw motor sailer. Sailing, snorkelling, dive.

Coral Sea Overnight Boat Hire

Bareboat, up to 8 persons, around A$500 first day plus reef tax and provisions, $300 for each additional day.

Cruise Whitsunday

Able Point Marina to a new pontoon on Knuckle Reef, 100 km off the coast, on Seaflight. Large fast ferry style.

Cumberland Charter Yachts

Bareboat yachts, catermaran or motor, for charter, from Abel Point. Check out their excellent web page at www.ccy.com.au

Derwent Hunter

Sail on 90 foot tallship topsail schooner built in 1945, sailing training, snorkelling, owners Warren Ladd and Jo White. Departs 9 a.m. Wed and Sat. Five cabins, all double with one or more single bunks also. 16 passengers. Tall Ship Adventures.

Dolphin Spirit

Private charter yacht, owner operated, speaks French, up to six adults, two days and one night, freecall 1800 819 366, fax (07) 4946 6975

Domino

Aussie Yachting's owner skipper Reg Eggers and wife Julie takes out a maximum of 8 passengers on a N.Z. John Lidgard Ocean/Racer cruiser S.V. Domino on a day trip to Hook island. Take the helm, or just relax, or swim and snorkel. Ecotourism a specialty, also charters. Reg speaks Dutch, German, French, Malay and English. Departs Abel Point 9 a.m., returns around 5 p.m.

Emma Peel II

62 foot schooner, 3 days 2 nights, departing Abel Point 9 a.m. Wed and Sat. Sailing, snorkelling.

Enid

72 foot cruiser racer Ozsail

Fantasea Cruises

Daily fast motor catamaran cruises to Reefworld (two separate pontoons) on Hardy Reef. Around $150. Snorkelling, underwater viewing chamber, semi-submersible, coach transfers to Shute Harbour. Also one day island cruises, including South Molle, and Hamilton Island. Helicopter joy flights additional.

Flying Dutchman diving

Owned by Danny and Anne Barker. No details of cruises. Relocated to Town of 1770 in early 2000, but back in Airlie from time to time.

Freedom

60 foot sailing sloop, 3 days and 2 nights, departs Abel Point 9:30 a.m Wed and Sat. 16 passengers. Sail and snorkel.

Freight Train

Over 15 metre aluminium hull charter yacht built in Western Australia in 1983. Has a 12 passenger charter limit. Frers designed for International Offshore Rule (IOR) racing. Won the first Sydney to Whitsunday race. Departs Sunday and Thursday for 3 day 2 night cruises Ozsail

Getaway

Catamaran formerly named Trinity has moved to Daydream Island and been renamed. Will be operating sunset cruises.

Great Eagle

3 day two night sail, departing Abel Point 9:30 a.m. Mon and Fri. 50 foot sailing yacht, 12 passengers, owner operators.

Habibi

Departs Abel Point 9:30 a.m. Wed and Sat. 3 days, 2 nights. 70 foot (21.5m) owner (Robert Kissajukian) built and operated steel yacht. Sail, snorkel.

Hammer of Queensland

Departs Shte Harbour 1 p.m. 3 days a week. 2 days, 2 nights. 75 foot, Sydney to Hobart racing yacht, sail and snorkel. Refit in 1997. www.prosail.com.au

Harbourside Boat Hire

Shute Harbour Jetty. May have half cabin boats for day trips nearby.

Helireef Whitsunday

Helicopter flights to islands, some including picnic lunch, or scenic flights. Whitsunday Airport (4 km past town) Ten minute flight, Langford Reef, many others.

Hunter Yacht Charters

Abel Point.

Iceberg

Departs Abel Point 3 nights 2 days. 52 foot ex racing sloop. Cruising fun for 18-35's. 12 guests, 2 crew. Web site is mostly flash based not standard HTML so I didn't view it. www.icebergsailing.com

Iluka

Major 3 month refit starting Sept 2005. Sail, snorkel, SCUBA. 82 foot teak decked sailing ketch. 6 cabins, air conditioned. 82 foot, up to 16 guests and 3 crew, in five double cabins with en suites, twin forward. BYO. www.prosail.com.au

Illusions

Day trip to Blue Pearl Bay national park area on Hayman Island on fast sailing catamaran, departs Abel Point at 9 a.m every day. Snorkelling, sailing, SCUBA, boom netting, snacks, lunch, licenced bar. (discount for Illusions plus Baby J trip with lunch). Formerly operated by Nev Goddard, who left in April 2000. Now operated by Malcolm and Linda Priday. www.illusions.net.au Short note on our Illusions trip.

Independent Endeavour

65 foot classic teak deck Nautor Swan ketch. Twelve guests and two crew, in share accomodation. Tuesday and Friday for 3 days, two nights, BYO. www.prosail.com.au

Ishara Yacht Charters

50 foot yacht with skipper and crew, snorkelling, fishing, sailing.

Island Air taxis

Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island about $50, to Lindeman Island $60, to Mackay $105. Aircraft charters. 15 minute local scenic flight, island scenic flight for 30 minutes, one hour reef scenic flight

Jade

46 foot sailing catamaran departs Abel Point 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, returns 2 p.m. 2 days 2 nights. Spend nights ashore in shared accomodation at Long Island resort. Sail, snorkel, SCUBA, boomnetting, great cheap fun for the young at heart. Operated by See Whitsunday

Jetstream

Motor day trip on inflatable, similar to Azzurra. 9:30 a.m. Shute Harbour, returns 3:45 p.m. cruise, up to 30 knots, lunch on Whitehaven Beach, snorkel, dive at Luncheon Bay or Maureens Cove. Owner Bernard Heimann.

Jillian

12 person motor fishing charter per day, departing Abel Point at 9:15 a.m., returning around 6 p.m. Includes rods and tackle, bait, catch cleaned and refrigerated, fishing clinics, trolling, lunch.

Kiana

60 foot cutter rigged ketch owned by Geoff Brenton and Lee Whitley sails from Abel Point with 12 passengers a.m. Tues and Fri 3 day 2 night trip. Sail, snorkel, SCUBA, out reef trips. All food supplied, licenced bar no BYO. Aussie Sailing Adventures

Kookaburra

53 foot motor launch, does Hill Inlet and lookout walk, Whitehaven Beach, and Cataran Bay on Boulder island for snorkelling. Captain Tim Davies, crew Tim Nolan, hostess Imogen Ridley (April 2003). Abel Point around 8, back around 4. Aussie Adventure Sailing

Lady Catherine Charters

PO Box 311, Airlie Beach

Lindeman Pacific Whitehaven Xpress

One day motor cruise, on 15m fibreglass mono hull, departs 9 a.m. from Abel Point for Whitehaven Beach, past Daydream Island, South Molle and Hamilton. Swim and snorkel for three hours at Whitehaven, time to visit Hill Inlet lookout (take your camera) and BBQ lunch on the beach, one hour snorkel at Haslewood Reef. BBQ lunch, afternoon cheese platter, around $70 Family owner operators Terry, Jill and Dan McNally. Tenth year of operation. The best Whitehaven trip I've done. www.whitehavenxpress.com.au

Madison

Nineteen metre (50 foot) Beneteau ketch in traditional teak. Three day and three night cruises with only twelve guests. Three double air conditioned cabins. Suit couples. Departs Saturday and Wednesday 3 p.m. usually. Sounds like a luxury trip, sailing in style. www.prosail.com.au

Mandrake

Ex ocean racing yacht for 3 days and 2 nights, or 6 day 5 night trips. Sailing and snorkelling. Ozsail

Mango

The 43 foot Lexcen yacht takes eight passengers around the Whitsunday islands and fringing reefs for sailing and snorkelling. SCUBA diving arranged upon request when booking. Three days and two nights. Ozsail

Mantaray

Motor day trip, snorkelling or diving, departs Abel Point at 8:45 a.m. Whitehaven Beach and Mantaray Bay. www.mantaraycharters.com

Margarita

Traditional 60 foot lugger departs Fri 10 a.m. returns Sun 4 p.m. 10 persons maximum. Heads NNW away from regular tourist islands. Sailing, visiting two small coastal resorts. Heritage Cruises for mid week private charters.

Marlin Blue

Deep sea and game fishing with Captain Ken Bryant on 40 foot, to Bait Reef. Gamefishing charters.

Matador

85' IOR maxi yacht, departs 9 a.m. Thur and Sat for 3 day 2 night cruise. 20 guests, 4 crew. BYO. Sailing adventure. www.prosail.com.au

Mollo

12 metre catamaran sails from Abel Point 9 a.m. Tues and Sat for 3 day 2 night trip. 5 cabins, 12 guests plus 2 crew. Sailaway Whitsunday Cruises.

Moruya

Sunset Charters 54 foot timber carvel motor cruiser fishing day trip departs Shute Harbour 10 a.m. daily, returns 6 p.m. Handlines and bait supplied. Morning, afternoon tea, fishermans lunch, licensed bar (no BYO), courtesy coach, trolling, cleaning and filleting.

Nari

Sorry, Nari no longer seems to be in the area. 48 foot day sailing and diving trip for maximum of 25 guests to Hook island or Blue Pearl Bay.

Next Sail

Daily departures on Next sailing adventures for 18-35 year olds on 15 metre cruising yachts carrying up to a dozen guests. No fixed itinerary. Probably obsolete.

Oceania

New luxury 90 foot catamaran cruising at 14 knots, carrying 30 passengers and 8 crew in 3 double, 2 triples, 2 quads and 5 twin cabins. Leaves on Tuesday and Friday evening for three day cruise, including Elizabeth Reef and Stucco Reef. Oceania specialises in PADI training and serious SCUBA diving fun.

Ocean Rafting

Heavy duty inflatable with monster engines takes you up to 65 km/hour to either aboriginal caves at Nara Inlet, Longford Reef beach, and snorkel at Blue Pearl Bay or Mantaray Bay. Other trip is a rainforest walk at Cid Harbour, Whitehaven Beach, and snorkel at Border Island. Courtesy bus available. Buffet lunch is extra, Marine Park Fees $5 extra. Three craft, Jammin, Wild Thing, and Thriller. As with all high speed craft, I suggest take your seasick pills before you board, and don't take anyone prone to motion sickness, as it can be a bumpy and wet ride. Great fun for the young, I hear. www.oceanrafting.com

Otella

No details yet

Out of the Blue

No details yet

Outrigger Whitsunday

The local paddle power club. A cheap way to have fun on the water. A half dozen 42 foot Hawaiian style outrigger canoes, each holding six paddlers. The club welcomes new members or social paddlers. All you have to do is show up. Paddles various afternoons, and on Sunday morning. In summer, some go paddling around dawn. No age limits - paddlers as young as 9 attend regularly, while some are in 50s, 60, and even older.

Pacific Star

65 foot catamaran with seven private air conditioned cabins with ensuites. Fully equipped for diving with two compressors. Three day and three night trips.Ozsail Read my report on a Pacific Star trip a fair while ago..

Prima

Three day two night sailing trips depart Thursday and Sunday. Ozsail

Prosail Whitsunday

Operates many boats, individually listed if I know details. Freecall 1800 810 116 www.prosail.com.au

Providence V

Three day two night sailing and snorkelling trips aboard a gaff rigged topsail schooner built in 1988 as a replica of the original America's Cup Gloucester Schooners. www.prosail.com.au

Queensland Yacht Charters

Bareboat yacht and motor, Abel Point.

Quick Fish

Half day fishing trip with all bait and tackle supplied, on 33 foot boat with toilet. Pick up from resorts. Departs 8:30 return noon.

Ragamuffin

80 foot sloop, three time Sydney Hobart winner, does day sailing snorkelling and diving trips depart 8:45 a.m. Shute Harbour. Whitehaven Beach or Blue Pearl Bay cruise. www.maxiaction.com.au

Ragamuffin II

55 foot racing yacht takes a maximum of 12 people on 3 day 2 night sailing and snorkelling cruises departing 9:30 Tues and Sat. Owner skipper Ian "Splash" Shalders. (07) 4946 7344 Also charters. www.prosail.com.au

Reef Escape

Two day island cruise, Mantaray Bay dive, Nara Inlet aboriginal caves, overnight camping ashore (gear hire available), Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. Abel Point, Monday, Wed, Friday.

ReefJet

Fast purpose built 24 metre $1.3 million monohull jet boat with 660 horsepower triple jet propulsion, boat built by Newcastle Marine. Buffet lunch, refreshment bar, free snorkelling tuition, SCUBA available and looks suitable to serious divers in a hurry. Courtesy coach. Travels to Bait Reef (55km NE of Airlie) and outer reef. Could be rough in heavy swell, but it gets you to the outer reef. Owners Mike Daley and Ken Gilbert. Primary skipper is Peter Frazer. Replaces Whitsunday Diver. www.reefjet.com.au

Reefworld

Large two pontoon platform for up to 600 people at beautiful Hardy Reef, includes 50 person underwater viewing chamber, plus semi-submersible with glass viewing ports. Semi submerged shaded dive platform and safe areas for snorkel beginners. Reef talk, and short reef tour to get you started. Dive instruction and SCUBA hire (optional extra, best booked before leaving). Day trip, with up to four hours on the reef, around A$145. Snorkelling equipment, buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas included. Optional ten minute helicopter flight also available (magic views). www.fantasea.com.au

Rogue 77 foot

No details yet

Rogue II

55 foot Italian built racing ketch, departs around midday Mon, Wed and Friday on three day two night sailing, snorkelling and diving trips.

Romance

23m air conditioned schooner does 3 day 3 night snorkelling or dive trip, departing Sun and Thurs at 7 p.m. Reef Dive?

Ron of Argyll

Classic 60 foot teak and oak gaff rigged ketch, recently restored, 12 passengers. Sailing, snorkelling, two day two night cruises. www.ronofargyll.com

Sail Whitsunday

Bareboat yachts, motor and catamaran, 28 to 47 feet, Abel Point,

Salty Dog Sea Kayaking

Salty Dog Sea Kayaking now offers a full range of sea kayaking activities in the Whitsunday Islands from 1/2 day excursions to fully guided and provisioned 6-day expeditions, camping out under the stars on tropical islands. Salty Dog also has an extensive range of single & double sea kayaks available for hire/rental. www.saltydog.com.au

Schooner Friendship

Eight passengers in four cabins. 54 foot purpose built wooden vessel, with a draft of 7 foot and a 13 foot beam. Formerly owned by Gary "Captain Friendly" Sproule, retired Naval Commander and daughter Margot, and now owned by Barry and Carol Gibson. Traditional wooden vessel.

Sea Kayaking Whitsundays

Our tours will take you paddling in a pristine wilderness of 74 tropical islands protected by the Great Barrier Reef of Queensland Australia in safe stable sea kayaks. Our base on Hamilton Island is in the heart of the Whitsundays and closer to the best attractions and destinations. Colin Bartley www.seakayakingwhitsundays.com.au

SeaQuest

50 foot Beneteau yacht (Captain Leslie Alexander, hostess Jennifer Ryan, chef Alain Brand)

Seareef

Abel Point. Monday and Thursday, certified divers only. 3 days, 3 night, 8 day dives, 2 night dives, air conditioned, dive deck, two dive instructors.

Siska

80 foot ocean maxi, departs 9:30 a.m. Sat and Tues from Abel Point. 3 days 2 nights. Sailing, snorkelling, hire. 20 guests, 3 crew. www.soxsail.com.au

Solway Lass

Two-masted, top-sail 127 foot tallship, this 1902 steel vessel was formerly a coastal trader and a floating restaurant in Sydney. Joins Southern Cross Sailing Adventures (SCSA) fleet at Shute Harbour, and will be sailing three day, three night trips, and some six day trips. Offers 11 air conditioned cabins for 32 guests plus a large bar. Guests are generally ages 21-35 with four to six 45+ each trip. I keep hearing good things about it, and it looks a real treat under sail. Expect pirates. Departs Abel Point 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday. www.soxsail.com.au

Southern Cross

68 foot America's Cup challenger, departs 9:30 a.m. Wed and Sun from Abel Point. 3 days 2 nights. Sailing, snorkelling, hire. 14 guests, 2 crew. www.soxsail.com.au

Stargazer

Sails from Abel Point 9 a.m. Mon and Thurs for 3 days 2 nights. Sailing, snorkelling. Takes ten guests. Morry and Dee Billings owners.

Stella Maris

67 foot 18 passenger four crew diving vessel for open water and advanced courses at the outer reef. Departs Tuesday and Friday evening. Run by K L Marine

Summertime

60 foot timber ketch, 12 passengers, 3 days 2 nights, departs Abel Point 9:30 a.m. Thurs and Sun. Sailing and snorkelling.

Tallarook One

87 foot schooner (no details known).

Tallarook Two

75 foot, 7 private cabins, 3 toilets, 2 showers. Sail, dive and snorkel, night and day snorkelling, introductory dive. 3 days and 2 nights, departs Thur and Sun 9:30 a.m. Inspect boat on Wed if desired. Owner skipper is NAUI certified diving instructor.

Tallarook Five

See shop in The Esplanade. Vessel destroyed by fire at Hook Island on Friday 24 August 2001, passengers all escaped.

The Card

83 foot Whitbread around the World yacht designed by Bruce Farr, departs Abel Point Fri and Mon at 9:30 a.m. 3 days 2 nights. Sailing and snorkelling. Abel Point. 3 days 2 nights. Ran in 1998 Sydney Hobart race under the name "Nokia". Twenty guests, 3 crew. www.soxsail.com.au

Tocardo II

Operated by owner Barry Wilson. Tocardo II is a 11.79 metre Ben Lexcen design sailing boat, specifically designed for chartering in the Whitsundays. She offers comfortable accommodation for 10 passengers in four cabins, one private double, and two toilets. Around $360 for a three day two night trip. Departures: Monday and Thursday, 9.30am, from Abel Point Marina.

Tropic Princes

21m air conditioned catamaran does 3 day 3 night snorkelling or dive trip, departing Mon and Fri at 7 p.m. Snorkel, dive. Reef Dive specialise in diver training.

True

High speed motor catamaran day trips 8:30 a.m. daily except Monday. Whitehaven, Hook Reef on the outer reef, Hook Island, SCUBA Tropical Charters

Tongarra

Sail on catamaran for sail and snorkel holiday. SCUBA. Departs Abel Point Mon Wed and Sat.

Voyager

Three island cruise one day cruise on catamaran Voyager. Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island underwater observatory and resort. South Molle island. Lunch extra.

Waltzing Matilda

60 foot ketch operated by Terry Isherwood and Jeff Nicholson taking 13 passengers sails from Abel Point 9:30 a.m. Wed and Sun 3 days 2 nights. 14 guests. Sailing and snorkelling.

Whitsunday Adventure Flying

Dave Bastick takes you on a scenic flight in his 1960's Tiger Moth (no longer available).

Whitsunday Escape

Bareboat charter houseboats, yachts, motor.

Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre

Recreational and commercial training, as a joint venture between Whitsunday Sailing Club and Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE.

Whitsunday Stargazer

10 passengers

Whitsunday Private Yacht Charters

Bareboat, Abel Point

Whitsunday Rent-A-Yacht

Bareboat charter yachts, catamaran, motor, Private Jetty, Shute Harbour,

Whitsunday Sailing Charters

Whitsunday Watersports

jet skis catamarans

Yellow Sub

One hour high speed ride from Shute Harbour, departing 9 a.m. to Bali Hai Island. Yellow sub is a bottom viewing semi submergable. Snorkel. Also cruises to islands.

Noted in December 2005. New Prosail owners Adrian Platt of OzSail and and Mal Robertson of of Aussie Adventure Sailing wxpwxt to have linked marketing, reservations and manifesting under the name Oz Adventure Sailing.

There is a small per day Environmental Management Charge levied on all visitors to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and I understand these fees are applied to improving the marine park. This government fee applies to almost all trips. The charge will be collected on board. It is not usually included in the quoted fees. There is also on some trips a harbour fee. Rising fuel costs may result in addition fuel levy.

Weather and tidal conditions may result in changed destinations on any cruise. Some cruises have licenced bar on board, some provide wine with dinner, some suggest even bringing your own soft drinks as well as your own alcohol. Ask when you book.

On some day trips, lunch may be extra. Check when booking, as many variations in prices are reduced when all costs are taken into account.

Some boats may be chartered, often either with or without a skipper (depends upon your own experience). Check the listings above that include the word charter.

Some high powered craft can provide a very rough ride. As with all high speed craft, I suggest take your seasick pills before you board, and don't take anyone prone to motion sickness, as it can be a bumpy and wet ride, especially on the various inflatable craft. If any pamphlet includes the word exhilarating or boasts about how large the engines are, ask about the comfort level of the ride (younger tourists often love these trips, older ones may not be so sure).

The outer reef is 60 kilometre and more offshore, so if you want a one day trip to the actual Great Barrier Reef, then you need a fast boat. Many three day sailing cruises give you a more pleasant ride out. Many cruises visit the Whitsunday islands, not the Great Barrier Reef. There are no resorts here on any coral island or on the Great Barrier Reef, however every island in the Whitsundays has coral reefs (as indeed does the coast off Airlie Beach). Most areas visited are Marine National Park, and the coral is excellent and the fish abundant and very tropical in appearance. You usually get better visibility underwater at the outer reef, so serious divers may prefer the longer trip.

Phone numbers listed are from within Australia. From outside Australia, try the Australian code +61 followed by state code 7, and then the 8 digit number. 1800 numbers are free call within Australia but probably don't work from outside Australia.

To locate Australian phone numbers, you can use the Telstra White Pages (all numbers) and Yellow Pages (Business) web pages.
www.whitepages.com.au
www.yellowpages.com.au

What to bring
Small soft bag
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreens, toiletries, insect repellent
Swimwear and beach towel
Change of clothes
Jacket for evening
(Waterproof) camera and film
Favourite drinks, no glass bottles (ask each tour)

What not to bring
Suitcases or backpacks
Large bags, unnecessary clothes and gear
Drinks in glass bottles
Troubles

Check our Outback Australia Travel site at
avalook.com.au or my critical sites Airlie Beach Bum and Whitsunday Terraces.
ericlindsay.com -> airlie beach -> boats